Cells-to-CT Kits

What is Cells-to-C_T?

Invitrogen Cells-to-C_T kits measure relative gene expression by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) without the need for RNA purification prior to amplification. Available in both TaqMan and SYBR Green detection chemistries, Cells-to-C_T kits provide a complete workflow for qPCR analysis directly from cultured cells, providing you with excellent performance, reliability, and support.

Benefits of Cells-to-C_T kits

Extraordinary ease and speed—96 samples for RT-qPCR in less than 10 min
Skip RNA purification—no columns, heating, or centrifugation
Exceptional performance—designed for consistent accuracy, reproducibility, and sensitivity with 1–100,000 cells
Analytically verified workflows—complete sets of reagents pre-optimized to work efficiently right out of the box

Many researchers struggle with traditional RNA extraction workflows because they are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to sample loss or variability, especially when processing large numbers of samples or small cell populations. The Invitrogen Cells-to-C_T kits help reduce these bottlenecks by enabling direct gene expression analysis from cultured cells without RNA purification—cutting sample preparation from 30–60 minutes or more down to just minutes. By lysing cells and stabilizing RNA in a single step, these kits help reduce hands-on time, help minimize workflow complexity, and help maintain high sensitivity and specificity comparable to purified RNA in RT-qPCR assays. Whether you are running high-throughput screens, automating workflows, or working with precious or low-input samples, Cells-to-C_T kits help streamline the path from cells in culture to quantitative real-time PCR data.

Reduce RNA extraction workflow complexity

TaqMan Cells-to-CT workflow from cells and cell lysate to RT-qPCR, bypassing traditional RNA extraction.

Workflow for gene expression analysis using TaqMan Cells-to-C_T kits

TaqMan Cells-to-C_T kits help streamline the workflow from cells to RT-qPCR, reducing the need for traditional RNA extraction. This simplified process reduces hands-on time and helps deliver reliable gene expression results fast.

TaqMan Cells-to-C_T Express 1-Step RT-qPCR Kit

Designed to accelerate cell-to-data analysis in one step.

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Skip RNA purification entirely. Discover how fast & easy RNA purification-free RT-qPCR can be.

Get started by choosing a kit for your research

	TaqMan Cells-to-C_T Express 1-Step RT - qPCR Kit	Cells-to-C_T 1-Step TaqMan Kit	Single Cell-to-C_T qRT-PCR Kit
Cell working range	10–100,000 cells	10–100,000 cells	1–10 cells
1-step or 2-step	1-step	1-step	1-step
Sample type	Mammalian cells	Mammalian cells	Mammalian cells

	TaqMan Cells-to-C_T Express Kit	TaqMan Cells-to-C_T HepatoExpress Kit	TaqMan Fast Advanced Cells-to-C_T Kit
Cell working range	10–100,000 cells	≤ 100,000 cells	10–100,000 cells
1-step or 2-step	2-step	2-step	2-step
Sample type	Mammalian cells	Primary hepatocytes	Mammalian cells, 3D cell culture

	SYBR Green Fast Advanced Cells-to-C_T Kit	Cells-to-C_T 1-Step Power SYBR Green Kit
Cell working range	10–100,000 cells	10–100,000 cells
1-step or 2-step	2-step	1-step

TaqMan detection 1-step

	TaqMan Cells-to-C_T Express 1-Step RT - qPCR Kit	Cells-to-C_T 1-Step TaqMan Kit	Single Cell-to-C_T qRT-PCR Kit
Cell working range	10–100,000 cells	10–100,000 cells	1–10 cells
1-step or 2-step	1-step	1-step	1-step
Sample type	Mammalian cells	Mammalian cells	Mammalian cells

TaqMan detection 2-step

	TaqMan Cells-to-C_T Express Kit	TaqMan Cells-to-C_T HepatoExpress Kit	TaqMan Fast Advanced Cells-to-C_T Kit
Cell working range	10–100,000 cells	≤ 100,000 cells	10–100,000 cells
1-step or 2-step	2-step	2-step	2-step
Sample type	Mammalian cells	Primary hepatocytes	Mammalian cells, 3D cell culture

SYBR Green detection

	SYBR Green Fast Advanced Cells-to-C_T Kit	Cells-to-C_T 1-Step Power SYBR Green Kit
Cell working range	10–100,000 cells	10–100,000 cells
1-step or 2-step	2-step	1-step

Infographic: TaqMan vs. SYBR Chemistry for Real-Time PCR

Understand the key differences between SYBR Green dye–based assays and TaqMan Assays for qPCR analysis.

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When should you use 1-step vs. 2-step RT-qPCR?

