Real-time Quantitative PCR Analysis of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2(VEGFR-2) Expression at Zebrafish Different Developmental Stages

[Objective]To investigate the expression of zebrafish vascular endothelial growth factor-2（VEGFR-2） at different developmental stages.[Method]Total RNAs were extracted from 12,24,48,72 and 96 hpf stage zebrafish embryos and larvae.Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was performed to examine the expression of VEGFR-2.The data were analyzed by 2^-△△Ct method.[Result]The expression level of VEGFR-2 gene increased gradually from 12 to 72 hpf,and subsequently decreased at 96 hpf.The expression level was lowest at 12 hpf,highest at 72 hpf,and had significant differences when compared with that of other developmental stages.[Conclusion]The expression level of VEGFR-2 increases gradually before blood vessel maturation and decreases as blood vessels mature.

Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR非特异性扩增的研究进展

Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)因其高效快速、操作简便、高度敏感等优点获得广泛应用,但因其强大的放大功能而容易出现非特异性扩增的问题,尤其是荧光染料法中更加明显。文章对RT-qPCR的原理、非特异性扩增的发生因素、解决方案及该技术的应用前景进行了综述。

Development and Application of a Quantitative Competitive PCR Assay for Detecting Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

[Objective] This study aimed to develop a quantitative competitive assay for detecting Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in culture. [Method] One pair of Mhp-specific primers was designed for detecting Mhp in culture. Another pair of primers was designed based on the conserved gene sequences of Mycoplasma. The competitive template, which carried the same primer binding site with the target fragment, was constructed using enzyme digestion method. [Result] The logarithm of concentration of competitive template was treated as the abscissa（X-axis）, and the logarithm of corrected optical density ratio between amplification products by competitive template and target template was treated as the ordinate（Y-axis）. Thus the standard curve was drawn, and the regression equation was also obtained. When Y was assigned as 0, the concentration of the competitive plate was calculated, and then the concentration of Mhp was deduced. The logarithms of Color change unit（CCU） were treated as the abscissa（X-axis）, and the copy numbers of Mhp were treated as the ordinate（Y-axis）, so the standard curve was generated. It was found that the copy number of Mhp was highly correlated to CCU. [Conclusion] A quantitative competitive PCR assay was successfully established for the rapid detection of Mhp in culture.

Application of Real-time Fluorescent Quantitative PCR in Plant

Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR （RQ-PCR） is a detection method by adding fluorescent dye or fluorescent probe into the PCR reaction system, using fluorescent signal accumulation to monitor amplification reactions of PCR reaction process, and finally the unknown template can be quantitatively analyzed through the standard curve. So the detection level of PCR has improved from the qualitative to the quantitative. In order to provide a theoretical reference for further application, the principle, classification, advantages and disadvantages of RQ-PCR were intro- duced, and its application and progress in plants in recent years were reviewed.

鹅星状病毒通用型TaqMan探针实时荧光定量RT-PCR检测方法的建立与应用

为建立用于鹅星状病毒1(GAstV 1)和鹅星状病毒2(GAstV 2)感染快速检测的实时荧光定量RT-PCR方法,试验根据部分GAstV ORF2基因和部分3′非编码区序列设计合成特异性引物和探针,采用矩阵法获得引物和探针的最优浓度,在优化退火温度的基础上,分别建立扩增GAstV 1和GAstV 2的标准曲线,进一步验证该方法的特异性、敏感性和重复性,建立的方法用于临床样品的检测,并与文献报道的常规RT-PCR方法进行比较。结果显示:优化后的反应体系中最优上、下游引物浓度均为0.40(或0.50)μmol/L,探针浓度均为0.50μmol/L,扩增线性范围分别为3.26×10^(3)~3.26×10^(8)拷贝/μL和7.09×10^(3)~7.09×10^(8)拷贝/μL,相关系数均为0.998;该方法可特异性检出两种GAstV,但对新城疫病毒、H9亚型禽流感病毒、鸭坦布苏病毒、新型鸭呼肠孤病毒、鹅细小病毒和血清4型禽腺病毒6种鹅病相关病毒的核酸均无扩增信号;其检测限分别为3.26×10^(2)拷贝/μL和7.09×10^(1)拷贝/μL;组内变异系数和组间变异系数均低于3%。建立的实时荧光定量RT-PCR方法对临床样品的检测结果显示,GAstV阳性率为90.57%(96/106);而文献报道的常规RT-PCR方法对GAstV 1和GAstV 2的混合阳性率为62.26%。研究表明,建立的TaqMan荧光定量RT-PCR检测方法为同时检测GAstV 1和GAstV 2提供了快速、敏感、特异且能满足临床样本需求的检测方法。

