 The Digital MIQE Guidelines Update: Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Digital PCR Experiments for 2020 Jim F Huggett
and dMIQE Group:
Alexandra S Whale, Ward De Spiegelaere, Wim Trypsteen, Afif Abdel Nour, Young-Kyung Bae, Vladimir Benes, Daniel Burke, Megan Cleveland, Philippe Corbisier, Alison S Devonshire, Lianhua Dong, Daniela Drandi, Carole A Foy, Jeremy A Garson, Hua-Jun He, Jan Hellemans, Mikael Kubista, Antoon Lievens, Mike G Makrigiorgos, Mojca Milavec, Reinhold D Mueller, Tania Nolan, Denise M O'Sullivan, Michael W Pfaffl, Stefan Rödiger, Erica L Romsos, Gregory L Shipley, Valerie Taly, Andreas Untergasser, Carl T Wittwer, Stephen A Bustin, Jo Vandesompele Clinical Chemistry 2020 66(8): 1012-1029 Digital PCR
(dPCR) has developed considerably since the
publication of the Minimum Information for
Publication of Digital PCR Experiments (dMIQE)
guidelines in 2013, with advances in
instrumentation, software, applications, and
our understanding of its technological
potential. Yet these developments also have
associated challenges; data analysis steps,
including threshold setting, can be difficult
and preanalytical steps required to purify,
concentrate, and modify nucleic acids can lead
to measurement error. To assist independent
corroboration of conclusions, comprehensive
disclosure of all relevant experimental
details is required. To support the community
and reflect the growing use of dPCR, we
present an update to dMIQE, dMIQE2020,
including a simplified dMIQE table format to
assist researchers in providing key
experimental information and understanding of
the associated experimental process. Adoption
of dMIQE2020 by the scientific community will
assist in standardizing experimental
protocols, maximize efficient utilization of
resources, and further enhance the impact of
this powerful technology.
SPECIAL REPORT -- Guidelines for Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Digital PCR Experiments. Huggett JF, Foy CA, Benes V, Emslie K, Garson JA, Haynes R, Hellemans J, Kubista M, Mueller RD, Nolan T, Pfaffl MW, Shipley GL, Vandesompele J, Wittwer CT, Bustin SA. Clinical Chemistry 2013 59(6): 892-902 There is
growing interest in digital PCR (dPCR) because
technological progress makes it a practical
and increasingly affordable technology. dPCR
allows the precise quantification of nucleic
acids, facilitating the measurement of small
percentage differences and quantification of
rare variants. dPCR may also be more
reproducible and less susceptible to
inhibition than quantitative real-time PCR
(qPCR). Consequently, dPCR has the potential
to have a substantial impact on research as
well as diagnostic applications. However, as
with qPCR, the ability to perform robust
meaningful experiments requires careful design
and adequate controls. To assist independent
evaluation of experimental data, comprehensive
disclosure of all relevant experimental
details is required. To facilitate this
process we present the Minimum Information for
Publication of Quantitative Digital PCR
Experiments guidelines. This report addresses
known requirements for dPCR that have already
been identified during this early stage of its
development and commercial implementation.
Adoption of these guidelines by the scientific
community will help to standardize
experimental protocols, maximize efficient
utilization of resources, and enhance the
impact of this promising new technology.
Why the need for qPCR publication guidelines? - The case for MIQE Stephen A. Bustin Methods. 2010 April in qPCR special issue - The ongoing evolution of qPCR Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry Queen Mary University of London, Whitechapel, London E1 1BB, UK The
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has matured from
a labour- and time-intensive, low throughput
qualitative gel-based technique to an easily
automated, rapid, high throughput quantitative
technology. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR)
has become the benchmark technology for the
detection and quantification of nucleic acids in
a research, diagnostic, forensic and
biotechnology setting. However, ill-assorted
pre-assay conditions, poor assay design and
inappropriate data analysis methodologies have
resulted in the recurrent publication of data
that are at best inconsistent and at worst
irrelevant and even misleading. Furthermore,
there is a lamentable lack of transparency of
reporting, with the "Materials and Methods"
sections of many publications, especially those
with high impact factors, not fit for the
purpose of evaluating the quality of any
reported qPCR data. This poses a challenge to
the integrity of the scientific literature, with
serious consequences not just for basic
research, but potentially calamitous
implications for drug development and disease
monitoring. These issues are being addressed by
a set of guidelines that propose a minimum
standard for the provision of information for
qPCRexperiments ("MIQE"). MIQE
aims to restructure to-day's free-for-all qPCR
methods into a more consistent format that will
encourage detailed auditing of experimental
detail, data analysis and reporting principles.
