Jar Holt

MicroRNA quantitative PCR (miRNA qPCR) is one of the most powerful laboratory techniques for quantifying small non-coding RNA molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs). These ~22-nucleotide regulatory RNAs play essential roles in cellular homeostasis, development, and gene expression networks. Accurate miRNA quantification supports basic research into gene regulation, developmental biology, and RNA-mediated mechanisms of cellular control. In […]

Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is one of the most widely used molecular biology techniques for RNA analysis. It is foundational in gene expression studies, viral RNA detection, transcript quantification, and RNA-based pathway analysis across academic, industrial, and public research laboratories. However, RT-qPCR is also inherently sensitive to variability—particularly during the reverse transcription (RT) step,

In modern molecular biology and molecular diagnostics laboratories, PCR-based methods (including conventional PCR, RT-PCR, and real-time qPCR) are trusted because they are sensitive, specific, and scalable. But that power comes with a reality every experienced scientist knows: PCR results are only as reliable as the quality system behind them. When targets are low-copy, inhibitors are

In infectious-disease molecular workflows, PCR is valued because it is sensitive, fast, and adaptable—from single-target assays to high-plex panels. But sensitivity cuts both ways: the same chemistry that amplifies rare target copies can also amplify contaminants, tolerate subtle extraction variability, or drift when reagents and instruments change over time. That’s why PCR quality control (QC)

Why GI RT-qPCR needs stronger QC than “easy” matrices Stool is inhibitor-rich Stool can contain substances that interfere with polymerases or nucleic acid binding/cleanup, reducing amplification efficiency or blocking it entirely. Inhibition controls are therefore a core GI PCR concept. A peer-reviewed review on inhibition controls emphasizes that inhibitors occur across specimen matrices and can

What “Respiratory Disease PCR Quality Control” means in the lab In RT-qPCR workflows, quality control is the set of planned checks that verify each stage of the process: Pre-analytical integrity (collection medium, transport conditions, inhibitors, sample handling) Extraction performance (nucleic acid recovery and reagent integrity) Amplification performance (enzyme activity, cycling conditions, contamination control) Detection and

Indexing fundamentals  What an “index” is An index is a short DNA tag incorporated into each library so reads can be assigned back to the correct sample after sequencing (demultiplexing). If you want a plain-language refresher, NIH’s NHGRI pages are excellent: DNA sequencing basics (genome.gov) and the Next-generation sequencing glossary entry (genome.gov).  i7 vs i5

A laboratory water bath is a critical instrument used for controlled temperature incubation, enzyme reactions, and sample thawing. Over time, microbial contamination, biofilm formation, and mineral deposits can compromise the accuracy, sterility, and reliability of results. To maintain optimal performance, the use of an effective disinfecting solution is essential. This article explores scientifically validated solutions

Introduction to the pMXs-IRES-Bsd Retroviral Vector The pMXs-IRES-Bsd Retroviral Vector is a versatile and efficient gene delivery system derived from the Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MMLV) backbone. It enables stable gene expression and bicistronic transcription in mammalian cells using an Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES) and a Blasticidin resistance gene (Bsd). This vector has become

The GMyc-PCR Mycoplasma Test Kit (GMyc-PCR) is an advanced polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based system designed to detect a broad spectrum of Mycoplasma species in cell cultures, sera, media, and laboratory reagents.Mycoplasma contamination represents one of the most persistent problems in molecular and cellular biology, affecting up to 30% of continuous cell lines, according to reports