[A new fluorescent labeling technique in microarray studies: universal primer U2 labeling].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop a new method for fluorescent labeling technique, universal primer U(2) labeling (UPL), for microarray studies. METHOD: Influenza virus RNA was labeled with four labeling methods, namely UPL, random primer, restriction display incorporation labeling method and reverse transcription coupled random primer spiking labeling method (RT-PSL), respectively, and hybridized to influenza virus oligonucleotide microarray. The signals extracted from the microarrays were analyzed with SPSS 10.0 software to compare the efficiency and reproducibility of the labeling methods. RESULTS: The fluorescence intensity, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), true positive ratio (TPR) of the probes and reproducibility of labeling with UPL were comparable with those RD-labeling method, and higher than those of RT-PSL method. UPL reduced the complexity of the procedures in comparison with the other labeling methods. CONCLUSION: UPL labeling method can be used in research and development of the microarray technique.