Stable reference genes for expression studies in breast muscle of normal and white striping-affected chickens

The normalization with proper reference genes is a crucial step to obtain accurate mRNA expression levels in quantitative PCR (qPCR) studies. Therefore, in this study, 10 reference candidate genes were evaluated to determine their stability in normal pectoralis major muscle of broilers and those counterparts affected with White Striping (WS) myopathy at 42 days age. Four different tools were used for ranking the most stable genes: GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and Comparative Ct (ΔCt), and a general ranking was performed using the RankAggreg tool to select the best reference genes among all tools. From the 10 genes evaluated in the breast muscle of broilers, 8 were amplified. Most of the algorithms/tools indicated the same two genes, RPL30 and RPL5, as the most stable in the broilers breast muscle. In addition, there was agreement among the tools for the least stable genes: MRPS27, GAPDH and RPLP1 in the broilers breast muscle. Therefore, it is interesting to note that even with different tools for evaluating gene expression, there was consensus on the most and least stable genes. These results indicate that the Ribosomal protein L30 (RPL30) and Ribosomal protein L5 (RPL5) can be recommended for accurate normalization in qPCR studies with chicken pectoralis major muscle affected with White Striping and other myopathies.

     

Evaluation of coffee reference genes for relative expression studies by quantitative real-time RT-PCR

Accuracy in quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) requires the use of stable endogenous controls. Normalization with multiple reference genes is the gold standard, but their identification is a laborious task, especially in species with limited sequence information. Coffee (Coffea ssp.) is an important agricultural commodity and, due to its economic relevance, is the subject of increasing research in genetics and biotechnology, in which gene expression analysis is one of the most important fields. Notwithstanding, relatively few works have focused on the analysis of gene expression in coffee. Moreover, most of these works have used less accurate techniques such as northern blot assays instead of more accurate techniques (e.g., qPCR) that have already been extensively used in other plant species. Aiming to boost the use of qPCR in studies of gene expression in coffee, we uncovered reference genes to be used in a number of different experimental conditions. Using two distinct algorithms implemented by geNorm and Norm Finder, we evaluated a total of eight candidate reference genes (psaB, PP2A, AP47, S24, GAPDH, rpl39, UBQ10, and UBI9) in four different experimental sets (control versus drought-stressed leaves, control versus drought-stressed roots, leaves of three different coffee cultivars, and four different coffee organs). The most suitable combination of reference genes was indicated in each experimental set for use as internal control for reliable qPCR data normalization. This study also provides useful guidelines for reference gene selection for researchers working with coffee plant samples under conditions other than those tested here. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Detection of stable reference genes for real-time PCR analysis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Gene expression studies using postmortem human brain tissue are a common tool for studying the etiology of psychiatric disorders. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is an accurate and sensitive technique used for gene expression analysis in which the expression level is quantified by normalization to one or more reference genes. Therefore, accurate data normalization is critical for validating results obtained by qPCR. This study aimed to identify genes that may serve as reference in postmortem dorsolateral-prefrontal cortices (Brodmann’s area 46) of schizophrenics, bipolar disorder (BPD) patients, and control subjects. In the exploratory stage of the analysis, samples of four BPD patients, two schizophrenics, and two controls were quantified using the TaqMan Low Density Array endogenous control panel, containing assays for 16 commonly used reference genes. In the next stage, six of these genes (TFRC, RPLP0, ACTB, POLR2a, B2M, and GAPDH) were quantified by qPCR in 12 samples of each clinical group. Expressional stability of the genes was determined by GeNorm and NormFinder. TFRC and RPLP0 were the most stably expressed genes, whereas the commonly used 18S, POLR2a, and GAPDH were the least stable. This report stresses the importance of examining expressional stability of candidate reference genes in the specific sample collection to be analyzed.     

巴斯德毕赤酵母不同生长阶段内参基因的筛选与验证

【背景】巴斯德毕赤酵母(Komagataella phaffii)是一种甲基营养型酵母,近年来作为生产重组蛋白和构建生物合成途径的细胞工厂受到广泛关注。实时荧光定量PCR (real-time quantitative PCR,RT-qPCR)是巴斯德毕赤酵母表达系统研究中一种快速、高效的基因表达水平检测技术,但需要进行归一化处理才能保证所得结果的可靠性。【目的】筛选并验证巴斯德毕赤酵母在不同生长阶段最稳定的内参基因用于精准归一化RT-qPCR的结果。【方法】通过转录组数据分析初步筛选出16个候选内参基因(rps8b、rpl35a、rpl10、eif5a、rpl19a、por1、rpl23b、0887、tif1、ole1、rpl14b、gs、sun、sdh2、trx1和ccp1)。通过RT-qPCR技术得到候选内参基因的C_t值,利用qBASE软件中的geNorm程序综合NormFinder算法评估内参基因的表达稳定性。【结果】通过geNorm分析得出精准归一化所需的最佳内参基因个数为2,最稳定的基因是rpl19a和tif1,NormFinder分析得到稳定性最高的内参基因为tif1。此外,利用甲酸脱氢酶编码基因fdh和乙醇脱氢酶甲醛脱氢酶双功能酶的编码基因afdh对候选内参基因进行验证。【结论】巴斯德毕赤酵母不同生长阶段的RT-qPCR进行精准归一化需要tif1和rpl19a这2个内参基因,为相关功能基因的表达定量提供了可靠的分析依据,补充了RT-qPCR分析中的内参基因,为巴斯德毕赤酵母不同生长阶段的基因表达调控及其应用研究提供了新的参考。     

Getting real with real-time qPCR: a case study of reference gene selection for morphological variation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila melanogaster</Emphasis> wings

Accurate estimation of gene expression differences during development requires sensitive techniques combined with gold-standard normalization procedures. This is particularly true in the case of quantitative traits, where expression changes might be small. Nevertheless, systematic selection and validation of reference genes has been overlooked, even in Drosophila studies. Here, we tested the stability of six traditional reference genes across samples of imaginal wing disks from morphologically divergent strains of Drosophila melanogaster, in a two-class comparison: quantitative or qualitative variation in wing morphology. Overall, we identified and validated a pair of genes (RpL32 and Tbp) as being stably expressed in both experimental comparisons. These genes might be considered as a bona fide pair of reference genes for gene expression analyses of morphological divergence in D. melanogaster wings. They might also be taken as good candidates for experimental identification of stable reference genes in other morphological comparisons using Drosophila or other insect species. Besides, we found that some genes traditionally used as reference in qPCR experiments were not stably expressed in wing disks from the different fly strains. In fact, a significant bias was observed when the expression of three genes of interest, which are involved in the regulation of growth and patterning during imaginal wing development, was normalized with such putative reference genes. Our results demonstrate how inaccurate findings and opposite conclusions might be drawn if traditional reference genes are arbitrarily used for internal normalization without proper validation in the given experimental condition, a practice still common in qPCR experiments.     

Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction studies in rat osteoblasts

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a powerful tool to evaluate gene expression, but its accuracy depends on the choice and stability of the reference genes used for normalization. In this study, we aimed to identify reference genes for studies on osteoblasts derived from rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (bone marrow osteoblasts), osteoblasts derived from newborn rat calvarial (calvarial osteoblasts), and rat osteosarcoma cell line UMR-106. The osteoblast phenotype was characterized by ALP activity and extracellular matrix mineralization. Thirty-one candidates for reference genes from a Taqman^® array were assessed by qRT-PCR, and their expressions were analyzed by five different approaches. The data showed that several of the most traditional reference genes, such as Actb and Gapdh, were inadequate for normalization and that the experimental conditions may affect gene stability. Eif2b1 was frequently identified among the best reference genes in bone marrow osteoblasts, calvarial osteoblasts, and UMR-106 osteoblasts. Selected stable and unstable reference genes were used to normalize the gene expression of Runx2, Alp, and Oc. The data showed statistically significant differences in the expression of these genes depending on the stability of the reference gene used for normalization, creating a bias that may induce incorrect assumptions in terms of osteoblast characterization of these cells. In conclusion, our study indicates that a rigorous selection of reference genes is a key step in qRT-PCR studies in osteoblasts to generate precise and reliable data.     

