Reagent Guide

Reagent Guide
Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus

Real-Time PCR Systems
Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems

Reagent Guide
Copyright 2008, Applied Biosystems. All rights reserved. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Applied Biosystems assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THIS DOCUMENT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL APPLIED BIOSYSTEMS BE LIABLE, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, WARRANTY, OR UNDER ANY STATUTE OR ON ANY OTHER BASIS FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, MULTIPLE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH OR ARISING FROM THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE USE THEREOF. For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. NOTICE TO PURCHASER: Label License The StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems are covered by one or more of US Patents Nos. 5,475,610, 5,602,756, 6,703,236, 6,814,934, 7,238,517, 7,423,750 and corresponding claims in their non-US counterparts, owned by Applied Biosystems Inc. No right is conveyed expressly, by implication, or by estoppel under any other patent claim, such as claims to apparatus, reagents, kits, or methods such as 5 nuclease methods. Further information on purchasing licenses may be obtained by contacting the Director of Licensing, Applied Biosystems, 850 Lincoln Centre Drive, Foster City, California 94404, USA. NOTICE TO PURCHASER: PLEASE REFER TO THE USER'S GUIDE OR PRODUCT INSERT OF THE REAGENTS NAMED HEREIN FOR LIMITED LABEL LICENSE OR DISCLAIMER INFORMATION. TRADEMARKS: Applied Biosystems, AB (Design), MicroAmp, Primer Express, and VIC are registered trademarks, and FAM, JOE, MicroAmp, MultiScribe, NED, ROX, StepOne, StepOnePlus, TAMRA, TET, and VeriFlex are trademarks of Applied Biosystems or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or certain other countries. AmpErase, AmpliTaq Gold, and TaqMan are registered trademarks of Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. SYBR is a registered trademark of Molecular Probes, Inc. All other trademarks are the sole property of their respective owners.
Part Number 4379704 Rev. D 12/2008
Contents
Preface
Front Cover
How to Use This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii How to Obtain More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix How to Obtain Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xii
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the StepOne and StepOnePlus Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Supported Consumables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Preparing for Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 Select the Experiment Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7 Select the Reagent Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Select the Assay Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Chapter 2
Reagent Overview
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 TaqMan Reagents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 SYBR Green Reagents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Selecting the Appropriate Reagent Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 Minimizing DNA Contaminants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
Chapter 3
Quantitation Experiments
Section 3.1: About Quantitation Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Select a Quantitation Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Select 1-Step or 2-Step RT-PCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 Select Singleplex or Multiplex PCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 Select the Reagent Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 Select the Assay Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 Section 3.2: Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15 Inventoried/Made to Order Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16 TaqMan Gene Expression Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16
Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Reagent Guide
iii
Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18 Select the Master Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19 Design the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20 Custom Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21 Design Primers and Probes Using Primer Express Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21 Select the Reagents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24 Use the Recommended Thermal Cycling Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27 Optimize Primer Concentrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30 Optimize the Probe Concentration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33 For More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Chapter 4
Genotyping Experiments
Section 4.1: About Genotyping Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4 Select the Assay Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6 Section 4.2: Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9 Pre-Designed/Validated Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 Pre-Developed TaqMan Assay Reagents for Allelic Discrimination . . . . . . . . . . 4-12 Select the Master Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13 Design the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 Custom Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 Select the Master Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16 Design the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
Chapter 5
Presence/Absence Experiments
Section 5.1: About Presence/Absence Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4 Select the Assay Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Section 5.2: Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9 Inventoried/Made to Order Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 TaqMan Gene Expression Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12 TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13 Select the Master Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15 Design the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16 Custom Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
iv
Appendix A Formulas
Standard Deviation Calculation Using the Standard Curve Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2 Standard Deviation Calculation Using the Comparative Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5 Formula for Comparative CT (CT) Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
Appendix B Primer Limiting in Multiplex PCR Appendix C Assay Design Guidelines Appendix D Reagent Part Numbers
Quantitation Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2 Inventoried/Made to Order Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2 Custom Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2 Genotyping Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5 Pre-Designed/Validated Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5 Custom Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5 Presence/Absence Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7 Inventoried/Made to Order Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7 Custom Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-8
Bibliography Glossary Index
vi
Preface
How to Use This Guide
About the System Documentation
Guide Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Genotyping Experiments Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Presence/Absence Experiments Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Relative Standard Curve and Comparative CT Experiments Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Standard Curve Experiments Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Installation, Networking, and Maintenance Guide Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Installation Quick Reference Card Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Reagent Guide Provides information about the reagents you can use on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, including: An introduction to TaqMan and SYBR Green reagents Descriptions and design guidelines for the following experiment types: Quantitation experiments Genotyping experiments Presence/absence experiments Intended for laboratory staff and principal investigators who perform experiments using the StepOne or StepOnePlus system. Explains how to install and maintain the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems. Intended for laboratory staff responsible for the installation and maintenance of the StepOne or StepOnePlus system 4376783
The guides listed below are shipped with the Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems (StepOne and StepOnePlus systems).
Purpose and Audience Explains how to perform experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems. Each Getting Started Guide functions as both: A tutorial, using example experiment data provided with the Applied Biosystems StepOne Real-Time PCR Software (StepOne software). A guide for your own experiments. Intended for laboratory staff and principal investigators who perform experiments using the StepOne or StepOnePlus system. PN 4376786
4376787
4376785
4376784
4376782
4379704
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Preface
Guide Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Site Preparation Guide
Purpose and Audience Explains how to prepare your site to receive and install the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems. Intended for personnel who schedule, manage, and perform the tasks required to prepare your site for installation of the StepOne or StepOnePlus system. Explains how to use the StepOne software to: Set up, run, and analyze experiments using the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems. Monitor networked StepOne and StepOnePlus instruments. Calibrate StepOne and StepOnePlus instruments. Verify the performance of StepOne and StepOnePlus instruments with an RNase P run. Intended for: Laboratory staff and principal investigators who perform experiments using the StepOne or StepOnePlus system. Laboratory staff responsible for the installation and maintenance of the StepOne or StepOnePlus system.
PN 4376768
Applied Biosystems StepOne Real-Time PCR Software Help
NA
Assumptions
This guide assumes that you: Are familiar with the Microsoft Windows XP operating system. Are familiar with the Internet and Internet browsers. Know how to handle DNA and/or RNA samples and prepare them for PCR. Understand data storage, file transfer, and copying and pasting. Have networking experience, if you plan to integrate the StepOne or StepOnePlus system into your existing laboratory data flow.
Text Conventions
This guide uses the following conventions: Bold text indicates user action. For example: Type 0, then press Enter for each of the remaining fields. Italic text indicates new or important words and is also used for emphasis. For example: Before analyzing, always prepare fresh matrix. A right arrow symbol ( ) separates successive commands you select from a drop-down or shortcut menu. For example: Select File Open.
User Attention Words
Two user attention words appear in Applied Biosystems user documentation. Each word implies a particular level of observation or action as described below:
Note: Provides information that may be of interest or help but is not critical to the use of the product. IMPORTANT! Provides information that is necessary for proper instrument
operation, accurate reagent kit use, or safe use of a chemical.
viii
Preface
Examples of the user attention words appear below:

Note: The Calibrate function is also available in the Control Console. IMPORTANT! To verify your client connection, you need a valid user ID.
How to Obtain More Information

Related Documentation
Other StepOne and StepOnePlus System Documents
The documents listed in the table below are not shipped with the StepOne or StepOnePlus instrument.
Document Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Installation Performance Verification Protocol Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Installation Qualification-Operation Qualification Protocol Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Planned Maintenance Protocol PN 4376791 4376790 4376788
Documents Related to Genotyping Experiments

Document Allelic Discrimination Pre-Developed TaqMan Assay Reagents Quick Reference Card Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays Protocol Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays Protocol Ordering TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays Quick Reference Card Performing a Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assay for 96-Well Plates Quick Reference Card Performing a TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assay for 96-Well Plates Quick Reference Card Pre-Developed TaqMan Assay Reagents Allelic Discrimination Protocol TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays Protocol TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays Protocol
PN 4312212 4367671 4334431 4374204 4371394 4367636 4312214 4362038 4332856
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Preface
Documents Related to Presence/Absence Experiments

Document DNA Isolation from Fresh and Frozen Blood, Tissue Culture Cells, and Buccal Swabs Protocol NucPrep Chemistry: Isolation of Genomic DNA from Animal and Plant Tissue Protocol PrepMan Ultra Sample Preparation Reagent Protocol PN 4343586 4333959 4318925
Documents Related to Relative Standard Curve and Comparative CT Experiments

Document Amplification Efficiency of TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Application Note Applied Biosystems High-Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kits Protocol Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Protocol Primer Express Software Version 3.0 Getting Started Guide TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Protocol User Bulletin #2: Relative Quantitation of Gene Expression PN 127AP05 4375575 4334429 4362460 4333458 4303859
Documents Related to Standard Curve Experiments

Document Amplification Efficiency of TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Application Note Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Protocol Primer Express Software Version 3.0 Getting Started Guide TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Protocol User Bulletin #2: Relative Quantitation of Gene Expression PN 127AP05 4334429 4362460 4333458 4303859
Preface
Documents Related to the Reagent Guide

Document Applied Biosystems High-Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kits Protocol Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Protocol Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays Protocol: Submission Guidelines Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays Protocol Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix and RT-PCR Protocol Pre-Developed TaqMan Assay Reagents Allelic Discrimination Protocol Primer Express Software Version 3.0 Getting Started Guide SYBR Green PCR and RT-PCR Reagents Protocol SYBR Green PCR Master Mix and RT-PCR Reagents Protocol TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays Protocol TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents Protocol TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2) Protocol TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Protocol TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix Protocol TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix Protocol TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays Protocol TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix Protocol User Bulletin #2: Relative Quantitation of Gene Expression Using TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays to Select an Endogenous Control for Experimental Studies Application Note PN 4375575 4334429 4367671 4334431 4367218 4312214 4362460 4304965 4310251 4362038 4308335 4351891 4333458 4371135 4371131 4332856 4304449 4303859 127AP08
Note: For more documentation, see How to Obtain Support on page xii.
Obtaining Information from the Software Help
The StepOne Software Help describes how to use each feature of the user interface. Access the Help from within the software by doing one of the following: Press F1. Click in the toolbar. Select Help StepOne Software Help. To find topics of interest in the Help: Review the table of contents. Search for a specific topic. Search an alphabetized index.
xi
Preface
Send Us Your Comments
Applied Biosystems welcomes your comments and suggestions for improving its user documents. You can e-mail your comments to: [email protected]
IMPORTANT! The e-mail address above is only for submitting comments and
suggestions relating to documentation. To order documents, download PDF files, or for help with a technical question, go to http://www.appliedbiosystems.com, then click the link for Support. (See How to Obtain Support on page Front Matter-xii).
How to Obtain Support

For the latest services and support information for all locations, go to http://www.appliedbiosystems.com, then click the link for Support. At the Support page, you can: Search through frequently asked questions (FAQs) Submit a question directly to Technical Support Order Applied Biosystems user documents, MSDSs, certificates of analysis, and other related documents Download PDF documents Obtain information about customer training Download software updates and patches In addition, the Support page provides access to worldwide telephone and fax numbers to contact Applied Biosystems Technical Support and Sales facilities.
IMPORTANT! When directed to do so by this guide, or when you need to schedule
maintenance for your StepOne or StepOnePlus instrument (such as annual planned maintenance or temperature verification/calibration), contact the Applied Biosystems Care Center. To obtain a phone number for or to send an email to the center, go to http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/support/contact.
xii
Introduction
This chapter covers:
About the StepOne and StepOnePlus Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2 Supported Consumables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4 Preparing for Experiments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6 Select the Experiment Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7 Select the Reagent Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8 Select the Assay Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the StepOne and StepOnePlus Systems

There are two models available for this Real-Time PCR System:
System Applied Biosystems StepOne Real-Time PCR System (StepOne system) Applied Biosystems StepOnePlus RealTime PCR System (StepOnePlus system) Features 48-well platform Three-color system 96-well platform Four-color system VeriFlex sample blocks
The StepOne and StepOnePlus systems use fluorescent-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reagents to provide: Quantitative detection of target nucleic acid sequences (targets) using real-time analysis. Qualitative detection of targets using post-PCR (endpoint) analysis. Qualitative analysis of the PCR product (achieved by melt curve analysis that occurs post-PCR).
About Data Collection
The StepOne and StepOnePlus systems collect raw fluorescence data at different points during a PCR, depending on the type of run that the instruments perform:
Run Type Real-time runs Standard curve Relative standard curve Comparative CT (CT) Post-PCR (endpoint) runs Genotyping Presence/absence The instrument collects data: Before the PCR (For presence/absence experiments, data collection before the PCR is optional, but recommended.) (Optional) During the PCR. The instrument can collect data during the run (real-time); collecting data during the run can be helpful for troubleshooting. After the PCR Data Collection Point The instrument collects data following each extension step of the PCR.
Regardless of the run type, a data collection point or read on the StepOne or StepOnePlus instrument consists of three phases: 1. Excitation The instrument illuminates all wells of the reaction plate within the instrument, exciting the fluorophores in each reaction.
1-2
Chapter 1 Introduction
2. Emission The instrument optics collect the residual fluorescence emitted from the wells of the reaction plate. The resulting image collected by the device consists only of light that corresponds to the range of emission wavelengths. 3. Collection The instrument assembles a digital representation of the residual fluorescence collected over a fixed time interval. The StepOne software stores the raw fluorescent image for analysis. After a run, the StepOne software uses calibration data (spatial, dye, and background) to determine the location and intensity of the fluorescent signals in each read, the dye associated with each fluorescent signal, and the significance of the signal.
About the Filters
The StepOne and StepOnePlus systems use the following filters:

StepOne system Filter 1 Dye FAM dye SYBR Green dye 2 JOE dye VIC dye 3 ROX dye 3 2 StepOnePlus system Filter 1 Dye FAM dye SYBR Green dye JOE dye VIC dye TAMRA dye NED dye 4 ROX dye
About the VeriFlex Technology
The StepOnePlus instrument contains six independently thermally regulated VeriFlex blocks to help you optimize your thermal cycling conditions. You can set a different temperature for one or more of the VeriFlex blocks, creating up to six different zones for samples, or you can set the same temperature for each of the VeriFlex blocks. For more information about any of the topics discussed in this guide, access the Help from within Applied Biosystems StepOne Real-Time PCR Software v2.0 by pressing F1, clicking in the toolbar, or selecting Help StepOne Software Help.
For More Information
1-3
Chapter 1
Introduction
Supported Consumables
StepOne System
The StepOne system supports the consumables listed below. These consumables are for use with both standard and Fast reagents/protocols.
IMPORTANT! Use only Fast consumables (reaction plates, tube strips, and tubes)
with the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, even when performing an experiment with standard reagents.
Consumable MicroAmp Fast Optical 48-Well Reaction Plate MicroAmp 48-Well Optical Adhesive Film MicroAmp Fast 8-Tube Strip MicroAmp Optical 8-Cap Strip MicroAmp Fast Reaction Tube with Cap MicroAmp Fast 48-Well Tray MicroAmp 48-Well Base Adaptor MicroAmp 96-Well Support Base
Part Number 4375816 4375323 and 4375928 4358293 4323032 4358297 4375282 4375284 4379590
D E G B A H C
F B H C
# A B C D E F G H MicroAmp
Consumable Fast Optical 48-Well Reaction Plate
MicroAmp Fast 48-Well Tray MicroAmp 96-Well Support Base MicroAmp Optical 8-Cap Strip MicroAmp Fast 8-Tube Strip MicroAmp Fast Reaction Tube with Cap MicroAmp 48-Well Optical Adhesive Film MicroAmp 48-Well Base Adaptor
1-4
StepOnePlus System
The StepOnePlus system supports the consumables listed below. These consumables are for use with both standard and Fast reagents/protocols.
IMPORTANT! Use only Fast consumables (reaction plates, tube strips, and tubes)
with the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, even when performing an experiment with standard reagents.
Consumable MicroAmp Fast Optical 96-Well Reaction Plate with Barcode MicroAmp Optical Adhesive Film MicroAmp Fast 8-Tube Strip MicroAmp Optical 8-Cap Strip MicroAmp Fast Reaction Tube with Cap MicroAmp 96-Well Tray for VeriFlex Blocks MicroAmp 96-Well Support Base MicroAmp Adhesive Film Applicator MicroAmp Cap Installing Tool (Handle) Part Number 4346906 and 4366932 4360954 and 4311971 4358293 4323032 4358297 4379983 4379590 4333183 4330015
D G E A B B C F
# A B C D E F G
Consumable MicroAmp Fast Optical 96-Well Reaction Plate MicroAmp 96-Well Tray for VeriFlex Blocks MicroAmp 96-Well Support Base MicroAmp Optical 8-Cap Strip MicroAmp Fast 8-Tube Strip MicroAmp Fast Reaction Tube with Cap MicroAmp Optical Adhesive Film
1-5
Chapter 1
Introduction
Preparing for Experiments

General Workflow
Before performing experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, prepare for the experiment as follows: 1. Select an experiment type (page 1-7). 2. Select the reagent type (page 1-8). 3. Select the assay type (page 1-9).
Information in This Guide
This chapter provides general information on the experiment types, reagent types, and assay types you can use with the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems. Subsequent chapters provide specific information:
Chapter Chapter 2, Reagent Overview Description Describes and compares the TaqMan and SYBR Green reagents. Provides information on minimizing DNA contamination. Explains how the experiment type works. Provides a specific workflow for the experiment type. Provides design guidelines for each assay type.
Chapter 3, Quantitation Experiments Chapter 4, Genotyping Experiments Chapter 5, Presence/Absence Experiments
1-6
Select the Experiment Type

In this guide, the term experiment refers to the entire process of performing a run using the StepOne or StepOnePlus system, including setup, run and analysis. You can perform the following types of experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems: Quantitation, including: Standard curve Relative standard curve Comparative CT (CT) Genotyping Presence/absence
Note: You can also perform melt curve analysis on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems. For more information, access the Help from within the StepOne software by clicking in the toolbar or pressing F1.
Endpoint vs. Real-Time Experiments
The three experiment types can be categorized as real-time or endpoint experiments, as described below.
Category Real-time Properties The instrument monitors the progress of the PCR as it occurs. Data are collected throughout the PCR process. Reactions are characterized by the point in time during cycling when amplification of a target is first detected. Data are collected at the end of the PCR process. Reactions are characterized by the quantity of the target accumulated at the end of PCR. The datapoint is the normalized intensity of the reporter dye, or Rn. Experiment Type Quantitation
Endpoint
Genotyping Presence/absence
Note: Some endpoint experiments also include pre-PCR datapoints. If so, the system calculates the delta Rn (Rn) value per the following formula:
Rn = Rn (post-PCR read) Rn (pre-PCR read) where Rn = normalized reporter Kwok and Higuchi, 1989. Saiki et al., 1985.
1-7
Chapter 1
Introduction
Select the Reagent Type

You can use the following reagent types (chemistries) on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems: TaqMan reagents SYBR Green reagents Other fluorescent-based reagents
TaqMan Reagents
TaqMan reagents include Applied Biosystems TaqMan assays (preformulated mixes that contain probe and primer sets) and Applied Biosystems TaqMan master mixes. You can use TaqMan reagents for the following experiment types: Quantitation, including: Standard curve Relative standard curve Comparative CT (CT) Genotyping Presence/absence
IMPORTANT! Applied Biosystems does not recommend the use of TAMRA dye
as a reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system.
SYBR Green Reagents
SYBR Green reagents include primers and master mixes that contain SYBR Green dye. You can use SYBR Green reagents for quantitation experiments: Standard curve Relative standard curve Comparative CT (CT)
Note: You cannot perform multiplex PCR using SYBR Green reagents. For more information, see Select Singleplex or Multiplex PCR on page 3-10.
Other Reagents
You can use other fluorescent-based reagents on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, but note the following when using the StepOne software: You must design your experiment using Advanced Setup instead of the Design Wizard. For Applied Biosystems TaqMan and SYBR Green reagents, the StepOne software automatically calculates reaction volumes in the Reaction Setup screen.
1-8
Select the Assay Type

In the StepOne software, you can select the following assay types for quantitation, presence/absence, and genotyping experiments:
Experiment Type Quantitation Presence/absence Genotyping Assay Type Inventoried/Made to Order Custom Pre-Designed/Validated Custom User-Designed See... below
page 1-10
Quantitation experiments include standard curve, relative standard curve, and comparative CT experiments.
Quantitation and Presence/ Absence Experiments
Inventoried/Made to Order Assays
For quantitation or presence/absence experiments, select the Inventoried/Made to Order assay type in the StepOne software if you are using: TaqMan Gene Expression Assays, Inventoried Predesigned FAM dyelabeled TaqMan MGB (minor groove binder) probe and primer sets that can be purchased off-the-shelf. The assay mix is available in a single, preformulated 20 tube. TaqMan Gene Expression Assays, Made to Order Predesigned FAM dyelabeled TaqMan MGB probe and primer sets that are manufactured at the time of order. The assay mix is available in a single, preformulated 20 tube. Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays FAM dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probe and primer sets that are designed, synthesized, and formulated by the Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays service based on sequence information that you submit. The assay mix is available in a single, preformulated 20 or 60 tube.
Note: To select the assay type in the StepOne software, go to the Reaction Setup screen in either the Design Wizard or Advanced Setup, then select Inventoried/Made to Order from the Assay Type dropdown menu. Custom Assays
For quantitation and presence/absence experiments, select the Custom assay type in the StepOne software if you are designing your own assays (primers and probes) with Primer Express Software and TaqMan or SYBR Green reagents. When designing your own assays, follow the Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines to optimize results.
Note: To select the assay type in the StepOne software, go to the Reaction Setup screen in either the Design Wizard or Advanced Setup, then select Custom from the Assay Type dropdown menu.
Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Reagent Guide 1-9
Chapter 1
Introduction
Pre-Designed/Validated Assays
For genotyping experiments, the Pre-Designed/Validated assay type includes: TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays Predesigned FAM dye- and VIC dyelabeled TaqMan MGB (minor groove binder) probes and primer sets that are available as TaqMan Pre-Designed SNP Genotyping Assays. The TaqMan PreDesigned SNP Genotyping Assays are manufactured at the time of order (Made to Order). The assay mix is available in a single, preformulated 20 tube. TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays Predesigned FAM dye- and VIC dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probes and primer sets that can be purchased off-the-shelf (Inventoried). The assay mix is available in a single, preformulated 20 tube. Pre-Developed TaqMan Assay Reagents for Allelic Discrimination (TaqMan PDARs for AD) Predesigned FAM dye- and VIC dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probes and primer sets that can be purchased off-the-shelf (Inventoried). The assay mix is available in a single, preformulated 10 tube.
Note: To select a SNP assay in the StepOne software, go to the SNP Assays screen in the Design Wizard or to the Plate Setup screen in Advanced Setup. In the SNP Assays screen or Plate Setup screen, select an assay from the library or create a new assay. Custom Assays
For genotyping experiments, the Custom assay type includes the Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. The Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays are FAM dye- and VIC dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probes and primer sets that are designed, synthesized, and formulated by the Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays service based on sequence information that you submit. The assay mix is available in a single, preformulated 40 or 80 tube.
Note: To select a SNP assay in the StepOne software, go to the SNP Assays screen in the Design Wizard or to the Plate Setup screen in Advanced Setup. In the SNP Assays screen or Plate Setup screen, you can select an assay from the library or create a new assay. User-Designed Assays
If you want to design your own primers and probes for SNP assays, refer to the Primer Express Software Version 3.0 Getting Started Guide.
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Reagent Overview
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 TaqMan Reagents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2 SYBR Green Reagents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4 Selecting the Appropriate Reagent Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6 Minimizing DNA Contaminants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7
2-1
Chapter 2
Reagent Overview
Overview
Applied Biosystems has developed two reagent types (chemistries) that can be used to detect PCR products on the Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems: TaqMan reagents (below) SYBR Green reagents (page 2-4)
TaqMan Reagents
Experiment Types
TaqMan reagents include Applied Biosystems TaqMan assays (preformulated mixes that contain probe and primer sets) and Applied Biosystems TaqMan master mixes. The assays are specific to the target of interest. The master mixes contain the remaining components needed for the PCR reaction. You can use TaqMan reagents for the following experiment types: Quantitation, including: Standard curve Relative standard curve Comparative CT (CT) Genotyping Presence/absence
Development of TaqMan Reagents
Initially, intercalator dyes were used to measure real-time PCR products. The primary disadvantage of this detection method is that it detects accumulation of both specific and nonspecific PCR products. Real-time systems for PCR were improved by the introduction of fluorogeniclabeled probes that use the 5 nuclease activity of Taq DNA polymerase. The availability of these fluorogenic probes enabled the development of a real-time method for detecting only specific amplification products.
How the TaqMan Reagents Work
TaqMan reagents use a fluorogenic probe to detect a specific PCR product as it accumulates during the PCR. Here is how it works: Step 1 An oligonucleotide probe is constructed with a fluorescent reporter dye bound to the 5 end and a quencher on the 3 end. Step 2 While the probe is intact, the proximity of the quencher greatly reduces the fluorescence emitted by the reporter dye by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET; Frster resonance) (Frster, V. T. 1948) through space.
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Chapter 2 Reagent Overview
Step 3 If the target is present, the probe anneals between primer sites and is cleaved by the 5 nuclease activity of Taq DNA polymerase during extension. Cleavage of the probe: Separates the reporter dye from the quencher, increasing the reporter dye signal. Removes the probe from the target strand, allowing primer extension to continue to the end of the template strand. Thus, inclusion of the probe does not inhibit the overall PCR process. Step 4 More reporter dye molecules are cleaved from their respective probes with each cycle, resulting in an increase in fluorescence intensity proportional to the quantity of amplicon produced. The higher the starting copy number of the nucleic acid target, the earlier a significant increase in fluorescence is observed. Figure 2-1 illustrates this process.
POLYMERIZATION
FORWARD PRIMER R = REPORTER Q = QUENCHER 5' 3' 5' REVERSE PRIMER
STRAND DISPLACEMENT
R
5' 3' 5'
CLEAVAGE R Q
3' 5' 3' 5' 5' 3' 5'
POLYMERIZATION COMPLETED R Q
3' 5' 3' 5' 5' 3' 5'
Q
3' 5' 3' 5'
PROBE
Q
3'
5' 3' 5'
Step 1: A reporter (R) and a quencher (Q) are attached to the 5 and 3 ends of a TaqMan probe.
Step 2: When both labels are attached to the probe, reporter dye emission is quenched.
Step 3: During each extension cycle, Taq DNA polymerase cleaves the reporter dye from the probe.
Step 4: Once separated from the quencher, the reporter dye emits its characteristic fluorescence.
Figure 2-1
How the TaqMan reagents work
TaqMan Probes
Applied Biosystems offers two types of TaqMan probes: TaqMan MGB (minor groove-binder) probes with non fluorescent quencher (NFQ) TaqMan probes with TAMRA dye as quencher
IMPORTANT! Applied Biosystems does not recommend the use of TAMRA dye as a
reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system.
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Chapter 2
Reagent Overview
Applied Biosystems offers the following TaqMan probes for use on the StepOne system or the StepOnePlus system:
Probe TaqMan MGB probe
Assays TaqMan Gene Expression Assays TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays
5 Label Dye FAM dye
3 Label Dye NFQ
MGB? Yes
System StepOne and StepOne Plus systems
FAM and VIC dyes FAM dye FAMand VIC dyes FAM, TET, NED, or VIC dye FAM, TET or VIC dye TAMRA dye No
TaqMan MGB probe
Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays
Custom TaqMan MGB Probe Custom TaqMan Probe
Custom assays
Custom assays
StepOnePlus system
TaqMan MGB Probes Recommended
Applied Biosystems recommends the general use of TaqMan MGB probes, especially when conventional TaqMan probes exceed 30 nucleotides. The TaqMan MGB probes contain: A fluorescent reporter dye at the 5 end Generates a signal when cleaved by the 5 nuclease activity of Taq DNA polymerase. A nonfluorescent quencher (NFQ) at the 3 end Allows Real-Time PCR Systems to measure the reporter dye contributions more precisely than probes with TAMRA dye because the quencher does not fluoresce. A minor groove binder (MGB) at the 3 end Increases the melting temperature (Tm) of probes without increasing probe length (Afonina et al., 1997; Kutyavin et al., 1997), thereby allowing the design of shorter probes. Consequently, the TaqMan MGB probes exhibit greater differences in Tm values between matched and mismatched probes; greater differences in Tm values provide accurate genotyping.
SYBR Green Reagents

Experiment Types
SYBR Green reagents include primers and master mixes that contain SYBR Green dye. You can use SYBR Green reagents for quantitation experiments: Standard curve Relative standard curve Comparative CT (CT)
Note: You cannot perform multiplex PCR using SYBR Green reagents. For more information, see Select Singleplex or Multiplex PCR on page 3-10.
2-4
Development of SYBR Green Reagents
Small molecules that bind to double-stranded DNA can be divided into two classes: those that intercalate DNA and those that bind the minor groove of DNA. Higuchi (Higuchi et al., 1992) used the intercalator ethidium bromide for real-time detection of PCR. Hoechst 33258 is an example of a minor groove-binding dye whose fluorescence increases when bound to double-stranded DNA (Higuchi et al., 1993). Regardless of the binding method, there are at least two requirements for a DNA binding dye for real-time detection of PCR products: Increased fluorescence when bound to double-stranded DNA No inhibition of PCR Applied Biosystems has developed conditions that permit the use of the SYBR Green I dye in PCR without PCR inhibition and with increased sensitivity of detection compared with ethidium bromide.
How the SYBR Green Reagents Work
The SYBR Green reagents use the SYBR Green I dye to detect PCR products by binding to double-stranded DNA formed during the PCR. Here is how it works: Step 1 When added to a sample, SYBR Green I dye immediately binds to all double-stranded DNA. Step 2 During the PCR, AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase amplifies the target, which creates the PCR product, or amplicon. The double-stranded DNA is denatured to single-stranded molecules and the SYBR Green I dye is released. Step 3 The primers anneal to the single-stranded DNA and the Amplitaq Gold DNA Polymerase amplifies the target, creating more double stranded DNA. As the PCR progresses, more amplicon is created. Step 4 The SYBR Green I dye then binds to each new copy of double-stranded DNA that is generated during each PCR cycle. Since the SYBR Green I dye binds to all double-stranded DNA, the result is an increase in fluorescence intensity proportional to the quantity of double-stranded PCR product produced. Figures 2-2 below illustrates this process.
Step 1: Reaction setup The SYBR Green I dye fluoresces when bound to double-stranded DNA. Step 2: Denaturation When the DNA is denatured into single-stranded DNA, the SYBR Green I dye is released and the fluorescence is drastically reduced.
FORWARD PRIMER
Step 3: Polymerization During extension, primers anneal and PCR product is generated.
REVERSE PRIMER
Step 4: Polymerization completed SYBR Green I dye binds to the double-stranded product, resulting in a net increase in fluorescence detected by the instrument.
Figure 2-2
How the SYBR Green reagents work

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Chapter 2
Reagent Overview
Selecting the Appropriate Reagent Type

The TaqMan and SYBR Green reagents can be used for the experiment types listed below.
Experiment Type Quantitation (Chapter 3) Yes Yes Genotyping (Chapter 4) Not recommended Yes Presence/ Absence (Chapter 5) Not recommended Yes
Reagent Type
SYBR Green reagents TaqMan reagents
Includes standard curve, relative standard curve, and comparative CT experiments.
Considerations for Quantitation Experiments

Reagent Type TaqMan reagents
Quantitation experiments can be performed with either TaqMan or SYBR Green reagents. Consider the following when choosing between the two reagent types:
Description TaqMan reagents use a fluorogenic probe to enable detection of a specific PCR product as it accumulates during PCR cycles.
Advantage Provides increased specificity with the addition of a fluorogenic probe. Provides multiplex capability. Includes preformulated assays, optimized to run under universal thermal cycling conditions. Can be used for either 1- or 2-step RT-PCR. Is economical (no probe needed). Allows for melt curve analysis to measure the Tm of all PCR products. Can be used for either 1- or 2-step RT-PCR.
Limitation Requires synthesis of a unique fluorogenic probe.
SYBR Green reagents
SYBR Green reagents use SYBR Green I dye, a doublestranded DNA binding dye, to detect PCR products as they accumulate during PCR cycles.
Binds nonspecifically to all double-stranded DNA sequences. To avoid false positive signals, check for nonspecific product formation using melt curve or gel analysis.
2-6
Minimizing DNA Contaminants

The DNA amplification capability of the PCR process makes special laboratory practices necessary when you perform experiments using TaqMan or SYBR Green reagents. Potential contamination can be introduced by samples with high DNA concentrations, either from the DNA template controls or from PCR carryover. In addition, due to the nonspecific nature of the SYBR Green I dye, any doublestranded DNA will be detected. When using SYBR Green reagents, check for nonspecific product formation by using melt curve or gel analysis. Take care to avoid contamination with target DNA. Gene expression assays that span exon-exon junctions minimize the effect of gDNA (genomic DNA) contaminants.
Using UNG to Minimize Reamplification of Carryover Products
AmpErase uracil-N-glycosylase (UNG) is a 26-kDa recombinant enzyme encoded by the Escherichia coli uracil-N-glycosylase gene. This gene has been inserted into an E. coli host to direct expression of the native form of the enzyme (Kwok and Higuchi, 1989). UNG acts on single- and double-stranded dU-containing DNA. It acts by hydrolyzing uracil-glycosidic bonds at dU-containing DNA sites. The enzyme causes the release of uracil, thereby creating an alkali-sensitive apyrimidic site in the DNA. The enzyme has no activity on RNA or dT-containing DNA (Longo et al., 1990).
TaqMan Assays
For TaqMan assays, AmpErase UNG treatment can prevent the reamplification of carryover PCR products from previous PCR reactions. When dUTP replaces dTTP in PCR amplification, AmpErase UNG treatment can remove up to 200,000 copies of amplicon per 50-L reaction.
Note: AmpErase UNG (also abbreviated as UDG for uracil-DNA-glycosylase) is included in some Applied Biosystems TaqMan master mix formulations and can also be purchased individually. When purchasing TaqMan master mixes, check the product information to see if the master mix contains AmpErase UNG. SYBR Green I Dye Assays
For SYBR Green I dye assays, AmpErase UNG treatment can prevent the reamplification of carryover PCR products from previous PCR reactions. Although Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix and SYBR Green PCR Master Mix do not contain AmpErase UNG, they contain dUTP and are thus compatible with AmpErase UNG. If contamination from PCR carryover is suspected, use AmpErase UNG to troubleshoot the problem.
Note: AmpErase UNG can be purchased individually or as part of the SYBR Green PCR Core Reagents kit.
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Chapter 2
Reagent Overview
General PCR Practices
Use the following precautions to minimize sample contamination and PCR product carryover: Wear a clean lab coat (not previously worn while handling amplified PCR products or used during sample preparation) and clean gloves when preparing samples for PCR amplification. Change gloves whenever you suspect that they are contaminated. Maintain separate areas, dedicated equipment, and supplies for: Sample preparation. PCR setup. Never bring amplified PCR products into the PCR setup area. PCR amplification. Analysis of PCR products. Open and close all sample tubes carefully. Avoid splashing or spraying PCR samples. Use positive-displacement or air-displacement pipettors with filter-plugged tips. Change tips after each use. Keep reactions and components capped as much as possible. Clean lab benches and equipment periodically with 10% bleach solution or 70% ethanol.
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Section 3.1 About Quantitation Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3 Section 3.2 Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
3-1
Chapter 3
3-2
Chapter 3 Quantitation Experiments
Section 3.1 About Quantitation Experiments

This section covers: Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4 Select a Quantitation Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5 Select 1-Step or 2-Step RT-PCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8 Select Singleplex or Multiplex PCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10 Select the Reagent Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12 Select the Assay Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12
3-3
Chapter 3
Overview
What Is a Quantitation Experiment?
A quantitation experiment is a real-time experiment that measures the quantity of a target nucleic acid sequence (target) during each amplification cycle of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The target can be DNA, cDNA, or RNA. Three types of quantitation experiments are discussed in this guide: Standard curve (page 3-5) Relative standard curve (page 3-5) Comparative CT (CT) (page 3-6)
How Quantitation Experiments Work
In real-time quantitation experiments, the reactions are characterized by the point in time during cycling when amplification of a PCR product achieves a fixed level of fluorescence, rather than the final quantity of PCR product accumulated after a fixed number of cycles. An amplification plot graphically displays the fluorescence detected over the number of cycles that were performed. In the initial cycles of PCR, there is no significant change in fluorescence signal. This predefined range of PCR cycles is called the baseline. First, the software generates a baseline-subtracted amplification plot by calculating a mathematical trend of the normalized fluorescent reporter signal (Rn values corresponding to the baseline cycles). Then, an algorithm searches for the point on the amplification plot at which the baseline-corrected normalized fluorescent reporter signal (delta Rn [Rn] value) crosses a set threshold. The cycle at which the Rn value crosses the threshold is defined as the CT.
Workflow
Before performing quantitation experiments on the Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems, prepare for the experiment as follows: 1. Select a quantitation method (page 3-5). 2. Select 1- or 2-step RT-PCR (page 3-8). 3. Select singleplex or multiplex PCR reactions (page 3-10). 4. Select the reagent type (page 3-12). 5. Select the assay type (page 3-12). 6. Review the design guidelines for the assay type you selected (Section 3.2 on page 3-15).
3-4
Select a Quantitation Method

About Standard Curve Experiments
The standard curve method is used to determine the absolute target quantity in samples. With the standard curve method, the StepOne software measures amplification of the target in samples and in a standard dilution series. Data from the standard dilution series are used to generate the standard curve. Using the standard curve, the software interpolates the absolute quantity of target in the samples.
Components
The following components are required when setting up PCR reactions for standard curve experiments: Sample The sample in which the quantity of the target is unknown. Standard A sample that contains known standard quantities; used in quantitation experiments to generate standard curves. Standard dilution series A set of standards containing a range of known quantities. The standard dilution series is prepared by serially diluting standards. Replicates The total number of identical reactions containing identical samples, components, and volumes. Negative Controls Wells that contain water or buffer instead of sample template. No amplification of the target should occur in negative control wells.
About Relative Standard Curve Experiments
The relative standard curve method is used to determine relative target quantity in samples. With the relative standard curve method, the StepOne software measures amplification of the target and of the endogenous control in samples, in a reference sample, and in a standard dilution series. Measurements are normalized using the endogenous control. Data from the standard dilution series are used to generate the standard curve. Using the standard curve, the software interpolates target quantity in the samples and in the reference sample. The software determines the relative quantity of target in each sample by comparing target quantity in each sample to target quantity in the reference sample. Relative standard curve experiments are commonly used to: Compare expression levels of a gene in different tissues. Compare expression levels of a gene in a treated sample vs. an untreated sample. Compare expression levels of wild-type alleles vs. mutated alleles.
Components
The following components are required when setting up PCR reactions for relative standard curve experiments: Sample The sample in which the quantity of the target is unknown. Reference sample The sample used as the basis for relative quantitation results. For example, in a study of drug effects on gene expression, an untreated control would be an appropriate reference sample. Also called calibrator.
3-5
Chapter 3
Standard A sample that contains known standard quantities; used in quantitation experiments to generate standard curves. Standard dilution series A set of standards containing a range of known quantities. The standard dilution series is prepared by serially diluting standards. Endogenous control A target or gene that should be expressed at similar levels in all samples you are testing. The endogenous control is used to normalize fluorescence signals for the target you are quantifying. Housekeeping genes can be used as endogenous controls. Replicates The total number of identical reactions containing identical samples, components, and volumes. Negative Controls Wells that contain water or buffer instead of sample template. No amplification of the target should occur in negative control wells.
About Comparative CT Experiments
The comparative CT (CT) method is used to determine the relative target quantity in samples. With the comparative CT method, the StepOne software measures amplification of the target and of the endogenous control in samples and in a reference sample. Measurements are normalized using the endogenous control. The software determines the relative quantity of target in each sample by comparing normalized target quantity in each sample to normalized target quantity in the reference sample. Comparative CT experiments are commonly used to: Compare expression levels of a gene in different tissues. Compare expression levels of a gene in a treated sample vs. an untreated sample. Compare expression levels of wild-type alleles vs. mutated alleles.
Components
The following components are required when setting up PCR reactions for comparative CT experiments: Sample The sample in which the quantity of the target is unknown. Reference sample The sample used as the basis for relative quantitation results. For example, in a study of drug effects on gene expression, an untreated control would be an appropriate reference sample. Also called calibrator. Endogenous control A target or gene that should be expressed at similar levels in all samples you are testing. The endogenous control is used to normalize fluorescence signals for the target you are quantifying. Housekeeping genes can be used as endogenous controls. Replicates The total number of identical reactions containing identical samples, components, and volumes. Negative Controls Wells that contain water or buffer instead of sample template. No amplification of the target should occur in negative control wells.
3-6
Comparison of Quantitation Methods