General implementation of these guidelines is an
important requisite for the maturing of qPCR
into a robust, accurate and reliable nucleic
acid quantification technology.
MIQE
precis:
Practical implementation of minimum standard guidelines for fluorescence-based quantitative real-time PCR experiments Stephen A Bustin, Jean-Francois Beaulieu, Jim Huggett, Rolf Jaggi, Frederick SB Kibenge, Pal A Olsvik, Louis C Penning email and Stefan Toegel BMC Molecular Biology 2010 - Published: 21 September 2010 The conclusions of thousands of peer-reviewed publications rely on data obtained using fluorescence-based quantitative real-time PCR technology. However, the inadequate reporting of experimental detail, combined with the frequent use of flawed protocols is leading to the publication of papers that may not be technically appropriate. We take the view that this problem requires the delineation of a more transparent and comprehensive reporting policy from scientific journals. This editorial aims to provide practical guidance for the incorporation of absolute minimum standards encompassing the key assay parameters for accurate design, documentation and reporting of qPCR experiments (MIQE precis) and guidance on the publication of pure 'reference gene' articles. New
MIQE
and miRQC papers 2014:
Evaluation
of quantitative miRNA expression
platforms in the microRNA quality
control (miRQC) study
Mestdagh P, Hartmann N, Baeriswyl L, Andreasen D, Bernard N, Chen C, Cheo D, D'Andrade P, DeMayo M, Dennis L, Derveaux S, Feng Y, Fulmer-Smentek S, Gerstmayer B, Gouffon J, Grimley C, Lader E, Lee KY, Luo S, Mouritzen P, Narayanan A, Patel S, Peiffer S, Rüberg S, Schroth G, Schuster D, Shaffer JM, Shelton EJ, Silveria 9, Ulmanella U, Veeramachaneni V, Staedtler F, Peters T, Guettouche T, Vandesompele J Nature Methods 11, 809–815 (2014) MicroRNAs
are important negative regulators of
protein-coding gene expression and have
been studied intensively over the past
years. Several measurement platforms have
been developed to determine relative miRNA
abundance in biological samples using
different technologies such as small RNA
sequencing, reverse
transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR)
and (microarray) hybridization. In this
study, we systematically compared 12
commercially available platforms for
analysis of microRNA expression. We
measured an identical set of 20
standardized positive and negative control
samples, including human universal
reference RNA, human brain RNA and
titrations thereof, human serum samples
and synthetic spikes from microRNA family
members with varying homology. We
developed robust quality metrics to
objectively assess platform performance in
terms of reproducibility, sensitivity,
accuracy, specificity and concordance of
differential expression. The results
indicate that each method has its
strengths and weaknesses, which help to
guide informed selection of a quantitative
microRNA gene expression platform for
particular study goals.
Reliable
Gene Expression Analysis by Reverse
Transcription-Quantitative PCR --
Reporting and Minimizing the
Uncertainty in Data Accuracy.
Remans T, Keunen E, Bex GJ, Smeets K, Vangronsveld J, Cuypers A. Plant Cell. 2014 Oct 31 Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) has been widely adopted to measure differences in mRNA levels; however, biological and technical variation strongly affects the accuracy of the reported differences. RT-qPCR specialists have warned that, unless researchers minimize this variability, they may report inaccurate differences and draw incorrect biological conclusions. The Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines describe procedures for conducting and reporting RT-qPCR experiments. The MIQE guidelines enable others to judge the reliability of reported results; however, a recent literature survey found low adherence to these guidelines. Additionally, even experiments that use appropriate procedures remain subject to individual variation that statistical methods cannot correct. For example, since ideal reference genes do not exist, the widely used method of normalizing RT-qPCR data to reference genes generates background noise that affects the accuracy of measured changes in mRNA levels. However, current RT-qPCR data reporting styles ignore this source of variation. In this commentary, we direct researchers to appropriate procedures, outline a method to present the remaining uncertainty in data accuracy, and propose an intuitive way to select reference genes to minimize uncertainty. Reporting the uncertainty in data accuracy also serves for quality assessment, enabling researchers and peer reviewers to confidently evaluate the reliability of gene expression data. Variability
of the Reverse Transcription Step:
Practical Implications.
Bustin SA, Dhillon HS, Kirvell S, Greenwood C, Parker M, Shipley GL, Nolan T. Clin Chem. 2014 Oct 31 BACKGROUND: The reverse transcription (RT) of RNA to cDNA is a necessary first step for numerous research and molecular diagnostic applications. Although RT efficiency is known to be variable, little attention has been paid to the practical implications of that variability. METHODS: We investigated the reproducibility of the RT step with commercial reverse transcriptases and RNA samples of variable quality and concentration. We quantified several mRNA targets with either singleplex SYBR Green I or dualplex probe-based real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), with the latter used to calculate the correlation between quantification cycles (Cqs) of mRNA targets amplified in the same qPCR assay. RESULTS: RT efficiency is enzyme, sample, RNA concentration, and assay dependent and can lead to variable correlation between mRNAs from the same sample. This translates into relative mRNA expression levels that generally vary between 2- and 3-fold, although higher levels are also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the variability of the RT step is sufficiently large to call into question the validity of many published data that rely on quantification of cDNA. Variability can be minimized by choosing an appropriate RTase and high concentrations of RNA and characterizing the variability of individual assays by use of multiple RT replicates. Minimum Information Necessary for Quantitative Real- Time PCR Experiments Gemma Johnson, Afi f Abdel Nour, Tania Nolan, Jim Huggett, and Stephen Bustin Roberto Biassoni and Alessandro Raso (eds.), Quantitative Real-Time PCR: Methods and Protocols, Methods in Molecular Biology, vol. 1160, Springer Science+Business Media New York 2014 The MIQE (minimum information for the publication of quantitative real-time PCR) guidelines were published in 2009 with the twin aims of providing a blueprint for good real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay design and encouraging the comprehensive reporting of qPCR protocols. It had become increasingly clear that variable pre-assay conditions, poor assay design, and incorrect data analysis were leading to the routine publication of data that were often inconsistent, inaccurate, and wrong. The problem was exacerbated by a lack of transparency of reporting, with the details of technical information inadequate for the purpose of assessing the validity of published qPCR data. This had, and continues to have serious implications for basic research, reducing the potential for translating fi ndings into valuable applications and potentially devastating consequences for clinical practice. Today, the rationale underlying the MIQE guidelines has become widely accepted, with more than 2,200 citations by March 2014 and editorials in Nature and related publications acknowledging the enormity of the problem. However, the problem we now face is rather serious: thousands of publications that report suspect data are populating and corrupting the peer-reviewed scientifi c literature. It will be some time before the many contradictions apparent in every area of the life sciences are corrected. Five Years MIQE
Guidelines: The Case of the Arabian
Countries
Afif M. Abdel Nour, Esam Azhar, Ghazi Damanhouri, Stephen A. Bustin PLoS ONE 9(2) (2014): e88266. The quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has become a key molecular enabling technology with an immense range of research, clinical, forensic as well as diagnostic applications. Its relatively moderate instrumentation and reagent requirements have led to its adoption by numerous laboratories, including those located in the Arabian world, where qPCR, which targets DNA, and reverse transcription qPCR (RT-qPCR), which targets RNA, are widely used for regionspecific biotechnology, agricultural and human genetic studies. However, it has become increasingly apparent that there are significant problems with both the quality of qPCR-based data as well as the transparency of reporting. This realisation led to the publication of the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines in 2009 and their more widespread adoption in the last couple of years. An analysis of the performance of biomedical research in the Arabian world between 2001–2005 suggests that the Arabian world is producing fewer biomedical publications of lower quality than other Middle Eastern countries. Hence we have analysed specifically the quality of RT-qPCR-based peer-reviewed papers published since 2009 from Arabian researchers using a bespoke iOS/Android app developed by one of the authors. Our results show that compliance with 15 essential MIQE criteria was low (median of 40%, range 0–93%) and few details on RNA quality controls (22% compliance), assays design (12%), RT strategies (32%), amplification efficiencies (30%) and the normalisation process (3%). These data indicate that one of the reasons for the poor performance of Arabian world biomedical research may be the low standard of any supporting qPCR experiments and identify which aspects of qPCR experiments require significant improvements. Keeping qRT-PCR
rigorous and biologically relevant.
Bennett J, Hondred D, Register JC 3rd. Plant Cell Rep. 2014 Oct 11. MIQE has received support from journals, authors and suppliers of equipment, reagents, and software (http://miqepress.gene-quantification.info/). De Keyser et al. (2013) and Saha and Blumwald (2014) proved that qRT-PCR data can be rigorously conducted and reported without inclusion of a MIQE checklist. However, we do advocate that the items on the checklist be addressed during experimental design and execution and recommend that a checklist be made available to referees during the review process. Except for rare and justified cases (Bustin et al. 2010), reference genes should be published in conjunction with their use in normalizing target genes within a biological context. Finally, we emphasize that, for every manuscript that includes qRT-PCR data, it is vital that authors give careful attention to the qRT-PCR experimental details to ensure that gene expression data from this powerful method are valid.
