Quantification of mitochondrial DNA copy number in suspected cancer patients by a well optimized ddPCR method.

ABSTRACT: Changes in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content is a useful clinical biomarker for various diseases, however results are controversial as several analytical factors can affect measurement of mtDNA. MtDNA is often quantified by taking ratio between a target mitochondrial gene and a reference nuclear gene (mtDNA/nDNA) using quantitative real time PCR often on two separate experiments. It measures relative levels by using external calibrator which may not be comparable across laboratories. We have developed and optimized a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) based method for quantification of absolute copy number of both mtDNA and nDNA gene in whole blood. Finally, the role of mtDNA in suspected cancer patients referred to a cancer diagnostic center was investigated. Analytical factors which can result

SUBMITTER: Memon AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5634817 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature