Describes the technique whereby the extreme sensitivity of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is combined with the cell localizing ability of in situ hybridization. This revised and updated edition contains chapters on the basics of molecular biology; the nonspecific pathways of PCR; applications of PCR in situ hybridization--human papillomavirus, and HIV-1; and instrumentation. There is also an appendix on reagents for molecular biological analyses. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This book describes comprehensive step-by-step protocols for the delineation of genetic amplification and histological detection techniques. Each procedure has been tested and validated for its sensitivity, precision, and reproducibility, and the authors give advice on the design of primers for PCR applications and on optimizing these protocols for use with plant, insect, and prokaryotic cells.

Here is the most complete guide available to the isolation, analysis, and synthesis of RNA. It covers everything researchers and laboratory workers need to know about the study of gene expression via RNA analysis-from the theory behind the methods, to actual problem-solving techniques. Step-by-step protocols are presented for each method. A careful presentation of the experimental formalities of these protocols enables specialists and nonspecialists alike to implement the methods easily in the laboratory. Each protocol is accompanied by the theoretical background underlying the experimental procedure and most chapters contain illustrations of typical results and troubleshooting tips. A Laboratory Guide to RNA offers a straightforward detailed account of experimental procedures, ranging from the isolation of RNA from a variety of cell and tissue types, detection analysis, and quantitation using a range of strategies, to large- and small-scale synthesis of RNA. This unique guide not only covers established procedures such as RNA blotting and nuclease protection, but also the latest protocols for quantitative PCR and differential display. Protocols addressing in situ hybridization are highlighted in an eight-page, full-color section that illustrates the power of the technique for detection of gene expression in tissues and whole organisms. Featuring contributions from leading research laboratories and the biotechnology field, A Laboratory Guide to RNA: Isolation, Analysis, and Synthesis provides all the methods required for RNA analysis. It is the ideal laboratory guide for research scientists, graduate students, and lab personnel who need a solid reference on the analysis of gene expression at the RNA level.

Until the mid 1980s, the detection and quantification of a specific mRNA was a difficult task, usually only undertaken by a skilled molecular biologist. With the advent of PCR, it became possible to amplify specific mRNA, after first converting the mRNA to cDNA via reverse transcriptase. The arrival of this technique—termed reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR)—meant that mRNA suddenly became amenable to rapid and sensitive analysis, without the need for advanced training in molecular biology. This new accessibility of mRNA, which has been facilitated by the rapid accumulation of sequence data for human mRNAs, means that every biomedical researcher can now include measurement of specific mRNA expression as a routine component of his/her research plans. In view of the ubiquity of the use of standard RT-PCR, the main objective of RT-PCR Protocols is essentially to provide novel, useful applications of RT-PCR. These include some useful adaptations and applications that could be relevant to the wider research community who are already familiar with the basic RT-PCR protocol. For example, a variety of different adaptations are described that have been employed to obtain quantitative data from RT-PCR. Quantitative RT-PCR provides the ability to accurately measure changes/imb- ances in specific mRNA expression between normal and diseased tissues.

This book applies modern molecular diagnostic techniques to the analysis of single cells, small numbers of cells, or cell extracts. Emphasis is placed on non-invasive analysis of single cell metabolites and the direct analysis of RNA and DNA from single cells, with a focus on polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization. In particular, this handbook is essential for practitioners providing care for couples seeking treatment for infertility.

This is an introduction to the methods and applications of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, a technology developed by Erlich's group at Cetus and Cetus, and is expected to be used in all biology laboratories worldwide within the next few years.

Accompanying CD-ROM contains ... "a companion eBook version of Molecular diagnostics : for the clinical laboratorian, Second edition ... for downloading and use in the reader's PC or PDA."--Page 4 of cover.