Determining the Copy Number of Exogenous Gene in Transgenic Plant by SYBR Green Real-time Quantitative PCR

[Objective] To explore the feasibility of using SYBR Green real-time quantitative PCR technique to estimate the copy numbers of exogenous gene in a transgenic plant.[Methods] Using SYBR Green real-time quantitative PCR technique,we have determined the copy numbers of the exogenous CYCD3;1 in transgenic Arabidopsis by comparing an endogenous single copy reference gene with CYCD3;1 copy numbers in transgenic plant,meanwhile comparing CYCD3;1 copy numbers between wild plant and transgenic plant.[Results]The exogenous CYCD3;1 copy numbers calculated by this method is identical with results of traditional Southern blot analysis which is highly accurate.[Conclusion]This method is simple,effective and safe for estimating transgene copy numbers.

炭疽芽孢杆菌微滴式数字PCR定量检测方法的建立

目的建立炭疽芽孢杆菌的微滴式数字聚合酶链式反应(Droplet digital PCR,ddPCR)方法对炭疽芽孢杆菌实验室活动污染的定量评估提供技术支持。方法以炭疽芽孢杆菌pXO1质粒编码保护性抗原pagA基因为靶序列,优化微滴数字PCR方法的反应条件,建立实验室微环境中炭疽芽孢杆菌核酸定量方法;对比微滴式数字PCR方法和平板计数法的定量评估效果,分析ddPCR的灵敏性、特异性和重复性。结果建立的ddPCR方法最佳引物和探针终浓度分别为900nmol·L^(-1)和250nmol·L^(-1),最佳退火温度为60℃,最佳升降温速度为1℃/s,本方法的最低检测下限为1.12copies·μL^(-1),未发现与常见疫病存在交叉反应,重复性试验的变异系数小于5%。结论本研究中建立的炭疽芽孢杆菌的微滴数字PCR方法敏感性高、特异性强、重复性好,为疫情监测、流行病学调查和实验室污染微环境检测提供重要技术。

应用Q-PCR定性检测KIR基因有无方法的建立

目的建立定性检测KIR基因有无的Q-PCR方法。方法根据高分辨水平中国人群KIR等位基因的多态性,并参考国际IPD-KIR数据库,针对16种KIR基因及2DS4-Normal、2DS4-Deleted两种亚型,设计KIR基因特异性引物用于Q-PCR扩增反应;同时设置一孔阴性对照、一孔阳性对照(特异性扩增人体生长激素HGH基因片段),以监控假阳性、假阴性的结果。为验证Q-PCR方法的可靠性,随机选择302份已采用KIR PCR-SSP商品化试剂盒检测的标本,采用Q-PCR方法盲检和对比。结果300人份的Q-PCR检测结果与已知的PCR-SSP检测结果相符,有2份标本结果不一致,其中1例标本的2DS5基因Q-PCR检测结果为阴性,而PCR-SSP检测结果为阳性;另一例标本2DS1基因Q-PCR检测结果为阳性,而PCR-SSP检测结果为阴性。对2份标本分别进行2DS5、2DS1基因测序分型,证实Q-PCR定性检测结果正确。结论本文建立的KIR Q-PCR方法结果准确、可靠,可用于KIR基因有无的定性检测。

Utility of Droplet Digital PCR Assay for Quantitative Detection of Norovirus in Shellfish, from Production to Consumption in Guangxi, China

