Identification and validation of stage-specific reference genes for gene expression analysis in Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

In light of a number of recent studies highlighting the increasing research interest in bruchids, it is crucial to validate suitable reference genes that could be used in quantitative gene expression studies. Callosobruchus maculatus is a serious pest of stored grains and field legumes in which reference genes have not been assessed and validated to date. The present study aimed to identify and validate reference genes in different developmental stages of C. maculatus shortlisted from commonly used reference genes such as VATPase, TRIP12, TBP, TF11D, ACTIN, GST, ANNEXIN, PTCD3, RPL32, and β -Tub in various insects. Dedicated algorithms like GeNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper were used to analyze the stability of these candidate genes, which revealed GST for third instar, ANNEXIN and PTCD3 for the fourth instar, TF11D and VATPase for male pupa, RPL32 and β-tub for female pupa, β-tub and TBP for adult male and VATPase and GST for adult females as suitable reference genes for expression studies in C. maculatus. The final comprehensive ranking using RefFinder identified GST and TBP as the best reference genes for all the developmental stages of C. maculatus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report which evaluates and validates stable reference genes in C. maculatus. The information of stage-specific gene expression, generated in this study will be useful for future molecular, physiological, and biochemical studies on C. maculatus and other closely related bruchids.     

Selection of optimal reference genes for quantitative RT-PCR studies of boar spermatozoa cryopreservation

Reference genes can be used to normalize mRNA levels across different samples for the exact comparison of the mRNA expression level. It is important to select reference genes with high quality for the accurate interpretation of qRT-PCR data. Although several studies have attempted to validate reference genes in pigs, no validation studies have been performed on spermatozoa samples frozen with different cryoprotectants. In this study, 11 commonly used reference genes (ACTB, B2M, GAPDH, HPRT1, RPL4, SDHA, YWHAZ, PPIA, PGK1, S18, and BLM) were investigated in boar spermatozoa frozen with six different cryoprotectants using qRT-PCR. The expression stability of these reference genes in different samples was evaluated using geNorm (qbase^plus software), NormFinder, and BestKeeper. The geNorm results revealed that PGK1, ACTB, and RPL4 exhibit high expression stability in all of the samples, and the NormFinder results indicated that GAPDH is the most stable gene. Furthermore, the BestKeeper results indicated that the three most stable genes are PPIA, GAPDH, and RPL4 and that S18, B2M and BLM are the three least stable genes. There are a number of differences in the ranking order of the reference genes obtained using the different algorithms. In conclusion, GAPDH, RPL4, and PPIA were the three most stable genes in frozen boar spermatozoa, as determined based on the cycle threshold coefficient of variation (Ct CV%) and the comprehensive ranking order, and this finding is consistent with the BestKeeper results     

植物实时荧光定量PCR内参基因的特点及选择

实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)具有灵敏度高、特异性强、重复的动态定量范围和高通量等优点,是进行植物基因表达和转录分析最常用的技术手段之一.选择合适的内参基因是正确运用实时荧光定量PCR分析目标基因表达变化的前提.近年来,大量研究表明,内参基因的选择应取决于研究者的实验条件;随着实验条件的变化,内参基因的选择也随之变化.因此,实时荧光定量PCR结果分析的准确性在很大程度上依赖于所选择的内参基因是否适合.该文从内参基因的选择、常用内参基因的特点、新内参基因的挖掘、应用内参基因组合的优点和内参基因的稳定性评价等几方面进行综述,以期为研究者在实验中选择合适的内参基因提供参考和理论依据.     

孟氏隐唇瓢虫qRT-PCR分析中内参基因的筛选

选择合适的内参基因是qRT-PCR研究的关键。本文以孟氏隐唇瓢虫Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant为研究材料,利用qRT-PCR技术,对孟氏隐唇瓢虫4个候选内参基因Actin、RPS23、GAPDH和β-tubulin的mRNA的表达量进行了分析,并用Ge Norm、Norm Finder和Best Keeper软件分析它们在孟氏隐唇瓢虫不同发育阶段及成虫不同组织中的表达稳定性。结果表明,以成虫不同组织为材料时,综合三种软件分析结果显示4个候选基因表达稳定性平均等级值排名为RPS23(rank=1)β-tubulin(rank=2.3)GAPDH(rank=3)Actin(rank=3.7),以不同发育时期虫体为材料时,综合分析结果显示4个候选内参基因表达稳定性平均等级值排名为RPS23(rank=1.7)Actin(rank=2)GAPDH(rank=2.7)β-tubulin(rank=3.7)。综合分析在瓢虫不同发育阶段及成虫不同组织两种处理下,三种软件的评价效果,4个候选基因表达稳定性等级值的总平均排名为RPS23(rank=1.3)Actin(rank=2.8)=GAPDH(rank=2.8)β-tubulin(rank=3)。RPS23在瓢虫不同发育阶段及成虫不同组织中均显示出较高的表达稳定性及与其它基因之间极大的相关性,可以确定为孟氏隐唇虫不同发育阶段及成虫不同组织基因表达分析中一个稳定表达的基因,可作为单个内参基因或者其它内参基因的协同基因,本实验为开展孟氏隐唇瓢虫功能基因表达分析奠定了方法学基础。     

