Reproducible gene expression measurement among multiple laboratories obtained in a blinded study using standardized RT (StaRT)-PCR.

Background: A method that provides standardized data and is relatively inexpensive and capable of high throughput is a prerequisite to the development of a meaningful gene expression database suitable for conducting multi-institutional clinical studies based on expression measurement. Standardized RT (StaRT)-PCR has all these characteristics. In addition, the method must be reproducible.

Cystatin B-deficient mice have increased expression of apoptosis and glial activation genes.

Loss-of-function mutations in the cystatin B (Cstb) gene cause a neurological disorder known as Unverricht-Lundborg disease (EPM1) in human patients. Mice that lack Cstb provide a mammalian model for EPM1 by displaying progressive ataxia and myoclonic seizures. We analyzed RNAs from brains of Cstb-deficient mice by using modified differential display, oligonucleotide microarray hybridization and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to examine the molecular consequences of the lack of Cstb.

Characterization of the human neurocan gene, CSPG3.

Neurocan is a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan thought to be involved in the modulation of cell adhesion and migration. Its sequence has been determined previously in rat and mouse (Rauch et al., 1992.

Isolation, sequencing, and mapping of the human homologue of the yeast transcription factor, SPT5.

We isolated the human homologue, SUPT5H, of the yeast transcription factor, SPT5. The human homologue is 1088 aa long compared to 1063 aa for the yeast gene. SUPT5H maps to 19q13, near the ryanodine receptor.

Chromosomal assignment of 20 cDNAs using flow-sorted spot-blot stamps.

Using a high-speed flow cytometer/sorter, we constructed spot-blot "stamps" measuring 3.5 x 2.0 cm containing 21 separate human chromosome fractions.