qPCR validation of microarray data using PrimeTime qPCR Assays and ZEN Double-Quenched Probes

Preeclampsia, characterized by de novo onset of maternal hypertension and proteinuria, is a multi-system pregnancy-associated disorder that increases the risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality. This disorder is triggered by endothelial cell dysfunction that can arise from placental factors. In this study, Tsai et al. used genome-wide expression profiling of 60 human placentas to uncover gene expression patterns associated with preeclampsia. To validate the microarray data, the researchers performed qRT-PCR using PrimeTime^® qPCR Assays from IDT. Their assays incorporated ZEN™ Double-Quenched Probes, which allow higher sensitivity over traditional single-quenched probes. The data revealed up-regulation of sialic acid acetylesterase and sialic acid binding Ig-like lectin 6 and down-regulation of ST6 β-galactosamide α-2,6-sialyltransferase 1 in the preeclamptic placenta.