mRNA EVALUATION

The examination of mRNA levels provides a convenient and powerful means of evaluating the biological status of sampled cells or tissues. To extend mRNA profiling to the study of small numbers of specific cell types, such as stem cells.

As a result of the increased sensitivity of the methods used, MDS is able to offer an mRNA profiling service applicable to a wide range of cellular samples including:

• Microdissected tissue
• FACS populations
• 96-well microcultures

Quantitative measurements include:

• Levels of individual genes measured using real-time quantitative PCR
• Results compared to either specified "housekeeping genes" or total input cDNA
• More extensive gene analysis methods, such as cDNA array

Typical applications of assays:

• Determine drug target mRNA expression levels in whole tissues and cellular sub-compartments
• Examine tissue-specific markers to confirm the purity of cell populations
• Assess changes in specific mRNA levels in response to therapy
• Determine global changes in mRNA levels by using cDNA array and display