title: Quantitative real-time PCR: a powerful ally in cancer research.
abstract: In this era of the Human Genome Project, quantitation of gene expression in tumor or host cells is of paramount importance for investigating the gene patterns responsible for cancer development, progression and response or resistance to treatment. Quantitative real-time PCR (qrt-PCR) technology has recently reached a level of sensitivity, accuracy and practical ease that supports its use as a routine bioinstrumentation for gene level measurement. Several applications have already been implemented in the field of cancer research, and others are being validated, showing that this molecular biology tool can provide both researchers and clinicians with precious information concerning the behavior of tumors. Knowledge of the biochemical principles underlying this biotechnology can be of great value to interpret correctly qrt-PCR data.
authors.affiliation: Surgery Branch, Department of Oncological and Surgical Sciences, University of Padova, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy. mocellins@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mocellin
authors.forename: Carlo R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: Pierluigi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pilati
authors.forename: Donato
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nitti
authors.forename: Francesco M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Marincola
mesh_terms: D018628:Gene Dosage; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger