Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit

For ultrafast, multiplex, real-time PCR and two-step RT-PCR on Rotor-Gene cyclers

Features

Optimized for ultrafast, reliable results on Rotor-Gene cyclers
Sensitive detection of up to 4 targets in 1 tube
Successful multiplex PCR without the need for optimization
Reliable quantification of low- and high-abundance targets

Product Details

The Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit is designed for use with the Rotor-Gene Q and other Rotor-Gene cyclers, providing ultrafast, highly reliable quantification in multiplex, real-time PCR and two-step RT-PCR using sequence-specific probes. Depending on the cycler configuration, up to 4 cDNA or gDNA targets (e.g., 1 control gene and 3 target genes) can be quantified simultaneously in the same tube. Outstanding performance is achieved through the combination of a specially optimized master mix and the unique Rotor-Gene cycler. For convenience, the master mix can be stored at 2–8°C.

IMPORTANT NOTE: As announced earlier, the production of the Rotor-Gene kits has been discontinued since mid-2021. Hence, these products will be available only until stocks last. Visit the product page of the successor kit to view improved features or to request a trial kit.

For more information and FAQs on this transition, visit: www.qiagen.com/PCRresource.

Performance

With the Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit, up to 4 cDNA targets can be simultaneously and rapidly quantified in the same tube, increasing throughput and saving precious sample material (see figures "" and ""). Genes of different expression levels are all amplified in the same tube with the same high efficiency, enabling reliable relative quantification of gene expression.

See figures

Reliable multiplex analysis.

Reliable duplex analysis.

Principle

Amplifying reference and target genes in the same reaction instead of in separate reactions increases the reliability of gene quantification by minimizing handling errors. The Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit enables reliable multiplex real-time PCR quantification of cDNA targets on the Rotor-Gene Q without the need for optimization of reaction and cycling conditions (see flowchart ""). Highly specific amplification is assured through a balanced combination of K⁺ and NH₄⁺ ions, which promote specific primer annealing and enable high PCR specificity and sensitivity, while synthetic Factor MP, an innovative PCR additive specially developed for challenging multiplex PCR applications, allows different amplicons in the same reaction to all be amplified with the same high efficiency (see figure "").

Fast cycling without compromising performance is achieved using Q-Bond, a novel PCR additive that considerably shortens cycler run times (see figure " Fast primer annealing"). In addition, the highly stringent hot-start enzyme HotStarTaq Plus DNA Polymerase is rapidly activated at the start of PCR by a brief 5-minute incubation at 95ºC.

Components of 2x Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit*
Component	Features	Benefits
HotStarTaq Plus DNA Polymerase	5 min activation at 95ºC	Set up of qPCR reactions at room temperature
Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Buffer	Balanced combination of NH₄⁺ and K⁺ ions	Specific primer annealing ensures reliable qPCR results
	Synthetic Factor MP	Reliable multiplexing analysis of up to 4 targets in the same tube
	Unique Q-Bond additive	Faster PCR run times enable faster results and more reactions per day

See figures

QIAGEN multiplex kits.

Unique PCR buffer.

Fast primer annealing.

Procedure

A ready-to-use master mix eliminates the need for optimization of reaction and cycling conditions. Simply add template cDNA and primer-probe sets to the master mix and program the cycler. The handbook supplied with the kit lists recommended dyes and contains a single protocol for all multiplex qPCR assays.

For optimal results in real-time two-step RT-PCR, we recommend synthesizing cDNA using the QuantiTect Reverse Transcription Kit. The kit provides fast cDNA synthesis in just 20 minutes with integrated removal of genomic DNA contamination.

Applications

The Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit is optimized for fast, real-time PCR and two-step RT-PCR analysis using sequence-specific probes on the Rotor-Gene Q. It is also compatible with the Rotor-Gene 3000 and the Rotor-Gene 6000. Up to 4 cDNA or gDNA targets can be simultaneously and rapidly quantified in the same tube, increasing throughput and saving precious sample material.

For ultrafast, one-step qRT-PCR multiplex analysis of RNA targets using sequence-specific probes on Rotor-Gene cyclers, use the Rotor-Gene Multiplex RT-PCR Kit.

Supporting data and figures

Reliable duplex analysis.

Duplex, real-time two-step RT-PCR was carried out on the Rotor-Gene Q using the Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit and self-designed TaqMan assays for [A] IL8 (interleukin 8) and [B] ACTB (β-actin). Analysis of tenfold dilutions of leukocyte cDNA template from 100 ng to 1 pg provided high PCR efficiencies of around 95%. [C] The C_T values were comparable with those achieved in control singleplex reactions, demonstrating the reliability of the duplex assay.

Specifications

Features	Specifications
Applications
Real-time or endpoint
Reaction type
Sample/target type
Description
Single or multiplex
SYBR Green I or sequence-specific probes
Thermal cycler
With or without ROX

Resources

FAQ

Yes, please visit our website section 'Using endogenous control genes in real-time RT-PCR' for general information. It provides a list of relative gene expression levels for commonly used human and mouse reference genes.

We offer a set of ready-to-order control genes for use in SYBR Green based as well as probe based real-time RT-PCR.

QuantiTect Primer Assays are primer sets for use in SYBR Green based real-time RT-PCR analysis.
QuantiFast Probe Assays are primer-probe sets for use in dual-labeled probe based real-time RT-PCR.

In addition, you may want to refer to the following citations on reference gene selection for quantitative real-time PCR:

• Vandesompele J, De Preter K, Pattyn F, Poppe B, Van Roy N, DePaepe A, Speleman F [2002]: Accurate normalization of real-time quantitative RT-PCR data by geometric averaging of multiple internal control genes. Genome Biol 2002, 3:0034.

• Radonic A, Thulke S, Mackay IM, Landt O, Siegert W, Nitsche A., 2004. Guideline to reference gene selection for quantitative real-time PCR. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 313(4): 856-62.

• Katrien Smits,Karen Goossens, Ann Van Soom, Jan Govaere, Maarten Hoogewijs, Emilie Vanhaesebrouck,Cesare Galli, Silvia Colleoni, Jo Vandesompele, and Luc Peelman [2009]Selection of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR in equine in vivo and fresh and frozen-thawed in vitro blastocysts. BMC Res Notes. Dec 11;2:246.

FAQ ID -2371

No. The master mixes in Rotor-Gene Kits contain dTTP instead of dUTP. If UNG treatment is required, we recommend using QuantiTect +UNG Kits. QuantiTect Kits are also compatible with the Rotor-Gene Q; however, the kits require a significantly longer cycling time.

FAQ ID -2117

Yes. The optimized master mix of the Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit ensures that all gene targets in a multiplex reaction are amplified with the same efficiency and sensitivity as in corresponding singleplex reactions, independent of starting copy numbers.

FAQ ID -2129

The Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit has been developed primarily for use with TaqMan® probes. Protocols for probes other than TaqMan® probes have not been tested.

See trademarks.

FAQ ID -2130

The buffer composition, which affects the initial reactivation of HotStarTaq Plus DNA Polymerase, has been optimized for each respective Rotor-Gene Kit.

FAQ ID -2118

Our unique multiplex PCR buffer system with ammonium and potassium ions and Factor MP has been further optimized in QuantiFast and Rotor-Gene Kits. We have also discovered Q-Bond, a buffer component which supports the rapid formation of the polymerase–primer–template complex, leading to reduced annealing times.

FAQ ID -1430

No, that is not necessary. Simply use the primer concentrations specified in the protocols in the handbook supplied with your Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit.

FAQ ID -2128

There are several manufacturers of high-quality real-time cyclers. These include QIAGEN's Rotor-Gene Q, Applied Biosystems, BioRad, Stratagene, Eppendorf, Roche, TaKaRa, Fluidigm, and Cepheid. The important thing to keep in mind is that, once you select an instrument to use, you must use compatible Rotor-Gene Discs and tubes, 96 or 384 well plates, and qPCR master mixes that are optimized for use in that particular instrument. For example, QIAGEN's Rotor-Gene SYBR Green, Probe, and Multiplex real-time master mixes.

FAQ ID -2670

The majority of the Rotor-Gene Kit data shown in our literature has been generated with the help of the QIAgility instrument. We did not observe any problems during the pipetting steps.

FAQ ID -2116

Yes, simply use the assays at a final concentration of 1x with the Rotor-Gene Multiplex PCR Kit.

See trademarks.

FAQ ID -2131

Rotor-Gene Kits are specifically developed for the Rotor-Gene Q PCR Cycler. The unique rotary system of the cycler combined with the kits’ proprietary buffer system enable ultrafast cycling. Rotor-Gene Kits do not contain ROX dye since no normalization to a passive reference is required. Also, Rotor-Gene Kits do not contain dUTP; therefore, UNG pretreatment is not possible.

FAQ ID -2119

Yes. Rotor-Gene Kits will also work on the Rotor-Gene 6000 and Rotor-Gene 3000 PCR cyclers with the cycling conditions specified in the Rotor-Gene kit handbooks.

FAQ ID -2121

Check the template quality and integrity by amplifying an endogenous control gene. Check the amplicon by QIAxcel Advanced system or agarose gel electrophoresis to show that amplification was successful.