Evaluation of candidate reference genes for QPCR during ontogenesis and of immune-relevant tissues of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The expression level of mRNA can vary significantly in different experimental conditions, such as stress, infection, developmental stage or tissue. Suitable reference genes are expected to exhibit constant expression levels. However no single gene is constitutively expressed in all cell types and under all experimental conditions. It has become clear that expression stability of the intended reference gene has to be examined before each experiment. For expression studies using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) at least two reference genes have to be applied. So far expression studies in the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) as well as in the Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) have been performed with only one reference gene (S18, Ef-1 alpha or Gapdh). Though significant variations showed up in other teleost species such as the Atlantic halibut and the zebrafish affirming the need for proper normalization strategies, the present study aims at identifying suitable reference genes among nine candidates [glyceraldehyde-phosphate-dehydrogenase (Gapdh), β-actin (two regions of β-actin), 40S ribosomal protein S30 (Fau), ribosomal protein L13 a (L13a), β2-tubulin (Tubb2) and tyrosine 3 monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein (Tyr)] for expression analysis of 8 developmental stages and a tissue panel (spleen, liver, kidney and brain) with samples infected with Nodavirus and Vibrio anguillarum in D. labrax. Besides the analysis of raw Ct-values, the gene expression stability was determined using two different software applications BestKeeper and NormFinder. According to both algorithms the best two reference genes for an appropriate normalization approach during D. labrax development are Ef-1 alpha and L13a whereas in the tissue panel Fau and L13a are recommended for qPCR normalization.     

Evaluation and Validation of Reference Genes for Normalization of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Based Gene Expression Studies in Peanut

The quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) based techniques have become essential for gene expression studies and high-throughput molecular characterization of transgenic events. Normalizing to reference gene in relative quantification make results from qPCR more reliable when compared to absolute quantification, but requires robust reference genes. Since, ideal reference gene should be species specific, no single internal control gene is universal for use as a reference gene across various plant developmental stages and diverse growth conditions. Here, we present validation studies of multiple stably expressed reference genes in cultivated peanut with minimal variations in temporal and spatial expression when subjected to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Stability in the expression of eight candidate reference genes including ADH3, ACT11, ATPsyn, CYP2, ELF1B, G6PD, LEC and UBC1 was compared in diverse peanut plant samples. The samples were categorized into distinct experimental sets to check the suitability of candidate genes for accurate and reliable normalization of gene expression using qPCR. Stability in expression of the references genes in eight sets of samples was determined by geNorm and NormFinder methods. While three candidate reference genes including ADH3, G6PD and ELF1B were identified to be stably expressed across experiments, LEC was observed to be the least stable, and hence must be avoided for gene expression studies in peanut. Inclusion of the former two genes gave sufficiently reliable results; nonetheless, the addition of the third reference gene ELF1B may be potentially better in a diverse set of tissue samples of peanut.     

Selection of reference genes for expression studies in Cicer arietinum L.: analysis of cyp81E3 gene expression against Ascochyta rabiei

Normalisation to a reference gene is the most common method of internally controlling for error in quantitative PCR (qPCR) experiments. Studies based on qPCR in chickpea have been carried out using potential reference genes exclusively. Inappropriate normalisation may result in the acquisition of biologically irrelevant data. We have tested the expression of 12 candidate internal control genes in 36 samples representing different organs/developmental stages, genotypes and stress conditions. The most stably expressed genes were PUBQ, GAPDH, UBQ and bHLH, whereas 18S rRNA and EF-1a showed considerable regulation. The most suitable combination of reference genes for the particular experimental sets tested is provided. To illustrate the use of chickpea reference genes, we checked the expression of a putative defence gene in two different genotypes infected with Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) Lab. The set of reference genes presented here will enable the more accurate and reliable normalisation of qPCR results for gene expression studies in this important legume crop. Our findings can be used as a starting point for reference gene selection in experimental conditions different from those tested here.     

