Notes: Mouse bone marrow cells and calvarial osteoblasts were cocultured for 6 days with or without 50 μM of IBMX. Total RNA was then isolated from the cells and cDNA templates prepared. cDNAs were subjected to PCR amplification with GoTaq^® DNA Polymerase. Primers for mouse PDE4s, TRANCE, CTR, cathepsin K and GAPDH genes were used in this study. The PCR program was as follows: 32 (all mouse PDE4s, TRANCE, CTR, and cathepsin K) or 28 (GAPDH) cycles, after an initial denaturation step at 94°C for 3 minutes, then denaturation at 94°C for 30 seconds, annealing at 58°C for 45 seconds, and extension at 72°C for 60 seconds, with a final extension at 72°C for 10 minutes. (3356)

Notes: The authors generated population data from 1,368 unrelated individuals living in three of the most densely populated provinces in Argentina using the PowerPlex^® 16 System. DNA was collected as a blood or buccal swab sample and isolated using organic extraction. PowerPlex^® 16 System reactions were performed using the GeneAmp^® PCR System 9600 or 9700, and amplified products were detected using an ABI PRISM^® 310 or 3100-Avant Genetic Analyzer. (3816)

Notes: To compare the parathyroid hormone (PTH) gene from a human parathyroid adenoma sample to DNA from the same individual’s peripheral blood leukocytes, the tumor genomic DNA was purified from fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue using the MagneSil^® Genomic, Fixed Tissue System. The isolated genomic DNA was then amplified using PCR primers for three exons and sequenced for analysis. (3557)

Notes: A proline oxidase (POX) antisense vector was generated by amplifying part of the POX cDNA and ligating the product into the pCI Mammalian Expression Vector in the antisense orientation. This construct was tested and validated for blocking POX mRNA expression using RT-PCR. Both PPARγ and p53 cDNAs were also cloned into the pCI Vector. The human POX promoter sequence was amplified and cloned into the NheI and HindIII sites of the pGL3-Basic Vector to create the POX-Luc reporter construct. Using several colon cancer cell lines (HT29, LoVo, HCT116, HCT15, RKO, KM12, HCC2998 and SW620), the POX-Luc construct was co-transfected with pRL-null (to normalize transfection efficiency) plus PPARγ, p53 constructs or empty vector. A PPARγ ligand was added 10 hours post-transfection and cells harvested 24–36 hours after transfection. POX promoter luciferase activity was measured using the Dual-Luciferase^® Reporter Assay System and a TD-20/20 luminometer. (3514)

Notes: The authors developed a method to reverse transcribe poly(A)+ RNA from leukocytes without using oligo(dT) immobilized on a 96-well plate. Four RNA targets, as well as a synthetic control RNA, were reverse transcribed using MMLV Reverse Transcriptase (1X reverse transcription buffer [50mM KCl, 10mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.3), 5.5mM MgCl₂, 1nL/µL Tween 20], 1.25 mM each dNTP and 4 units of Recombinant RNasin^® Ribonuclease Inhibitor), then quantitated by real-time quantitative PCR. The authors varied the concentration of MMLV Reverse Transcriptase, incubation time, and primer/template ratio] to obtain the maximum yield. Small quantities of MMLV Reverse Transcriptase were sufficient to reverse transcribe short synthetic RNA and abundant RNAs, but approximately 100 units was required for other RNAs. The synthetic control RNA was synthesized using the T7 RiboMAX™ Express Large Scale RNA Production System. (3456)

Notes: Few reliable prognostic markers have been developed for breast cancer. Human tissue kallikreins (hKs) are serine proteases with diverse functions. Fifteen human tissue kallikrein genes (KLK) have been identified. Several human tissue kallikreins have been associated with malignancies, such as hK3 (prostate-specific antigen) and prostate cancer. hK7 has been linked to a significantly poorer prognosis for ovarian and breast cancer, indicating that it may serve as a marker for these diseases. However, previous analyses of KLK7 expression were non-selective studies of all KLK7 mRNA forms. The authors developed a quantitative reverse-transcription-PCR (QPCR) assay, using the Reverse Transcription System on RNA, then developed a highly sensitive QPCR assay, to determine whether a more specific analysis of full-length KLK7 mRNA might lead to similar results as those from previous studies on the multiple KLK7 mRNA forms, with the ultimate goal of determining whether KLK7 could serve as a marker for breast cancer. (3615)