Determine whether the gene of interest is expressed in your sample. See How can I find out if my gene of interest is express in a specific tissue type or cell line. Ensure the assay setup and cycling conditions are correct, and that the data collection channel matches the emission wavelength of the fluorescent dye used. Use a control sample in which the gene of interest is definitely expressed.

If the issue persists, please send the original run file to QIAGEN Technical Services.

FAQ ID -9091

No. UNG treatment does not provide any advantage for the QuantiFast and Rotor-Gene PCR kits because the mastermixes do not contain dUTP. Use the QuantiTect kits if you intend to use the UNG treatment.

FAQ ID -9092

Ensure PCR amplicons are as short as possible, ideally 60–150 bp. Always use the same algorithm or software to design the primers and probes. For optimal results, only combine assays that have been designed using the same parameters.

Check the functionality of each set of primers and probes in individual assays before combining the different sets in the multiplex assay. Choose compatible reporters and quenchers based on a specific instrument. See How do I select appropriate reporter and quencher combinations for multiplex PCR.

FAQ ID -9093

For duplex analysis, using non-fluorescent quenchers (e.g., Black Hole Quencher^®) is preferred over fluorescent quenchers (e.g., TAMRA fluorescent dye). For triplex and 4-plex analysis, QIAGEN strongly recommends using non-fluorescent quenchers. Generally, use the green channel, the yellow channel, and the orange and crimson channels to detect the least abundant target, the second least abundant target, and the two most abundant targets, respectively. For instrument-specific recommendations, please see the handbooks for the QuantiTect Multiplex PCR kit, QuantiFast Multiplex kit or Rotor-Gene Multiplex kit.

FAQ ID -9094

The REST 2009 (Relative Expression Software Tool) software applies mathematic models that compensate for the different PCR efficiencies of the gene of interest and reference genes. In addition, the software can use multiple reference gene normalization to improve the reliability of result, as well as provides statistical information suitable for robust comparison of expression in groups of treated and untreated. QIAGEN offers the REST 2009 software free of charge.

FAQ ID -9095

Depending on primer design and copy number of target, primer-dimer may occur and its signal might be detected. Typical strategies against this are to optimize PCR conditions and/or redesign the assay.

Alternatively, an additional data-acquisition step can be added to the 3-step cycling protocol. First, determine the melting temperatures (T_m) for both the amplicon and the primer-dimer. Then, add a 15 second data-acquisition step with a temperature that is higher than the primer-dimer T_m, but approximately 3ºC lower than the specific amplicon T_m.

FAQ ID -9096

Reliable HRM analysis results depend on template quality, highly specific HRM PCR kit with a saturation dye, a real-time instrument with HRM capability, and powerful software package. Factors critical for successful HRM analysis are:

Use the same genomic DNA purification procedure for all samples being analyzed by HRM. This avoids variation due to differing composition of elution buffers.
DNA template concentrations should be normalized using the same dilution buffer. Ensure the C_T values are below 30 and differ no more than 3 C_T values across individual samples.
Design assays with amplicon length 70–350 bp. For SNP analysis, use amplicon length 70–150 bp.
Always start with 0.7 µM primer concentration

For more details, please refer to the HRM Technology – FAQs and the Critical Success Factor for HRM performance.

FAQ ID -9097

The gDNA wipeout buffer incubation step can be skipped when the total RNA is free from genomic DNA. However, the gDNA wipeout buffer is still required to be added because the reverse transcription step is optimized in the presence of components in the gDNA wipeout buffer.

FAQ ID -9098

If the extra peaks seem irregular or noisy, do not occur in all samples, and occur at temperatures less than 70 ºC, then these peaks may not represent real PCR products and instead may represent artifacts caused by instrument settings.

Usually extra peaks caused by secondary products are smooth and regular, occur reproducibly in most samples, and occur at temperatures greater than 70 ºC. Characterization of the product by agarose gel electrophoresis is the best way to distinguish between these cases. If only one band appears by agarose gel then the extra peaks in the dissociation curve are instrument artifacts and not real products. If this is the case, refer to the thermal cycler user manual, and confirm that all instrument settings (smooth factor, etc.) are set to their optimal values.

FAQ ID -90990

Store the standards at a high concentration in aliquots at -20^oC to -70^oC. If using low concentrations, stabilize standards with carrier nucleic acid. It is always best to use freshly diluted standards for each experiment. If possible, use siliconized tubes for standard (and target) dilutions. This will prevent any unspecific binding of nucleic acids to the plastic.

FAQ ID -9099