Research

• Research Programmes
• Researchers
• Core Technologies
  • Genomics Core
    • Affymetrix GeneChip
    • Real-Time PCR
    • Illumina Sequencing Platform
    • Bioinformatics
  • Proteomics Core
  • Imaging Core
  • Flow Cytometry Core
  • Associated Technologies
  • Bookings
  • Training
  • Core Technologies Listing

Real-Time PCR

Real-Time PCR is a powerful and sensitive technique for detection and quantification of specific nucleic acid sequences. It monitors the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as it occurs and characterises samples at the point of initial amplification of PCR product rather than the amount accumulated after a fixed number of cycles. The higher the starting copy number of target sequence, the sooner its PCR product is detected.

Application

Both relative and absolute quantitative analysis may be investigated. Relative quantification provides comparative measurement of target across a set of biological samples and is used in applications such as gene expression profiling, microRNA and siRNA studies. Absolute quantification assigns values of target to samples from external standards and examples include copy number determination and viral load measurement. This technology may also be used in conjunction with end-point reads for allelic discrimination or SNP detection.

Instrumentation:

Two ABI 7900HT Sequence Detection Systems are in operation in this facility comprising::

• Primer Express Software v2.0 (primer and probe assay design)
• Interchangeable thermal cycling blocks (Fast and Standard)
• Laser and CCD camera detector (fluorescence induction and data collection)
• Sequence Detection Software v2.4 (instrument operation and data analysis)

Samples are run on 96- and 384-well plates or microfluidic cards with Taqman probe or Sybr Green based fluorescent assays. These assays are designed and optimised or purchased commercially in pre-optimised single tubes or array formats for higher throughput experiments.

Expertise & Services:

The Real-Time PCR core facility provides a range of technical services to researchers including:

• Consultation on experimental design
• Assay design and ordering
• Training on sample set-up, instrumentation and data interpretation
• Sample running service, if required
• Results analysis

To register your interest,

Login here to the core technology booking and invoicing system.

First time user? Browse the services and equipment associated with this technology. Then, click [Register for this Service] to avail of the service required. You will be given login access to book and pay for services online.

Contact

• Ms Catherine Moss
• T: (+353-1) 716 6946
• E:conway.genomics@ucd.ie

Check out our next core technology: Illumina Sequencing Platform