QuantiTect Primer Assays

For SYBR® Green-based expression analysis of individual genes using bioinformatically-verified assays

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QuantiTect Primer Assay (200)

Cat. No. / ID:  249900

For 200 x 50 µl reactions or 400 x 25 µl reactions: 10x QuantiTect Primer Assay (lyophilized) supplied in single tube
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$138.00
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QuantiTect Primer Assays are intended for molecular biology applications. These products are not intended for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease.
Configure at GeneGlobe
Find or custom design the right target-specific assays and panels to research your biological targets of interest.

Features

  • Guaranteed results with genomewide, predesigned primers
  • ~100% PCR efficiencies for reliable relative quantification
  • High sensitivity and specificity
  • Accurate quantification over a wide linear range
  • Time and cost savings with SYBR Green detection

Product Details

QuantiTect Primer Assays are genomewide, bioinformatically validated primer sets for use in SYBR Green-based real-time RT-PCR on any cycler. Assays are available for all genes from human, rat, mouse, and many other species. Each assay for a specific gene is supplied as a lyophilized mix of forward and reverse primers that can be easily reconstituted to obtain a 10x assay solution (reaction components for real-time RT-PCR need to be ordered separately). When used in combination with QuantiFast, QuantiTect, Rotor-Gene, or FastLane Kits for SYBR Green detection, QuantiTect Primer Assays guarantee highly specific and sensitive results in real-time RT-PCR that are comparable to probe-based detection.

Performance

QuantiTect Primer Assays enable reproducible quantification of RNA transcripts over a range of template amounts (see part [A] of figure " Reproducible real-time RT-PCR"). Accurate quantification is guaranteed when the assays are run using QuantiFast SYBR Green Kits or other SYBR Green kits from QIAGEN. The kits prevent the formation of PCR artifacts (see part [B] of figure " Reproducible real-time RT-PCR").

When used with QuantiFast, QuantiTect, Rotor-Gene, or FastLane SYBR Green Kits (master mixes for two-step or one-step RT-PCR), the assays may even give lower CT values compared with probe-based assays (see figure " Superior sensitivity in real-time RT-PCR"). This is due to the high PCR specificity of the kits and multiple binding of SYBR Green dye to each PCR product. Highly sensitive quantification is possible even with low-abundance transcripts.

See figures

Principle

QuantiTect Primer Assays eliminate the need to develop and validate real-time RT-PCR assays (see figure " Time savings in development of real-time RT-PCR assays"). They can be used in both one-step and two-step qRT-PCR. Simply visit QIAGEN's GeneGlobe Web portal, and select and order an assay for any gene from human, rat, mouse, Drosophila, Arabidopsis, and other species. QuantiTect Primer Assays provide guaranteed results when used with QuantiFast, QuantiTect, Rotor-Gene, or FastLane SYBR Green Kits (master mixes for two-step or one-step RT-PCR).
See figures

Procedure

Each QuantiTect Primer Assay is supplied as a lyophilized mix of forward and reverse primers for a specific gene. The primers are reconstituted in TE, pH 8.0 to give a 10x primer solution, which is then added to the master mix supplied with a QuantiFast, QuantiTect, Rotor-Gene, or FastLane Kit for SYBR Green detection. The master mix with primers is aliquoted into PCR tubes or wells, and the individual template samples are then added.

QuantiTect Primer Assays provide guaranteed results in gene expression analysis when used in combination with one of the following kits shown in the table.

Two-step and one-step qRT-PCR kits for use with QuantiTect Primer Assays
Two-step qRT-PCROne-step qRT-PCR
QuantiFast SYBR Green PCR Kit QuantiFast SYBR Green RT-PCR Kit
Rotor-Gene SYBR Green PCR Kit Rotor-Gene SYBR Green RT-PCR Kit
QuantiTect SYBR Green PCR Kit QuantiTect SYBR Green RT-PCR Kit

QuantiTect Primer Assays are designed to detect RNA only where possible. For assays where detection of genomic DNA cannot be avoided, cDNA can be prepared using the QuantiTect Reverse Transcription Kit or the FastLane Cell cDNA Kit. Both kits provide cDNA synthesis with integrated removal of genomic DNA contamination.

Naming

Each QuantiTect Primer Assay available for a particular gene is given a number that appears in the product name after the gene symbol. Read more in the GeneGlobe FAQs.

