Measurement of Cytokine mRNA Expression by Flow Cytometry Using the Branched DNA Technology

Authors: Rubina Pal, Jayne Schaubhut, Lynette Brown and Jennifer J. Stewart
Flow Contract Site Laboratory, LLC

Abstract: Branched DNA Technology is a recent advancement in flow cytometry which allows detection of mRNA at a single cell level. This technique utilizes a unique approach of hybridization and amplification of the mRNA and thus produces more consistent results than conventional PCR based assays. This method is compatible with the detection of surface and intracellular antigens using fluorochrome conjugated antibodies and eliminates the need of sorting specific cell population to detect mRNA