Experiment Type Standard curve
Consider the following when choosing between standard curve, relative standard curve, and comparative CT experiments:
Description Uses a standard curve to determine the absolute quantity of a target in a sample. Typically used for quantifying viral load. Uses a standard curve to determine the change in expression of a target in a sample relative to the same target in a reference sample. Best for assays that have suboptimal PCR efficiency. Uses arithmetic formulas to determine the change in expression of a target in a sample relative to the same target in a reference sample. Best for high-throughput measurements of relative gene expression of many genes in many samples.
Advantage Allows comparisons against known standard quantities.
Limitation Because a standard curve must be constructed for each target, standard curve experiments require more reagents and more space in the reaction plate. Because a standard curve must be constructed for each target, relative standard curve experiments require more reagents and more space in the reaction plate. Suboptimal (low PCR efficiency) assays may produce inaccurate results. Before you use the comparative CT method, Applied Biosystems recommends that you determine that the PCR efficiencies for the target assay and the endogenous control assay are approximately equal.
Relative standard curve
Requires the least amount of validation because the PCR efficiencies of the target and endogenous control do not need to be equivalent.
Comparative CT (CT)
Relative levels of target in samples can be determined without the use of a standard curve, provided that the PCR efficiencies of the target and endogenous control are relatively equivalent. Reduced reagent usage. More space is available in the reaction plate.
For more information on quantitation methods, refer to User Bulletin #2: Relative Quantitation of Gene Expression.
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Chapter 3
Select 1-Step or 2-Step RT-PCR

Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is used to quantify RNA. RT-PCR can be performed as a 1-step or 2-step procedure.
About 1-Step RT-PCR
In 1-step RT-PCR, you perform reverse transcription and the PCR in a single buffer system (Figure 3-1). The reaction proceeds without the addition of reagents between the RT and PCR steps. 1-step RT-PCR offers the convenience of a single-tube preparation for RT and PCR amplification. However, the carryover prevention enzyme, AmpErase uracil-N-glycosylase (UNG), cannot be used with 1-step RTPCR. In 1-step RT-PCR, the presence of UNG would destroy the cDNA as it is being made. For information about UNG, see Using UNG to Minimize Reamplification of Carryover Products on page 2-7.
Single Tube
Figure 3-1
Schematic representation of 1-step RT-PCR
About 2-Step RT-PCR
In 2-step RT-PCR, you perform two separate reactions: one for RT and one for PCR (Figure 3-2). 2-step RT-PCR is useful when detecting multiple transcripts from a single cDNA reaction, or when storing a portion of the cDNA for later use. When you perform PCR using dUTP as one of the bases, you can use AmpErase UNG enzyme to prevent carryover contamination. For information about UNG, see Using UNG to Minimize Reamplification of Carryover Products on page 2-7.
3-8
Tube 1 Oligo d(T) or random hexamer
Tube 2
PCR Step
Figure 3-2
Schematic representation of 2-step RT-PCR
Primers Used for cDNA Synthesis
For 1-step RT-PCR, sequence-specific reverse primers can be used for cDNA synthesis. For 2-step RT-PCR, the following primers can be used for cDNA synthesis: Oligo d(T)16 Random primers Sequence-specific reverse primers The choice of primers for reverse transcription is best made after experimentally evaluating all three priming systems. For short RNA sequences containing no hairpin loops, any of the three priming systems works equally well. For longer RNA transcripts or sequences containing hairpin loops, consider the following guidelines:.
Primers Oligo d(T)16 Selection Guidelines Use to reverse transcribe only eukaryotic mRNAs and retroviruses with poly-A tails Avoid long mRNA transcripts or amplicons greater than 2 kilobases upstream from the poly-A site Try first for use with long reverse transcripts or reverse transcripts containing hairpin loops Use to transcribe all RNA (rRNA, mRNA, and tRNA) Use to reverse transcribe RNA-containing complementary sequences only Use in 1-step RT-PCR
Random primers
Sequence-specific reverse primers
Comparison of RT-PCR Methods
Method 1-step RT-PCR 2-step RT-PCR
Primers for cDNA Synthesis Sequence-specific reverse primer
Comments Requires single reaction mix AmpErase UNG cannot be used
Random hexamers Oligo d(T)16 Sequence-specific reverse primers
cDNA can be stored for later use AmpErase UNG can be used Requires two reaction mixes
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Chapter 3
Select Singleplex or Multiplex PCR

You can perform a PCR reaction using either: Singleplex PCR In singleplex PCR a single primer set is present in the reaction tube or well. Only one target or endogenous control can be amplified per reaction. or Multiplex PCR In multiplex PCR, two or more primer sets are present in the reaction tube or well. Each set amplifies a specific target or endogenous control. Typically, a probe labeled with FAM dye detects the target and a probe labeled with VIC dye detects the endogenous control. IMPORTANT! SYBR Green reagents cannot be used for multiplex PCR.
IMPORTANT! Applied Biosystems does not recommend the use of TAMRA
dye as a reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system.
Target Primer Set Endogenous Control Primer Set Singleplex PCR Multiplex PCR cDNA
GR2331
Figure 3-3
Singleplex vs. multiplex PCR
About Multiplex PCR
In order to perform multiplex PCR you must: Ensure that the endogenous control you have selected is more abundant (lower CT value) than all of the targets that you are trying to quantify under all conditions. Run the endogenous control assay as a primer-limited assay. The endogenous control assay (for the more abundant template) in each reaction must be primerlimited to avoid competitive PCR that may alter the CT of the less abundant template.
Primer Limiting in Multiplex PCR
To generate an accurate multiplex assay, it is important that the amplification of one species does not dominate amplification of the other species. Otherwise, the amplification of a highly abundant species can prevent the less-abundant species from amplifying efficiently. If the less-abundant species does not amplify efficiently, your experiment may produce inaccurate results or, in severe cases, detection of the less-abundant species may be inhibited completely. You can avoid this situation by limiting the concentrations of the primers used to amplify the more abundant species, thereby turning off the amplification soon after the CT has been established. However, a primer-limited assay may be more susceptible to fluctuations in reaction conditions than the primer non-limited target assay that it is normalizing. For more information, see Appendix B, Primer Limiting in Multiplex PCR.
3-10 Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Reagent Guide
Singleplex vs. Multiplex PCR
Primer limiting in multiplex PCR becomes increasingly more complex as the number of targets you quantify increases. When you analyze multiple numbers of targets, it may be more effective to use singleplex PCR for the following reasons: In multiplex PCR, it may be difficult to find a suitable endogenous control, one that: Is more abundant than all of the targets you are quantifying. Does not change expression levels with experimental conditions or across different samples. You would first have to run all of your target assays and endogenous control assays in both the multiplex and singleplex formats, then compare CT values from both formats to determine if there are any effects of the multiplexing on your CT values. In singleplex PCR, any target that does not change expression levels with experimental conditions or across samples may serve as an endogenous control. Therefore, the more targets you have in a singleplex format, the higher the probability that you will have one or more suitable endogenous controls against which to normalize your remaining targets. Consider the following when choosing between multiplex and singleplex PCR:
PCR Singleplex
Description A reaction in which a single target or endogenous control is amplified in the reaction tube or well.
Advantage No optimization is required for TaqMan assays. Any target that does not change expression levels with experimental conditions or across samples may serve as an endogenous control. Flexibility to use TaqMan or SYBR Green reagents. Reduces both the running costs and the dependence on accurate pipetting when splitting a sample into two separate tubes.
Limitation Requires sample for both the target and the endogenous control.
Multiplex
A reaction in which more than one target or endogenous control is amplified in the reaction tube or well.
The endogenous control assay must be run as a primer-limited assay. Requires validation and optimization. May not be as effective as singleplex PCR when analyzing multiple numbers of targets. You cannot use SYBR Green reagents.
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Select the Reagent Type

TaqMan vs. SYBR Green Reagents
You can perform quantitation experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems with: TaqMan reagents SYBR Green reagents For information on choosing between TaqMan and SYBR Green reagents, see Considerations for Quantitation Experiments on page 2-6.

When you design your experiments with the StepOne software, you can select the following assay types for quantitation experiments: Inventoried/Made to Order (page 3-13) Custom (page 3-14) This section lists the products available for each assay type.
Note: The assays are specific to the target of interest. The master mixes contain the remaining components needed for the PCR reaction.
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Product TaqMan Gene Expression Assays
Attributes Predesigned, gene-specific primer and probe sets for human, mouse, rat, Arabidopsis, Drosophila, C. elegans, C. familiares (dog), and M. mulatta (Rhesus) genes. Probe is a FAM dye-labeled MGB probe. Provided in a convenient, single, 20 tube. Available as Inventoried or Made to Order assays. Optimized, preformulated, ready-to-use endogenous control assays. Cost-effective gene expression quantitation for human, mouse, rat, Arabidopsis, Drosophila, and any eukaryotic species. Choice of FAM dye or VIC dye labels (primer-limited).
TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays
Note: FAM dyelabeled TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays are included as Inventoried TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays
Any species or organism. Target of your choice. Probe is a FAM dye-labeled MGB probe. Provided in a convenient, single, 205 tube.
TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix
Tailored for precise quantitation by real-time PCR for routine and challenging experiments: Sensitive detection down to 1 copy of target. Multiplex PCR for co-amplifying two targets in a single reaction. Specificity for differentiation between gene family members. Validated with TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Simplifies assay implementation by using one reagent for all assays.
TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (with or without AmpErase UNG)
Provides optimal performance for TaqMan assays that use cDNA or DNA as a template. Contains components that ensure excellent assay performance. The use of one reagent for all assays simplifies the process of assay implementation. Provides the same attributes listed above for TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix. Allows you to run quantitation experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems in about 35 min.
TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2), No AmpErase UNG
IMPORTANT! Applied Biosystems does not recommend the use of TAMRA dye as
a reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system. For guidelines on designing your experiments with Inventoried/Made to Order assays, see page 3-16.
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Custom Assays
Product Custom TaqMan Probes and Primers
Attributes Any species or organism. Choice of dye labels, quenchers, and synthesis scales. For use with the Primer Express Software and Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines. Software that designs primers and probes for real-time PCR. Tailored for precise quantitation by real-time PCR for routine and challenging experiments: Sensitive detection down to 1 copy of target. Multiplex PCR for co-amplifying two targets in a single reaction. Specificity for differentiation between gene family members. Validated with TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Simplifies assay implementation by using one reagent for all assays.
Primer Express Software TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix
Provides optimal performance for TaqMan assays that use cDNA or DNA as a template. Contains components that ensure excellent assay performance. The use of one reagent for all assays simplifies the process of assay implementation. Provides the same attributes listed above for TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix. Allows you to run quantitation experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems in about 35 min. Highly sensitive quantitation enables low-copy-number detection (as few as two copies of a target gene). Detects double-stranded DNA, so specific probes are not required. Contains highly purified AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase LD to minimize nonspecific product formation (including primer-dimer). For use with the Primer Express Software and Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines. Detects double-stranded DNA, so specific probes are not required. For standard applications when high sensitivity is not required. Contains AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase to minimize nonspecific product formation (including primer-dimer). For use with the Primer Express Software and Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines.
TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2), No AmpErase UNG
Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix
SYBR Green PCR Master Mix
a reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system. For guidelines on designing your experiments with Custom assays, see page 3-21.
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Section 3.2 Design Guidelines

This section covers: Inventoried/Made to Order Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16 TaqMan Gene Expression Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-16 Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-18 Select the Master Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19 Design the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-20 Custom Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21 Design Primers and Probes Using Primer Express Software . . . . . . . . . . Select the Reagents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Use the Recommended Thermal Cycling Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Optimize Primer Concentrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Optimize the Probe Concentration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . For More Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21 3-24 3-27 3-30 3-33 3-35
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Workflow
If you select the Inventoried/Made to Order assay type in the StepOne software, Applied Biosystems recommends that you follow the workflow below: 1. Select the assay: TaqMan Gene Expression Assays (below). Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays (page 3-18). 2. Select the master mix (page 3-19). 3. Design the experiment using the StepOne software (page 3-20).
TaqMan Gene Expression Assays

Product Description
TaqMan Gene Expression Assays are a comprehensive collection of Inventoried and Made to Order probe and primer sets for performing quantitation experiments on human, mouse, rat, Arabidopsis, Drosophila, C. elegans, C. familiares (dog), and M. mulatta (Rhesus) genes. The assays: Use TaqMan reagents to amplify and detect the target in cDNA samples. Are designed using an automated design and quality-controlled pipeline. Inventoried assays are manufactured and placed in inventory; Made to Order assays are predesigned and manufactured when ordered. Are designed and optimized to work with an Applied Biosystems TaqMan master mix, using universal thermal cycling conditions. When possible, amplify target cDNA without amplifying genomic DNA (m suffix in assay ID) by designing probes that cross exon-exon junctions.
Product Requirements
All TaqMan Gene Expression Assays require: Three components: 1 to 100 ng of cDNA sample (converted from RNA) per well, with all wells in a study having the same amount of cDNA. 20 Gene Expression Assay Mix (specific for each target). Each assay mix consists of two unlabeled PCR primers and a FAM dye-labeled TaqMan MGB (minor groove binder) probe in a preformulated 20 mix. 1 final concentrations are 250 nM for the probe and 900 nM for each primer. TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix (with or without AmpErase UNG), or TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG. Only one PCR amplification step during each PCR cycle and a simultaneous real-time reading to obtain results.
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Available Assays
TaqMan Gene Expression Assays are available for human, mouse, rat, Arabidopsis, Drosophila, C. elegans, C. familiares (dog), and M. mulatta (Rhesus) genes. The part numbers are: PN 4331182 for Inventoried assays PN 4351372 for Made to Order assays The prefix of the assay name indicates the species for which the assay was designed: Hs for Homo sapiens (human), Mm for Mus musculus (mouse), Rn for Rattus norvegicus (rat), At for Arabidopsis thaliana, Dm for Drosophila melanogaster, Ce for C. elegans, Cf for C. familiares (dog), and Rh for M. mulatta (Rhesus). The suffix of the assay name indicates the assay placement, as described in the table below.
Suffix _m _s _g _mH _sH _gH _u Description The assays probe spans an exon junction; the assay does not detect genomic DNA. The assays primers and probes are designed within a single exon; the assay does detect genomic DNA. The assay may detect genomic DNA; the assays primers and probes may be within a single exon. The assay was designed to a transcript belonging to a gene family with high sequence homology. The assay provides between 10 CT and 15 CT difference between the target gene and the gene with the closest sequence homology. Therefore, the assay detects the target transcript with 1000- to 30,000-fold greater discrimination (sensitivity) than the closest homologous transcript, if they are present at the same copy number in a sample. The assays amplicon spans an exon junction and the probe sits completely in one of the spanned exons.
TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays are available as: Inventoried TaqMan Gene Expression Assays (PN 4331182) Each assay contains a FAM dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probe in a single, preformulated 20 tube. Individual control assays for all human, mouse, and rat species (various part numbers) Each assay contains either a FAM dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probe, a VIC dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probe, or a TAMRA dye-labeled probe. TaqMan Endogenous Controls with VIC dye labels are primer-limited.
a reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system.
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For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web site: http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/ a. On the Home page, under TaqMan Products, select TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. b. On the Gene Expression Assays & Arrays page: Under Individual Assays, select TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. This option links to all TaqMan Gene Expression Assays, including TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays that contain FAM dye-labeled probes. or Under Individual Control Assays, select TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays. This option links to the individual TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays (that contain FAM dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probes, VIC dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probes, or TAMRA dye-labeled probes). For information on Custom TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays, refer to the Using TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays to Select an Endogenous Control for Experimental Studies Application Note. For information on preparing PCR reactions using the TaqMan Gene Expression Assays, refer to the TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Protocol.
Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays

Product Description
Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays are TaqMan probe and primer sets that are designed, synthesized, and formulated by the Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays service based on sequence information that you submit. Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays allow you to perform quantitation experiments on any gene or splice variant in any organism. The assays: Use TaqMan reagents to amplify and detect the target in cDNA samples. Are developed using proprietary assay-design software. Are designed and optimized to work with an Applied Biosystems TaqMan master mix, using universal thermal cycling conditions.
All Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays require: A submission file that includes your target sequence. You create the submission file using free File Builder software, then submit the file to the Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays service. Three components: 1 to 100 ng of cDNA sample (converted from RNA) per well, with all wells in a study having the same amount of cDNA. 20 Gene Expression Assay or 60 Gene Expression Assay (specific for each target). Each assay consists of two target-specific primers and a FAM dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probe in a preformulated 20 or 60 mix. 1 final concentrations are 250 nM for the probe and 900 nM for each primer.
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TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix (with or without AmpErase UNG), or TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG. Only one PCR amplification step during each PCR cycle and a simultaneous real-time reading to obtain results.
For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web site: http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/ a. On the Home page, under TaqMan Products, select TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. b. On the Gene Expression Assays & Arrays page, under Individual Assays, select Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. For information on ordering Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays, refer to the Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays Protocol: Submission Guidelines. For information on preparing PCR reactions using the Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays, refer to the Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Protocol.
Select the Master Mix

Available Master Mixes
Applied Biosystems Inventoried/Made to Order assays for quantitation experiments are designed to work with the following TaqMan master mixes:
Master Mix TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 5 mL), 200 reactions TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 10-Pack (10 5 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2), No AmpErase UNG, 250 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG Part Number 4369016 4369542 4352042 4304437 4326708 4305719 4324018 4326614 4324020
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For information on using the TaqMan reagents, refer to: TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2) Protocol TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix Protocol TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix Protocol
Design the Experiment

Use the StepOne Software
For Applied Biosystems Inventoried/Made to Order assays, use the StepOne software to design your quantitation experiments. The StepOne software automatically calculates volumes for the: Reaction mix components Sample dilutions (Standard curve and relative standard curve experiments only) Standard dilution series
Note: To select the Inventoried/Made to Order assay type in the StepOne software, go to the Reaction Setup screen in either the Design Wizard or Advanced Setup, then select Inventoried/Made to Order from the Assay Type dropdown menu.
For information on designing and performing quantitation experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, refer to: Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Standard Curve Experiments Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Relative Standard Curve and Comparative CT Experiments
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Custom Assays
Workflow
If you select the Custom assay type in the StepOne software for a quantitation experiment (that is, you are designing your own primers and probes), Applied Biosystems recommends that you follow the workflow for the Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines: 1. Design primers and probes using Primer Express Software (below). 2. Select the appropriate reagents (page 3-24).
dye as a reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system. 3. Use the recommended thermal cycling conditions (page 3-27). 4. Begin with default primer and probe concentrations. If needed, optimize the primer concentrations (page 3-30) and probe concentrations (page 3-33).
IMPORTANT! These steps provide a rapid and reliable system for assay design and
optimization only when used in their entirety. Adopt the system as a whole to achieve the highest level of success. For a more detailed description of Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines, see Appendix C.
Note: To select the Custom assay type in the StepOne software, go to the Reaction Setup screen in either the Design Wizard or Advanced Setup, then select Custom from the Assay Type dropdown menu.
Design Primers and Probes Using Primer Express Software