Applications

QuantiTect Primer Assays are for gene expression analysis using one-step and two-step qRT-PCR with SYBR Green detection. They are highly suited for applications such as:

  • Validation of siRNA-mediated gene knockdown
  • Validation of microarray results
  • High-throughput Screening

Supporting data and figures

Specifications

FeaturesSpecifications
ApplicationsGene expression analysis
Kit for this application on the instrumentQuantiFast SYBR Green PCR or RT-PCR Kit, QuantiTect SYBR Green PCR or RT-PCR Kit
DetectionSYBR Green I
Real-time or endpointReal-time
SpeciesHuman, mouse, rat, drosophila arabidopsis, chicken, dog, nematode, and zebrafish
FormatLyophylized primer set

Resources

Kit Handbooks (1)
For genomewide, ready-to-use real-time RT-PCR assays using SYBR Green detection
Articles (1)
QuantiTect Primer Assays for housekeeping genes can be used as endogenous controls in qRT-PCR.
Safety Data Sheets (1)
Certificates of Analysis (1)

FAQ

Why is there no QuantiTect Primer Assay for my gene of interest?

Our QuantiTect Primer Assays for the genomes of human, rat, mouse, and many other species cover >90% of the transcripts listed in the NCBI Reference Sequence (RefSeq) database (e.g., for human, >98% of the transcripts are covered). The RefSeq database is a comprehensive, integrated, nonredundant and curated collection of sequences, including genomic DNA, transcript RNA, and protein products for major research organisms.

Lack of certain QuantiTect Primer Assays for specific transcripts can be due to unreliable or missing sequence information, or due to the fact that no assay can be found which meets our high-stringency assay design criteria.

Regular updates to our QuantiTect Primer Assay database are performed every 8–12 weeks, depending on the organism, so a QuantiTect Primer Assay for your gene of interest may be available via GeneGlobe in the future.

FAQ ID -1140
Why are there various different QuantiTect Primer Assays for my gene (previous versions, transcript variants)?

QuantiTect Primer Assays are designed using sequences from the Entrez and Ensembl databases, which are both updated regularly. New sequence information may allow us to design improved assays that detect all transcript variants and/or avoid detection of genomic DNA.

Some assays may have been originally designed using sequences only from Entrez because the sequences were not available in Ensembl or because there were discrepancies between Entrez and Ensembl. Subsequent updates to Ensembl may have allowed us to design an improved assay.

For certain genes, we also offer QuantiTect Primer Assays that detect specific transcript variants. These assays can be used in experiments in which only a specific splice variant is to be detected.

To find a QuantiTect Primer Assay for your target gene of interest, please visit our GeneGlobe data base.

FAQ ID -1133
How do I setup and validate a multiplex PCR assay with QIAGEN PCR kits?

Ensure PCR amplicons are as short as possible, ideally 60–150 bp. Always use the same algorithm or software to design the primers and probes. For optimal results, only combine assays that have been designed using the same parameters.

 

Check the functionality of each set of primers and probes in individual assays before combining the different sets in the multiplex assay. Choose compatible reporters and quenchers based on a specific instrument. See How do I select appropriate reporter and quencher combinations for multiplex PCR.

 

FAQ ID -9093
Will QuantiTect Primer Assays work with Rotor-Gene SYBR Green Kits using an annealing step at 60ºC?

Based on our extensive and successful testing of many QuantiTect Primer Assays with Rotor-Gene SYBR Green PCR Kits, we guarantee this.

 

 

FAQ ID -2124
3315-What is the concentration of the reconstituted QuantiTect Primer Assay (200)?

After reconstitution of the lyophilized primers in 1.1ml of TE, pH 8.0, the QuantiTect Primer Assay will be at 10X stock concentration.  It should be used at 1X final concentration in the PCR/RT-PCR reaction (eg. for a 25ul reaction, 1/10th of the total volume, or 2.5ul, should be primer).  The exact concentration of the primers is proprietary.

Are the layouts for both 96- and 384-well QuantiTect Primer Assay Plates visible when ordering online?

Yes, the layout of the QuantiTect Primer Assay Plates can be seen when ordering online via GeneGlobe. However, the drag-and-drop function for manual re-positioning of individual assays on the plate is only available for the 96-well format.

 

 

 

 

 

FAQ ID -2111
How would I provide information on the QuantiTect Primer assays in publications when the sequence is confidential?

We would recommend citing the name of the QuantiTect Primer assay and its source, QIAGEN.

