PCR Arrays

PCR array technology is a high throughput technique for analyzing the expression of a panel of genes.  The technique combines quantitative real time (RT)-PCR analysis with the multiple gene profiling capabilities of microarrays to detect expression panels of genes simultaneously (1,2,3).   Such analytical power is valuable as it enables researchers  targeting a gene in a particular pathway or disease to measure expression of this gene.  PCR arrays are sensitive, requiring 1 ng of total RNA versus microgram quantities and highly reproducible and specific which is afforded by primer coated plates and specially designed reagents.

Currently, PCR arrays are commonly used in researching cancers of the bladder, GI tract and liver (4,5,6), stem cells, immune pathways, and various disease mechanisms.  Considering the trend towards personalized medicine and the growing need for molecular diagnostics, we can expect to see  array technologies (PCR, protein and gene) to be making their way into a hospital lab near you.  The capacity of these tools to detect  biomarkers that can indicate disease status and cancer susceptibility genes such as the breast cancer gene, BRCA1, is valuable and can assist in tailoring treatments and genetic counselling.   Additionally, the high throughput nature of these arrays also delivers improvements in efficiency and overall costs.

References and additional reading

1. Biomarker Validation: Movement Towards Personalized Medicine: PCR Arrays
Xuewu Zhang, South China University of Technology.
Expert Rev Mol Diagn. 2007;7(5):469-471.

2.Qiu J, Madoz-Gurpide J, Misek DE et al. Development of natural protein microarrays for diagnosing cancer based on an antibody response to tumor antigens. J. Proteome Res. 3(2), 261–267 (2004).

3. Zangar RC, Daly DS, White AM. ELISA microarray technology as a high-throughput system for cancer biomarker validation. Expert Rev. Proteomics 3(1), 37–44 (2006).

4. Amira N, Cancel-Tassin G, Bernardin S et al. Expression in bladder transitional cell carcinoma by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction array of 65 genes at the tumor suppressor locus 9q34.1–2, identification of 5 candidates tumor suppressor genes. Int. J. Cancer 111(4), 539–542 (2004).

5. Kurokawa Y, Matoba R, Nakamori S et al. PCR-array gene expression profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma. J. Exp. Clin. Cancer Res. 23(1), 135–141 (2004).

6. Motoori M, Takemasa I, Yano M et al. Prediction of recurrence in advanced gastric cancer patients after curative resection by gene expression profiling. Int. J. Cancer 114(6), 963–968 (2005).