The Primer Express Software uses recommended parameters to select primers and probes based on the DNA sequence that you provide. If you are designing your own assay, follow the summary of the primer and probe design guidelines for quantitation experiments on page 3-23. For a detailed discussion of these guidelines see About the Primer and Probe Design Guidelines on page 3-22.
Note: Even though a probe is not required for SYBR Green I dye detection, it is
still a good idea to use Primer Express software to select a primer and probe set when you design an assay for SYBR Green reagents. Although no probe will be used, the primers will meet all required criteria; if you need to convert the assay to TaqMan reagents to obtain higher specificity, you can find the probe immediately in the original Primer Express software document.
Selecting an Amplicon Site for Quantitation Assays
Selecting a good amplicon site ensures amplification of the target mRNA/cDNA without co-amplifying the genomic sequence, pseudogenes, and other related genes. SYBR Green reagents can be useful for screening amplicon sites for gene expression.
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Chapter 3
Guidelines
The amplicon should span one or more introns to avoid amplification of the target gene in genomic DNA. The primer pair should be specific to the target gene to avoid amplification of pseudogenes or other related genes. When designing primers, use Primer Express software guidelines. If no good sequence is found, it may be necessary to examine the sequence and redesign the amplicon or simply screen for more sites. If the gene you are studying does not have introns, it is not possible to design an amplicon that will amplify the mRNA sequence without amplifying the genomic sequence. In this case, run a control of your RNA sample that has not been reversetranscribed (RT minus controls).
About the Primer and Probe Design Guidelines
Selection of Small Amplicons
An important default parameter in Primer Express software is the selection of amplicons in the 50- to 150-basepair range. Small amplicons are favored because they promote high-efficiency amplification. In addition, high-efficiency assays enable relative quantitation to be performed using the comparative CT (CT) method (Livak and Schmittgen, 2001). This method increases sample throughput by eliminating the need for standard curves.
G/C Content
Whenever possible, select primers and probes in a region with a G/C content of 30 to 80%. Regions with a G/C content >80% may not denature well during thermal cycling, leading to a less efficient reaction. G/C-rich sequences are susceptible to nonspecific interactions that may reduce reaction efficiency and produce nonspecific signal in assays using SYBR Green reagents. Avoid primer and probe sequences containing runs of four or more G bases.
Melting Temperature
When you select primers and probes with the recommended melting temperature (Tm), you can use universal thermal cycling conditions. Applied Biosystems recommends that the probe Tm be 10 C higher than that of the primers.
5 End of Probes
Primer Express software does not select probes with a G on the 5 end. The quenching effect of a G base in this position will be present even after probe cleavage. The presence of a G base can result in reduced fluorescence values (Rn) that can negatively affect assay performance. G bases in positions close to the 5 end, but not on it, have not been shown to compromise assay performance.
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3 End of Primers
To reduce the possibility of nonspecific product formation, ensure that the last five bases on the 3 end of the primers do not contain more than two C and/or G bases. Under certain circumstances, such as a G/C-rich template sequence, you may have to relax this recommendation to keep the amplicon under 150 basepairs in length. In general, avoid primer 3 ends extremely rich in G and/or C bases.
Summary of Primer and MGB Probe Design Guidelines
Probe Guidelines
Primer Guidelines
Select the probe first, then design the primers as close as possible to the probe without overlapping the probe (amplicons of 50 to 150 basepairs are strongly recommended). Keep the G/C content in the 30 to 80% range. Avoid runs of an identical nucleotide, especially guanine, where runs of four or more Gs should be avoided. When using Primer Express Software, the Tm should be 68 to 70 C. No G on the 5 end. Make TaqMan MGB probes as short as possible without being shorter than 13 nucleotides. When using Primer Express Software, the Tm should be 58 to 60 C. The five nucleotides at the 3 end should have no more than two G and/or C bases.
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Chapter 3
Select the Reagents

Several TaqMan and SYBR Green reagents are available for quantitation experiments. The reagents you use depend on your target: DNA or cDNA (below). RNA using 1-step RT-PCR (page 3-25). RNA using 2-step RT-PCR (page 3-26).
Note: If you are using SYBR Green reagents, Applied Biosystems highly recommends the Power SYBR Green reagents.
DNA or cDNA Quantitation
Reagent TaqMan reagents
Kit TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 5 mL), 200 reactions TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 10-Pack (10 5 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2), No AmpErase UNG, 250 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG TaqMan PCR Core Reagents Kit, 200 Reactions
Part Number 4369016 4369542 4352042 4304437 4326708 4305719 4324018 4326614 4324020 N808-0228
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Reagent SYBR Green reagents
Kit Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (1 mL), 40 reactions Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (5-mL), 200 reactions Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (10 5-mL), 2000 reactions Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (50 mL), 2000 reactions SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (1-mL), 40 reactions SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (5-mL), 200 reactions SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (50-mL), 2000 reactions SYBR Green PCR Core Reagents, 200 Reactions
Part Number 4368577 4367659 4368708 4367660 4344463 4309155 4334973 4304886
RNA Quantitation Using 1-Step RT-PCR
Kit TaqMan One-Step RT-PCR Master Mix Reagents Kit TaqMan EZ RT-PCR Core Reagents
Part Number 4309169 N808-0236
Note: Use the TaqMan EZ RT-PCR Core

Reagents when a high-temperature RT step is required. SYBR Green reagents Power SYBR Green RT-PCR Reagents Kit SYBR Green RT-PCR Reagents 4368711 4310179
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Chapter 3
Step PCR step only
Kit TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 5 mL), 200 reactions TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 10-Pack (10 5 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2), No AmpErase UNG
Part Number 4369016
4369542
4304437 4352042 4374966 N808-234 N808-232 4367659 4309155 4374966 N808-234 4368711 4310179
RT step only
High-Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit TaqMan Reverse Transcription Reagents
Both RT and PCR steps SYBR Green reagents PCR step only
TaqMan Gold RT PCR kit Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix SYBR Green PCR Master Mix
RT step only
Both RT and PCR steps
Power SYBR Green RT-PCR Reagents Kit SYBR Green RT-PCR Reagents
About AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase
The use of the hot-start enzyme AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase is an integral part of Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines for both TaqMan and SYBR Green reagents. AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase ensures a robust reaction and it can dramatically reduce the amount of nonspecific product formation. A further benefit is the simplification of assay setup, which can be performed at room temperature.
Note: The DNA polymerase included in the TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2), No AmpErase UNG, is capable of very fast hot-start PCR. The performance is similar to that of the AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase.
About MultiScribe Reverse Transcriptase
MultiScribe Reverse Transcriptase is a recombinant Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MuLV) Reverse Transcriptase that reverse transcribes RNA into complimentary DNA (cDNA).
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Use the Recommended Thermal Cycling Conditions

Use the thermal cycling conditions recommended for your sample: DNA or cDNA (page 3-28). RNA using 1-step RT-PCR (page 3-28). RNA using 2-step RT-PCR (page 3-29).
Note: Thermal cycling conditions for Fast reagents differ from thermal cycling conditions for standard reagents.
About the VeriFlex Technology
The StepOnePlus instrument contains six independently thermally regulated VeriFlex blocks to help you optimize your thermal cycling conditions. If you are running your experiment on a StepOnePlus instrument, you can set a different temperature for one or more of the VeriFlex blocks, creating up to six different zones for samples, or you can set the same temperature for each of the VeriFlex blocks. For more information on using the VeriFlex sample blocks, access the Help from within the StepOne software by clicking in the toolbar or pressing F1.
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Chapter 3
For TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2), No AmpErase UNG, follow these conditions:
Times and Temperatures Initial Steps AmpErase UNG Activation HOLD 2 min @ 50 C Activation HOLD 20 sec @ 95 C 1 sec @ 95 C Melt CYCLE 20 sec @ 60 C PCR (40 Cycles) Anneal/Extend
Required only if AmpErase UNG is added to the reactions.
For TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, and Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix, follow these conditions:
Times and Temperatures Initial Steps AmpErase UNG Activation HOLD 2 min @ 50 C AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase Activation HOLD 10 min @ 95 C 15 sec @ 95 C PCR (40 Cycles)
Melt
Anneal/Extend
CYCLE 1 min @ 60 C
Required only if AmpErase UNG is added to the reactions or is included in the master mix.
For the TaqMan One-Step RT-PCR Master Mix Reagents Kit and Power SYBR Green RT-PCR Reagents Kit, follow these conditions:
Times and Temperatures Initial Steps Reverse Transcription HOLD 30 min @ 48 C AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase Activation HOLD 10 min @ 95 C PCR (40 Cycles)
Melt
Anneal/Extend
40 CYCLES 15 sec @ 95 C 1 min @ 60 C
Note: These conditions do not apply to the TaqMan EZ RT-PCR Kit. See the TaqMan EZ RT-PCR Kit Protocol for the appropriate conditions.
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For the High-Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit, follow these conditions:
Step Step 1 1. RT Step HOLD 10 min @ 25 C Times and Temperatures Step 2 HOLD 120 min @ 37 C
After reverse-transcribing the RNA into cDNA (RT step), samples can be stored or used for the subsequent PCR step described below.
IMPORTANT! For most applications and when large amounts of cDNA are required,
Applied Biosystems recommends 120 minutes at 37 C for reverse transcription to achieve optimal conversion.
For TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2), No AmpErase UNG, follow these conditions:
Step Times and Temperatures Initial Steps AmpErase UNG Activation HOLD 2 min @ 50 C AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase Activation HOLD 20 sec @ 95 C PCR (40 Cycles)
2. PCR Step
Melt
Anneal/ Extend
CYCLE 1 sec @ 95 C 20 sec @ 60 C
Required only if AmpErase UNG is added to the reactions.
For TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (with AmpErase UNG), and Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix, follow these conditions:
Step Times and Temperatures Initial Steps AmpErase UNG Activation HOLD 2 min @ 50 C AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase Activation HOLD 10 min @ 95 C PCR (40 Cycles)
2. PCR Step
Melt
Anneal/ Extend
CYCLE 15 sec @ 95 C 1 min @ 60 C
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Chapter 3
Optimize Primer Concentrations

By independently varying forward and reverse primer concentrations, you can identify the concentrations that provide optimal assay performance. Primers are always in large molar excess during the exponential phase of PCR amplification. When you use TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix or TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, Applied Biosystems recommends the primer concentrations listed in Default Primer Concentrations below. Detailed discussions follow for the: Primer optimization matrix (below) TaqMan reagents (below) SYBR Green reagents (page 3-31)
Default Primer Concentrations
The recommended starting primer concentrations listed in the table below are for DNA and cDNA quantitation assays.
Concentrations (nM) Reagent Forward Primer TaqMan reagents SYBR Green reagents 900 50 Reverse Primer 900 50
Primer Optimization Matrix
A primer optimization matrix allows you to determine that the minimum primer concentration yields the minimum CT and maximum Rn. A primer optimization matrix can help to compensate for nonspecific primer binding, which can reduce the amount of primer available to bind at its specific site. For quantitation assays using TaqMan reagents, you can achieve optimal performance by selecting the primer concentrations that provide the lowest CT and highest Rn for a fixed quantity of target template.
Note: Although CT values are the parameter by which quantitative values are
TaqMan Reagents
assigned in a real-time quantitation assays, Rn values can also be important when you are trying to obtain maximum sensitivity and reproducibility. The results of a typical TaqMan reagent primer optimization matrix experiment are shown in Figure 3-4 on page 3-31: Figure 3-4a shows the amplification plots for all primer concentration combinations in linear view. Figure 3-4b shows the same data in log view format.
The combination of 50-nM forward and reverse primer (Plot group C) gives both the lowest Rn and highest CT. All other primer combinations that contain a 150-nM concentration of either the forward or reverse primer (Plot group B) give a reduced Rn. All primer combinations that contain at least 300-nM forward and reverse primer (Plot group A) give both the highest Rn and the lowest CT; as a result, any of the plot group A or B provides optimal performance.
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a) Linear view
b) Log view
Figure 3-4 Primer optimization experimental results showing amplification plots (linear and log views) of primer combinations Plot group key: A: Combinations that contain at least 300 nM of forward and reverse primer B: Combinations that contain at least 150 nM of forward and reverse primer C: Combinations that contain at least 50 nM of forward and reverse primer
SYBR Green Reagents
Optimizing primer concentrations is slightly more complex for quantitation assays using SYBR Green reagents. You should perform the same primer optimization matrix as for TaqMan reagents; however, you must include negative controls for SYBR Green reagents. The primer concentrations you select should provide a low CT and high Rn when run against the target template, but should not produce nonspecific product formation with negative controls.
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Melt curves or gel analysis can be extremely useful when you select optimal primer concentrations for quantitation assays using SYBR Green reagents. Figure 3-5 on page 3-32 shows the results from a primer optimization matrix at primer concentrations of 900-nM forward and reverse primers: Figure 3-5a shows strong amplification of the negative control wells, which indicates that significant nonspecific amplification is occurring. Figure 3-5b shows that the melting temperature of the product generated in the absence of template is lower than the melting temperature of the specific product generated with template, indicating that significant nonspecific amplification is occurring. The results shown in Figure 3-5 are typical of primer-dimer formation. These results indicate that lower primer concentrations may provide more optimal results. Additionally, you can redesign another set of primers to the target of interest.
a) Amplification plot, linear view Target Amplification
NC (nonspecific amplification)
b) Melt curve analysis
NC (non-specific amplification)
Target Amplification
Figure 3-5 Amplification data using SYBR Green reagents (a) Amplification plot (linear view) demonstrating suspected nonspecific amplification in negative control (NC) wells (b) Melt curve analysis confirming that product in NC wells has a different melting temperature from the specific product
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Optimize the Probe Concentration

For detection by TaqMan probes, the recommended probe concentration of 250 nM ensures excellent assay performance. However, depending on the requirements of the assay, a probe optimization experiment can prove useful.
Note: No probe is required for SYBR Green I dye detection.
Recommended Probe Concentrations
The recommended probe concentrations for DNA and cDNA quantitation assays using TaqMan reagents is 250 nM. Figure 3-6 shows the results of a probe optimization experiment in which the probe concentration is varied from 50 to 250 nM: Figure 3-6a shows an increase in Rn as the probe concentration is increased. Figure 3-6b shows that the CT value changes with sufficient probe concentrations. To ensure the best reproducibility, especially when you want to detect low copy numbers of a target, avoid probe limiting concentrations. Run the assay at a probe concentration of 250 nM. Using a 250-nM concentration, you avoid probe limitation and ensure large Rn values. Large Rn values indicate a robust assay that is performing at high efficiency, giving high product yield and allowing accurate peak measurement.
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a) Linear view
b) Log view
Figure 3-6 Amplification plot (linear and log views) of probe concentration titration from 50 to 250 nM
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For information on: Using the TaqMan reagents, refer to: TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2) Protocol TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix Protocol TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix Protocol Using the SYBR Green reagents, refer to: Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix and RT-PCR Protocol SYBR Green PCR Master Mix and RT-PCR Reagents Protocol SYBR Green PCR and RT-PCR Reagents Protocol Performing quantitation experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, refer to: Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Standard Curve Experiments Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Relative Standard Curve and Comparative CT Experiments Performing presence/absence experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, refer to the Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Presence/Absence Experiments.
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Section 4.1 About Genotyping Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3 Section 4.2 Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9
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Section 4.1 About Genotyping Experiments

This section covers: Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4 Select the Assay Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6
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Overview
What Is a Genotyping Experiment?
A genotyping experiment is an endpoint experiment used to determine the genotype of unknown samples. With this experiment type, you can differentiate a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). A genotyping experiment determines if unknown samples are: Homozygotes (samples having only allele 1) Homozygotes (samples having only allele 2) Heterozygotes (samples having both allele 1 and allele 2)
Components
PCR reactions for genotyping experiments include the following components: Sample The sample in which the genotype of the target is unknown. (Optional) Replicates Identical reactions containing identical components and volumes. Negative Controls Samples that contain water or buffer instead of template; also known as no template controls (NTCs). Negative controls should not amplify. (Optional) Positive controls Samples that contain known genotypes (homozygotes for allele 1, homozygotes for allele 2, and heterozygotes for alleles 1 and 2).
Instruments
Genotyping experiments require two steps: thermal cycling (PCR amplification) followed by endpoint detection of the resulting fluorescent signals. You can perform the thermal cycling step (PCR amplification) on the Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems or on a standalone thermal cycler. If you use the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems: You can analyze the PCR, which is helpful for troubleshooting. Perform the endpoint plate read separately.
How Genotyping Experiments Work
In genotyping experiments, the PCR includes a specific fluorescent-dye-labeled probe for each allele. The probes contain different fluorescent reporter dyes to differentiate each allele. You can use TaqMan minor groove binder (MGB) probes on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems. Each TaqMan MGB probe contains: A reporter dye at the 5 end of each probe VIC dye is linked to the 5 end of the Allele 1 probe FAM dye is linked to the 5 end of the Allele 2 probe A minor groove binder (MGB) This modification increases the melting temperature (Tm) of probes without increasing probe length (Afonina et al., 1997; Kutyavin et al., 1997), thereby allowing the design of shorter probes. Consequently, the TaqMan MGB probes exhibit greater differences in Tm values between matched and mismatched probes; greater differences in Tm values provide accurate genotyping.
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A nonfluorescent quencher (NFQ) at the 3 end of the probe Because the quencher does not fluoresce, real-time PCR systems can measure reporter dye contributions more accurately. During PCR, each probe anneals specifically to its complementary sequence between the forward and reverse primer sites. AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase can cleave only probes that hybridize to the allele sequence (match). Cleavage separates the reporter dye from the quencher dye, increasing fluorescence of the reporter dye. Thus, the fluorescence signals generated during PCR amplification indicate the alleles that are present in the sample.
Mismatches Between Probe and Allele Sequences
Mismatches between a probe and allele (Figure 4-1) reduce the efficiency of probe hybridization. Furthermore, AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase is likely to displace the mismatched probe rather than to cleave it to release reporter dye.
Allele 1 V Q
Match Mismatch
F Q
Legend
V F Q
VIC dye FAM dye Quencher

AmpliTaq Gold DNA Polymerase
GR1556
Allele 2
F Q
Match
V Q
Mismatch
Figure 4-1 Results from matches and mismatches between allele and probe sequences in genotyping experiments
Table 4-1 summarizes the possible results of the genotyping experiment example shown above.
Table 4-1 Genotyping experiment results
Indicates homozygosity for Allele 1. homozygosity for Allele 2. heterozygosity.
A substantial increase in VIC dye fluorescence only FAM dye fluorescence only both fluorescent signals
Workflow
Before performing genotyping experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, prepare for the experiment as follows: 1. Select the assay type (below). 2. Review the design guidelines for the assay type you selected (Section 4.2 on page 4-9).
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When you design your experiments with the StepOne software, you can select the following assay types for genotyping experiments: Pre-Designed/Validated (below) Custom (page 4-7) This section lists the products available for each assay type.
Pre-Designed/ Validated Assays
Product TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays
Attributes Predesigned assays for high-density, genome-wide marker coverage. For screening, association, candidate region, candidate gene, or fine-mapping studies. Convenient single-tube format. Detect polymorphisms in 220 genes that code for various drug metabolism enzymes and drug transporters. For studying single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertions/deletions (in/dels), and multinucleotide polymorphisms (MNPs). Genotype purified DNA samples for specific mutations; most assays discriminate between two alleles of singlenucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Minor groove binder (MGB) added for better genotyping. Allele 1 and 2 control DNA included to allow each homozygote signal to be generated on each run. Closed-tube system requires no post-PCR manipulation or gels. Optimized for endpoint fluorescence detection in SNP genotyping applications: Distinct clusters and high call rates for unambiguous allelic discrimination. Excellent pre- and post-PCR stability for high-throughput setup and analysis. Validated with TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Simplifies assay implementation by using one reagent for all assays.
TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays
Pre-Developed TaqMan Assay Reagents for Allelic Discrimination
TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix
Provides optimal performance for TaqMan assays that use cDNA or DNA as a template. Contains components that ensure excellent assay performance. Simplifies assay implementation by using one reagent for all assays.
Note: Genotyping experiments are not supported for Fast or SYBR Green master
mixes and protocols.
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For guidelines on designing your experiments with Pre-Designed/Validated assays, see page 4-10.
Custom Assays
Product Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays
Attributes Any possible single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in any organism. Detect insertions/deletions (in/dels) of up to six bases. Detect multiple nucleotide polymorphisms (MNPs) of up to six bases. Convenient single-tube format. Optimized for endpoint fluorescence detection in SNP genotyping applications: Distinct clusters and high call rates for unambiguous allelic discrimination. Excellent pre- and post-PCR stability for high-throughput setup and analysis. Validated with TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Simplifies assay implementation by using one reagent for all assays.
TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix
mixes and protocols. For guidelines on designing your experiments with Custom assays, see page 4-14.
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This section covers: Pre-Designed/Validated Assays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10 TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11 Pre-Developed TaqMan Assay Reagents for Allelic Discrimination . . . . 4-12 Select the Master Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-13 Design the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 Custom Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-14 Select the Master Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16 Design the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-16
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Workflow
If you are designing a genotyping experiment using Applied Biosystems PreDesigned/Validated assays, Applied Biosystems recommends that you follow the workflow below: 1. Select the assay: TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays (below). TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays (page 4-11). TaqMan Pre-Developed Assays Reagents for Allelic Discrimination (page 4-12). 2. Select the master mix (page 4-13). 3. Design the experiment using the StepOne software (page 4-14).
TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays

Product Description
TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays are a comprehensive collection of primer and probe sets for genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for human studies. The assays: Use TaqMan reagents to amplify and detect specific SNP alleles in purified genomic DNA samples. Are designed using Applied Biosystems bioinformatics pipeline and software, as well as genomic information from Celera Genomics and public databases. Are designed and optimized to work with an Applied Biosystems TaqMan master mix, using universal thermal cycling conditions.
All TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays require: Three components: 1 to 20 ng of purified genomic DNA sample. 20, 40, or 80 SNP Genotyping Assay Mix (specific for each polymorphism). Each assay consists of sequence-specific forward and reverse primers to amplify the SNP of interest and two TaqMan MGB probes: One probe labeled with VIC dye detects the Allele 1 sequence; one probe labeled with FAM dye detects the Allele 2 sequence. TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix or TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (with or without AmpErase UNG). PCR amplification and an endpoint read to obtain results.
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Available Assays
TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays are available as TaqMan Pre-Designed SNP Genotyping Assays: Over 4.5 million predesigned genome-wide assays, including 3.5 million human HapMap SNPs, 70,000 human cSNPs, 160,000 human validated, and 10,000 mouse assays. Available in small, medium, and large scale. Made to Order (that is, manufactured at the time of order).
For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web sites: http://www.allsnps.com/ and/or http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/ a. On the Home page, under TaqMan Products, select TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. b. On the SNP Genotyping Assays page, under Pre-Designed/Validated Assays, select TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. For information on preparing PCR reactions using the TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays, refer to the TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays Protocol.
TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays

Product Description
TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays are a comprehensive collection of Inventoried primer and probe sets for genotyping SNPs, insertions and deletions (indels), and multiple nucleotide polymorphisms (MNPs) in drug metabolism related genes. The assays: Use TaqMan reagents to amplify and detect specific polymorphisms in purified genomic DNA samples. Are designed using Applied Biosystems bioinformatics pipeline and software, as well as genomic information from public SNP databases and public genome assemblies. Are designed and optimized to work with Applied Biosystems TaqMan master mixes.
All TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays require: Three components: 3 to 30 ng of purified genomic DNA sample. 20 Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assay Mix (specific for each polymorphism). Each assay consists of sequence-specific forward and reverse primers to amplify the polymorphic sequence of interest and two TaqMan MGB probes: One probe labeled with VIC dye detects the Allele 1 sequence; one probe labeled with FAM dye detects the Allele 2 sequence. TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix or TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (with or without AmpErase UNG).
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PCR amplification and an endpoint read to obtain results.
For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web sites: http://www.allsnps.com/ and/or http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/ a. On the Home page, under TaqMan Products, select TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. b. On the SNP Genotyping Assays page, under Pre-Designed/Validated Assays, select TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays. For information on preparing PCR reactions using the TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays, refer to the TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays Protocol.
Pre-Developed TaqMan Assay Reagents for Allelic Discrimination

Product Description
Pre-Developed TaqMan Assay Reagents for Allelic Discrimination (TaqMan PDARs for AD) are Inventoried assays optimized for the discrimination of specific alleles. The assays: Use TaqMan reagents to amplify and detect specific polymorphisms in purified genomic DNA samples. Are designed and optimized to work with an Applied Biosystems TaqMan master mix, using universal thermal cycling conditions.
TaqMan PDARs for AD require three components: 2 to 20 ng of purified genomic DNA sample. 10 Allelic Discrimination Assay Mix (specific for each polymorphism). Each assay consists of sequence-specific forward and reverse primers to amplify the polymorphic sequence of interest and two TaqMan MGB probes: One probe labeled with VIC dye detects the Allele 1 sequence; one probe labeled with FAM dye detects the Allele 2 sequence. TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix or TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (with or without AmpErase UNG).
Note: Allele 1 and 2 control DNA is included with each assay to allow each homozygote signal to be generated on each run.
For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web sites: http://www.allsnps.com/ and/or http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/ a. On the Home page, under TaqMan Products, select TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays.
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b. On the SNP Genotyping Assays page, under Pre-Designed/Validated Assays, select TaqMan Pre-Developed Assay Reagents for Allelic Discrimination (TaqMan PDARs for AD). For information on preparing PCR reactions using the TaqMan PDARs for Allelic Discrimination, refer to the Pre-Developed TaqMan Assay Reagents Allelic Discrimination Protocol.

Applied Biosystems Pre-Designed/Validated assays for genotyping experiments are designed to work with the following master mixes: TaqMan PDARs for AD contain TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (with AmpErase UNG). TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays and Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays can be used with:
Master Mix TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 10 mL), 400 reactions TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix, 1 Bulk Pack (1 50 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG Part Number 4371355 4371357 4304437 4326708 4305719 4324018 4326614 4324020
For information on using the TaqMan master mixes, refer to the: TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix Protocol TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix Protocol
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For Applied Biosystems Pre-Designed/Validated assays, use the StepOne software to design your genotyping experiments. The StepOne software automatically calculates volumes for the: Reaction mix components Sample dilutions
Note: To select a SNP assay in the StepOne software, go to the SNP Assays screen in the Design Wizard or to the Plate Setup screen in Advanced Setup. In the SNP Assays screen or Plate Setup screen, you can select an assay from the library or create a new assay.
For information on designing and performing genotyping experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, refer to Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Genotyping Experiments.
Custom Assays
Workflow
If you are designing a genotyping experiment using Applied Biosystems Custom assays, Applied Biosystems recommends that you follow the workflow below: 1. Order the assay: Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays (below). 2. Select the master mix (page 4-16). 3. Design the experiment using the StepOne software (page 4-16).
Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays

Product Description
Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays are TaqMan probe and primer sets that are designed, synthesized, and formulated by the Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays service based on sequence information that you submit. Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays allow you to:
Action Perform genotyping studies with any possible single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in any organism Detect insertions/deletions (in/dels) of up to six bases for genotyping studies Example AGTTCATCCATGGTCA --> AGTTCATACATGGTCA Annotated as: AGTTCAT[C/A]CATGGTCA AGTTCATCCATGGTCA --> AGTTCATGGTCA Annotated as: AGTTCAT[CCAT/*]GGTCA Detect multiple nucleotide polymorphisms (MNPs) of up to six bases for genotyping studies AGTTCATCCGGTCA --> AGTTCATATGGTCA Annotated as: AGTTCAT[CC/AT]GGTCA
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The assays: Use TaqMan reagents to amplify and detect specific polymorphisms in purified genomic DNA (gDNA). Are developed using proprietary assay-design software. Are designed and optimized to work with an Applied Biosystems TaqMan master mix, using universal thermal cycling conditions.
All Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays require: A submission file that includes your target SNP sequence. You create the submission file using free File Builder software, then submit the file to the Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays service. Three components: 1 to 20 ng of purified gDNA sample per well. 40 SNP Genotyping Assay or 80 SNP Genotyping Assay (specific for each polymorphism). Each assay consists of sequence-specific forward and reverse primers to amplify the SNP of interest and two TaqMan MGB probes: One probe labeled with VIC dye detects the Allele 1 sequence; one probe labeled with FAM dye detects the Allele 2 sequence. TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix or TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix (with or without AmpErase UNG). PCR amplification and an endpoint read to obtain results. For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web sites: http://www.allsnps.com/ and/or http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/ a. On the Home page, under TaqMan Products, select TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. b. On the SNP Genotyping Assays page, under Custom Assays, select Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. For information on ordering Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays, refer to the Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays Protocol: Submission Guidelines. For information on preparing PCR reactions using the Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays, refer to the Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays Protocol.
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Applied Biosystems Made to Order assays for genotyping experiments are designed to work with the following master mixes:
Master Mix TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 10 mL), 400 reactions TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix, 1 Bulk Pack (1 50 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG Part Number 4371355 4371357 4304437 4326708 4305719 4324018 4326614 4324020
For information on using the TaqMan master mixes, refer to the: TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix Protocol TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix Protocol

For Applied Biosystems Custom assays, use the StepOne software to design your genotyping experiments. The StepOne software automatically calculates volumes for the: Reaction mix components Sample dilutions
Note: To select a SNP assay in the StepOne software, go to the SNP Assays screen in the Design Wizard or to the Plate Setup screen in Advanced Setup. In the SNP Assays screen or Plate Setup screen, you can select an assay from the library or create a new assay.
For information on designing and performing genotyping experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, refer to Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Genotyping Experiments.
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Section 5.1 About Presence/Absence Experiments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3 Section 5.2 Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
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Section 5.1 About Presence/Absence Experiments

This section covers: Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4 Select the Assay Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
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Overview
What Is a Presence/ Absence Experiment?
A presence/absence experiment is an endpoint experiment that indicates the presence or absence of a specific nucleic acid sequence (target) in a sample. The actual quantity of target is not determined. Presence/absence experiments are commonly used to detect the presence or absence of a pathogen, such as a viral or bacterial pathogen. For example, a presence/absence experiment might be used to determine if Salmonella bacteria are present in hamburger meat. The results will show if Salmonella bacteria are present or are not present; the quantity of bacteria is not determined.
Components
PCR reactions for presence/absence experiments include the following components: Sample The sample in which the presence of a target is unknown. Replicates Identical reactions containing identical components and volumes. Internal positive control (IPC) A short synthetic DNA template that is added to PCR reactions. You can use the IPC to distinguish between true negative results and reactions affected by PCR inhibitors, incorrect assay setup, or a reagent or instrument failure.
Note: Presence/absence experiments can be performed without an IPC; however, the IPC ensures that a failed PCR is not mistaken for a negative test result.
Negative Controls Wells that contain water or buffer instead of sample template. No amplification of the target should occur in negative control wells. In the StepOne software, you can set up the PCR reactions for the presence/absence experiments three different ways:
Setup IPC setup There are three types of wells: Unknown-IPC wells Wells contain sample template and IPC template; the presence of the target is not known. Negative control-IPC wells Wells contain IPC template and water or buffer instead of sample template in the PCR reaction. Only the IPC template should amplify in negative control-IPC wells because the reaction contains no sample template. Also called IPC+. Negative control-blocked IPC wells Wells contain IPC blocking agent instead of sample template in the PCR reaction. No amplification should occur in negative control-blocked IPC wells because the reaction contains no sample template and amplification of the IPC is blocked. Also called no amplification control (NAC). No IPC, singleplex setup There are two types of wells: Unknown wells Wells contain sample template; the presence of the target is not known. Negative controls Wells contain water or buffer instead of sample template. Well Types
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Setup No IPC, multiplex setup There are two types of wells:
Well Types
Unknown-Unknown wells Wells contain sample template; the presence of the target is not known. Negative control-Negative control wells Wells contain water or buffer instead of sample template.
Endpoint Detection and Post-PCR Plate Read
Presence/absence experiments are endpoint experiments in which fluorescence data are collected after the PCR is complete. To aid in troubleshooting presence/absence experiments, you can use the Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems to perform realtime PCR. If you use the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems for PCR amplification, perform the pre-PCR read and post-PCR read runs separately. During the PCR, the fluorogenic probes anneal specifically to the complementary target between the forward and reverse primer sites on the template DNA. Then during extension, AmpliTaq Gold DNA polymerase cleaves the hybridized probes in each sample containing the target. The cleavage of each matched probe separates the reporter dye from the quencher dye, resulting in increased fluorescence by the reporter. After PCR cycling, the StepOne and StepOnePlus instruments read the fluorescence generated during the PCR amplification. The fluorescent signals are used to determine the presence or absence of the target in each sample. Reporter signals are normalized to the emission of a passive reference, as follows:
Rn (TT) = Emission Intensity of Target Template Sequence Emission Intensity of Passive Reference Rn (IPC) = Emission Intensity of Internal Positive Control Emission Intensity of Passive Reference
How Presence/ Absence Experiments Work
Incorporating an IPC
An IPC is a second TaqMan probe and primer set added to the reaction plate to detect a low-copy, constitutive nucleic acid. The IPC and the target are amplified simultaneously in the same reaction well. If a well does not exhibit amplification, the StepOne software uses the positive signal from the IPC to confirm that the well failed to amplify because of a lack of target template, rather than because of a pipetting error or inhibition.
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Workflow
Before performing presence/absence experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, prepare for the experiment as follows: 1. Select the assay type (below). 2. Review the design guidelines for the assay type you selected (Section 5.2 on page 5-9).

When you design your experiments with the StepOne software, you can select the following assay types for presence/absence experiments: Inventoried/Made to Order (page 5-7) Custom (page 5-8) This section lists the products available for each assay type.
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Product TaqMan Gene Expression Assays
Attributes Predesigned, gene-specific primer and probe sets for human, mouse, rat, Arabidopsis, Drosophila, C. elegans, C. familiares (dog), and M. mulatta (Rhesus) genes. Probe is a FAM dye-labeled MGB probe. Provided in a convenient, single, 205 tube. Available as Inventoried or Made to Order assays. Optimized, preformulated, ready-to-use endogenous control assays. Cost-effective gene expression quantitation for human, mouse, rat, Arabidopsis, Drosophila, and any eukaryotic species. Choice of FAM dye or VIC dye labels (primer-limited).
Note: FAM dyelabeled TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays are included as Inventoried TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays
Any species or organism. Target of your choice. Probe is a FAM dye-labeled MGB probe. Provided in a convenient, single, 205 tube.
TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix
Tailored for precise quantitation by real-time PCR for routine and challenging experiments: Sensitive detection down to 1 copy of target. Multiplex PCR for co-amplifying two targets in a single reaction. Specificity for differentiation between gene family members. Validated with TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Simplifies assay implementation by using one reagent for all assays.
Note: Presence/absence experiments are not supported for Fast or SYBR Green
master mixes and protocols. For guidelines on designing your experiments with Inventoried/Made to Order assays, see page 5-10.
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Custom Assays
Product Custom TaqMan Probes and Primers
Attributes Any species or organism. Choice of dye labels, quenchers, and synthesis scales. For use with the Primer Express Software and Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines. Software that designs primers and probes for real-time PCR. Tailored for precise quantitation by real-time PCR for routine and challenging experiments: Sensitive detection down to 1 copy of target. Multiplex PCR for co-amplifying two targets in a single reaction. Specificity for differentiation between gene family members. Validated with TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. Simplifies assay implementation by using one reagent for all assays.
Primer Express Software TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix
master mixes and protocols. For guidelines on designing your experiments with Custom assays, see page 5-16.
5-8
Chapter 5

This section covers: Inventoried/Made to Order Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 TaqMan Gene Expression Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10 Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12 TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13 Select the Master Mix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-15 Design the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16 Custom Assays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-16
5-9
Chapter 5

Workflow
If you select the Inventoried/Made to Order assay type in the StepOne software, Applied Biosystems recommends that you follow the workflow below: 1. Select the assay: TaqMan Gene Expression Assays (below). Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays (page 5-12). 2. Use the TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents (page 5-13).
3. Select the master mix (page 5-15). 4. Design the experiment using the StepOne software (page 5-16).
TaqMan Gene Expression Assays

Product Description
TaqMan Gene Expression Assays are a comprehensive collection of Inventoried and Made to Order probe and primer sets that you can use to perform presence/absence experiments on human, mouse, rat, Arabidopsis, Drosophila, C. elegans, C. familiares (dog), and M. mulatta (Rhesus) genes. The assays: Use TaqMan reagents to amplify and detect the target in cDNA samples. Are designed using an automated design and quality-controlled pipeline. Inventoried assays are manufactured and placed in inventory; Made to Order assays are predesigned and manufactured when ordered. Are designed and optimized to work with an Applied Biosystems TaqMan master mix, using universal thermal cycling conditions. When possible, amplify target cDNA without amplifying genomic DNA (m suffix in assay ID) by designing probes that cross exon-exon junctions.
All TaqMan Gene Expression Assays require: Three components: 1 to 100 ng of cDNA sample (converted from RNA) per well, with all wells in a study having the same amount of cDNA. 20 Gene Expression Assay Mix (specific for each target). Each assay mix consists of two unlabeled PCR primers and a FAM dye-labeled TaqMan MGB (minor groove binder) probe in a preformulated 20 mix. 1 final concentrations are 250 nM for the probe and 900 nM for each primer. TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix or TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix (with or without AmpErase UNG).
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Chapter 5
Available Assays
TaqMan Gene Expression Assays are available for human, mouse, rat, Arabidopsis, Drosophila, C. elegans, C. familiares (dog), and M. mulatta (Rhesus) genes. The part numbers are: PN 4331182 for Inventoried assays PN 4351372 for Made to Order assays The prefix of the assay name indicates the species for which the assay was designed: Hs for Homo sapiens (human), Mm for Mus musculus (mouse), Rn for Rattus norvegicus (rat), At for Arabidopsis thaliana, Dm for Drosophila melanogaster, Ce for C. elegans, Cf for C. familiares (dog), and Rh for M. mulatta (Rhesus). The suffix of the assay name indicates the assay placement, as described in the table below.
Suffix _m _s _g _mH _sH _gH _u Description The assays probe spans an exon junction; the assay does not detect genomic DNA. The assays primers and probes are designed within a single exon; the assay does detect genomic DNA. The assay may detect genomic DNA; the assays primers and probes may be within a single exon. The assay was designed to a transcript belonging to a gene family with high sequence homology. The assay provides between 10 CT and 15 CT difference between the target gene and the gene with the closest sequence homology. Therefore, the assay detects the target transcript with 1000- to 30,000-fold greater discrimination (sensitivity) than the closest homologous transcript, if they are present at the same copy number in a sample. The assays amplicon spans an exon junction and the probe sits completely in one of the spanned exons.
TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays are available as: Inventoried TaqMan Gene Expression Assays (PN 4331182) Each assay contains a FAM dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probe in a single, preformulated 20 tube. Individual control assays for all human, mouse, and rat species (various part numbers) Each assay contains either a FAM dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probe, a VIC dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probe, or a TAMRA dye-labeled probe. TaqMan Endogenous Controls with VIC dye labels are primer-limited.
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Chapter 5
For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web site: http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/ a. On the Home page, under TaqMan Products, select TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. b. On the Gene Expression Assays & Arrays page: Under Individual Assays, select TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. This option links to all TaqMan Gene Expression Assays, including TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays that contain FAM dye-labeled probes. or Under Individual Control Assays, select TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays. This option links to the individual TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays (that contain FAM dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probes, VIC dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probes, or TAMRA dye-labeled probes). For information on Custom TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays, refer to the Using TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays to Select an Endogenous Control for Experimental Studies Application Note. For information on preparing PCR reactions using the TaqMan Gene Expression Assays, refer to the TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Protocol.

Product Description
Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays are TaqMan probe and primer sets that are designed, synthesized, and formulated by the Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays service based on sequence information that you submit. Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays allow you to perform presence/absence experiments on any gene or splice variant in any organism. The assays: Use TaqMan reagents to amplify and detect the target in cDNA samples. Are developed using proprietary assay-design software. Are designed and optimized to work with an Applied Biosystems TaqMan master mix, using universal thermal cycling conditions.
All Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays require: A submission file that includes your target sequence. You create the submission file using free File Builder software, then submit the file to the Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays service. Three components: 1 to 100 ng of cDNA sample (converted from RNA) per well, with all wells in a study having the same amount of cDNA. 20 Gene Expression Assay or 60 Gene Expression Assay (specific for each target). Each assay consists of two target-specific primers and a FAM dye-labeled TaqMan MGB probe in a preformulated 20 or 60 mix. 1 final concentrations are 250 nM for the probe and 900 nM for each primer.
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Chapter 5
TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix or TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix (with or without AmpErase UNG).
For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web site: http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/ a. On the Home page, under TaqMan Products, select TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. b. On the Gene Expression Assays & Arrays page, under Individual Assays, select Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays. For information on ordering Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays, refer to the Custom TaqMan Genomic Assays Protocol: Submission Guidelines. For information on preparing PCR reactions using the Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays, refer to the Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays Protocol.
TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents

Product Description
The Applied Biosystems TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents contain: An internal positive control (IPC) with predesigned primers and probe IPC DNA template IPC blocking control The reagents are designed to: Distinguish types of negative results: A negative call for the target and positive call for the IPC indicates that no target is present. A negative call for the target and negative call for the IPC suggests PCR inhibition. Avoid amplification of endogenous controls. Permit co-amplification of the IPC and the target without compromising amplification of the target. Detect the IPC using a VIC dye-labeled probe. Detect the target using a FAM dye-labeled probe. Work with the TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (with or without AmpErase UNG), using universal thermal cycling conditions.
The TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents kits require the following components: DNA sample TaqMan assay for your target of interest TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (with or without AmpErase UNG)
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Chapter 5
Available Kits
The following TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents kits are available from Applied Biosystems:
Kits TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents with TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (with VIC dye) TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents Part Number 4308320 4308323
Note: If you are using this kit, you will need to purchase one of these TaqMan reagents separately:
TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (PN 4304437) TaqMan PCR Core Reagents Kit (PN N808-0228)
IMPORTANT! The kits listed above contain TAMRA dye-labeled probes; Applied
Biosystems does not recommend the use of TAMRA dye as a reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. The kits may be used with the StepOnePlus system; TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system.
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Chapter 5
For information on preparing PCR reactions using the TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents, refer to the TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents Protocol.