FAQ ID - 3593
Do the QuantiTect Primer Assays work with QuantiFast SYBR Green Kits?

We have performed numerous tests comparing the performance of QuantiFast Kits and QuantiTect Kits with QuantiTect Primer Assays. Due to the optimized ion concentrations in the PCR buffers, both perform equally well with QuantiTect Primer Assays and do not require any adjustment of primer concentration.

 

FAQ ID -1439
Do you have any information or guidelines regarding the choice of reference genes for real-time PCR?

Yes, please visit our website section 'Using endogenous control genes in real-time RT-PCR' for general information. It provides a list of relative gene expression levels for commonly used human and mouse reference genes.

We offer a set of ready-to-order control genes for use in SYBR Green based as well as probe based real-time RT-PCR.

In addition, you may want to refer to the following citations on reference gene selection for quantitative real-time PCR:

• Vandesompele J, De Preter K, Pattyn F, Poppe B, Van Roy N, DePaepe A, Speleman F [2002]: Accurate normalization of real-time quantitative RT-PCR data by geometric averaging of multiple internal control genes. Genome Biol 2002, 3:0034.

• Radonic A, Thulke S, Mackay IM, Landt O, Siegert W, Nitsche A., 2004. Guideline to reference gene selection for quantitative real-time PCR. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 313(4): 856-62.

• Katrien Smits,Karen Goossens, Ann Van Soom, Jan Govaere, Maarten Hoogewijs, Emilie Vanhaesebrouck,Cesare Galli, Silvia Colleoni, Jo Vandesompele, and Luc Peelman [2009]Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in equine in vivo and fresh and frozen-thawed in vitro blastocysts. BMC Res Notes. Dec 11;2:246.

FAQ ID -2371
Which QuantiTect Primer Assay should I choose for my gene of interest?

When retrieving a QuantiTect Primer Assay for your gene of interest in GeneGlobe, you will find a link ('View Details') to the main assay. Right below, you may also see a link to previous versions of the assay and/or a link to assays for transcript variants if these are available.

We recommend choosing the main QuantiTect Primer Assay, since it has the latest version number and is designed to detect the main transcript and all possible transcript variants. You can choose a previous version of the assay if you have ordered it before and it works in your experiments. If you only want to detect a certain splice variant, choose an assay for a specific transcript variant.

FAQ ID -1135
How do I determine the amplification efficiency of my qPCR assay?

Prepare five (5) 2-fold, 5-fold, or 10-fold serial dilutions of cDNA template known to express the gene of interest in high abundance. Use each serial dilution in separate real-time reactions, and determine their threshold cycle values. In a base-10 semi-logarithmic graph, plot the threshold cycle versus the dilution factor and fit the data to a straight line. Confirm that the correlation coefficient (R2) is 0.99 or greater. The closer the slope of this straight line is to -3.32, the closer the amplification efficiency is to 100 percent.

The amplification efficiency = [10(-1/slope)] - 1

Alternatively, a number of data analysis models have been developed that enable the calculation of PCR amplification efficiencies from individual amplification plots, without the use of standard curves. These include the Data Analysis for Real-time PCR (DART-PCR), LinReg, and the Real-time PCR Miner algorithms. Because these methods do not require the generation of standard curves, they are well suited for large scale experiments

FAQ ID -2694
When searching for a QuantiTect Primer Assay for my gene of interest, why do I only find the assay for human but not for rat?

Since we only use official gene names from Entrez to name our QuantiTect Primer Assays, the name of the assay for one species may differ from that of another species.

For example, interleukin 17 is known as IL-17 in human, and as LOC301289 in rat.

FAQ ID -1139
What is the standard curve method for qPCR assay data analysis? How is the standard curve method for qPCR assay data analysis performed?

When using the standard curve method, the quantity of each experimental sample is first determined using a standard curve, and is then expressed relative to a calibrator sample.

In order to use this quantification method, prepare five (5) 2-fold, 5-fold, or 10-fold serial dilutions of cDNA template known to express the gene of interest in high abundance. Use each serial dilution in separate real-time reactions, and determine their threshold cycle values.

In a base-10 semi-logarithmic graph, plot the threshold cycle versus the dilution factor and fit the data to a straight line. Confirm that the correlation coefficient (R2) for the line is 0.99 or greater.

This plot is then used as a standard or calibration curve for extrapolating relative expression level information for the same gene of interest in unknown experimental samples. The relative quantification calibration curve result for the gene of interest is normalized to that of a housekeeping gene in the same sample, and then the normalized numbers are compared between samples to get a fold change in expression.