Notes: These researchers used laser-capture microscopy followed by real-time PCR to detect and identify Cryptosporidium oocysts in stained fecal smears and water samples on glass slides. After microdissection of single oocysts or groups of oocysts from the stained slides, DNA was extracted and real-time PCR performed using primers specific for the cryptosporidial 18s rRNA gene. To confirm primer specificity and the identity of the real-time PCR products, the amplimers were recovered from the LightCycler® capillaries at the end of each real-time experiment. Products were then separated on agarose gels and purified using the Wizard® SV Gel and PCR System prior to sequencing using a BigDye® terminator cycle sequencing kit from Applied Biosystems. (3532)

Notes: A panel of 11 Gram-negative and 11 Gram-positive bacterial species was used to develop a real-time PCR detection method. Initially DNA was purified from 1ml of various dilutions of bacteria resuspended in a saline solution using either the QIAamp DNA blood mini kit or the Wizard^® SV Genomic DNA Purification System. The results suggested that the Wizard^® SV Genomic DNA Purification System extraction protocol was superior in disrupting the bacterial cell wall (especially of Gram-positive bacteria), to allow release of bacterial DNA. Using DNA purified with the Wizard^® SV Genomic DNA Purification System, detection of S. aureus and E. coli at concentrations as low as 10¹ CFU per PCR was achieved. The Wizard^® SV Genomic DNA Purification System purification protocol provided in eNotes online (www.promega.com/enotes/applications/ap0051_tabs.htm) was used with the following modifications: The bacterial pellet was resuspended in 400µl of enzymatic lysis solution (47mM EDTA, 25mg/ml lysozyme, 20µg/ml lysostaphin) and incubated for 2 hours at 37°C. Next, 19.2mg/ml proteinase K was added (final concentration 0.4mg/ml), and the mixture was incubated for 1 hour at 55°C. Finally, the Nuclei Lysis Solution and RNase Solution were added, mixed and incubated for 10 minutes at 80°C. For real-time PCR analysis, 2µl of genomic DNA was used. (3676)

Notes: The coding sequence of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV16) E7 oncogene was isolated following total RNA purification from CaSki cells, RT-PCR and PCR and then cloning into the pGEM^®-T Easy vector. In order to test the effectiveness of antisense HPV16 E7 therapy against cervical cancer, an adeno-associated virus vector was used to transfer the antisense construct of the E7 coding sequence into CaSki cervical cancer cells. (3395)

Notes: The authors of this study investigated the role of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) in neural cell apoptosis during retinal development and ischemic injury. Nucleotides 283 to 713 of the ASK1 cDNA were amplified by PCR and cloned into the pGEM^®-T Easy Vector, and sense and antisense probes for in situ hybridization experiments were generated. Anti-ACTIVE^® p38 polyclonal antibody was used for immunohistochemistry analyses to investigate the localization of phosphorylated p38 in mouse retina. (3530)

Notes: After bioinformatics analysis of the Bacillus anthracis genome for potential vaccine targets, the 197 ORFs were selected for amplification. Using the genomic DNA of B. anthracis strain Vollum, all PCR products were generated using a 5’ primer incorporating the T7 promoter, the Kozak sequence, unique restriction enzyme sites and a start codon and a 3’ primer with a stop codon and three more unique restriction sites. The amplicons were then in vitro transcribed and translated using the TNT^® T7 Quick for PCR DNA system and radiolabeled with [³⁵S]methionine. The products were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography. To assess the immunoreactivity of the translated products, the proteins were immunoprecipitated using anti-B. anthracis antisera. The seropositive candidate amplified ORFs were cloned into the pCI Mammalian Expression Vector using compatible RE sites. These vectors were introduced into ICR mice using a Helios gene gun system (0.5µg plasmid DNA on 1µm gold particles) and the mice immunized in 2 week intervals. (3515)

