When I click on a TaqMan Gene Expression assay ID, the results page shows that it detects several RefSeq and/or GenBank transcripts. Does this mean the assay detects different genes?
No, the assay is not detecting different genes. Genes often have multiple valid accession numbers, even for the exact same sequence. Even though there are different ID numbers listed, they should all represent the same gene.
What is the date printed on the label of the TaqMan Gene Expression Assays?
The label on the TaqMan Gene Expression Assays lists the expiration date, which under proper storage conditions is 5 yrs. The assay itself is guaranteed for 1 yr upon shipmentt.
When I search for a particular TaqMan Gene Expression Assay, there are multiple assay IDs. What are the differences between them?
We often design multiple assays for the same target. The difference between the assay IDs is most often that the assay is designed across a different exon-exon boundary of a particular transcript sequence. You can confirm the exon-exon boundary by clicking on the individual Assay ID and then look at the Interrogated Sequence Table.
Another difference between assays for the same gene is that they detect different mRNA species or splice variants for the same gene. Ensure that the assay you select will detect your transcripts of interest.
Can I get a custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assay synthesized with different reporter dyes?
No, the Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assays are only synthesized with FAM dye as the reporter dye at the 5' end and MGB-NFQ as the quencher at the 3' end. Dye selection is only possible with general custom oligo synthesis.
In order to take advantage of our superior in-house assay design algorithm, we recommend that you order a small scale of the standard Custom TaqMan Gene Expression Assay with the FAM label first and validate the assay in a single-plex reaction. You can then submit the sequences of the primers and probes for custom oligo synthesis where you will have the flexibility of choosing your reporter dye.
Does a TaqMan Gene Expression Assay for one species cross-react with another species if there is high degree of sequence homology?
For the 23 species that we cover, you can use the species filter to narrow your results. This is located in the right-hand column of your assay search results. Look for Exclude Assays that Detect. Only species that will cross-react are listed (of the 23 species we screen against). Check the species box to remove assays that would detect in that particular species.