Keck-UNM Genomics Resource

Real Time PCR Assays

Real-time PCR is a highly sensitive and highly accurate means of quantifying particular RNAs, and is especially well-suited to validating microarray (e.g. Affymetrix) results.

Real-time PCR requires specially-designed PCR primers that can be used with a fluorescent dye (SYBR Green) or a combination of two flanking primers and an interior primer linked to fluoresent tag and quencher molecules (Taqman probe). These probes are available pre-made and pre-tested for most mouse and human genes.

Real-time PCR can also be used for measuring Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, or SNPs, or for specialized assays such as alternative RNA splicing assays.

The KUGR facility can perform real-time PCR for laboratories that need assistance with this valuable technology.