Notes: The authors wanted to develop a more sensitive assay to detect codon 816 pathogenic variations in people diagnosed with systemic mastocytosis. The Wizard^® Genomic DNA Purification Kit was used to isolate DNA from peripheral blood and bone marrow aspirate samples. To extract DNA from 2–5 micron, paraffin-embedded samples of bone marrow trephine, skin, spleen or liver, the tissues were digested with Proteinase K for four days at 56°C prior to DNA purification using the Magnesil^® Genomic Fixed Tissue System. The isolated DNA was subjected to two assays: enriched sequencing of mutant alleles (ESMA) after BsmAI restriction enzyme digestion, and allele-specific competitive blocker PCR (ACB-PCR). (3575)

Notes: To purify stolbur phytoplasma DNA from total DNA of infected periwinkle plants, two rounds of suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) were performed, followed by amplification with Taq DNA polymerase. The resultant PCR products (1µl) were ligated into 50ng of pGEM^®-T Easy Vector using 3 units T4 DNA Ligase. After transformation of DH10B cells, ampicillin-resistant colonies were grown and the plasmids purified using the Wizard^® Plus SV Minipreps DNA Purification System. The insert lengths were estimated after EcoR I digestion and agarose gel electrophoresis prior to amplification and labeling with digoxigenin. These probes were used for dot hybridization with denatured healthy or infected plant DNA (10µg) and the corresponding plasmid as a positive control (100 ng). (3436)

Notes: To examine the effect of Substance P (SP) on COX-2 expression, the COX-2 promoter region spanning –2069 to –66 bp was cloned by PCR and subcloned into the pGL3-Basic Vector (pGL3-Cox-2). Nontransformed human colonic epithelial NCM460 cells overexpressing neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R; NCM460-NK-1R) were seeded in 12-well plates and transiently transfected with pGL3-Cox-2 with either a transfection control pRL-TK Vector or siRNA or both. The siRNA molecules used were for AK1, JAK2 (Upstate Biotechnology), STAT3, STAT5, STAT6 or a control siRNA. The transfected cells were serum starved for 24 hours, treated with SP for 4 hours and then lysed. The cell extracts were measured for firefly and Renilla luciferase activities using the Dual-Luciferase^® Reporter Assay System. Relative luciferase activity was a ratio of COX-2 promoter firefly activity to Renilla activity; results were expressed as percentage of control group without SP stimulation. To mutate the STAT binding elements, the pGL3-Cox-2 construct was modified using the GeneEditor™ in vitro Site-Directed Mutagenesis System. The resulting mutant constructs were tested in the same system as the wildtype COX-2 promoter. (3520)

Notes: The COX-2 promoter was cloned by PCR into the pGL3 Vector. NCM460-NK-1R cells were transiently transfected with the cloned promoter and the pRL-TK vector as an internal control or siRNA targeted against various JAK/STAT genes. The Dual-Luciferase^® Assay was used to measure promoter activity. The wildtype COX-2 promoter was mutagenized using the GeneEditor™ in vitro Site-Directed Mutagenesis System. (3384)

Notes: The authors developed a new set of miniplex primers for DNA typing of degraded DNA from human skeletal remains. The miniplex primers produced smaller amplicons (50–280 base pairs) than standard STR systems. The DNA-typing results obtained with the miniplex primers were compared to results obtained with the PowerPlex^® 16 System. The authors determined that larger loci failed to amplify when using degraded DNA and that the degradation cut-off length of template fragments occurred predominantly at 200bp and is not kit-dependent. (3808)

Notes: The authors identify PARTING DANCERS as a gene involved in male meiosis in Arabidopsis using a microarray generated from meiotic-stage anthers. To confirm the sequence obtained by microarray analysis, RT-PCR was performed and the resulting cDNA was cloned into the pGEM^®-T Vector and sequenced. To generate probes for in situ hybridization, fragments of ptd were amplified, cloned into the pGEM^®-T Vector, then labeled with digoxygenin through in vitro transcription. (3468)

