The MIQE guidelines: minimum information for publication of quantitative real-time PCR experiments.
BACKGROUND
Currently, a lack of consensus exists on how best to perform and interpret quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) experiments. The problem is exacerbated by a lack of sufficient experimental detail in many publications, which impedes a reader's ability to evaluate critically the quality of the results presented or to repeat the experiments.


BACKGROUND
The Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines target the reliability of results to help ensure the integrity of the scientific literature, promote consistency between laboratories, and increase experimental transparency. MIQE is a set of guidelines that describe the minimum information necessary for evaluating qPCR experiments. Included is a checklist to accompany the initial submission of a manuscript to the publisher. By providing all relevant experimental conditions and assay characteristics, reviewers can assess the validity of the protocols used. Full disclosure of all reagents, sequences, and analysis methods is necessary to enable other investigators to reproduce results. MIQE details should be published either in abbreviated form or as an online supplement.


CONCLUSIONS
Following these guidelines will encourage better experimental practice, allowing more reliable and unequivocal interpretation of qPCR results.
Bustin
Stephen A
SA
Centre for Academic Surgery, Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK. s.a.bustin@qmul.ac.uk
Benes
Vladimir
V
Garson
Jeremy A
JA
Hellemans
Jan
J
Huggett
Jim
J
Kubista
Mikael
M
Mueller
Reinhold
R
Nolan
Tania
T
Pfaffl
Michael W
MW
Shipley
Gregory L
GL
Vandesompele
Jo
J
Wittwer
Carl T
CT
D006801:Humans; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D009696:Nucleic Acids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D011643:Publishing / Q000592:standards*; D048348:Reverse Transcription / Q000235:genetics; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D013997:Time Factors
D009696:Nucleic Acids