1-step vs. 2-step	1-step workflow	2-step workflow
Features	Master mix contains both RT and qPCR reagents to perform simultaneously Reduces chance of cross-contamination Fewer touchpoints, faster time-to-results Easy for high-throughput workflow	RT and qPCR reactions are performed separately More lysate can be added to the RT and qPCR reactions for greater sensitivity cDNA can be stored for further experiments
Use case	Use when testing many samples with one or few targets	Use when testing samples with many targets
Primary consideration	cDNA cannot be stored	Separate cDNA synthesis from qPCR allows flexibility to use in multiple ways Multiple steps, one more sample transfer

Cell lines compatible with Cells-to-CT kits

Cell line	Growth type	Source species	Source tissue
A549	adherent	H. sapiens	Lung carcinoma
BJ	adherent	H. sapiens	Foreskin
CHO-K1	adherent	C. griseus (hamster)	Ovary
COS-7	adherent	C. aethiops (monkey)	Kidney
DU-145	adherent	H. sapiens	Prostate
HEK-293	adherent	H. sapiens	Kidney
HeLa	adherent	H. sapiens	Cervical adenocarcinoma
HepG2	adherent	H. sapiens	Liver carcinoma
Huh-7	adherent	H. sapiens	Liver
Jurkat	suspension	H. sapiens	Acute T cell leukemia
K562	suspension	H. sapiens	Bone marrow
ME-180	adherent	H. sapiens	Cervical epidermoid carcinoma
NCI-H460	adherent	H. sapiens	Lung
Neuro 2A	adherent	M. musculus	Brain
NIH/3T3	adherent	M. musculus (mouse)	Embryonic fibroblast
PC-12	adherent	R. norvegicus (rat)	Adrenal pheochromocytoma
PT-K75	adherent	S. scrofa (pig)	Nasal turbinate mucosa
Raji	suspension	H. sapiens	B lymphocyte
SK-N-AS	adherent	H. sapiens	Brain neuroblast
SK-N-SH	adherent	H. sapiens	Brain fibroblast
U-2 OS	adherent	H. sapiens	Bone
U-87 MG	adherent	H. sapiens	Brain glioblastoma

Note: Due to differences in cell size and composition, the maximum number of cells per lysis reaction may be slightly different for different cell lines. Test for inhibition and minimal sample input by using the TaqMan Cells-to-C_T Control Kit.

Research solutions for downstream RT-PCR (qPCR) analysis

Leverage our diverse product offerings for real-time, quantitative PCR applications to build a complete experimental workflow solution. Explore our powerful assay design algorithms, optimized master mixes, intuitive data analysis software, and flexible instrumentation to help harness the power of RT-qPCR across a rich and diverse set of applications.

QuantStudio Real-Time
PCR Instruments

TaqMan Real-Time
PCR Assays

Real-Time PCR
Reagents and Kits

Real-Time PCR
Data Analysis

Featured resources

Application Note: Accelerate cytochrome P450-mediated drug-interaction studies with the TaqMan Cells-to-C_T HepatoExpress Kit

RNA isolation from Organoid organoids and spheroids – app note

White paper: Isolation of RNA from organoids and spheroids

Brochure: Cells-to-C_T Kits: A faster and more sensitive way to measure gene expression

Cells-to-C_T Kits: A fast way to kill your cells for gene expression analysis

This ASCB presentation shows you how Cells-to-C_T kits allow you to measure relative gene expression by qPCR without having to purify RNA prior to amplification.

Cells-to-C_T: full video

Learn how to prepare RNA for gene expression analysis from cultured cells, without the need for RNA purification. Fast track to RT-qPCR in only seven minutes.

Application note how Cells-to-CT Express outperforms alternatives

Application Note: Exceptional gene expression analysis directly from cell lysates: TaqMan Cells-to-C_T Express Kit outperforms alternatives

Technical notes

Resources for Cells-to-C_T kits

Product literature

Protocols

Tips & tricks

Cells-to-C_T tips & tricks

Research papers

Cells-to-C_T Kits: Next generation gene expression analysis workflows that eliminate sample purification

Application notes

FAQs

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Resources

Nucleic Acid Purification and Analysis Support Center
Find tips, troubleshooting help, and resources for your nucleic acid purification & analysis applications.

SARS-CoV-2 testing

Protocol Videos—Videos to help you isolate nucleic acids using a variety of techniques.
DNA & RNA Selection Guide—Find the right purification products.
Videos—View our library of DNA & RNA purification and analysis videos.
Application Notes—Explore our application notes from scientists sharing data for isolation products

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

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Cells-to-C_TKits