Automated high throughput RT-PCR

Abstract

AMGEN's genome project is designed to discover and assess genes that may be of therapeutic value. As an early screen, novel genes of potential importance are investigated by analysis of their in vivo expression pattern using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We describe the automation pathway taken to provide high throughput screening of mRNA from human, mouse, and rat species. High throughput was achieved using the Beckman Biomek™ 2000 robot, large-capacity gel electrophoresis trays, an imaging station and custom image analysis software written in Visual Basics™ (VB). © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.