Toward Enhanced
MIQE Compliance: Reference Residual
Normalization of qPCR Gene Expression Data
Richard C. Edmunds, Jenifer K. McIntyre, J. Adam Luckenbach, David H. Baldwin, and John P. Incardona JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR TECHNIQUES, VOLUME 25, ISSUE 2, 0 2014 Normalization of fluorescence-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) data varies across quantitative gene expression studies, despite its integral role in accurate data quantification and interpretation. Identification of suitable reference genes plays an essential role in accurate qPCR normalization, as it ensures that uncorrected gene expression data reflect normalized data. The reference residual normalization (RRN) method presented here is a modified approach to conventional 2CtqPCR normalization that increases mathematical transparency and incorporates statistical assessment of reference gene stability. RRN improves mathematical transparency through the use of sample-specific reference residuals (RRi) that are generated from the mean Ct of one or more reference gene(s) that are unaffected by treatment. To determine stability of putative reference genes, RRN uses ANOVA to assess the effect of treatment on expression and subsequent equivalence-threshold testing to establish the minimum permitted resolution. Step-by-step instructions and comprehensive examples that demonstrate the influence of reference gene stability on target gene normalization and interpretation are provided. Through mathematical transparency and statistical rigor, RRN promotes compliance with Minimum Information for Quantitative Experiments and, in so doing, provides increased confidence in qPCR data analysis and interpretation. MIQE:
Guidelines for the Design and Publication of
a Reliable Real-time PCR Assay
Jim Huggett, Tania Nolan and Stephen A. Bustin Real-Time PCR: Advanced Technologies and Applications published 1st July 2013, Caister Academic Press edited by Nick A. Saunders, Martin A. Lee The capacity to amplify and detect trace amounts of nucleic acids has made the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) the most formidable molecular technology in use today. Its versatility and scope was further broadened first with the development of reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, which opened up the entire RNA field to thorough exploration and then, most conspicuously, with its evolution into real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Speed, simplicity, specificity, wide linear dynamic range, multiplexing and high-throughput potential, reduced contamination risk, simplified detection and data analysis procedures as well as availability of increasingly affordable instrumentation and reduced reagent cost have made qPCR the molecular method of choice when quantifying nucleic acids. Detection of pathogens, SNP analyses and quantification of RNA, even real-time analysis of gene expression in vivo have become routine applications and constant enhancements of chemistries, enzymes, mastermixes and instruments continue to extend the scope of qPCR technology by promising added benefits such as extremely short assay times measured in minutes, low reagent usage and exceptionally rapid heating/cooling rates. The whole process is driven by the insatiable demand for ever-more specific, sensitive, convenient and cost-effective protocols. However, it has also become clear that variable pre-assay conditions, poor assay design and incorrect data analysis have resulted in the regular publication of data that are often inconsistent, inaccurate and often simply wrong. The problem is exacerbated by a lack of transparency of reporting, with the details of technical information wholly inadequate for the purpose of assessing the validity of reported qPCR data. This has serious consequences for basic research, reducing the potential for translating findings into valuable applications and potentially devastating implications for clinical practice. In response, guidelines proposing a minimum standard for the provision of information for qPCR experiments (‘MIQE’) have been launched. These aim to establish a standard for accurate and reliable qPCR experimental design as well as recommendations to ensure comprehensive reporting of technical detail, indispensable conditions for the maturing of qPCR into a robust, accurate and reliable nucleic acid quantification technology. Critical
appraisal of quantitative PCR results in
colorectal cancer research: Can we rely on
published qPCR results?
