Suitable reference genes for real-time PCR in human HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma with different clinical prognoses
2009

Finding the Best Reference Genes for PCR in Liver Cancer

Sample size: 108 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Fu Li-Yun, Jia Hu-Liang, Dong Qiong-Zhu, Wu Jin-Cai, Zhao Yue, Zhou Hai-Jun, Ren Ning, Ye Qin-Hai, Qin Lun-Xiu

Primary Institution: Liver Cancer Institute and Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China

Hypothesis

Identifying suitable reference genes for qPCR normalization in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with different clinical outcomes.

Conclusion

TBP and HPRT1 are the most reliable reference genes for q-PCR normalization in HBV-related HCC specimens.

Supporting Evidence

  • TBP and HPRT1 showed the best stability in all tissue samples.
  • Using 18S or ACTB for normalization led to no significant difference in PGK1 expression.
  • Using TBP or the combination of TBP and HPRT1 showed dramatic differences in PGK1 expression.

Takeaway

This study found that some commonly used genes for measuring other genes in liver cancer are not reliable, and suggested better options.

Methodology

The study evaluated the expression levels of 6 housekeeping genes in 108 HBV-related HCC samples and 26 normal liver specimens using real-time PCR.

Limitations

The study only included HBV-positive Chinese patients, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

108 paired HCC tissues from Chinese patients, with 63 without metastasis and 45 with metastasis.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2407-9-49

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