Applied Biosystems Inventoried/Made to Order assays for presence/absence experiments are designed to work with the following master mixes:
Master Mix TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 5 mL), 200 reactions TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 10-Pack (10 5 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG TaqMan PCR Core Reagents Kit Part Number 4369016 4369542 4304437 4326708 4305719 4324018 4326614 4324020 N808-0228
Note: If you purchase the TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents
with TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix kit (PN 4308320), you do not need to purchase the master mix separately.
master mixes and protocols.
For information on using the TaqMan reagents, refer to the: TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix Protocol TaqMan Universal PCR Master Mix Protocol
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Chapter 5

For Applied Biosystems Inventoried/Made to Order assays, use the StepOne software to design your presence/absence experiments. The StepOne software automatically calculates volumes for the: Reaction mix components Controls and samples Sample dilutions
Note: To select the Inventoried/Made to Order assay type in the StepOne software, go to the Reaction Setup screen in either the Design Wizard or Advanced Setup, then select Inventoried/Made to Order from the Assay Type dropdown menu.
For information on designing and performing presence/absence experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, refer to the Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Getting Started Guide for Presence/Absence Experiments.
Custom Assays
Workflow
If you select the Custom assay type in the StepOne software for a presence/absence experiment (that is, you are designing your own primers and probes), Applied Biosystems recommends that you follow the workflow for the Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines: 1. Design primers and probes using Primer Express Software (page 3-21). 2. Select the appropriate reagents (page 3-24).
dye as a reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system. Presence/absence experiments are not supported for Fast or SYBR Green master mixes and protocols. 3. Use the recommended thermal cycling conditions (page 3-27). 4. Begin with default primer and probe concentrations. If needed, optimize the primer concentrations (page 3-30) and probe concentrations (page 3-33).
optimization only when used in their entirety. Adopt the system as a whole to achieve the highest level of success. For a more detailed description of Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines, see Appendix C.
Note: To select the Custom assay type in the StepOne software, go to the Reaction Setup screen in either the Design Wizard or Advanced Setup, then select Custom from the Assay Type dropdown menu.
5-16
Formulas
This appendix covers:
Standard Deviation Calculation Using the Standard Curve Method. . . . . . . . . . . A-2 Standard Deviation Calculation Using the Comparative Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5 Formula for Comparative CT (CT) Experiments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7
A-1
Appendix A Formulas
Standard Deviation Calculation Using the Standard Curve Method

Example
Comparing Samples with a Reference Sample
The normalized amount of target (c-mycN in the table below) is a unitless number that can be used to compare the relative amount of target in different samples. One way to make this comparison is to designate one of the samples as a reference sample. In the table below, brain is designated as the reference sample; brain is arbitrarily chosen because it has the lowest expression level of the target.
Relative Standard Curve Results
Each c-mycN value in the table below is divided by the brain c-mycN value to give the values in the final column. These results indicate the kidney sample contains 5.5 as much c-myc mRNA as the brain sample, liver 34.2 as much, and lung 15.7 as much. To determine relative values, perform the following steps: 1. Average the c-myc and GAPDH values from the table below. 2. Divide the c-myc average by the GAPDH average. 3. Designate the reference sample. 4. Divide the averaged sample value by the averaged reference sample value.
Tissue Brain c-myc ng Total Raji RNA 0.033 0.043 0.036 0.043 0.039 0.040 Average Kidney 0.0390.004 0.40 0.41 0.41 0.39 0.42 0.43 Average 0.410.016 GAPDH ng Total Raji RNA 0.51 0.56 0.59 0.53 0.51 0.52 0.540.034 0.96 1.06 1.05 1.07 1.06 0.96 1.020.052 0.400.025 5.50.35 0.070.008 1.00.12 c-mycN Norm. to GAPDH c-mycN Rel. to Brain
A-2
Appendix A Formulas
Tissue Liver
c-myc ng Total Raji RNA 0.67 0.66 0.70 0.76 0.70 0.68
GAPDH ng Total Raji RNA 0.29 0.28 0.28 0.29 0.26 0.27 0.280.013 0.82 0.88 0.78 0.77 0.79 0.80 0.810.041
c-mycN Norm. to GAPDH
c-mycN Rel. to Brain
Average Lung
0.700.036 0.97 0.92 0.86 0.89 0.94 0.97
2.490.173
34.22.37
Average
0.930.044
1.150.079
15.71.09
The c-mycN value is determined by dividing the average c-myc value by the average GAPDH value. The standard deviation of the quotient is calculated from the standard deviations of the c-myc and GAPDH values. See Formula on page A-4. The calculation of c-mycN relative to brain involves division by the reference sample value. This is division by an arbitrary constant, so the cv of this result is the same as the cv for c-mycN.
A-3
Appendix A Formulas
Formula
The c-mycN value is determined by dividing the average c-myc value by the average GAPDH value. The standard deviation of the quotient is calculated from the standard deviations of the c-myc and GAPDH values using the following formula:
cv = cv1 + cv 22
2
where:
sstddev cv = -- = ------------------------meanvalue X
Using the brain sample from table on page A-2 as an example:

0.004 cv 1 = -----------0.039
and
0.034 cv 2 = -----------0.54
cv =
0.004 + 0.034 = 0.12 ---------------------- 0.54 0.039
since
scv = -X
s = ( cv ) ( X ) s = ( 0.12 ) ( 0.07 ) s = 0.008
A-4
Appendix A Formulas
Standard Deviation Calculation Using the Comparative Method

Example
The CT data used to determine the amounts of c-myc and GAPDH mRNA shown in the table on page A-2 are used to illustrate the CT calculation. The table below shows the average CT results for the human brain, kidney, liver, and lung samples and how these CTs are manipulated to determine CT, CT, and the relative amount of cmyc mRNA. The results are comparable to the relative c-myc levels determined using the standard curve method.
GAPDH Average CT 23.630.09 22.660.08 24.600.07 23.010.07 CT c-mycGAPDH 6.860.17 4.370.10 1.650.10 2.810.10 CT CTCT, Brain 0.000.17 2.500.10 5.210.10 4.050.10 c-mycN Rel. to Brain # 1.0 (0.91.1) 5.6 (5.36.0) 37.0 (34.539.7) 16.5 (15.417.7)
Tissue Brain Kidney Liver Lung
c-myc Average CT 30.490.15 27.030.06 26.250.07 25.830.07
The CT value is determined by subtracting the average GAPDH CT value from the average c-myc CT value. The standard deviation of the difference is calculated from the standard deviations of the c-myc and GAPDH values. See Formula on page A-6. The calculation of CT involves subtraction by the CT reference sample value. This is subtraction of an arbitrary constant, so the standard deviation of CT is the same as the standard deviation of the CT value. # The range given for c-mycN relative to brain is determined by evaluating the expression: 2 CT with CT + s and CT s, where s = the standard deviation of the CT value.
A-5
Appendix A Formulas
Formula
The C value is determined by subtracting the average GAPDH CT value from the average c-myc CT value. The standard deviation of the difference is calculated from the standard deviations of the c-myc and GAPDH values using the following formula:
s = s1 + s2
2 2
where: s = std dev Using the brain sample from the table on page A-5 as an example:
s 1 = 0.15
and
s 2 = 0.09
s=
( 0.15 ) + ( 0.09 ) = 0.17
A-6
Appendix A Formulas
Formula for Comparative CT (CT) Experiments

Formula
The quantity of target, normalized to an endogenous control and relative to a reference sample, is calculated by: 2 CT
Derivation of the Formula
The equation that describes the exponential amplification of PCR is: Xn = Xo ( 1 + EX ) n where: xn = number of target molecules at cycle n xo = initial number of target molecules Ex = efficiency of target amplification n = number of cycles Xo =initial number of target molecules
The threshold cycle (CT) indicates the fractional cycle number at which the quantity of amplified target reaches a specified threshold. Thus, X T = X o ( 1 + E X ) C T, X = K X where: xT = threshold number of target molecules CT, X = threshold cycle for target amplification KX = constant A similar equation for the endogenous control reaction is: R T = R o ( 1 + E R ) C T, R = K R where: RT = threshold number of reference molecules Ro = initial number of reference molecules ER = efficiency of reference amplification CT, R = threshold cycle for reference amplification KR = constant
Dividing XT by RT yields the following expression: X o ( 1 + E X ) T, X K X XT ----- = --------------------------------------- = ----- = K C RT R o ( 1 + E R ) T, R K R

C
A-7
Appendix A Formulas
The exact values of XT and RT depend on a number of factors, including: Reporter dye used in the probe Sequence context effects on the fluorescence properties of the probe Efficiency of probe cleavage Purity of the probe Setting of the fluorescence threshold.
Therefore, the constant K does not have to be equal to 1. Assuming efficiencies of the target and the reference are the same: EX = E R = E
C C Xo ---- ( 1 + E ) T, X T, R= K Ro
Or XN ( 1 + E ) where: XN = XO/RO, the normalized quantity of target CT = CT, X CT, R, the difference in threshold cycles for target and reference Rearranging gives the following expression: XN = K ( 1 + E )
C T C T
=K
The final step is to divide the XN for any sample (q) by the XN for the reference sample (cb):
C X N, q C T K ( 1 + E ) T, q - = ---------- = ---------------------------------------- = ( 1 + E ) C T , c b X N, cb K (1 + E )
where: CT = CT, q CT, cb For amplicons designed and optimized according to Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines (amplicon size <150 bp), the efficiency is close to 1. Therefore, the quantity of target, normalized to an endogenous control and relative to a reference sample, is given by: 2 CT
A-8
To generate an accurate multiplex assay, it is important that the amplification of one species does not dominate amplification of the other. Otherwise, the amplification of a highly abundant species can prevent the less-abundant species from amplifying efficiently. If the less-abundant species does not amplify efficiently, your experiment may produce inaccurate results. Or, in severe cases, detection of the less-abundant species may be inhibited completely. You can avoid this situation by limiting the concentrations of the primers used to amplify the more abundant species, thereby turning off the amplification soon after the CT has been established. Primer limitation results in the reaction components common to both assays not being exhausted, allowing the amplification of the less-abundant species to continue at high efficiency. If the more abundant species is not known, you should determine it before performing multiplex PCR by running both targets in separate tubes. Both amplifications should be primer limited if neither species is consistently more abundant.
Considering Relative Abundance of the Target and Reference Limiting Primer Matrix
In applying the primer limitation to target and endogenous control amplifications, the relative abundance of the two species must be considered. For quantitation experiments, it is possible to use rRNA as an endogenous control. The concentration of rRNA in total RNA is always greater than the concentration of any target mRNA. Therefore, in multiplex reactions amplifying both target and rRNA, only the concentrations of the rRNA primers need to be limited. To define limiting primer concentrations, run a matrix of forward and reverse primer concentrations using the value of the minimum initial template. The goal is to identify primer concentrations that reduce the Rn value of the assay without affecting the CT value. The table below illustrates a recommended matrix of forward and reverse primers varying in concentration from 20 to 100 nM.
Note: Although following all design criteria does facilitate the ability to identify limiting primer concentrations, it may not be possible for all assays. If a limiting primer matrix experiment does not enable the identification of primer limiting concentrations, it will be necessary to redesign at least one primer or run the reactions in separate tubes.
Forward: Reverse: Forward: Reverse: Forward: Reverse:
100 nM 100 nM 80 nM 100 nM 60 nM 100 nM
100 nM 80 nM 80 nM 80 nM 60 nM 80 nM
100 nM 60 nM 80 nM 60 nM 60 nM 60 nM
100 nM 40 nM 80 nM 40 nM 60 nM 40 nM
100 nM 20 nM 80 nM 20 nM 60 nM 20 nM
B-1
Appendix B
Forward: Reverse: Forward: Reverse: Forward: Reverse:
100 nM 100 nM 40 nM 100 nM 20 nM 100 nM
100 nM 80 nM 40 nM 80 nM 20 nM 80 nM
100 nM 60 nM 40 nM 60 nM 20 nM 60 nM
100 nM 40 nM 40 nM 40 nM 20 nM 40 nM
100 nM 20 nM 40 nM 20 nM 20 nM 20 nM
Example
The results of a limiting primer matrix experiment are shown in Figure B-1 on page B-3: Figure B-1a shows that only when lowering the primer concentrations below approximately 50 nM is the CT value significantly affected. The plateau area shows the region in which suitable primer limiting concentrations can be found. In this area, the CT (and therefore the corresponding quantitation value) is unchanged, whereas the Rn value and corresponding product yield are significantly reduced. Figure B-1b shows the corresponding relationship between primer concentrations and Rn. The figure demonstrates that lower product yields can be achieved by decreasing forward and reverse primer concentrations. For this example, an appropriate selection of primer limiting concentrations would be at least 50 nM forward and reverse primer. Probe concentration should be kept at an optimal level even when an assay is primer limited to ensure that the signal produced is large enough for accurate multicomponenting by the software.
B-2
Appendix B Primer Limiting in Multiplex PCR
Figure B-1 Results from Limiting Primer Matrix experiment (a) Shows how CT value is affected by variation in forward and reverse primer concentrations. Plateau region indicated shows area where CT value remains constant. (b) Shows reduction in Rn values as primer concentration decreases.
B-3
Appendix B
B-4
Assay Design Guidelines

About Assay Design Guidelines
If you are designing your own assays (primers and probes), Applied Biosystems recommends that you follow the Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines. The Assay Design Guidelines specify that you: 1. Design primers and probes using Primer Express Software The Primer Express software uses a set of default parameters to automatically select primer and probe sets. 2. Select the appropriate reagents There are several TaqMan and SYBR Green reagents available. The reagents you use depend on your assay type. 3. Use the recommended thermal cycling conditions Use the thermal cycling conditions recommended for your sample (DNA/cDNA, RNA for 1-step PCR, and RNA for 2-step PCR).
Note: Thermal cycling conditions for Fast reagents differ from thermal cycling conditions for standard reagents.
4. Use default primer and probe concentrations or optimize primer and probe concentrations When you use Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines, you can use default primer and probe concentrations for non-multiplex optimized assays, or you can optimize primer and probe concentrations.
optimization only when used in their entirety. Adopt the system as a whole to achieve the highest level of success.
Note: Applied Biosystems Assay Design Guidelines do not guarantee that all assays will provide the same level of performance and sensitivity. Even the most scrupulous design parameters cannot account for all the possible variations between two different assay systems.
Conclusions for Quantitation Experiments
In general, the following conclusions can be made when you use the Assay Design Guidelines for quantitation experiments: For most TaqMan assays, a concentration of 900-nM primers and 250-nM probe results in a highly reproducible and sensitive assay when using DNA or cDNA as a template. Due to the nonspecific nature of its detection, SYBR Green I dye primer optimization should be bypassed only with caution. However, if all guidelines are followed, concentrations of 50-nM forward and reverse primers generally provide robust amplification with a good level of specificity when using DNA or cDNA as a template. Verify this assumption by checking for nonspecific product formation with either melt curve or gel analysis. Most TaqMan assays should enable detection and accurate quantitation to <50 copies of a target, with even greater sensitivity possible.
C-1
Appendix C Assay Design Guidelines
SYBR Green assays are capable of similar performance; however, nonspecific product formation can potentially increase the minimum detection limit.
Conclusions for Genotyping Experiments
In general, the following conclusion can be made when you use the Assay Design Guidelines for genotyping experiments: You can use 900-nM primers, a 200-nM probe, and 1 to 20 ng of genomic DNA to achieve reproducible and sensitive assay results.
C-2
Reagent Part Numbers

This appendix covers:
Quantitation Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2 Genotyping Experiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5 Presence/Absence Experiments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-7
D-1
Appendix D
Assays
Product TaqMan Gene Expression Assays TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays Part Number For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web site: http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/
Note: FAM-dye labeled TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays are included as Inventoried TaqMan Gene Expression Assays.
Master Mixes
Master Mix TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 5 mL), 200 reactions TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 10-Pack (10 5 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2), No AmpErase UNG, 250 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG
Part Number 4369016 4369542 4352042 4304437 4326708 4305719 4324018 4326614 4324020
Custom Assays
Assays
Product Custom TaqMan Probes and Primers Part Number For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web site: http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/
D-2
Appendix D Reagent Part Numbers
Kit TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 5 mL), 200 reactions TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 10-Pack (10 5 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2), No AmpErase UNG, 250 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG TaqMan PCR Core Reagents Kit, 200 Reactions
Part Number 4369016 4369542 4352042 4304437 4326708 4305719 4324018 4326614 4324020 N808-0228 4368577 4367659 4368708 4367660 4344463 4309155 4334973 4304886
SYBR Green reagents
Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (1 mL), 40 reactions Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (5-mL), 200 reactions Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (10 5-mL), 2000 reactions Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (50 mL), 2000 reactions SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (1-mL), 40 reactions SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (5-mL), 200 reactions SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (50-mL), 2000 reactions SYBR Green PCR Core Reagents, 200 Reactions
D-3
Appendix D
Part Number 4309169 N808-0236
Note: Use the TaqMan EZ RT-PCR Core

Reagents when a high-temperature RT step is required. SYBR Green reagents Power SYBR Green RT-PCR Reagents Kit SYBR Green RT-PCR Reagents 4368711 4310179
Step PCR step only
Kit TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 5 mL), 200 reactions TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 10-Pack (10 5 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan Fast Universal PCR Master Mix (2), No AmpErase UNG
Part Number 4369016
4369542
4304437 4352042 4374966 N808-234 N808-232 4367659 4309155 4374966 N808-234 4368711 4310179
RT step only
Both RT and PCR steps SYBR Green reagents PCR step only
TaqMan Gold RT PCR kit Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix SYBR Green PCR Master Mix
RT step only
Power SYBR Green RT-PCR Reagents Kit SYBR Green RT-PCR Reagents
D-4
Assays
Product TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays Pre-Developed TaqMan Assay Reagents for Allelic Discrimination Part Number For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web site: http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/
Master Mixes
Master Mix TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 10 mL), 400 reactions TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix, 1 Bulk Pack (1 50 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG
Part Number 4371355 4371357 4304437 4326708 4305719 4324018 4326614 4324020
Note: Genotyping experiments are not supported using Fast or SYBR Green
Custom Assays
Assays
Product Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays Part Number For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web site: http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/
D-5
Appendix D
Master Mixes
Master Mix TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 10 mL), 400 reactions TaqMan Genotyping Master Mix, 1 Bulk Pack (1 50 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG
Part Number 4371355 4371357 4304437 4326708 4305719 4324018 4326614 4324020
Note: Genotyping experiments are not supported using Fast or SYBR Green
D-6
Assays
Product TaqMan Gene Expression Assays TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays Part Number For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web site: http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/
Note: FAM-dye labeled TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays are included as Inventoried TaqMan Gene Expression Assays.
TaqMan Exogenous IPC Reagents
Kits TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents with TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (with VIC dye) TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents
Part Number 4308320 4308323
Note: If you are using this kit, you will need to purchase one of these TaqMan reagents separately:
TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix (PN 4304437) TaqMan PCR Core Reagents Kit (PN N808-0228)
IMPORTANT! The kits listed above contain TAMRA dye-labeled probes; Applied
Biosystems does not recommend the use of TAMRA dye as a reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. The kits may be used with the StepOnePlus system; TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system.
D-7
Appendix D
Master Mixes
Master Mix TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 5 mL), 200 reactions TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 10-Pack (10 5 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG TaqMan PCR Core Reagents Kit
Part Number 4369016 4369542 4304437 4326708 4305719 4324018 4326614 4324020 N808-0228
Note: If you purchase the TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents
with TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix kit (PN 4308320), you do not need to purchase the master mix separately.
Note: Presence/absence experiments are not supported using Fast or SYBR Green
Custom Assays
Assays
Product Custom TaqMan Probes and Primers Part Number For information on the latest available products and specific product uses, refer to the Applied Biosystems Web site: http://www.appliedbiosystems.com/
D-8
Kit TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 5 mL), 200 reactions TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 10-Pack (10 5 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 200 Reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG, 2000 Reactions 10-Pack, TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix, No AmpErase UNG TaqMan PCR Core Reagents Kit, 200 Reactions
Part Number 4369016 4369542 4304437 4326708 4305719 4324018 4326614 4324020 N808-0228
Part Number 4309169 N808-0236
Note: Use the TaqMan EZ RT-PCR Core Reagents when a hightemperature RT step is required.
Step PCR step only
Kit TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 1-Pack (1 5 mL), 200 reactions TaqMan Gene Expression Master Mix, 10-Pack (10 5 mL), 2000 reactions TaqMan 2 Universal PCR Master Mix
Part Number 4369016 4369542 4304437 4374966 N808-234 N808-232
RT step only
TaqMan Gold RT PCR kit

Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Reagent Guide D-9
Appendix D
D-10
Bibliography
Afonina, I., Zivarts, M., Kutyavin, I., et al. 1997. Efficient priming of PCR with short oligonucleotides conjugated to a minor groove binder. Nucleic Acids Res. 25:26572660. Frster, V. T. 1948. Zwischenmolekulare Energiewanderung und Fluoreszenz. Ann. Physics (Leipzig) 2:5575. Higuchi, R., Dollinger, G., Walsh, P.S., and Griffith, R. 1992. Simultaneous amplification and detection of specific DNA sequences. Biotechnology 10:413417. Higuchi, R., Fockler, C., Dollinger, G., and Watson, R. 1993. Kinetic PCR:Real time monitoring of DNA amplification reactions. Biotechnology 11:10261030. Kutyavin, I.V., Lukhtanov, E.A., Gamper, H.B., and Meyer, R.B. 1997. Oligonucleotides with conjugated dihydropyrroloindole tripeptides: base composition and backbone effects on hybridization. Nucleic Acids Res. 25:37183723. Kwok, S. and Higuchi, R. 1989. Avoiding false positives with PCR. Nature 339:237238. Livak, K.J., and Schmittgen, T.D. 2001. Analysis of Relative Gene Expression Data Using Real-Time Quantitative PCR and the 2CT Method. Methods 25:402408. Longo, M.C., Berninger, M.S., and Hartley, J.L. 1990. Use of uracil DNA glycosylase to control carry-over contamination in polymerase chain reactions. Gene 93:125128. Saiki, R.K., Scharf, S., Faloona, F., et al. 1985. Enzymatic amplification of -globin genomic sequences and restriction site analysis for diagnosis of sickle cell anemia. Science 230:13501354.
Bibliography-1
Bibliography
Bibliography-2
Glossary
Advanced Setup In the StepOne software, a feature that allows you to set up your experiment according to your experiment design. Advanced Setup provides you with maximum flexibility in the design and setup of your experiment. See assay information file (AIF). For a given target, any of the different sequences that occurs in the population. Display of data collected during the post-PCR read. The allelic discrimination plot is a graph of the normalized reporter signal from the allele 1 probe plotted against the normalized reporter signal from the allele 2 probe. A segment of DNA amplified during PCR. Part of the instrument run in which PCR produces amplification of the target. For quantitation experiments, fluorescence data collected during amplification are displayed in an amplification plot, and the data are used to calculate results. For genotyping or presence/absence experiments, fluorescence data collected during amplification are displayed in an amplification plot, and the data can be used for troubleshooting. Calculation of efficiency of the PCR amplification. The amplification efficiency is calculated using the slope of the regression line in the standard curve. A slope close to 3.32 indicates optimal, 100% PCR amplification efficiency. Factors that affect amplification efficiency: Range of standard quantities To increase the accuracy and precision of the efficiency measurement, use a broad range of standard quantities, 5 to 6 logs (105 to 106 fold). Number of standard replicates To increase the precision of the standard quantities and decrease the effects of pipetting inaccuracies, include replicates. PCR inhibitors PCR inhibitors in the reaction can reduce amplification and alter measurements of the efficiency. amplification plot Display of data collected during the cycling stage of PCR amplification. Can be viewed as: Baseline-corrected normalized reporter (Rn) vs. cycle Normalized reporter (Rn) vs. cycle Threshold cycle (CT) vs. well
AIF allele allelic discrimination plot amplicon amplification
amplification efficiency (EFF%)
Glossary-1
Glossary
amplification stage
Part of the instrument run in which PCR produces amplification of the target. The amplification stage is called a cycling stage in the thermal profile and consists of denaturing, primer annealing, and polymerization steps that are repeated. For quantitation experiments, fluorescence data collected during the amplification stage are displayed in an amplification plot, and the data are used to calculate results. For genotyping or presence/absence experiments, fluorescence data collected during the amplification stage are displayed in an amplification plot, and the data can be used for troubleshooting. See also cycling stage.
assay Assay ID assay information file (AIF) assay mix
In the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, a PCR reaction mix that contains primers to amplify a target and a reagent to detect the amplified target. Identifier assigned by Applied Biosystems to TaqMan Gene Expression Assays and TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Data file on a CD shipped with each assay order. The file name includes the number from the barcode on the plate. The information in the AIF is provided in a tabdelimited format. PCR reaction component in Applied Biosystems TaqMan Gene Expression Assays and TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. The assay mix contains primers designed to amplify a target and a TaqMan probe designed to detect amplification of the target. In the run method, a setting to increase or decrease the temperature and/or time for a step with each subsequent cycle in a cycling stage. When AutoDelta is enabled for a cycling stage, the settings are indicated by an icon in the thermal profile: AutoDelta on: AutoDelta off:
AutoDelta
automatic baseline
An analysis setting in which the software calculates the baseline start and end values for the amplification plot. You can apply the automatic baseline setting to specific wells in the reaction plate. See also baseline. An analysis setting in which the software calculates the baseline start and end values and the threshold in the amplification plot. The software uses the baseline and threshold to calculate the threshold cycle (CT). See also threshold cycle (CT). In the amplification plot, a line fit to the fluorescence levels during the initial stages of PCR, when there is little change in fluorescence signal.
automatic CT
baseline
Glossary-2
Glossary
baseline-corrected normalized reporter (Rn)
The magnitude of normalized fluorescence signal generated by the reporter: 1. In experiments that contain data from real-time PCR, the magnitude of normalized fluorescence signal generated by the reporter at each cycle during the PCR amplification. In the Rn vs. Cycle amplification plot, Rn is calculated at each cycle as:
Rn (cycle) = Rn (cycle) Rn (baseline), where Rn = normalized reporter
2. In genotyping experiments and presence/absence experiments, the difference in normalized fluorescence signal generated by the reporter between the pre-PCR read and the post-PCR read. In the allelic discrimination plot (genotyping experiments) and the presence/absence plot (presence/absence experiments), Rn is calculated as: Rn = Rn (post-PCR read) Rn (pre-PCR read), where Rn = normalized reporter See also normalized reporter (Rn). blocked IPC In presence/absence experiments, a reaction that contains IPC blocking agent, which blocks amplification of the internal positive control (IPC). In the StepOne software, the task for the IPC target in wells that contain IPC blocking agent. See also negative control-blocked IPC wells. See reference sample. See reagents. A system layout in which the StepOne or StepOnePlus instrument is directly connected to a colocated computer by the yellow cable. In this layout, you can control the instrument with the StepOne software on the colocated computer or with the instrument touchscreen. Method for determining relative target quantity in samples. With the comparative CT (CT) method, the StepOne software measures amplification of the target and of the endogenous control in samples and in a reference sample. Measurements are normalized using the endogenous control. The software determines the relative quantity of target in each sample by comparing normalized target quantity in each sample to normalized target quantity in the reference sample. See threshold cycle (CT). Dye that is not supplied by Applied Biosystems. Custom dyes may be adapted for use in experiments on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems. When using custom dyes, the custom dye should be added to the Dye Library and a custom dye calibration performed.
calibrator chemistry colocated layout
comparative CT (CT) method
CT custom dye
reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system. cycle threshold See threshold cycle (CT).
Glossary-3
Glossary
cycling stage
In the thermal profile, a stage that is repeated. A cycling stage is also called an amplification stage. For cycling stages, you can enable AutoDelta settings. See also amplification stage. A process during the instrument run in which an instrument component detects fluorescence data from each well of the reaction plate. The instrument transforms the signal to electronic data, and the data are saved in the experiment file. In the StepOne software, a data collection point is indicated by an icon in the thermal profile: Data collection on: Data collection off:
data collection
delta Rn (Rn) derivative reporter (Rn) Design Wizard diluent Diluted Sample Concentration (10 for Reaction Mix)
See baseline-corrected normalized reporter (Rn). The negative first-derivative of the normalized fluorescence generated by the reporter during PCR amplification. In the derivative reporter (Rn) vs. temperature melt curve, the derivative reporter signal is displayed in the y-axis. A feature in the StepOne software that helps you set up your experiment by guiding you through best practices as you enter your experiment design. A reagent used to dilute a sample or standard before adding it to the PCR reaction. The diluent can be water or buffer. In the StepOne software, a field displayed on the Sample Dilution Calculations tab of the Reaction Setup screen. For this field, enter the sample concentration you want to use to add to the reaction mix for all samples in the experiment. 10 for Reaction Mix indicates that the software assumes the sample or standard component of the reaction mix is at a 10 concentration. For example, if the diluted sample concentration is 50.0 ng/L (10), the final sample concentration in the reaction is 5 ng/L (1). See serial factor. See melt curve. See amplification efficiency (EFF%). A target or gene that should be expressed at similar levels in all samples you are testing. Endogenous controls are used in relative standard curve and comparative CT (CT) experiments to normalize fluorescence signals for the target you are quantifying. Housekeeping genes can be used as endogenous controls. See also housekeeping gene. See post-PCR read.
dilution factor dissociation curve EFF% endogenous control
endpoint read
Glossary-4
Glossary
experiment
Refers to the entire process of performing a run using the StepOne or StepOnePlus systems, including setup, run, and analysis. The types of experiments you can perform using the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems: Quantitation - standard curve Quantitation - relative standard curve Quantitation - comparative CT (CT) Melt curve Genotyping Presence/absence
experiment name
Entered during experiment setup, the name that is used to identify the experiment. Experiment names cannot exceed 100 characters and cannot include any of the following characters: forward slash (/), backslash (\), greater than sign (>), less than sign (<), asterisk (*), question mark (?), quotation mark ("), vertical line (|), colon (:), or semicolon (;). The type of experiment you are performing using the StepOne or StepOnePlus system: Standard curve Comparative CT (CT) Relative standard curve Melt curve (not available in the Design Wizard) Genotyping Presence/absence The experiment type you select affects the setup, run, and analysis.
experiment type
forward primer holding stage
Oligonucleotide that flanks the 5 end of the amplicon. The reverse primer and the forward primer are used together in PCR reactions to amplify the target. In the thermal profile, a stage that includes one or more steps. You can add a holding stage to the thermal profile to activate enzymes, to inactivate enzymes, or to incubate a reaction. A gene that is involved in basic cellular functions and is constitutively expressed. Housekeeping genes can be used as endogenous controls. See also endogenous control. In presence/absence experiments, a short synthetic DNA template that is added to PCR reactions. You can use the IPC to distinguish between true negative results (that is, the target is absent in the samples) and negative results caused by PCR inhibitors, incorrect assay setup, or reagent or instrument failure. TaqMan Gene Expression Assays and TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays that have been previously manufactured, passed quality control specifications, and stored in inventory.
housekeeping gene
internal positive control (IPC)
inventoried assays
Glossary-5
Glossary
IPC
In presence/absence experiments, abbreviation for internal positive control (IPC). In the StepOne software, the task for the IPC target in wells that contain the IPC and do not contain IPC blocking agent. See also internal positive control (IPC). Reagent added to PCR reactions to block amplification of the internal positive control (IPC). See negative control-IPC wells. TaqMan Gene Expression Assays or TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays that are manufactured at the time of order. Only assays that pass manufacturing quality control specifications are shipped. An analysis setting in which you enter the baseline start and end values for the amplification plot. You can apply the manual baseline setting to specific wells in the reaction plate. An analysis setting in which you enter the threshold value and select whether to use automatic baseline or manual baseline values. The software uses the baseline and the threshold values to calculate the threshold cycle (CT). A plot of data collected during the melt curve stage. Peaks in the melt curve can indicate the melting temperature (Tm) of the target or can identify nonspecific PCR amplification. In the StepOne software, you can view the melt curve as normalized reporter (Rn) vs. temperature or as derivative reporter (Rn) vs. temperature. Also called dissociation curve. In the thermal profile, a stage with a temperature increment to generate a melt curve. In melt curve experiments, the temperature at which 50% of the DNA is doublestranded and 50% of the DNA is dissociated into single-stranded DNA. The Tm is displayed in the melt curve. A plot of the complete spectral contribution of each dye for the selected well(s) over the duration of the PCR run. In the StepOne software, the task for targets or SNP assays in wells that contain water or buffer instead of sample. No amplification of the target should occur in negative control wells. Previously called no template control (NTC). In presence/absence experiments, wells that contain IPC blocking agent instead of sample in the PCR reaction. No amplification should occur in negative controlblocked IPC wells because the reaction contains no sample and amplification of the IPC is blocked. Previously called no amplification control (NAC). In presence/absence experiments, wells that contain IPC template and buffer or water instead of sample. Only the IPC template should amplify in negative control-IPC wells because the reaction contains no sample. Previously called IPC+. See negative control-blocked IPC wells.
IPC blocking agent IPC+ made-to-order assays manual baseline
manual CT
melt curve
melt curve stage melting temperature (Tm) multicomponent plot negative control (NC) negative controlblocked IPC wells
negative controlIPC wells no amplification control (NAC)
Glossary-6
Glossary
no template control (NTC) nonfluorescent quencher-minor groove binder (NFQ-MGB)
See negative control (NC). Molecules that are attached to the 3 end of TaqMan probes. When the probe is intact, the nonfluorescent quencher (NFQ) prevents the reporter dye from emitting fluorescence signal. Because the NFQ does not fluoresce, it produces lower background signals, resulting in improved precision in quantitation. The minor groove binder (MGB) increases the melting temperature (Tm) without increasing probe length. It also allows the design of shorter probes. Quantity of target divided by the quantity of endogenous control. Fluorescence signal from the reporter dye normalized to the fluorescence signal of the passive reference. An action that you perform before reanalysis to omit one or more wells from analysis. Because no algorithms are applied to omitted wells, omitted wells contain no results. For a set of data, a datapoint that is significantly smaller or larger than the others. A dye that produces fluorescence signal. Because the passive reference signal should be consistent across all wells, it is used to normalize the reporter dye signal to account for non-PCR related fluorescence fluctuations caused by minor well-to-well differences in concentrations or volume. Normalization to the passive reference signal allows for high data precision. An illustration of the grid of wells and assigned content in the reaction plate. In StepOne systems, the grid contains 6 rows and 8 columns. In StepOnePlus systems, the grid contains 8 rows and 12 columns. In the StepOne software, you can use the plate layout as a selection tool to assign well contents, to view well assignments, and to view results. The plate layout can be printed, included in a report, exported, and saved as a slide for a presentation.
normalized quantity normalized reporter (Rn) omit well outlier passive reference
plate layout
point positive control
One standard in a standard curve. The standard quantity for each point in the standard curve is calculated based on the starting quantity and serial factor. In genotyping experiments, a DNA sample with a known genotype, homozygous or heterozygous. In the StepOne software, the task for the SNP assay in wells that contain a sample with a known genotype. Used in genotyping and presence/absence experiments, the part of the instrument run that occurs after amplification. In genotyping experiments, fluorescence data collected during the post-PCR read are displayed in the allelic discrimination plot and used to make allele calls. In presence/absence experiments, fluorescence data collected during the post-PCR read are displayed in the presence/absence plot and used to make detection calls. Also called endpoint read.
post-PCR read
Glossary-7
Glossary
pre-PCR read
Used in genotyping and presence/absence experiments, the part of the instrument run that occurs before amplification. The pre-PCR read is optional but recommended. Fluorescence data collected during the pre-PCR read can be used to normalize fluorescence data collected during the post-PCR read. PCR reaction component that contains the forward primer and reverse primer designed to amplify the target. PCR reaction component that contains the primers designed to amplify the target and a TaqMan probe designed to detect amplification of the target. See custom dye and system dye. In quantitation experiments, the method used to determine the quantity of target in the samples. In StepOne and StepOnePlus systems, there are three types of quantitation methods: standard curve, relative standard curve, and comparative CT (CT). In quantitation experiments, the amount of target in the samples. Absolute quantity can refer to copy number, mass, molarity, or viral load. Relative quantity refers to the fold-difference between normalized quantity of target in the sample and normalized quantity of target in the reference sample. A molecule attached to the 3 end of TaqMan probes to prevent the reporter from emitting fluorescence signal while the probe is intact. With TaqMan reagents, a nonfluorescent quencher-minor groove binder (NFQ-MGB) can be used as the quencher. With SYBR Green reagents, no quencher is used.
primer mix primer/probe mix pure dye quantitation method
quantity
quencher
reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system. QuickStart A feature in StepOne and StepOnePlus systems that allows you to run an experiment without entering plate setup information. QuickStart requires a colocated layout with the instrument powered on and an intact instrument-computer connection. Regression coefficient calculated from the regression line in the standard curve. The R2 value indicates the closeness of fit between the standard curve regression line and the individual CT data points from the standard reactions. A value of 1.00 indicates a perfect fit between the regression line and the data points. The rate at which the temperature changes during the instrument run. Except for the melt curve step, the ramp is defined as a percentage. For the melt curve step, the ramp is defined as a temperature increment. In the graphical view of the thermal profile, the ramp is indicated by a diagonal line.
R2 value
ramp
Glossary-8
Glossary
ramp speed
Speed at which the temperature ramp occurs during the instrument run. Available ramp speeds include fast and standard. For optimal results using the fast ramp speed, Applied Biosystems recommends using TaqMan Fast reagents in your PCR reactions. For optimal results using the standard ramp speed, Applied Biosystems recommends using standard reagents in your PCR reactions. IMPORTANT! TaqMan Fast reagents are not supported for genotyping or presence/absence experiments.
raw data plot reaction mix reagents
A plot of raw fluorescence signal (not normalized) for each optical filter. A solution that contains all components to run the PCR reaction, except for the template (sample, standard, or control). The PCR reaction components you are using to amplify the target and to detect amplification. Types of reagents used on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems: TaqMan reagents SYBR Green reagents Other reagents
real-time PCR
Process of collecting fluorescence data during PCR. Data from the real-time PCR are used to calculate results for quantitation experiments or to troubleshoot results for genotyping or presence/absence experiments. In relative standard curve and comparative CT (CT) experiments, the sample used as the basis for relative quantitation results. Also called the calibrator. Identifies the reference SNP (refSNP) cluster ID. Generated by the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Database of Nucleotide Sequence Variation (dbSNP) at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The refSNP ID can be used to search the Applied Biosystems Store for an Applied Biosystems SNP Genotyping Assay. Also called an rs number. Values calculated from the regression line in standard curves, including the R2 value, slope, and y-intercept. You can use the regression coefficients to evaluate the quality of results from the standards. See also standard curve. In standard curve and relative standard curve experiments, the best-fit line from the standard curve. Regression line formula: CT = m [log (Qty)] + b where m is the slope, b is the y-intercept, and Qty is the standard quantity. See also regression coefficients.
reference sample refSNP ID
regression coefficients regression line
reject well
An action that the software performs during analysis to remove one or more wells from further analysis if a specific flag is applied to the well. Rejected wells contain results calculated up to the point of rejection.
Glossary-9
Glossary
relative standard curve method
Method for determining relative target quantity in samples. With the relative standard curve method, the StepOne software measures amplification of the target and of the endogenous control in samples, in a reference sample, and in a standard dilution series. Measurements are normalized using the endogenous control. Data from the standard dilution series are used to generate the standard curve. Using the standard curve, the software interpolates target quantity in the samples and in the reference sample. The software determines the relative quantity of target in each sample by comparing target quantity in each sample to target quantity in the reference sample. A feature in the StepOne software that allows you to monitor a StepOne or StepOnePlus instrument over the network. With the Remote Monitor, you can monitor the instrument status, send an experiment to the instrument, monitor amplification plots and temperature plots in real time, and download the results to your computer. You cannot operate the StepOne or StepOnePlus instrument using the Remote Monitor. A set of identical reactions in an experiment. Total number of identical reactions containing identical components and identical volumes. Fluorescent dye used to detect amplification. If you are using TaqMan reagents, the reporter dye is attached to the 5 end. If you are using SYBR Green reagents, the reporter dye is SYBR Green dye. An oligonucleotide that flanks the 3 end of the amplicon. The reverse primer and the forward primer are used together in PCR reactions to amplify the target. An enzyme that converts RNA to cDNA. Reverse transcriptase is added to the PCR reaction to perform 1-step RT-PCR. See normalized reporter (Rn). A dye supplied by Applied Biosystems and precalibrated on the StepOne and StepOnePlus systems. ROX dye is used as the passive reference. See refSNP ID. Definition of the reaction volume and the thermal profile for the StepOne or StepOnePlus instrument run. The template that you are testing. In the StepOne software, a reaction component displayed on the Reaction Mix Calculations tab of the Reaction Setup screen. The software assumes the sample DNA is added to the reaction mix at a 10 concentration. For example, if the reaction volume is 20 L, the calculated volume of sample for 1 reaction is 2 L. In the StepOne software, a collection of samples. The Sample Library contains the sample name and the sample color.
Remote Monitor
replicate group replicates reporter
reverse primer reverse transcriptase Rn ROX dye rs number run method sample Sample DNA (10)
Sample Library
Glossary-10
Glossary
Sample or Standard (10)
In the StepOne software, a reaction component displayed on the Reaction Mix Calculations tab of the Reaction Setup screen. The software assumes the sample or standard is added to the reaction mix at a 10 concentration. For example, if the reaction volume is 20 L, the calculated volume of sample or standard for 1 reaction is 2 L. In genotyping experiments, the combination of which sample to test and which SNP assay to perform in one PCR reaction. Each PCR reaction can contain only one sample and one SNP assay. In quantitation experiments, the combination of which sample to test and which target to detect and quantify in one PCR reaction. In the Design Wizard, you can detect and quantify only one target in one PCR reaction. Use Advanced Setup to detect and quantify more than one target in one PCR reaction. In the StepOne software, a numerical value that defines the sequence of quantities in the standard curve. The serial factor and the starting quantity are used to calculate the standard quantity for each point in the standard curve. For example, if the standard curve is defined with a serial factor of 1:10 or 10, the difference between any 2 adjacent points in the curve is 10-fold. See standard dilution series. Regression coefficient calculated from the regression line in the standard curve. The slope indicates the PCR amplification efficiency for the assay. A slope of 3.32 indicates 100% amplification efficiency. See also amplification efficiency (EFF%) and regression line. Abbreviation for single nucleotide polymorphism. The SNP can consist of a base difference or an insertion or deletion of one base. Used in genotyping experiments, a PCR reaction that contains primers to amplify the SNP and two probes to detect different alleles. In the StepOne software, a collection of SNP assays to add to genotyping experiments. The SNP assays in the library contain the SNP assay name, SNP assay color, and for each allele, the allele name or base(s), reporter, quencher, and allele colors. The SNP assays in the library may also contain the assay ID and comments about the SNP assay. Type of StepOne and StepOnePlus system calibration in which the system maps the positions of the wells in the sample block(s). Spatial calibration data are used so that the software can associate increases in fluorescence during a run with specific wells in the reaction plate. In the thermal profile, a group of one or more steps. There are three types of stages: holding stage (including pre-PCR read and post-PCR read), cycling stage (also called amplification stage), and melt curve stage.
sample/SNP assay reaction sample/target reaction
serial factor
series slope
SNP SNP assay SNP Assay Library
spatial calibration
stage
Glossary-11
Glossary
standalone layout
A system layout in which the StepOne or StepOnePlus instrument is not connected to a computer by the yellow cable. In this layout, you control the instrument only with the instrument touchscreen, and you use a USB drive or network connection to transfer data between the instrument and computer. Sample that contains known standard quantities. Standard reactions are used in quantitation experiments to generate standard curves. See also standard curve and standard dilution series. In standard curve and relative standard curve experiments: The best-fit line in a plot of the CT values from the standard reactions plotted against standard quantities. See also regression line. A set of standards containing a range of known quantities. Results from the standard curve reactions are used to generate the standard curve. The standard curve is defined by the number of points in the dilution series, the number of standard replicates, the starting quantity, and the serial factor. See also standard dilution series.
standard
standard curve
standard curve method
Method for determining absolute target quantity in samples. With the standard curve method, the StepOne software measures amplification of the target in samples and in a standard dilution series. Data from the standard dilution series are used to generate the standard curve. Using the standard curve, the software interpolates the absolute quantity of target in the samples. See also standard and standard curve. In standard curve and relative standard curve experiments, a set of standards containing a range of known quantities. The standard dilution series is prepared by serially diluting standards. For example, the standard stock is used to prepare the first dilution point, the first dilution point is used to prepare the second dilution point, and so on. In the StepOne software, the volumes needed to prepare a standard dilution series are calculated by the number of dilution points, the number of standard replicates, the starting quantity, the serial factor, and the standard concentration in the stock. See also standard curve. A known quantity in the PCR reaction. In standard curve experiments, the quantity of target in the standard. In the StepOne software, the units for standard quantity can be for mass, copy number, viral load, or other units for measuring the quantity of target. In relative standard curve experiments, a known quantity in the standard. Standard quantity can refer to the quantity of cDNA or the quantity of standard stock in the PCR reaction. The units are not relevant for relative standard curve experiments because they cancel out in the calculations.
standard dilution series
standard quantity
starting quantity
When defining a standard curve in the StepOne software, corresponds to the highest or lowest quantity.
Glossary-12
Glossary
step
A component of the thermal profile. For each step in the thermal profile, you can set the ramp rate (ramp increment for melt curve steps), hold temperature, hold time (duration), and you can turn data collection on or off for the ramp or the hold parts of the step. For cycling stages, a step is also defined by the AutoDelta status. With StepOnePlus systems, which contain the VeriFlex blocks, each step contains 6 temperatures (1 for each VeriFlex block). PCR reaction components that consist of two primers designed to amplify the target and SYBR Green dye to detect double-stranded DNA. Dye supplied by Applied Biosystems and precalibrated on the StepOne or StepOnePlus system. Before you use system dyes in your experiments, make sure the system dye calibration is current in the Instrument Maintenance Manager. System dyes on the StepOne system: FAM dye JOE dye ROX dye SYBR Green dye VIC dye System dyes on the StepOnePlus system: FAM dye JOE dye NED dye ROX dye SYBR Green dye TAMRA dye VIC dye IMPORTANT! Applied Biosystems does not recommend the use of TAMRA dye as reporter or quencher with the StepOne system. TAMRA dye may be used as a reporter or quencher with the StepOnePlus system.
SYBR Green reagents system dye
TaqMan reagents target target color Target Library
PCR reaction components that consist of primers designed to amplify the target and a TaqMan probe designed to detect amplification of the target. The nucleic acid sequence that you want to amplify and detect. In the StepOne software, a color assigned to a target to identify the target in the plate layout and analysis plots. In the StepOne software, a collection of targets to add to experiments. The targets in the library contain the target name, reporter, quencher, and target color. The target in the library may also contain comments about the target.
Glossary-13
Glossary
task
In the StepOne software, the type of reaction performed in the well for the target or SNP assay. Available tasks: Unknown Negative Control Standard (standard curve and relative standard curve experiments) Positive control (genotyping experiments) IPC (presence/absence experiments) Blocked IPC (presence/absence experiments)
temperature plot template
In the StepOne software, a display of temperatures for the sample, instrument cover, and instrument block during the StepOne or StepOnePlus instrument run. In the Design Wizard of the StepOne software (and in QuickStart for quantitation experiments), the type of nucleic acid to add to the PCR reaction. The recommended template varies according to experiment type: Quantitation experiments (standard curve, relative standard curve, and comparative CT) cDNA (complementary cDNA), RNA, or gDNA (genomic DNA) For quantitation experiments, the template type selection affects the run method, reaction setup, and materials list. Genotyping experiments Wet DNA (gDNA or cDNA) or dry DNA (gDNA or cDNA) For genotyping experiments, the template type selection affects the reaction setup. Presence/absence experiments - DNA For presence/absence experiments, Applied Biosystems recommends adding DNA templates to the PCR reactions.
thermal profile threshold
Part of the run method that specifies the temperature, time, ramp, and data collection points for all steps and stages of the StepOne or StepOnePlus instrument run. 1. In amplification plots, the level of fluorescence above the baseline and within the exponential growth region The threshold can be determined automatically (see automatic CT) or can be set manually (see manual CT). 2. In presence/absence experiments, the level of fluorescence above which the StepOne software assigns a presence call.
threshold cycle (CT) Tm touchscreen
The PCR cycle number at which the fluorescence meets the threshold in the amplification plot. See melting temperature (Tm). Instrument display that you touch to control the StepOne or StepOnePlus instrument.
Glossary-14
Glossary
unknown
In the StepOne software, the task for the target or SNP assay in wells that contain the sample you are testing: In quantitation experiments, the task for the target in wells that contain a sample with unknown target quantities. In genotyping experiments, the task for the SNP assay in wells that contain a sample with an unknown genotype. In presence/absence experiments, the task for the target in wells that contain a sample in which the presence of the target is not known.
unknown-IPC wells VeriFlex Technology
In presence/absence experiments, wells that contain a sample and internal positive control (IPC). The StepOnePlus instrument contains six independently thermally regulated VeriFlex blocks, creating up to six different zones for the 96 sample wells. After you enable the VeriFlex blocks in the StepOne software, you can set a different temperature for one or more of the VeriFlex blocks. In the standard curve, the value of y where the regression line crosses the y-axis. The y-intercept indicates the expected threshold cycle (CT) for a sample with quantity equal to 1. One of up to six sample temperatures among the 96 wells formed by independently thermally regulated VeriFlex blocks during the StepOnePlus instrument run. You can set a different temperature for one or more of the VeriFlex blocks, or you can set the same temperature for each of the VeriFlex blocks.
Note: For melt curve steps, you need to set the same temperature for each of the
y-intercept
zone
VeriFlex blocks. zone boundary The edge of a zone for samples formed by the six independently thermally regulated VeriFlex blocks. In the StepOne software, the zone boundaries are displayed in the plate layout as thick red lines.
Glossary-15
Glossary
Glossary-16
Index
Numerics
1-step RT-PCR about 3-8 primers used 3-9 RNA quantitation 3-25, D-4, D-9 2-step RT-PCR about 3-8 primers used 3-9 RNA quantitation 3-26, D-4, D-9 Also see materials required 1-4 supported 1-4 contamination, minimizing DNA 2-7 Custom assay type 1-9, 1-10 presence/absence experiments 5-16 quantitation experiments 3-21 Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays 3-18, 5-12 Custom TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays 4-14
A
Advanced Setup workflow 1-9, 1-10 amplicon sites 3 primer end 3-23 5 probe end 3-22 G/C content 3-22 melting temperature 3-22 screening 3-21 selection 3-21 amplicons, selecting small 3-22 Assay Design Guidelines about C-1 genotyping experiments C-2 optimize primer concentrations 3-30 optimize probe concentration 3-33 presence/absence experiments 5-16 primer and probe 3-21, 3-23 quantitation experiments 3-21, C-1 selecting reagents 3-24 thermal cycling conditions 3-27 assay types Custom assays 1-9, 1-10 genotyping experiments 4-6 Inventoried/Made to Order Assays 1-9 Pre-Designed/Validated assays 1-10 presence/absence experiments 5-6 quantitation experiments 3-12 selecting 1-9
D
data about data collection 1-2 Design Wizard workflow 1-9, 1-10 designing experiments genotyping 4-14, 4-16 presence/absence 5-16 quantitation 3-20, 3-21 DNA/cDNA quantitation, thermal cycling conditions 3-28 dye-binding, methods of 2-5
E
endogenous control component of experiment 3-6 endpoint experiments genotyping 4-4 presence/absence 5-5
G
G/C content, and amplicon sites 3-22 genotyping experiments assay types 4-6 components 4-4 conclusions for Assay Design Guidelines C-2 described 4-4 designing 4-14, 4-16 how they work 4-4 instruments 4-4 mismatches 4-5 selecting master mix 4-13, 4-16 TaqMan reagents 2-2
C
carryover, UNG to minimize 2-7 comparative CT experiments about 3-6 Also see quantitation experiments 3-6 components 3-6 consumables
H
hairpin loops, and primer choice 3-9
Index-1
Index
I
Inventoried assay type 1-9 IPC 5-4, 5-5
M
Made to Order assay type 1-9 master mix selecting for genotyping experiments 4-13, 4-16 selecting for presence/absence experiments 5-15 selecting for quantitation experiments 3-19 melting temperature, and amplicon sites 3-22 mismatch, in genotyping experiments 4-5 multiplex PCR described 3-10 primer limiting 3-10 rRNA primers B-1 singleplex comparison 3-10 MultiScribe reverse transcriptase, defined 3-26
primer matrix defining limits B-1 example of limiting B-2 how used 3-30 primers 1-step RT-PCR 3-9 2-step RT-PCR 3-9 default concentrations 3-30 hairpin loops 3-9 summary of design guidelines 3-23 probes available TaqMan MGB probes 2-4 optimizing probe concentration 3-33 summary of design guidelines 3-23
Q
quantitation experiments Assay Design Guidelines for Custom assay type 3-21 assay types 3-12 comparative CT 3-6 comparing 3-7 conclusions for Assay Design Guidelines C-1 designing 3-20, 3-21 explained 3-4 real-time PCR 3-4 relative standard curve 3-5 selecting a quantitation method 3-5 selecting master mix 3-19 selecting reagent type 3-12 selecting reagents for Custom assay type 3-24, D-3, D-9 standard curve 3-5 SYBR Green reagents 2-4, 3-31 TaqMan Reagents 2-2
N
negative control, component of experiment 3-5, 3-6, 5-4 negative controls 4-4 nonspecific product, contamination with SYBR Green dye 2-7
O
optimization 3-33 other fluorescent-based reagents 1-8
P
PCR, general practices 2-8 positive controls 4-4 Pre-Designed/Validated assay type 1-10 presence/absence experiments Assay Design Guidelines for Custom assay type 5-16 assay types 5-6 components 5-4 defined 5-4 designing 5-16 how they work 5-5 incorporating an IPC 5-5 performing without an IPC 5-4 selecting master mix 5-15 selecting reagents for Custom assay type 3-24, D-3, D-9 TaqMan reagents 2-2 Primer Express Software presence/absence experiments 5-16 quantitation experiments 3-21 small amplicons 3-22 SNP assays 1-10 primer limiting, multiplex assays 3-10
Index-2
R
reagents considerations 2-6 other fluorescent-based 1-8 selecting 1-8, 2-6 selecting for Custom assay type 3-24, D-3, D-9 SYBR Green reagents 1-8 TaqMan reagents 1-8, 2-2 real-time PCR quantitation experiments 3-4 TaqMan detection process 2-2 reference sample component of experiment 3-5, 3-6 relative standard curve experiments about 3-5 Also see quantitation experiments 3-5 components 3-5 replicate, component of experiment 3-5, 3-6 replicates 4-4, 5-4 RNA quantitation
Index
1-step RT-PCR 3-25, D-4, D-9 2-step RT-PCR 3-26, D-4, D-9 thermal cycling conditions 3-28, 3-29 RT-PCR 1-step 3-8 2-step 3-8 method comparison 3-7, 3-9
U
UNG, and minimizing carryover 2-7 Universal Master Mix reagents polymerase benefit 3-26
S
sample 4-4, 5-4 samples component of experiment 3-5, 3-6 small amplicons, selecting 3-22 standard curve experiments about 3-5 Also see quantitation experiments 3-5 components 3-5 standard dilution series component of experiment 3-5, 3-6 standards component of experiment 3-5, 3-6 StepOne system assay types 1-9 consumables 1-4 data collection 1-2 experiment types 1-7 filters 1-3 reagent types 1-8 SYBR Green reagents 1-3 considerations for selecting 2-6 development 2-5 how they work 2-5 optimizing quantitation experiments 3-31
T
TaqMan Drug Metabolism Genotyping Assays 4-11 TaqMan Endogenous Control Assays 3-17 TaqMan Exogenous Internal Positive Control Reagents 5-13 TaqMan Gene Expression Assays 3-16, 5-10 TaqMan MGB probes 2-3 usage 2-4 TaqMan PDARs for AD 4-12 TaqMan reagents 1-3 considerations for selecting 2-6 development 2-2 experiment types 2-2 how they work 2-2 TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays 4-10 thermal cycling conditions 1-step RT-PCR 3-28 2-step RT-PCR 3-29 DNA/cDNA quantitation 3-28 RNA quantitation 3-28
Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems Reagent Guide Index-3
Index
Index-4
Worldwide Sales and Support Applied Biosystems vast distribution and service network, composed of highly trained support and applications personnel, reaches 150 countries on six continents. For sales office locations and technical support, please call our local office or refer to our Web site at www.appliedbiosystems.com. Headquarters 850 Lincoln Centre Drive Foster City, CA 94404 USA Phone: +1 650.638.5800 Toll Free (In North America): +1 800.345.5224 Fax: +1 650.638.5884
12/2008
www.appliedbiosystems.com
Part Number 4379704 Rev. D