J.R. Dijkstraemail address, L.C. van Kempen, I.D. Nagtegaal, S.A. Bustin MOLECULAR ONCOLOGY (2014) 1-6 The use of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in cancer research has become ubiquitous. The relative simplicity of qPCR experiments, which deliver fast and cost-effective results, means that each year an increasing number of papers utilizing this technique are being published. But how reliable are the published results? Since the validity of gene expression data is greatly dependent on appropriate normalisation to compensate for sample-to-sample and run-to-run variation, we have evaluated the adequacy of normalisation procedures in qPCR-based experiments. Consequently, we assessed all colorectal cancer publications that made use of qPCR from 2006 until August 2013 for the number of reference genes used and whether they had been validated. Using even these minimal evaluation criteria, the validity of only three percent (6/179) of the publications can be adequately assessed. We describe common errors, and conclude that the current state of reporting on qPCR in colorectal cancer research is disquieting. Extrapolated to the study of cancer in general, it is clear that the majority of studies using qPCR cannot be reliably assessed and that at best, the results of these studies may or may not be valid and at worst, pervasive incorrect normalisation is resulting in the wholesale publication of incorrect conclusions. This survey demonstrates that the existence of guidelines, such as MIQE, is necessary but not sufficient to address this problem and suggests that the scientific community should examine its responsibility and be aware of the implications of these findings for current and future research. Highlights •Reliability-assessment of 179 qPCR studies in CRC-associated publications 2006–2013. •Evaluation based on number of reference genes and their validation of suitability. •97% of the qPCR-studies cannot be reliably assessed and results may not be valid. •Guidelines, such as MIQE, are useful but by themselves are not sufficient. •Scientific community should shoulder its responsibility. The State of
RT-Quantitative PCR: Firsthand Observations
of Implementation of Minimum Information for
the Publication of Quantitative Real-Time
PCR Experiments (MIQE)
Taylor SC, Mrkusich EM. Bio-Rad Laboratories Canada, Mississauga, Ont., Canada. J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol. 2013 Nov 28;24(1): 46-52 In the past decade, the techniques of quantitative PCR (qPCR) and reverse transcription (RT)-qPCR have become accessible to virtually all research labs, producing valuable data for peer-reviewed publications and supporting exciting research conclusions. However, the experimental design and validation processes applied to the associated projects are the result of historical biases adopted by individual labs that have evolved and changed since the inception of the techniques and associated technologies. This has resulted in wide variability in the quality, reproducibility and interpretability of published data as a direct result of how each lab has designed their RT-qPCR experiments. The 'minimum information for the publication of quantitative real-time PCR experiments' (MIQE) was published to provide the scientific community with a consistent workflow and key considerations to perform qPCR experiments. We use specific examples to highlight the serious negative ramifications for data quality when the MIQE guidelines are not applied and include a summary of good and poor practices for RT-qPCR. Watch Taylor review the paper on => YouTube Standardisation
and reporting for nucleic acid
quantification
Jim Huggett & Stephen A. Bustin Accred Qual Assur 2011 The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is probably the most common molecular technique in use today, having become the method of choice for nucleic acid detection and quantification and underpinning applications ranging from basic research through biotechnology and forensic applications to clinical diagnostics. This key technology relies on fluorescence to detect and quantify nucleic acid amplification products, and its homogeneous assay format has transformed legacy polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from a low-throughput qualitative gel-based technique to a requently automated, rapid, high-throughput quantitative technology. However, the enormous range of protocols together with frequently inappropriate pre-assay conditions, poor assay design and unsuitable data analysis methodologies are impeding its status as a mature ,‘gold standard’ technology. This, combined with in consistent and in sufficient reporting procedures, has resulted in the wide spread publication of datat hat can be misleading, in particular when this tech-nology is used to quantify cellular mRNA or miRNA levels by RT-qPCR. This affects the integrity of the scientific literature, with consequences for not only basic research, but with potentially major implications for the potential development of molecular diagnostic and prognostic monitoring tools. These issues have been addressed by a set of guidelines that propose a minimum standard for the provision of information for qPCR experiments (‘MIQE’). MIQE aims to systematise current variable qPCR methods into a more consistent form at that will encourage detailed auditing of experimental detail, data analysis and reporting principles. General implementation of these guidelines is an important requisite for the maturing of qPCR into a robust, accurate and reliable nucleic acid quantification technology. A MIQE-Compliant
Real-Time PCR Assay for Aspergillus
Detection
