Q-Gene: processing quantitative real-time RT–PCR data

TLDR

Q‑Gene is an application for processing quantitative real‑time RT–PCR data. The study demonstrates that Mean Normalized Expressions should be used for simplex PCR data, whereas Normalized Expressions are preferable for multiplex PCR data. Q‑Gene allows users to select between two distinct calculation procedures—Normalized Expressions and Mean Normalized Expressions—for normalizing gene expression data. The two widely used procedures are not interchangeable; each should be applied according to whether the data come from simplex or multiplex PCR. The program is available online at http://www.biotechniques.com/softlib/qgene.html (contact [e-mail]).

Abstract

Abstract Summary: Q-Gene is an application for the processing of quantitative real-time RT–PCR data. It offers the user the possibility to freely choose between two principally different procedures to calculate normalized gene expressions as either means of Normalized Expressions or Mean Normalized Expressions. In this contribution it will be shown that the calculation of Mean Normalized Expressions has to be used for processing simplex PCR data, while multiplex PCR data should preferably be processed by calculating Normalized Expressions. The two procedures, which are currently in widespread use and regarded as more or less equivalent alternatives, should therefore specifically be applied according to the quantification procedure used. Availability: Web access to this program is provided at http://www.biotechniques.com/softlib/qgene.html Contact: [e-mail]