Objective Shellfish are recognized as important vehicles of norovirus-associated gastroenteritis. The present study aimed to monitor norovirus contamination in oysters along the farm-to-fork continuum in Guangxi, a major oyster production area in Southwestern China. Methods Oyster samples were collected monthly from farms, markets, and restaurants, from January to December 2016. Norovirus was detected and quantified by one-step reverse transcription-droplet digital polymerase chain reaction（RT-ddPCR）. Results A total of 480 oyster samples were collected and tested for norovirus genogroups I and II. Norovirus was detected in 20.7% of samples, with genogroup II predominating. No significant difference was observed in norovirus prevalence among different sampling sites. The norovirus levels varied widely, with a geometric mean of 19,300 copies/g in digestive glands. Both norovirus prevalence and viral loads showed obvious seasonality, with a strong winter bias. Conclusion This study provides a systematic analysis of norovirus contamination ‘from the farm to the fork＇ in Guangxi. RT-ddPCR can be a useful tool for detection and quantification of low amounts of norovirus in the presence of inhibitors found particularly in foodstuffs. This approach will contribute to the development of strategies for controlling and reducing the risk of human illness resulting from shellfish consumption.

Validation of housekeeping genes as internal controls for studying the gene expression in Pyropia haitanensis(Bangiales, Rhodophyta) by quantitative real-time PCR

Pyropia haitanensis is an economically important mariculture crop in China and has a high research value for several life phenomena, for example environmental tolerance. To explore the mechanisms underlying these characteristics, gene expression has been investigated at the whole transcriptome level. Gene expression studies using quantitative real-time PCR should start by selecting an appropriate internal control gene; therefore, the absolute expression abundance of six housekeeping genes （18S rRNA （18S）, ubiquitin-conju-ating enzyme （UBC）, actin （ACT）, β-tubulin （TUB）, elongation factors 2 （EF2）, and glyceraldehyde-3-phos- phate dehydrogenase （GAPDH） examined by the quantitative real-time PCR in samples corresponding to different strains, life-cycle stages and abiotic stress treatments. Their expression stabilities were assessed by the comparative cycle threshold （Ct） method and by two different software packages： geNorm and NormFinder. The most stable housekeeping gene is UBC and the least stable housekeeping is GADPH. Thus, it is proposed that the most appropriate internal control gene for expression analyses in P. haitanensis is UBC. The results pave the way for further gene expression analyses of different aspects of P. haitanensis biology including different strains, life-history stages and abiotic stress responses.

A Comparison Between Northern Blotting and Quantitative Real-Time PCR as a Means of Detecting the Nutritional Regulation of Genes Expressed in Roots of Arabidopsis thaliana

Quantitative real-time PCR （qRT-PCR） has become a routine and robust technique for measuring the expression of genes of interest, validating microarray experiments and monitoring biomarkers. However, concerns have been raised over the accuracy of qRT-PCR in China as well as in the rest of the world. We have previously used qRT-PCR to study the response of ANR1 and other root-expressed MADS-box genes to fluctuations in the supply of nitrate, phosphate and sulphate under hydroponic growth conditions. In this study, we have used both Northern blotting and qRT-PCR analyses to confirm the nutritional regulation of MADS-box genes in Arabidopsis thaliana and test whether both technologies produce the same results. The information obtained indicated that the qRT-PCR results are consistent with those obtained by Northern blotting hybridization for all the tested root-expressed MADS-box genes, in response to different nitrate, phosphate and sulphate growth conditions. Furthermore, our novel results showed that the expressions of AGL12, AGL18, and AGL19 were all down regulated in response to S and P re-supply in both qRT-PCR and Northern blotting analyses.

Detection of Lactobacillus acidophilus in Fermented Material by Real-time Fluorescent Quantitative PCR

The species distinctive PCR primer of Lactobacillus acidophilus （ L. acidophilus） was designed according to 16S rRNA gene sequences of conunon Lac- tobacillus species in fermented material. Bacterial genome DNA of separated L. acidophilus in fermented sample was taken as template, and L. acidophilus in fer- mented material was conducted the quantitative determination by real-time quantitative PCR （RT-PCR）. Analysis on RT-PCR results shown that contents of L. aci- dophilus in the test sample reached 1.5 billion CFU / g. Test results shown that contents of L. acidophilus in fermented material could be detected accurately by the established RT-PCR method in the test. indicating that the established RT-PCR method could be aookued to the detection of L. acidophilus in fermented material.