A standard or calibration curve must be generated separately for each gene of interest and each housekeeping gene.

 

See Critical Factors for Successful Real-Time PCR for additional details.

FAQ ID -2691
Will QuantiTect Primer Assays work at an annealing temperature of 60ºC with QuantiFast SYBR Green PCR and RT-PCR Kits?

Yes. QuantiTect Primer Assays are guaranteed for use with QuantiFast SYBR Green PCR and QuantiFast SYBR Green RT-PCR Kits at the specified annealing temperature of 60ºC. We have extensively tested many QuantiTect Primer Assays with success under these conditions.

 

FAQ ID -1553
Why can I not find the QuantiTect Primer Assay in GeneGlobe that I had previously ordered from QIAGEN?

The QuantiTect Primer Assay may have been renamed. Since we only use official gene names from Entrez to name our QuantiTect Primer Assays, names are subject to change in case an update occurs at NCBI's Entrez data base. 

For example, Hs_GYG was officially renamed by Entrez to Hs_GYG1, so we changed the name of the Primer Assay accordingly:

Hs_GYG_1_SG QuantiTect Primer Assay was renamed Hs_GYG1_1_SG QuantiTect Primer Assay.

Performing a search in GeneGlobe using the gene symbol for the gene of interest should retrieve the corresponding QuantiTect Primer Assay with the new name. To find the original name, click on the link to the assay and look under 'Other names' on the 'View Details' page.

FAQ ID -1138
What is a QuantiTect Primer Assay?

QuantiTect Primer Assays are primer pairs designed and bioinformatically validated specifically for real-time RT-PCR with SYBR Green detection. To find a primer assay for your target gene of interest, please visit our GeneGlobe data base.

For best results, we strongly recommend using QuantiTect Primer Assays in combination with QIAGEN's products for SYBR Green-based Real-Time PCR and RT-PCR.

FAQ ID -1141
Do I need to use the miScript Universal Primer for detection of mRNA?

No. The miScript Universal Primer contained in the miScript SYBR Green PCR Kit is necessary for the detection of miRNA.

For detection of mRNA, a QuantiTect Primer Assay for the gene of interest should be used.

 

FAQ ID -1600
What is the concentration of the primers in a reaction using the QuantiTect Primer Assays?

The primers of the QuantiTect Primer Assays are at a proprietary concentration that was specially optimized for sensitive and efficient amplification in any real time cycler. Always dilute these primers to a final work solution of 1x in your reaction, using either the QuantiTect SYBR Green PCR Kit or the QuantiTect SYBR Green RT-PCR Kit. Follow the instructions for use of the Primer Assays in the QuantiTect Primer Assay handbook.

FAQ ID -850
Can I use uracil-N-glycosylase (UNG) with the QuantiFast and Rotor-Gene PCR kits?

No. UNG treatment does not provide any advantage for the QuantiFast and Rotor-Gene PCR kits because the mastermixes do not contain dUTP. Use the QuantiTect kits if you intend to use the UNG treatment.

FAQ ID -9092
How many reactions can be performed per well of the QuantiTect Primer Assay Plates?

This depends on the QuantiTect Primer Assay Plate format.

QuantiTect Primer Assay 96 Plate (20):

  • 20 x 50 ul reactions or 40 x 25 ul reactions

QuantiTect Primer Assay 96 Plate (100):

  • 100 x 50 ul reactions or 200 x 25 ul reactions

QuantiTect Primer Assay 384 Plate (20):

  • 20 x 50 ul reactions or 40 x 25 ul reactions
FAQ ID -2107
What annealing temperature should be used with the QuantiTect Primer Assays?

The annealing temperature for QuantiTect Primer Assays should be 55oC when used with the QuantiTect SYBR Green PCR Kit and the QuantiTect SYBR Green RT-PCR Kit.

Use of the QuantiFast SYBR Green PCR and QuantiFast SYBR Green RT-PCR Kits requires a combined annealing/extension step at 60oC, as described in the QuantiTect Primer Assay Handbook.

Note that these Assays are guaranteed for use with the QuantiTect or QuantiFast chemistries only!

 

 

FAQ ID -849
Will the sequences of the QuantiTect Primer Assays be provided?

Sequences of the QuantiTect Primer Assays are not provided. Approximate location of primers within a specific gene can be viewed on the Product Detail pages retrieved via our GeneGlobe data base.

