In this protocol, sample and competitor RNAs are reverse transcribed (separately) in a pilot experiment. A constant amount of sample RT product is then combined with a 2-logserial dilution of competitor RT product for PCR. Procedure provides an approximate copy number for the sample, which is then fine-tuned by repeating the experiment with a series of twofold dilutions of competitor. The experiment includes controls for sample-to-sample variations in RT efficiency. - [Read Competitive RT-PCR: Estimation of Copy Number Protocol]
General protocol for Ras, Rac, Cdc42, and Rho activation assay. Includes: Affinity Precipitation/Immunoblot Protocol, Cell Culture and Extract Preparation (Adherent and Non Adherent cells), GTPγS/GDP Loading for Positive and Negative Controls, Ras, Rac ,Cdc42, and Rho Pull-Down Assay and Western Blot and Detection. - [Read General Method for Ras, Rac, Cdc42, and Rho Activation Assay]
Coimmunoprecipitation is one of the most useful techniques for revealing protein-protein interactions. Good negative controls to verify the specificity of the coimmunoprecipitation procedure are (1) performing the same immunoprecipitation experiment using beads coupled to the preimmune serum and (2) probing the Western blot with antibodies against protein known not to interact with the coimmunoprecipitated proteins under physiological conditions. - [Read Protein Coimmunoprecipitation in Arabidopsis Protocol]
Primary mammalian endothelial cells protocol. This protocol is designed for primary endothelial cells isolated
from various organs of mammals. Large and flat cells, often with large nuclei. Includes: Required reagents; DNA preparation and quality; Preparation of cells and cell culture; Important controls; Nucleofection protocol. - [Read Protocol Primary Mammalian Endothelial Cells]