Johnson GL, Bibby DF, Wong S, Agrawal SG, Bustin SA. Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Queen Mary University, London, United Kingdom PLoS One. 2012;7(7): e40022 The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is widely used as a diagnostic tool in clinical laboratories and is particularly effective for detecting and identifying infectious agents for which routine culture and microscopy methods are inadequate. Invasive fungal disease (IFD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed patients, and optimal diagnostic criteria are contentious. Although PCR-based methods have long been used for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA), variable performance in clinical practice has limited their value. This shortcoming is a consequence of differing sample selection, collection and preparation protocols coupled with a lack of standardisation of the PCR itself. Furthermore, it has become clear that the performance of PCR-based assays in general is compromised by the inadequacy of experimental controls, insufficient optimisation of assay performance as well as lack of transparency in reporting experimental details. The recently published “Minimum Information for the publication of real-time Quantitative PCR Experiments” (MIQE) guidelines provide a blueprint for good PCR assay design and unambiguous reporting of experimental detail and results. We report the first real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay targeting Aspergillus species that has been designed, optimised and validated in strict compliance with the MIQE guidelines. The hydrolysis probe-based assay, designed to target the 18S rRNA DNA sequence of Aspergillus species, has an efficiency of 100% (range 95–107%), a dynamic range of at least six orders of magnitude and limits of quantification and detection of 6 and 0.6 Aspergillus fumigatus genomes, respectively. It does not amplify Candida, Scedosporium, Fusarium or Rhizopus species and its clinical sensitivity is demonstrated in histological material from proven IA cases, as well as concordant PCR and galactomannan data in matched broncho-alveolar lavage and blood samples. The robustness, specificity and sensitivity of this assay make it an ideal molecular diagnostic tool for clinical use. Editorial -
Transparency of Reporting in Molecular
Diagnostics
Stephen Bustin; Postgraduate Medical Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013, 14(8), 15878-15884 The major advances made over the past few years in molecular and cell biology are providing a progressively more detailed understanding of the molecular pathways that control normal processes and become dysregulated in disease. This has resulted in the documentation of numerous genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic biomarkers that promise earlier disease detection, more accurate patient stratification and better prognosis. Furthermore, molecular fingerprinting of diseases can be predictive of drug response and so assist with specific targeting of drugs against disease-associated molecules and function. .... The MIQE
Guidelines Uncloaked
Gregory L. Shipley Chapter 8 in PCR Troubleshooting and Optimization: The Essential Guide, ISBN: 978-1-904455-72-1 Publication date - January 2011 Publisher: Caister Academic Press Editors: Suzanne Kennedy and Nick Oswald MO BIO Laboratories, Inc., Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA and BitesizeBio, Edinburgh, UK The MIQE (Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments) guidelines have been presented to serve as a practical guide for authors when publishing experimental data based on real-time qPCR. Each item is presented in tabular form as a checklist within the MIQE manuscript. However, this format has left little room for explanation of precisely what is expected from the items listed and no information on how one might go about assimilating the information requested. This chapter presents an expanded explanation of the guideline items with commentary on how those requirements might be met prior to publication. Quantification
noise in single cell experiments
Reiter M, Kirchner B, Müller H, Holzhauer C, Mann W, Pfaffl MW. Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 Oct;39(18):e124 In quantitative single-cell studies, the critical part is the low amount of nucleic acids present and the resulting experimental variations. In addition biological data obtained from heterogeneous tissue are not reflecting the expression behaviour of every single-cell. These variations can be derived from natural biological variance or can be introduced externally. Both have negative effects on the quantification result. The aim of this study is to make quantitative single-cell studies more transparent and reliable in order to fulfil the MIQE guidelines at the single-cell level. The technical variability introduced by RT, pre-amplification, evaporation, biological material and qPCR itself was evaluated by using RNA or DNA standards. Secondly, the biological expression variances of GAPDH, TNFα, IL-1β, TLR4 were measured by mRNA profiling experiment in single lymphocytes. The used quantification setup was sensitive enough to detect single standard copies and transcripts out of one solitary cell. Most variability was introduced by RT, followed by evaporation, and pre-amplification. The qPCR analysis and the biological matrix introduced only minor variability. Both conducted studies impressively demonstrate the heterogeneity of expression patterns in individual cells and showed clearly today's limitation in quantitative single-cell expression analysis. How to do
successful gene expression analysis using
real-time PCR
Derveaux S, Vandesompele J, Hellemans J. Methods. 2010 50(4): 227-230 in qPCR special issue - The ongoing evolution of qPCR Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is considered today as the gold standard for accurate, sensitive and fast measurement of gene expression. Unfortunately, what many users fail to appreciate is that numerous critical issues in the workflow need to be addressed before biologically meaningful and trustworthy conclusions can be drawn. Here, we review the entire workflow from the planning and preparation phase, over the actual real-time PCR cycling experiments to data-analysis and reporting steps. This process can be captured with the appropriate acronym PCR: plan/prepare, cycle and report. The key message is that quality assurance and quality control are essential throughout the entire RT-qPCR workflow; from living cells, over extraction of nucleic acids, storage, various enzymatic steps such as DNase treatment, reverse transcription and PCR amplification, to data-analysis and finally reporting. 
