Measuring lncRNA Expression by Real-Time PCR

Long noncoding RNAs are defined as transcripts longer than 200 nt with no protein coding potential. Most lncRNAs are expressed in a tissue-specific manner and barring a few, their absolute expression is lower compared to most coding transcripts. Differential expression studies have contributed the most to the functional characterisation of the lncRNAs we know. Sensitive and specific quantification of lncRNA expression is crucial for such studies. SYBR Green dye based real time quantitative PCR is a simple and affordable method of quantitative PCR, wherein the specific binding of the dye to double stranded DNA amplicon emits fluorescence proportionate to the amount of PCR products. Here we describe a detailed protocol for successful lncRNA quantitation by reverse transcription followed by SYBR Green chemistry-based real-time PCR.