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Reagent Guide

Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus

Applied Biosystems StepOne and StepOnePlus Real-Time PCR Systems

Part Number 4379704 Rev. D 12/2008

Bibliography Glossary Index

Applied Biosystems StepOne Real-Time PCR Software Help

User Attention Words

operation, accurate reagent kit use, or safe use of a chemical.

Examples of the user attention words appear below:

How to Obtain More Information

Documents Related to Genotyping Experiments

PN 4312212 4367671 4334431 4374204 4371394 4367636 4312214 4362038 4332856

Documents Related to Presence/Absence Experiments

Documents Related to Relative Standard Curve and Comparative CT Experiments

Documents Related to Standard Curve Experiments

Documents Related to the Reagent Guide

Obtaining Information from the Software Help

Send Us Your Comments

How to Obtain Support

About the StepOne and StepOnePlus Systems

About Data Collection

About the Filters

The StepOne and StepOnePlus systems use the following filters:

About the VeriFlex Technology

For More Information

Consumable Fast Optical 48-Well Reaction Plate

Preparing for Experiments

Information in This Guide

Chapter 3, Quantitation Experiments Chapter 4, Genotyping Experiments Chapter 5, Presence/Absence Experiments

Select the Experiment Type

Endpoint vs. Real-Time Experiments

Select the Reagent Type

SYBR Green Reagents

Select the Assay Type

Quantitation and Presence/ Absence Experiments

Inventoried/Made to Order Assays

Development of TaqMan Reagents

How the TaqMan Reagents Work

Chapter 2 Reagent Overview

5' 3' 5'

How the TaqMan reagents work

Assays TaqMan Gene Expression Assays TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays

5 Label Dye FAM dye

3 Label Dye NFQ

System StepOne and StepOne Plus systems

TaqMan MGB probe

Custom TaqMan MGB Probe Custom TaqMan Probe

TaqMan MGB Probes Recommended

SYBR Green Reagents

Chapter 2 Reagent Overview

Development of SYBR Green Reagents

How the SYBR Green Reagents Work

How the SYBR Green reagents work

Selecting the Appropriate Reagent Type

SYBR Green reagents TaqMan reagents

Includes standard curve, relative standard curve, and comparative CT experiments.

Considerations for Quantitation Experiments

Limitation Requires synthesis of a unique fluorogenic probe.

SYBR Green reagents