Selection and validation of reference genes for real-time RT-PCR studies in the non-model species Delomys sublineatus, an endemic Brazilian rodent

Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) is a sensitive technique for gene expression analysis. A critical factor for creating reliable data in relative quantification is the normalization of the expression data of genes of interest. Therefore the needed normalization factor is calculated out of the expression data of co-amplified genes that are stable expressed in the certain sample material, the so-called reference genes. In this study, we demonstrate the important process of validating potential reference genes using a non-model species. As there are almost no sequences known of the Pallid Atlantic Forest Rat (Delomys sublineatus), a rodent used as indicator species in conservation studies of the endangered Brazilian rainforest, suitable primer sets are more problematic to find than in model species. Out of nine tested primer sets designed for the fully sequenced Mus musculus, five could be used for the establishment of a proper running SYBR-Green assay and validation of their constant expression. qRT-PCR results of 12 cDNAs of Delomys livers were analyzed with three different validation software programs: BestKeeper, NormFinder and geNorm. Our approach showed that out of the five (Sdha, Canx, Pgk1, Actb and Actg1) potential reference genes, the first four should be used for accurate normalization in further relative quantification analyses. Transferring data from close-by model organisms makes high sensitive real-time RT-PCR applicable even to free-ranging non-model organisms. Our approach might be suitable for other non-model organisms.     

实时荧光定量PCR分析蒙古韭低温诱导叶片中内参基因的选择

实时荧光定量PCR (real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR,qRT-PCR)是广泛应用于基因表达分析的实验技术。在基因表达分析过程中,选择稳定表达的内参基因对实验结果的准确性非常重要。以低温诱导24 h和72 h蒙古韭(Allium mongolicum)的叶片为材料,无处理0 h叶片为对照,使用荧光定量PCR法分析了Am5S-rRNA、AmActin、AmGAPDH和AmEF1-α4个看家基因的表达情况。通过ge Norm和NormFinder程序分析,发现AmGAPDH稳定性最好,Am5S-r RNA和AmActin次之,AmEF1-α稳定性最差,因此选择AmGAPDH作为蒙古韭基因表达分析的内参基因。本研究通过qRT-PCR方法分析稳定表达的内参基因,对后续蒙古韭低温诱导基因表达分析有重要的意义。     

Selection and Validation of Reference Genes for Normalization of RT-qPCR Analysis in Developing or Abiotic-Stressed Tissues of Loquat (<i>Eriobotrya japonica</i>)

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a subtropical evergreen fruit tree that produces fruits with abundant nutrients and medicinal components. Confirming suitable reference genes for a set of loquat samples before qRT-PCR experiments is essential for the accurate quantification of gene expression. In this study, eight candidate reference genes were selected from our previously published RNA-seq data, and primers for each candidate reference gene were designed and evaluated. The Cq values of the candidate reference genes were calculated by RT-qPCR in 31 different loquat samples, including 12 subgroups of developing or abiotic-stressed tissues. Different combinations of stable reference genes were screened according to a comprehensive rank, which was synthesized from the results of four algorithms, including the geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and ΔCt methods. The screened reference genes were verified by normalizing EjLGA1 in each subgroup. The obtained suitable combinations of reference genes for accurate normalization were GAPDH, EF1α and ACT for floral development; GAPDH, UBCE and ACT for fruit setting; EF1α, GAPDH and eIF2B for fruit ripening; ACT, EF1α and UBCE for leaves under heat stress; eIF2B, UBCE and EF1α for leaves under freezing stress; EF1α, TUA and UBCE for leaves under salt stress; ACT, EF1α and eIF2B for immature pulp under freezing stress; ACT, UBCE and eIF2B for immature seeds under freezing stress; EF1α, eIF2B and UBCE for both immature pulp and seeds under freezing stress; UBCE, TUB and TUA for red-fleshed fruits under cold-storage stress; eIF2B, RPS3 and TUB for white-fleshed fruits under cold-storage stress; and eIF2B, UBCE and RPS3 for both red- and white-fleshed fruits under cold-storage stress. This study obtained different combinations of stable reference genes for accurate normalization in twelve subgroups of developing or abiotic-stressed tissues in loquat. To our knowledge, this is the first report to obtain stable reference genes for normalizing gene expression of abiotic-stressed tissues in E. japonica. The use of the three most stable reference genes could increase the reliability of future quantification experiments.     