Evaluation of Reference Genes for RT-qPCR Expression Studies in Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) during Infection with Vascular Pathogen Verticillium albo-atrum

Hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.), cultivated primarily for its use in the brewing industry, is faced with a variety of diseases, including severe vascular diseases, such as Verticillium wilt, against which no effective protection is available. The understanding of disease resistance with tools such as differentially expressed gene studies is an important objective of plant defense mechanisms. In this study, we evaluated twenty-three reference genes for RT-qPCR expression studies on hop under biotic stress conditions. The candidate genes were validated on susceptible and resistant hop cultivars sampled at three different time points after infection with Verticillium albo-atrum. The stability of expression and the number of genes required for accurate normalization were assessed by three different Excel-based approaches (geNorm v.3.5 software, NormFinder, and RefFinder). High consistency was found among them, identifying the same six best reference genes (YLS8, DRH1, TIP41, CAC, POAC and SAND) and five least stably expressed genes (CYCL, UBQ11, POACT, GAPDH and NADH). The candidate genes in different experimental subsets/conditions resulted in different rankings. A combination of the two best reference genes, YLS8 and DRH1, was used for normalization of RT-qPCR data of the gene of interest (PR-1) implicated in biotic stress of hop. We outlined the differences between normalized and non-normalized values and the importance of RT-qPCR data normalization. The high correlation obtained among data standardized with different sets of reference genes confirms the suitability of the reference genes selected for normalization. Lower correlations between normalized and non-normalized data may reflect different quantity and/or quality of RNA samples used in RT-qPCR analyses.     

mRNA extraction of Xanthomonas fragariae in strawberry and validation of reference genes for the RT-qPCR for study of bacterial gene expression

This is the first study which describes a unique procedure of isolating of high-quality, intact RNA from strawberry leaves of Xanthomonas fragariae, three most suitable reference genes, crucial for the normalization of RT-qPCR data for this pathogen and accurate expression analysis of target genes. In our study, various mathematic algorithms: NormFinder geNorm, BestKeeper, the delta CT method, RefFinder were adopted for validation of most stable reference genes from nine candidate genes (ffh, glyA, gyrA, gyrB, proC, pykA, recA, rpoB, rpoD). The analyses allowing to select three most suitable pioneer reference genes, gyrB, ffh, and pykA, that we recommend for the normalization of RT-qPCR data and for the study of the expression of target genes in Xf. Moreover, their combination as references allowed for an accurate expression analysis and computation of the fold change of the flhF and iroN2 genes in Xf. These two genes are important for the success of the colonization of plant tissue and pathogenicity and sequences of primers designed to study these genes, are presented.

     

Validation of Candidate Reference Genes for the Accurate Normalization of Real-Time Quantitative RT-PCR Data in Rice During Seed Development

Rice seed, a natural storage organ for starch and protein, is also an ideal bioreactor for the production of valuable proteins. Increasingly, studies focused on rice have tried to determine the functions of its genes and also to improve its yield and quality. Real-time RT-PCR is the best available choice at present for gene expression analysis due to its accuracy, sensitivity, and reproducibility. The right choice of reference genes for normalization, however, is a critical precondition for reliable results. In this study, the expression stabilities of nine commonly used housekeeping genes in rice were carefully assessed using the software geNorm. Our results showed that eIF-4a and ACT1 were the most suitable reference genes among almost all the tested samples from two rice varieties, including different temporal and spatial-specific tissues, especially in seeds at different developmental stages. In contrast, 18S and 25S rRNAs, two common reference genes, were found to have the least stable expression. Moreover, it is necessary to use multiple suitable reference genes together for normalization to get a more reliable result in temporal and spatial expression analysis during rice seed development. The validated reference genes were further relied when used to quantify the expression of several genes of interest during rice seed development.     

Selection of suitable reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in trabecular meshwork cells under oxidative stress

Oxidative stress-induced dysfunction in trabecular meshwork (TM) cells is considered a major alteration that can lead to glaucoma. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is the most widely used agent for inducing oxidation in TM cells in vitro. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is an important method for studying alterations in gene expression, and suitable (i.e. invariant) reference genes must be defined to normalize expression levels. In this study, eight common reference genes, i.e. PRS18, ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, PPIA, HPRT1, YWHAZ, and TBP, were evaluated for use in studies of H₂O₂-induced dysfunction in TM cells. Three established algorithms, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper, were used to analyze the reference genes. ACTB expression was least affected by H₂O₂ treatment in TM cells, and the combination of PPIA and HPRT1 was the most suitable gene pair for normalization. GAPDH and TBP were the most unstable genes and accordingly should be avoided in experiments with TM cells. These results provide a foundation for analyses of the mechanisms underlying glaucoma, and emphasize the importance of selecting suitable reference genes for qPCR studies.