FAQ ID -804
Why do I see multiple high-intensity peaks in my qPCR dissociation curve at temperatures less than 70ºC?

If the extra peaks seem irregular or noisy, do not occur in all samples, and occur at temperatures less than 70 ºC, then these peaks may not represent real PCR products and instead may represent artifacts caused by instrument settings.

 

Usually extra peaks caused by secondary products are smooth and regular, occur reproducibly in most samples, and occur at temperatures greater than 70 ºC. Characterization of the product by agarose gel electrophoresis is the best way to distinguish between these cases. If only one band appears by agarose gel then the extra peaks in the dissociation curve are instrument artifacts and not real products. If this is the case, refer to the thermal cycler user manual, and confirm that all instrument settings (smooth factor, etc.) are set to their optimal values.

 

FAQ ID -90990
How do I quantify gene expression levels if the amplification efficiencies are different between the genes of interest and endogenous reference gene?

The REST 2009 (Relative Expression Software Tool) software applies mathematic models that compensate for the different PCR efficiencies of the gene of interest and reference genes. In addition, the software can use multiple reference gene normalization to improve the reliability of result, as well as provides statistical information suitable for robust comparison of expression in groups of treated and untreated. QIAGEN offers the REST 2009 software free of charge.

FAQ ID -9095
Have QuantiTect Primer Assays been tested with QuantiFast SYBR Green PCR Kits on the Mastercycler ep realplex?

Yes, QuantiTect Primer Assays work very well under fast-cycling conditions. Results achieved with QuantiFast SYBR Green Kits are comparable to those achieved with QuantiTect SYBR Green Kits.

 

FAQ ID -1714
What is the threshold cycle or Ct value?
The Ct or threshold cycle value is the cycle number at which the fluorescence generated within a reaction crosses the fluorescence threshold, a fluorescent signal significantly above the background fluorescence. At the threshold cycle, a detectable amount of amplicon product has been generated during the early exponential phase of the reaction. The threshold cycle is inversely proportional to the original relative expression level of the gene of interest.
FAQ ID -2682
QuantiTect Primer Assays are bioinformatically validated, genomewide primer sets. What does “bioinformatically validated” mean?

For each QuantiTect Primer Assay, we retrieve the sequence of the target gene from curated databases and exclude SNP regions from assay design.

We then use our proprietary algorithm to design assays that amplify RNA sequences only (i.e., at least one primer overlaps a splice site), provided that information on the position of splice sites is available. The assays are designed to provide optimal performance with QuantiFast and QuantiTect SYBR Green Kits.

After assay design, we validate randomly selected QuantiTect Primer Assays using real-time RT-PCR to check their compatibility with various real-time cyclers. Both two-step and one-step RT-PCR are carried out. Successful amplification of the target is indicated by the following factors: high sensitivity, high efficiency, high specificity (i.e., a single peak in melting curve analysis), and no primer–dimers in the no-template control (NTC).

To find a QuantiTect Primer Assay for your target gene of interest, please visit our GeneGlobe data base.

 

FAQ ID -1982
If a QuantiTect Primer Assay has more than one version number, does this mean that earlier assay versions may not work?

In most cases, earlier versions of the QuantiTect Primer Assays do work:

  • earlier versions may detect both RNA and genomic DNA sequences, while the latest version may be specific for RNA sequences
  • there may be only a difference of one nucleotide between the latest and the previous assay version
  • earlier versions may not detect all transcript variants, while the latest version can

Previous assay versions can still be used if they work in your experiments. However, we recommend using the latest version. In very rare cases, original versions of the assay may not perform due to significant updates of transcript sequence information in Entrez or Ensembl, which our QuantiTect Primer Assays are based on.

(To find a QuantiTect Primer Assay for your target gene of interest, please visit our GeneGlobe data base).

FAQ ID -1136
Can assays for 20 and 100 reactions be ordered on the same QuantiTect Primer Assay Plate?

No. All assays on a single QuantiTect Primer Assay Plate are for the same number of reactions.

QuantiTect Primer Assays for your target genes of interest can be conveniently ordered via GeneGlobe.

 

FAQ ID -2108
What is the difference between Absolute Quantification and Relative Quantification in qPCR, using the standard curve approach?

