At the cutting edge of molecular biology, PRECOS can offer collaborative research to investigate the role of genes in malignancy.

Real-time PCR

• Real-time PCR provides a quantitative comparison of gene expression in cell line or tissues, and is used to calculate the relative gene expression in the test sample to determine whether levels of the gene are associated with cell phenotype. This is used in conjunction with interfering RNA technology to verify changes in gene expression.

Interfering RNA

• Interfering RNA is a powerful new technique enabling specific knock-down of a gene of interest. This is achieved through the use of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for transient down-regulation of the gene or plasmid-encoded small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) that allow stable transfection.

Gene Cloning and Stable Transfection

• De novo or enhanced expression of genes in mammalian cells can be achieved through molecular cloning. This allows high level expression of the gene following establishment of stable transfected cell lines. Downstream effects of over-expression of genes can be monitored through in vitro or in vivo assays.

Gene Reporter Assays

• Reporter assays enable monitoring of enhanced expression or nuclear localisation of transcription factors. Binding of the transcription factor enables transcription and translation of the reporter gene, which can be quantified in vitro or in vivo by measuring light emitted in the presence of the substrate.