Paper describes how RNA degradation affects data

Bio-Rad Laboratories has updated bulletin 5452, which describes the effect of RNA degradation on data quality in quantitative PCR and microarray experiments.

The paper discusses the use of automated electrophoresis in determining RNA quality prior to gene expression analysis.

Quantitative expression levels, when determined by qPCR, decrease as RNA degrades.

This can lead to erroneous conclusions regarding the levels of gene expression when comparing samples degraded to different extents.

Genes with high levels of expression can still be characterised but degradation compromises the ability to detect differences in genes expressed at low levels.

Bio-Rad's Experion automated electrophoresis system determines the quality and quantity of RNA in gene expression analysis experiments.

It accurately quantitates and evaluates the integrity of samples using as little as 200pg total RNA, which is several hundred times less material than required for gel electrophoresis.

Once RNA quantity and quality have been established, a researcher can decide whether to move forward with additional experiments, knowing to what extent the results may be compromised.

The six-page paper provides a detailed introduction, methods description, results and a discussion, supported by numerous graphs, tables, figures, and electropherograms.

Bulletin 5452 is available from any Bio-Rad sales office or from the Bio-Rad website.

Type 5452 into the search box in the top-right corner of the home page to obtain a copy.

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