1 reply to this topic

[jah]

Anyone using PCR Arrays for gene expression analysis?  I recently received a free trial of Pathway-focused PCR Arrays from SABiosciences.  I took the bait of 'everything you need to get started' but was disappointed to open the box to find a couple of 96well plates, and a 20% coupon for their RT and PCR reagent mixes.  So, I'm wondering exactly what sets these arrays apart from just doing a series of reactions of my genes of interest, as I'm sure many of the genes on the array will not come up in my samples.  To my read, they're simply validated primers with the same Tm that have been lyophilized on a 96-well plate.  The user manual says that only Rev.Trans. and PCR reagents from SABiosciences should be used.....but why?  Seems like a scam to 'force' you to buy their reagents, so I'm wondering if there's any real reason not to use the RT and PCR mixes I've been using for a few years.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.-JAH

[eldon]

jah, on May 28 2009, 05:11 AM, said:

Anyone using PCR Arrays for gene expression analysis?  I recently received a free trial of Pathway-focused PCR Arrays from SABiosciences.  I took the bait of 'everything you need to get started' but was disappointed to open the box to find a couple of 96well plates, and a 20% coupon for their RT and PCR reagent mixes.  So, I'm wondering exactly what sets these arrays apart from just doing a series of reactions of my genes of interest, as I'm sure many of the genes on the array will not come up in my samples.  To my read, they're simply validated primers with the same Tm that have been lyophilized on a 96-well plate.  The user manual says that only Rev.Trans. and PCR reagents from SABiosciences should be used.....but why?  Seems like a scam to 'force' you to buy their reagents, so I'm wondering if there's any real reason not to use the RT and PCR mixes I've been using for a few years.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.-JAH

looked at this too. also got the free plates, but they're only taking up space in the -80. as far as i can tell, it seems like a crap-shoot to see a difference in ~80 select genes...it might be OK for validation of specific genes involved in certain signaling pathways that you know are regulated in some manner....like the AD arrays that have most of the major known genes involved in Abeta production etc.