Notes: To examine if the depletion of Drosophila transcription termination factor (DmTTF) after RNAi treatment could reduce the gene copy number, genomic DNA was isolated from RNAi-treated and untreated Drosophila embryonic D.Mel-2 cells using the Wizard^® Genomic DNA Purification Kit. The mitochondrial ND3 gene and the nuclear H2B histone gene were used as probes for the Xho I-digested, Southern-blotted genomic DNA to compare the treatment groups. The Wizard^® SV Gel and PCR Clean-Up System was used to clean up the PCR-amplified probes. (3418)

Notes: To examine possible Ig gene rearrangement of B-cell neoplasias after Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus infection, transgenic mice expressing KSHV latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) were created. Genomic DNA was isolated from murine spleens using the Wizard^® SV Genomic DNA Purification System, and 1.7ng of the purified genomic DNA was used in PCR analysis. (3414)

Notes: Monocarboxylate transporters (MCT) transport lactic acid across the cell membrane. The promoters of 4 MCT family members (MCT1, MCT2, MCT3 and MCT4), were amplified by PCR and cloned into the pGEM^®-T Easy Vector. The sequences were confirmed, and the promoters were cloned into the pGL3-Basic Vector. The Dual-Glo™ Luciferase Assay System was used to quantitate promoter activity under basal and hypoxic conditions in HeLa cells. The pRL-SV40 Vector was used to normalize for differences in transfection efficiency. (3463)

Notes: To characterize sequence variability of the catalytic center of the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme, which includes a self-cleaving motif, the authors developed an in vitro selection process that allowed them to select self-cleaving sequence variants from a pool of HDV ribozymes. The selection process started with a library of DNA oligonucleotides corresponding to the HDV ribozyme sequence that had been randomized at a 25-nucleotide sequence. The oligos contained known sequences at the 5´ and 3´ ends to allow amplification. The library was amplified by PCR, then transcribed. The resulting RNA was separated by polyacylamide gel electrophoresis, and the self-cleaved transcripts were excised, purified and reverse transcribed. A 3´ extension using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase added a known sequence to the 3´ end so that the resulting cDNA could by amplified by PCR. Thus another cycle of selection could begin. The PCR products generated at the start of the process and at each cycle were cloned into the pGEM^®-T Vector. (3467)

Notes: GoTaq^® DNA Polymerase was used in RT-PCR. First-strand cDNA was synthesized from 3μg of total RNA. PCR was performed using the first-strand cDNA as a template, the primers TM4SF2, and GoTaq^® DNA Polymerase, with 42 cycles of 94°C for 30 seconds, 50°C for 30 seconds, and 72°C for 60 seconds. (3354)

Notes: In this study, coding sequence abnormalities in desert hedgehog (DHH), a gene involved in male sex differentiation, were investigated. Genomic DNA was isolated from paraffin-embedded gonadal tissue from individuals with mixed gonadal dysgenesis and from three controls using the MagneSil^® Genomic, Fixed Tissue System. The purified DNA was then analyzed by exon-specific PCR, single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, and sequencing. (3447)

Notes: The authors used 5´ and 3´RACE to amplify the gene mimitin, and the resulting cDNA was cloned into the pGEM^®-T Vector. A genomic DNA fragment containing the mimitin promoter sequence was amplified by PCR and cloned into the pGEM^®-T Vector. The promoter was then cloned into the pGL3-Basic Vector. The activity of the wildtype and mutated promoters was determined using a luciferase assay. The pRL CMV Vector was used to normalize for differences in transfection efficiency. (3466)

Notes: Mouse adenovirus type 1 (MAV-1) was detected in DNA extracted from the lungs of mice after PCR amplification of the E1A region of MAV-1. For these assays, 80ng of total DNA was added to a 20µl PCR reaction containing 0.5 units of GoTaq^® DNA Polymerase, 4µl of 5X GoTaq^® Buffer, dNTPs and primers for MAV-1 E1A. The amplified products were separated on a 1.8% agarose gel and stained with ethidium bromide. (3381)