Evaluation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis of gene expression during early development processes of the tongue sole(Cynoglossus semilaevis)

Differential expression of genes is crucial to growth and development of fish. To select the appropriate genes for gene normalization during Cynoglossus semilaevis early developmental process, eight candidate reference genes （ACTB, B2M, EF1A, GADPH, RPL7, TUBA, UBCE and 18S） were tested for their adequacy by using quantitative real-time PCR. The results showed that the expression of all the examined genes exhibited tissue dependent variations in the mature C. semilaevis. EFIA was listed as the most stable reference among the 14 tissues by RefFinder. Furthermore, the recommended comprehensive ranking of the stability determined by RefFinder showed that 18S was the most stable gene during the early developmental stages （from oosphere to 90 days old） in this study. However, when divided the Ct value data of the above mentioned early developmental stages into two separate periods （embryo and post-hatching periods）, TUBA and 18S represented the most stable references of these two developmental periods, respectively. Consequently, the reference gene should be carefully and accurately chosen even for studies of the same species at various developmental processes. The relevant data may help in selecting appropriate reference genes for mRNA expression analysis, and is of great value in the studies of fish growth and development.

Selection of Reference Genes for Gene Expression Analysis in Nilaparvata lugens with Different Levels of Virulence on Rice by Quantitative Real-Time PCR

The brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens Stal （Homoptera： Delphacidae） can cause hopperburn by feeding on rice and also can transmit the grassy stunt disease. Resistant rice varieties have been developed, but several N. lugens strains can recover their virulence to these resistant rice varieties. In the present study, reference genes with stable expression levels in N. lugens populations showed different levels of virulence to susceptible and resistant rice varieties. The expression of six candidate reference genes in N. lugens feeding on susceptible and resistant rice varieties was analyzed. These genes were evaluated for their potential use in the analysis of differential gene expression. Polymerase chain reaction data was generated from N. lugens, including two different treatments （resistant or susceptible rice） and three virulent N. lugens populations. Three software programs （BestKeeper, Normfinder and geNorm） were used to assess the candidate reference genes. Both geNorm and Normfinder identified the genes 18S, E-ACT, E-TUB and a-TUB as the most stable reference genes. BestKeeper identified ETIF1 as the optimal reference gene with the least overall variation, whereas 18S and a-TUB were the second and third most stably expressed genes, respectively. Therefore, we concluded that the genes 18S and a-TUB were the most suitable reference genes in N. lugens. These results will facilitate future transcript profiling studies on N. lugens populations that show variation in virulence levels on different rice varieties.

Application of Real-time Fluorescent Quantitative PCR in Studies on Plants

Real-Lime fluorescent quantitative PCR is a method for quantitative analysis of gene expression developed in recent years, which has been widely used in various fields such as basic scientific research, clinical diagnosis, disease study, drug research and development since its appearance. It starts relatively late in study on plants, but has already been used for analysis of gene expression in plants and gene identification of exogenous genes. The principles or advantages and dis- advantages of real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, or its potential problems and condition optimizations in tests were introduced in this study, and then the appli- cation and prospect of real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR in study on plants were also been discussed.

Identification of circulating miRNA biomarkers based on global quantitative real-time PCR profiling

MicroRNAs （miRNAs） are small noncoding RNAs （18-25 nucleotides） that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of miRNAs in the blood circulation. Deregulation of miRNAs i n serum or plasma has been associated with many diseases including cancers and cardiovascular diseases, suggesting the possible use of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers. However, the detection of the small amount of miRNAs found in serum or plasma requires a method with high sensitivity and accuracy. Therefore, the current study describes polymerase chain reaction （PCR）-based methods for measuring circulating miRNAs. Briefly, the procedure involves four major steps： （1） sample collection and preparation; （2） global miRNAs profiling using quantitative real-time PCR （qRT-PCR）; （3） data normalization and analysis; and （4） selection and validation of miRNA biomarkers. In conclusion, qRT-PCR is a promising method for profiling of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers.

