Integration of Large Real-Time PCR Studies Using the LightCyclerR 480 Multiple Plate Analysis Software

摘要

Real-time PCR has become a standard molecular biology tool for analyzing and comparing mRNA expression levels under various physiological conditions. It is also an excellent method to genotype limited numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs] in large numbers of samples with speed, accuracy and without the need to perform post-PCR processing steps. Since realtime PCR is often used to validate results obtained from whole-genome gene expression or genotyping studies [e.g., data obtained on microarrays), the scope and size of such studies has significantly increased over recent years. However, software associated with real-time PCR cyclers has until now focused mainly on raw data interpretation and often supports analysis of single PCR runs only Multiple time-consuming export-import or copy-paste operations are generally necessary to combine all data in spreadsheet applications or other third-party software This is an error-prone process putting data safety and correct assignment at risk. Software tools are therefore needed to improve and accelerate the exploitation and statistical analysis of extended studies. A novel software tool now greatly improves and accelerates the generation of large data sets obtained from multiple runs of the LightCycler? 480 Instrument. The use of this software in gene expression or SNP geno/ haplotyping studies in medical research is described in this article.