Selection of appropriate reference genes for gene expression studies by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in cucumber

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) has become one of the most widely used methods for gene expression analysis. However, the expression profile of a target gene may be misinterpreted due to unstable expression of the reference genes under different experimental conditions. Thus, a systematic evaluation of these reference genes is necessary before experiments are performed. In this study, 10 putative reference genes were chosen for identifying expression stability using geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper statistical algorithms in 12 different cucumber sample pools, including those from different plant tissues and from plants treated with hormones and abiotic stresses. EF1α and UBI-ep exhibited the most stable expression across all of the tested cucumber samples. In different tissues, in addition to expression of EF1α and UBI-ep, the expression of TUA was also stable and was considered as an appropriate reference gene. Evaluation of samples treated with different hormones revealed that TUA and UBI-ep were the most stably expressed genes. However, for abiotic stress treatments, only EF1α showed a relatively stable expression level. In conclusion, TUA, UBI-ep, and EF1α will be particularly helpful for reliable QRT-PCR data normalization in these types of samples. This study also provides guidelines for selecting different reference genes under different conditions.     

实时荧光定量PCR中内参基因的选择

实时荧光定量PCR技术是分析基因表达谱的一种常用方法,在分析中选择合适的内参基因对数据进行校正是得到可信数据的关键。以Lactobacillus helveticus H9为研究对象,应用实时荧光定量PCR技术,评价了5种常用内参基因ldh、recA、rpoB、gapdh和16S rRNA的表达稳定性,通过geNorm和NormFinder程序进行数据分析,结果表明5个候选内参基因在菌株不同的发酵时间点表达相对都较为稳定,结合两种分析得到其中最为稳定的基因是ldh,适合于用作后续实时荧光定量PCR试验中的内参基因。     

Reference Gene Selection for qRT-PCR Normalization in <i>Iris germanica</i> L.

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is an effective and widely used method to analyze expression patterns of target genes. Selection of stable reference genes is a prerequisite for accurate normalization of target gene expression by qRT-PCR. In Iris germanica L., no studies have yet been published regarding the evaluation of potential reference genes. In this study, nine candidate reference genes were assessed at different flower developmental stages and in different tissues by four different algorithms (GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder). The results revealed that ACT11 (Actin 11) and EF1α (Elongation factor 1 alpha) were the most stable reference genes in different tissues, whereas TUA (Tubulin alpha) and UBC9 (Ubiquitin-protein ligase 9) were the most stable ones in different flower developmental stages. UBC9 and ACT11 were the most stable reference genes in all of the tested samples, while the SAMDC (S-Adenosylmethionine decarboxylase) showed the least stability. Finally, to validate the suitability of the selected reference genes, the relative expression level of IgTPS (beta-caryophyllene synthase) was assessed and highlighted the importance of suitable reference gene selection. This work constitutes the first systematic evaluation of potential reference genes in I. germanica and provides guidelines for future research on gene function and molecular mechanisms on I. germanica and related species.     

Reference Gene Selection for Quantitative Real-Time PCR Normalization in Reaumuria soongorica

Despite its superiority for evaluating gene expression, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results can be significantly biased by the use of inappropriate reference genes under different experimental conditions. Reaumuria soongorica is a dominant species of desert ecosystems in arid central Asia. Given the increasing interest in ecological engineering and potential genetic resources for arid agronomy, it is important to analyze gene function. However, systematic evaluation of stable reference genes should be performed prior to such analyses. In this study, the stabilities of 10 candidate reference genes were analyzed under 4 kinds of abiotic stresses (drought, salt, dark, and heat) within 4 accessions (HG010, HG020, XGG030, and XGG040) from 2 different habitats using 3 algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper). After validation of the ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large unite (rbcL) expression pattern, our data suggested that histone H2A (H2A) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-2 (EIF4A2) were the most stable reference genes, cyclophilin (CYCL) was moderate, and elongation factor 1α (EF1α) was the worst choice. This first systematic analysis for stably expressed genes will facilitate future functional analyses and deep mining of genetic resources in R. soongorica and other species of the Reaumuria genus.     