Absolute Quantification determines expression levels in absolute numbers of copies. Relative Quantification determines fold changes in expression between two samples. In absolute quantification, the precise amount of the message or template used for the curve is known. In relative quantification, the template is simply known to contain the message of interest in high abundance, but its absolute amount is not necessarily known. Unknowns are compared to either standard curve and a value is extrapolated. The absolute quantification standard curve provides the final answer. The relative quantification calibration curve result for the gene of interest is normalized to that of a housekeeping gene in the same sample, and then the normalized numbers are compared between samples to obtain a fold change.

 

See Critical Factors for Sucessful Real-Time PCR for more information.

FAQ ID -2692
What do I do if no fluorescent signal is detected in a real-time PCR assay?

Check the template quality and integrity by amplifying an endogenous control gene. Check the amplicon by QIAxcel Advanced system or agarose gel electrophoresis to show that amplification was successful.

 

Determine whether the gene of interest is expressed in your sample. See How can I find out if my gene of interest is express in a specific tissue type or cell line.  Ensure the assay setup and cycling conditions are correct, and that the data collection channel matches the emission wavelength of the fluorescent dye used. Use a control sample in which the gene of interest is definitely expressed.

 

If the issue persists, please send the original run file to QIAGEN Technical Services.

FAQ ID -9091
Can I increase the annealing temperature recommended for QuantiTect Primer Assays used with the QuantiTect SYBR Green PCR Kits?

QuantiTect Primer Assays are optimized for an annealing temperature of 55ºC when using the QuantiTect SYBR Green PCR Kit (for two-step RT-PCR) or the QuantiTect SYBR Green RT-PCR Kit (for one-step RT-PCR) .

Increasing the annealing temperature will reduce PCR performance (sensitivity and PCR efficiency) when using QuantiTect Primer Assays with these kits.

 

FAQ ID -1146
How do I select appropriate reporter and quencher combinations for multiplex PCR?

For duplex analysis, using non-fluorescent quenchers (e.g., Black Hole Quencher®) is preferred over fluorescent quenchers (e.g., TAMRA fluorescent dye). For triplex and 4-plex analysis, QIAGEN strongly recommends using non-fluorescent quenchers. Generally, use the green channel, the yellow channel, and the orange and crimson channels to detect the least abundant target, the second least abundant target, and the two most abundant targets, respectively. For instrument-specific recommendations, please see the handbooks for the QuantiTect Multiplex PCR kit, QuantiFast Multiplex kit or Rotor-Gene Multiplex kit.

 

FAQ ID -9094
Can the QuantiTect Primer Assays be used for detection of genomic DNA?
The QuantiTect Primer Assays are RNA specific. The primers cross exon-exon boundaries, so in most cases they will not work for genomic DNA detection. In case the transcript contains only one exon or there are pseudogenes present, genomic DNA will be amplified too.
FAQ ID -811
Can I skip the gDNA wipeout buffer treatment step for the QuantiTect Reverse Transcription Kit?

The gDNA wipeout buffer incubation step can be skipped when the total RNA is free from genomic DNA. However, the gDNA wipeout buffer is still required to be added because the reverse transcription step is optimized in the presence of components in the gDNA wipeout buffer.

FAQ ID -9098
What is the comparative or ??Ct method for qPCR assay data analysis? How is the comparative or ??Ct method for qPCR assay data analysis performed?

In the comparative or ΔΔCt method of qPCR data analysis, the Ct values obtained from two different experimental RNA samples are directly normalized to a housekeeping gene and then compared. This method assumes that the amplification efficiencies of the gene of interest and the housekeeping genes are close to 100 percent (meaning a standard or calibration curve slope of -3.32) First, the difference between the Ct values (ΔCt) of the gene of interest and the housekeeping gene is calculated for each experimental sample. Then, the difference in the ΔCt values between the experimental and control samples ΔΔCt is calculated. The fold-change in expression of the gene of interest between the two samples is then equal to 2^(-ΔΔCt).

 

See Critical Factors for Successful Real-Time PCR for more information.

FAQ ID -2693
How do I determine the linear dynamic range of my qPCR or qRT-PCR assay?
Prepare five (5) 10-fold serial dilutions of cDNA template known to express the gene of interest in high abundance. Use each serial dilution in separate real-time reactions, and determine their threshold cycle values. In a base-10 semi-logarithmic graph, plot the threshold cycle versus the dilution factor and fit the data to a straight line. The linear range of this plot is the linear dynamic range of the qPCR assay.
FAQ ID -2696
What is the delivery time for QuantiTect Primer Assays?

