Gene expression is the process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product. These products are often proteins, but in non-protein coding genes such as rRNA genes or tRNA genes, the product is a structural or housekeeping RNA. In addition, small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs, piRNA) and various classes of long non-coding RNAs are involved in a variety of biological regulatory functions.

When studying gene expression with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), scientists commonly investigate changes—increases or decreases—in the expression of a specific gene or set of genes by measuring the abundance of the gene-specific transcript. The investigation monitors the response of a gene with a compound or drug of interest, under a defined set of conditions. Gene expression studies can also involve looking at profiles or patterns of expression of several genes.

Find educational resources, articles, and pages dedicated to gene expression below:

Introduction to gene expression analysis

This guide is a good resource for new users looking to learn more about gene expression principles and practices.

How to select endogenous controls for real-time PCR

Endogenous control genes are important in relative gene expression experiments. Learn how to choose endogenous controls.

Introduction to gene expression profiling

This guide explains gene expression profiling, which provides valuable insight into the role of differential gene expression in normal biological and disease processes.

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) data analysis

How to conduct statistical analysis of qPCR data for accurate fold change detection and what factors impact precision and accuracy in qPCR.

Designing a TaqMan gene expression assay

Learn how to design custom TaqMan gene expression assays, including primers, probes, and reagents.

Gene expression resources

Resources for TaqMan assays

Webinars

Resources for real-time PCR

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