mRNA Expression - How to observe mRNA expression of gene. (Oct/16/2008 )

if you don't have access to a real time pcr cycler you can try competitive pcr. authors claim that this is the most accurate method for quantifiying mRNA. The principle in short: you spike an artificial DNA fragment in your PCR reaction with known concentration which is detected by the same primers like your target but with a slight difference in product lenght (to separate the products on a gel). you then compare the two band intensities.

disadvantage of this method: you have to do first the cycle optimization steps as already described. this method is not suitable for many samples.

here is a useful link: http://catalog.takara-bio.co.jp/en/product...itid=U100005711