For American and Canadian customers, it takes about 3 days for delivery of the QuantiTect Primer Assays.

For the rest of the world, there are 7 working days between ordering online and receiving the assay.

To find a QuantiTect Primer Assay for your target gene of interest, please visit our GeneGlobe data base.

 

FAQ ID -1142
Why does the QuantiTect Primer Assay for my gene of interest have only one version number?

Although there may have been sequence updates in Entrez and/or Ensembl which serve as the basis for our QuantiTect Primer Assay design, the assay still matches the amplified region. Therefore, there is no need to design a new assay.

The version number of an assay appears in the assay name as in the following example:

Hs_LTA_2_SG QuantiTect Primer Assay (200)

Hs:       human

LTA:     lymphotoxin alpha (TNF superfamily, member 1)

2:         assay version 2

SG:      assay is for SYBR Green based real-time RT-PCR

(200):   200 x 50 µl reactions

FAQ ID -1134
How should I handle and store absolute quantitation standards for real-time experiments?
Store the standards at a high concentration in aliquots at -20oC to -70oC. If using low concentrations, stabilize standards with carrier nucleic acid. It is always best to use freshly diluted standards for each experiment. If possible, use siliconized tubes for standard (and target) dilutions. This will prevent any unspecific binding of nucleic acids to the plastic.
FAQ ID -9099
What does transcript variant mean when searching for specific QuantiTect Primer Assays?

Many genes have more than one transcript due to alternative splicing. We refer to the various transcripts (splice variants) for a particular gene as transcript variants. When searching GeneGlobe for a QuantiTect Primer Assay, you may locate a link below the assay name saying 'Show Primer Assays for transcript variants', whenever there are assays for transcript variants available. If there is no such link below an assay name, then the specific Primer Assay can detect all transript variants simultaneously.

 

Example:

Human adrenergic, alpha-1A-, receptor ADRA1A

For this specific QuantiTect Primer Assay there are assays for transcript variants available which can be accessed via the link below the QuantiTect Primer Assay name.

Assays for transcript variants are named as follows:

Hs_ADRA1A_vb.1_SG QuantiTect Primer Assay (200)

Hs:            human

ADRA1A:   adrenergic, alpha-1A-, receptor

vb.1:         transcript variant b for a specific RefSeq ID Number; assay version 1

SG:           assay is for SYBR Green based real-time RT-PCR

(200):        200 x 50 µl reactions

In this specific example, the letters 'vb.1' in 'Hs_ADRA1A_vb.1_SG' are used to indicate that the assay is specific for the transcript variant with RefSeq ID NM_033302, and that the Primer Assay is the first version for this particular transcript variant.

Click the 'View details' link for a particular assay to find out which transcript variant it is detecting.

FAQ ID -1137
What is the minimum number of assays that can be ordered on QuantiTect Primer Assay Plates?

The minimum order is 24 assays per QuantiTect Primer Assay 96 Plate, and 96 assays per QuantiTect Primer Assay 384 Plate.

 

 

 

FAQ ID -2109
How do I ensure reliable results for High Resolution Melting (HRM) assays?

Reliable HRM analysis results depend on template quality, highly specific HRM PCR kit with a saturation dye, a real-time instrument with HRM capability, and powerful software package. Factors critical for successful HRM analysis are:

 

  • Use the same genomic DNA purification procedure for all samples being analyzed by HRM. This avoids variation due to differing composition of elution buffers.
  • DNA template concentrations should be normalized using the same dilution buffer. Ensure the CT values are below 30 and differ no more than 3 CT values across individual samples.
  • Design assays with amplicon length 70–350 bp. For SNP analysis, use amplicon length 70–150 bp.
  • Always start with 0.7 µM primer concentration

 

For more details, please refer to the HRM Technology – FAQs and the Critical Success Factor for HRM performance.

FAQ ID -9097
Where can I find QIAGEN products for a specific gene or gene product?
You can search for specific gene products in the QIAGEN GeneGlobe Database. This easy-to-use, comprehensive Web portal allows you to find information about, search for, and order high-quality products for human, mouse, and rat genes. QIAGEN provides a vast range of gene-specific products covering every aspect of an experiment, from gene silencing to expression analysis at the mRNA or protein level.
FAQ ID -803
Do QuantiTect Primer Assays contain SYBR Green dye?

No, QuantiTect Primer Assays are supplied as lyophilized, premixed primer pairs. Reaction components for SYBR Green real-time RT-PCR must be purchased separately.