犬冠状病毒和犬细小病毒双重TaqMan荧光定量PCR检测方法的建立

旨在建立犬冠状病毒(CCoV)和犬细小病毒(CPV)双重TaqMan荧光定量PCR检测方法。针对CCoV的3′UTR与CPV的VP2设计引物与探针,通过对反应体系与条件进行优化,建立了CCoV与CPV的双重荧光定量PCR检测方法,并对该方法进行敏感性、特异性、重复性验证与临床样品检验。结果:CCoV与CPV阳性参考质粒浓度在10^(2)~10^(7) copies/μL,CCoV与CPV的标准曲线R^(2)分别为0.999与0.996,线性关系良好,CCoV与CPV的最低检测限均为5 copies/μL,与其他病原无交叉反应,组内与组间的变异系数均小于1.38%,说明该方法灵敏度高、特异性强、重复性良好;对113份临床样本进行检测,与普通PCR比较,该方法对CCoV和CPV的检出率较高,分别为37.2%和40.7%。研究表明,本试验建立的CCoV和CPV双重荧光定量PCR方法检测效果良好,为相关疾病的临床诊断、流行病调查等提供了有力工具。

Evaluation of Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR Analysis in Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum Under Hypoxic Stress

Quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)has been widely used for gene expression analysis,and selection of reference genes is a key point to obtain accurate results.To find out optimal reference genes for qRT-PCR in Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum in response to hypoxia,different tissues were used and compared to evaluate the stability of candidate reference genes under low oxygen stress(DO 0.5mgL^(−1) and DO 2.0mgL^(−1))and normal condition(DO 7.5mgL^(−1)).Seven candidate reference genes were selected to evaluate the stability of their expression levels.The reference genes were evaluated by Delta Ct,BestKeeper,NormFinder and geNorm,and then screened by RefFinder calculation.Under hypoxic stress of 0.5mgL^(−1),the most suitable reference gene for gill and hepatopancreas was RPL31,and the optimal reference genes for axe foot and adductor muscle were TUB and HIS,respectively.For hypoxic stress of 2.0mgL^(−1),the most stable reference gene for gill and hepatopancreas was RPL31,and the optimal reference genes for axe foot and adductor muscle were RPS23 and EF1A,respectively.At the normal condition,HIS and EF1A were identified as the optimal internal reference genes in gill and hepatopancreas respectively,and GFRP2 was the best internal reference gene for axe foot and adductor muscle.The present findings will provide important basis for the selection of reference genes for qRT-PCR analysis of gene expression level in bivalves under hypoxic stress,which might be helpful for the analysis of other molluscs too.

Reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR analysis and quantitative expression of P5CS in Agropyron mongolicum under drought stress

Reference genes, stably expressing in different tissues and cells, are commonly used as the references in expression analysis. Selecting the optimum reference gene is crucial to the success of experiments. In this study, the expression stabilities of nine common reference genes, including ACT2, 18 S r RNA, APRT, EF-1α, RNA POL II, TUBα, TUBβ, GAPDH and TLF of Agropyron mongolicum, were studied under drought condition. Among them, 18 S r RNA was found to be the most optimum reference gene under drought stress by the analyzing of ge Norm and Norm Finder software. Quantitative expression levels of P5 CS using 18 S r RNA as the reference gene, and proline contents under drought stress in A. mongolicum were further operated, and we found the expression level of P5 CS gene and proline content had a significantly positive relationship（R^2=0.7763, P〈0.05）. This study established and validated 18 S r RNA as the reference genes in A. mongolicum under drought stress, providing a powerful tool for the quantitative expression analysis of drought genes in A. mongolicum.

Quantification of anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria in enrichment cultures by quantitative competitive PCR

The anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing （ANAMMOX） bacteria were enriched from a sequencing batch biofilm reactor （SBBR）. A quantitative competitive polymerase chain reaction （QC-PCR） system was successfully developed to detect and quantify ANAMMOX bacteria in environmental samples. For QC-PCR system, PCR primer sets targeting 16S ribosomal RNA genes of ANAMMOX bacteria were designed and used. The quantification range of this system was 4 orders of magnitude, from 10^3 to 10^6 copies per PCR, corresponding to the detection limit of 300 target copies per mL. A 312-bp internal standard was constructed, which showed very similar amplification efficiency with the target amxC fragment （349 bp） over 4 orders of magnitude （10^3-10^6）. The linear regressions were obtained with R^2 of 0.9824 for 10^3 copies, 0.9882 for 10^4 copies, 0.9857 for 10^5 copies and 0.9899 for 10^6 copies, respectively. Using this method, ANAMMOX bacteria were quantified in a shortcut nitrification/denitrification-anammox system which was set for piggery wastewater treatment.