Reference Gene Selection for Gene Expression Studies Using Quantitative Real-Time PCR Normalization in Atropa belladonna

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a powerful tool for measuring gene expression levels. Accurate and reproducible results are dependent on the correct choice of reference genes for data normalization. Atropa belladonna is a commercial plant species from which pharmaceutical tropane alkaloids are extracted. In this study, eight candidate reference genes, namely 18S ribosomal RNA (18S), actin (ACT), cyclophilin (CYC), elongation factor 1α (EF-1α), β-fructosidase (FRU), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), and beta-tubulin (TUB), were selected and their expression stabilities studied to determine their suitability for normalizing gene expression in A. belladonna. The expression stabilities of these genes were analyzed in the root, stem, and leaf under cold, heat, NaCl, UV-B, methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and abscisic acid treatments using geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper. The statistical algorithms indicated that PGK was a reliable gene for normalizing gene expression under most of the experimental conditions. The pairwise value analysis showed that two genes were sufficient for proper expression normalization, except when analyzing gene expression in heat-treated roots. However, the choice of the second reference gene depended on specific conditions. Finally, the relative expression level of the PMT gene of A. belladonna was detected to validate the selection of PGK a reliable reference gene. In summary, our results should guide the selection of appropriate reference genes for gene expression studies in A. belladonna under different organs and abiotic stress conditions.     

五龄飞蝗不同发育时间实时定量PCR内参基因的筛选

【目的】筛选5龄飞蝗不同发育时间的最适内参基因,为相关研究提供基础数据。【方法】本文选取β-肌动蛋白(β-actin)、延长因子(EF-1α)、3-磷酸甘油醛脱氢酶(GAPDH)、核糖体蛋白49(RP49)、α-微管蛋白(α-Tubulin)和18S核糖体RNA(18S rRNA)基因作为候选内参基因,运用实时定量PCR(qPCR)方法研究各基因在5龄飞蝗不同发育时间的相对表达量,用geNorm与Normfmder软件分析这6个基因表达稳定性。【结果】geNorm分析结果显示6个内参基因表达稳定度M值顺序为:β-actin(0.3720)>RP49(0.3750)>α-Tubulin(0.4030)>18S rRNA(0.4270)>EF-1α(0.4970)>GAPDH(0.6040)。M值越小表示基因表达稳定度越高,同时geNorm软件以标准化因子配对差异值(Pairwise variations)0.15默认为取舍值,由于V2/3=0.098<0.15,所以最适内参基因数目为2个。运用NormFinder软件也得出相似的结果。【结论】β-actin与RP49为5龄飞蝗不同发育时间的最适内参基因。     

发育期火龙果内参基因的筛选和验证

[目的]筛选火龙果果实发育期稳定表达的内参基因。[方法]以火龙果不同发育时期的果实为材料,利用qRT-PCR技术检测17个看家基因的表达水平,借助ge Norm和Norm Finder筛选出果实发育期理想的内参基因。[结果]Ge Norm评估YLS8和ACT并列排名第一,表达稳定值均为0. 221,配对差异值V_2/3为0. 105; Norm Finder排名前两名为TBP2和YLS8,表达稳定值为0. 160和0. 191。使用内参基因YLS8和TBP2分析火龙果甜菜色素合成途径关键基因HpCytP450-like1的表达水平,与基因Hp Cyt P450-like1在火龙果果实发育期表达趋势一致。[结论]从17个候选基因中筛选出2个理想的的内参基因YLS8和TBP2,可作为火龙果果实发育期相关基因的表达调控研究。     

猪组织中miR-103实时定量PCR分析时合适内参的确定

定量实时PCR是miRNA表达检测的主要方法之一,而利用合适内参对定量实时PCR数据进行校正处理是确保该方法分析准确性的关键.为了确定猪正常组织中miR-103定量实时PCR检测分析的合适内参,首先采用geNorm算法和扩增效率试验对miR-196、U6 snRNA和总RNA 3个候选内参进行了评价;然后以miR-103的绝对定量结果为对照,比较分析了3个候选内参的校正准确性．结果表明,miR-196的表达稳定性和扩增效率均优于U6 snRNA和总RNA;以miR-196为内参的miR-103相对定量结果同绝对定量结果具有较高的一致性,两者均显示miR-103在猪大脑中高丰度表达,在胃、小脑、小肠、心脏、肝脏和胰脏中适度表达,在肺、脾脏和腿肌中轻度表达.这些结果说明,miR-196可作为猪正常组织中miR-103定量实时PCR相对定量分析的一个合适内参.     

Validation of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Normalization

The normalization of quantitative real time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) is important to obtain accurate gene expression data. The most common method for qRT-PCR normalization is to use reference, or house- keeping genes. However, there is emerging evidence that even reference genes can be regulated under different conditions, qRT-PCR has only recently been used in terms of zebrafish gene expression studies and there is no validated set of reference genes. This study characterizes the expression of nine possible reference genes during zebrafish embryonic development and in a zebrafish tissue panel. All nine reference genes exhibited variable expression. The β-actin, EF1α and Rp113α genes comprise a validated reference gene panel for zebrafish developmental time course studies, and the EF1α, Rp113α and 18S rRNA genes are more suitable as a reference gene panel for zebrafish tissue analysis. Importantly, the zebrafish GAPDH gene appears unsuitable as reference gene for both types of studies.