To find a QuantiTect Primer Assay for your target gene of interest, please visit our GeneGlobe data base.

FAQ ID -1143
Why do I see low, poor, or sub-standard amplification efficiency in my qRT-PCR assay?
The template that you chose to use in generating your standard curve may not express your gene of interest abundantly enough to be detected after the several 10-fold serial dilutions required for the standard curve. In such a case, many of the standard curve reactions should be yielding high Ct values (> 30). You can lower the serial dilution factor to 2-fold, and generate a new standard curve. You can also try using an alternate source of template for the standard curve reactions, such as cDNA derived from a universal source of RNA, cDNA derived from a full-length in vitro transcript of the gene of interest, or even a full-length cDNA clone of the gene of interest.
FAQ ID -2695
Which plate formats are offered for QuantiTect Primer Assay Plates?
QuantiTect Primer Assay Plates are available in 96- and 384-well plate format.
FAQ ID -2106
What should I use as a standard for absolute quantification in real-time PCR?

For quantification of RNA, we strongly recommend using RNA molecules as standards. Use of in vitro transcripts as standards takes into account the variable efficiency of the RT reaction. An alternative to the use of in vitro transcripts as RNA standards is the use of a defined RNA preparation (e.g., from a cell line or virus preparation), for which the absolute concentration of the target has already been determined.

For quantification of DNA, several types of DNA can be used, such as plasmids, PCR products, or genomic DNA.

For more information, see Appendix E 'Generating Standard Curves' in the QuantiTect Probe PCR Handbook.

FAQ ID -1085
Do QuantiTect Primer Assays also work with Rotor-Gene SYBR Green PCR Kits?

We have performed numerous tests comparing the performance of Rotor-Gene SYBR Green PCR Kits and QuantiTect Kits with QuantiTect Primer Assays. Due to the optimized ion concentrations in the PCR buffers, both perform equally well with QuantiTect Primer Assays and do not require any adjustment of primer concentration.

 

FAQ ID -2123
Can QuantiTect Primer Assay Plates be ordered offline via e-mail or fax?

Yes, it is possible to order QuantiTect Primer Assay Plates by e-mailing or faxing the completed order documentation, containing order form and separate plate layout information. Note that the respective Excel file containing the plate layout information has to be sent electronically. Only the order form itself may be sent by fax.

 

 

 

FAQ ID -2112
What species are QuantiTect Primer Assay Plates offered for?

QuantiTect Primer Assays in plate format are available for Human, Mouse, Rat, Drosophila, Arabidopsis, Chicken, and Dog, with more species to come.

QuantiTect Primer Assays can be searched for and ordered in either tube or plate format online via GeneGlobe.

 

 

 

FAQ ID -2110
How do I avoid collecting a fluorescence reading from primer-dimer with the QuantiTect SYBR Green PCR Kit?

Depending on primer design and copy number of target, primer-dimer may occur and its signal might be detected. Typical strategies against this are to optimize PCR conditions and/or redesign the assay.

 

Alternatively, an additional data-acquisition step can be added to the 3-step cycling protocol. First, determine the melting temperatures (Tm) for both the amplicon and the primer-dimer. Then, add a 15 second data-acquisition step with a temperature that is higher than the primer-dimer Tm, but approximately 3ºC lower than the specific amplicon Tm.

FAQ ID -9096
What is the range of melting temperatures for the QuantiTect Primer Assay amplicons in the dissociation curve?
The melting temperatures of the amplicons of the QuantiTect Primer Assays are between 72°C and 86°C.
FAQ ID -1079
Do I have to use a ramp time of 2°C/sec on the LightCycler when using Quantitect Primer Assays?

We strictly recommend to use a ramp time of 2°C/sec when running QuantiTect Primer Assays on the LightCycler because cycling is much more robust when compared to using 20°C/sec for ramping. If optimal assay conditions have been established using our recommended ramp time, customers can of course try to use 20°C/sec ramping for denaturation and annealing steps at their own risk.

FAQ ID -1065
If I cannot find a QuantiTect Primer Assay for my target gene in rat, can I use the assays for the orthologous genes in mouse and human?

QIAGEN cannot guarantee that QuantiTect Primer Assays designed for mouse or human will also work for rat.

To find a QuantiTect Primer Assay for your target gene of interest, please visit our GeneGlobe data base.

 

FAQ ID -1145