biostudies-literatureAdenuga BMFundação para a Ciência e TecnologiaNational Science Centre3728https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11640146biostudies-literatureUnknown13(23)Roe deer meat is a prized game product in many European countries. However, concerns exist regarding the accuracy of the amount of declared roe deer in processed game meat foods. This study aimed to develop a reliable method for the detection and quantification of roe deer in commercialized game meat products. A TaqMan probe-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was designed, targeting a single-copy 120-bp region of the roe deer agouti signaling protein (ASIP) encoding gene. The method employed the normalized ∆Cq approach to establish a calibration curve for roe deer detection and quantification within 0.05-50% (<i>w</i>/<i>w</i>) in complex raw and processed matrices. The method proved to be specific for roe deer identification, achieving limits of detection and quantification of Foods (Basel, Switzerland)A Novel Normalized Quantitative Real-Time PCR Approach for Ensuring Roe Deer (<i>Capreolus capreolus</i>) Meat Authenticity in Game Meat Foods.PMC116401462021.03670.CEECIND/CP1662/CT00112023.07644.CEECIND2021.03583.CEECIND/CP1662/CT00122020/37/B/NZ9/00082UIDB/50006/2020Mafra IBiltes RSpychaj AVilla CCosta JMontowska MAdenuga BMfalseA Novel Normalized Quantitative Real-Time PCR Approach for Ensuring Roe Deer (<i>Capreolus capreolus</i>) Meat Authenticity in Game Meat Foods.Roe deer meat is a prized game product in many European countries. However, concerns exist regarding the accuracy of the amount of declared roe deer in processed game meat foods. This study aimed to develop a reliable method for the detection and quantification of roe deer in commercialized game meat products. A TaqMan probe-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was designed, targeting a single-copy 120-bp region of the roe deer agouti signaling protein (ASIP) encoding gene. The method employed the normalized ∆Cq approach to establish a calibration curve for roe deer detection and quantification within 0.05-50% (<i>w</i>/<i>w</i>) in complex raw and processed matrices. The method proved to be specific for roe deer identification, achieving limits of detection and quantification of 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Nov2026-04-22T03:16:27.989Z2025-04-04T00:36:54.616ZS-EPMC116401463968280010.3390/foods13233728