Improving the
analysis of quantitative PCR data in
veterinary research
Comment on:Bustin S, Penning LC. Vet J. 2012 191(3): 279-281 Identification of internal control genes for quantitative expression analysis by real-time PCR in bovine peripheral lymphocytes. [Vet J. 2011] Quantitative real-time PCR detection of insulin signalling-related genes in pancreatic islets isolated from healthy cats. [Vet J. 2010] Common statistical
and research design problems in manuscripts
submitted to high-impact medical journals
Fernandes-Taylor S, Hyun JK, Reeder RN, Harris AH. BMC Res Notes. 2011 Aug 19;4:304. doi: 10.1186/1756-0500-4-304. Center for Health Care Evaluation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University School of Medicine, 795 Willow Road (MPD-152), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA BACKGROUND:
To assist educators and researchers in improving
the quality of medical research, we surveyed the
editors and statistical reviewers of high-impact
medical journals to ascertain the most frequent
and critical statistical errors in submitted
manuscripts.
FINDINGS:
The Editors-in-Chief and statistical reviewers
of the 38 medical journals with the highest
impact factor in the 2007 Science Journal
Citation Report and the 2007 Social Science
Journal Citation Report were invited to complete
an online survey about the statistical and
design problems they most frequently found in
manuscripts. Content analysis of the responses
identified major issues. Editors and statistical
reviewers (n = 25) from 20 journals responded.
Respondents described problems that we
classified into two, broad themes: A.
statistical and sampling issues and B.
inadequate reporting clarity or completeness.
Problems included in the first theme were (1)
inappropriate or incomplete analysis, including
violations of model assumptions and analysis
errors, (2) uninformed use of propensity scores,
(3) failing to account for clustering in data
analysis, (4) improperly addressing missing
data, and (5) power/sample size concerns. Issues
subsumed under the second theme were (1)
Inadequate description of the methods and
analysis and (2) Misstatement of results,
including undue emphasis on p-values and
incorrect inferences and interpretations.
CONCLUSIONS:
The scientific quality of submitted manuscripts
would increase if researchers addressed these
common design, analytical, and reporting issues.
Improving the application and presentation of
quantitative methods in scholarly manuscripts is
essential to advancing medical research.
Johnson G,
Nolan T, Bustin SA.
Blizard Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK. Methods Mol Biol. 2013 943: 1-16 Nucleic
acids are the ultimate biomarker and real-time
PCR (qPCR) is firmly established as the method
of choice for nucleic acid detection. Together,
they allow the accurate, sensitive and specific
identification of pathogens, and the use of qPCR
has become routine in diagnostic laboratories.
The reliability of qPCR-based assays relies on a
combination of optimal sample selection, assay
design and validation as well as appropriate
data analysis and the "Minimal Information for
the Publication of real-time PCR" (MIQE)
guidelines aim to improve both the reliability
of assay design as well as the transparency of
reporting, essential conditions if qPCR is to
remain the benchmark technology for molecular
diagnosis.
Improving
biological relevancy of transcriptional
biomarkers experiments by applying the MIQE
guidelines to pre-clinical and clinical
trials
Dooms M, Chango A, Barbour E, Pouillart P, Abdel Nour AM. LaSalle Beauvais, 19 rue Pierre Waguet, 60 000 Beauvais, France. Methods. 2013 59(1): 147-153 The
"Minimum Information for the Publication of qPCR
Experiments" (MIQE]) guidelines are very much
targeted at basic research experiments and have
to our knowledge not been applied to qPCR assays
carried out in the context of clinical trials.
This report details the use of the MIQE qPCR app
for iPhone (App Store, Apple) to assess the MIQE
compliance of one clinical and five pre-clinical
trials. This resulted in the need to include 14
modifications that make the guidelines more
relevant for the assessment of this special type
of application. We also discuss the need for
flexibility, since while some parameters
increase experimental quality, they also require
more reagents and more time, which is not always
feasible in a clinical setting.
Quantitative
PCR (qPCR) and the guide to good practices
MIQE: adapting and relevance in the
clinical biology context
The qPCR has been introduced in clinical
and biomedical research for over 10 years from
now. Its use in trials and diagnostics is
continuously increasing. Due to this heavy use,
the question of relyability and relevance of
qPCR results has to be asked. This review
proposes a documented and evidence based answer
to this question, thanks to the MIQE (minimum
information for publication of quantitative
real-time PCR experiments) guideline. The whole
analysis process is addressed, from nucleic
acids extraction to data management. Simple
answers are given, taking into account the
technical constraints from clinical research in
order to allow a realistic application of this
guideline.
Dooms M, Chango A, Abdel-Nour A [Article in French] Ann Biol Clin (Paris). 2014 72(3): 265-269 Cell-free
microRNAs: potential biomarkers in need of
standardized reporting
Michaela B. Kirschner, Nico van Zandwijk and Glen Reid Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia Front. Genet., 19 April 2013 MicroRNAs
are abundantly present and surprisingly stable
in multiple biological fluids. These findings
have been followed by numerous reverse
transcription real-time quantitative PCR
(RT-qPCR)-based reports revealing the clinical
potential of using microRNA levels in body
fluids as a biomarker of disease. Despite a
rapidly increasing body of literature, the
field has failed to adopt a set of
standardized criteria for reporting the
methodology used in the quantification of
cell-free microRNAs. Not only do many studies
based on RT-qPCR fail to address the Minimum
Information for Publication of Quantitative
Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) criteria but
frequently there is also a distinct lack of
detail in descriptions of sample source and
RNA isolation. As a direct result, it is often
impossible to compare the results of different
studies, which in turn, hinders progress in
the field. To address this point, we propose a
simple set of criteria to be used in
conjunction with MIQE to reveal the true
potential of cell-free microRNAs as
biomarkers.
An evidence
based strategy for normalization of
quantitative PCR data from miRNA
expression analysis in forensically
relevant body fluids.
Sauer E, Madea B, Courts C. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2014 11: 174-181 Micro-RNA (miRNA) based analysis of body fluids and composition of complex crime stains has recently been introduced as a potential and powerful tool to forensic genetics. Analysis of miRNA has several advantages over mRNA but reliable miRNA detection and quantification using quantitative PCR requires a solid and forensically relevant normalization strategy. In our study we evaluated a panel of 13 carefully selected reference genes for their suitability as endogenous controls in miRNA qPCR normalization in forensically relevant settings. We analyzed assay performances and variances in venous blood, saliva, semen, menstrual blood, and vaginal secretion and mixtures thereof integrating highly standardized protocols with contemporary methodologies and included several well established computational algorithms. Based on these empirical results, we recommend normalization to the group of SNORD24, SNORD38B, and SNORD43 as this signature exhibits the most stable expression levels and the least expected variation among the evaluated candidate reference genes in the given set of forensically relevant body fluids. To account for the lack of consensus on how best to perform and interpret quantitative PCR experiments, our study's documentation is compliant to MIQE guidelines, defining the "minimum information for publication of quantitative real-time PCR experiments". An evidence
based strategy for normalization of
quantitative PCR data from miRNA
expression analysis in forensic organ
tissue identification.
Sauer E, Babion I, Madea B, Courts C. Forensic Sci Int Genet. 2014 13: 217-223 Messenger-RNA (mRNA)-based analysis of organ tissues and their differentiation in complex crime stains has recently been introduced as a potential and powerful tool to forensic genetics. Given the notoriously low quality of many forensic samples it seems advisable, though, to substitute mRNA with micro-RNA (miRNA) which is much less susceptible to degradation. However, reliable miRNA detection and quantification using quantitative PCR requires a solid and forensically relevant normalization strategy. In our study we evaluated a panel of 15 carefully selected reference genes for their suitability as endogenous controls in miRNA qPCR normalization in forensically relevant settings. We analyzed assay performances and expression variances in 35 individual samples and mixtures thereof integrating highly standardized protocols with contemporary methodologies and included several well-established computational algorithms. Based on these empirical results, we recommend SNORD48, SNORD24, and RNU6-2 as endogenous references since these exhibit the most stable expression levels and the least expected variation among the evaluated candidate reference genes in the given set of forensically relevant organ tissues including skin. To account for the lack of consensus on how best to perform and interpret quantitative PCR experiments, our study's documentation is according to MIQE guidelines, defining the "minimum information for publication of quantitative real-time PCR experiments". Practical
approach to quantification of mRNA
abundance using RT-qPCR, normalization of
experimental data and MIQE
Obolenskaya M. Yu., Kuklin A. V., Rodrigez R. R., Martsenyuk O. P., Korneyeva K. L., Docenko V. A., Draguschenko O. Biopolym. Cell. 2016; 32(3): 161-172 Reverse transcription and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) has become the most common method for characterizing expression patterns of individual mRNAs due to a large dynamic range of linear quantification, high speed, sensitivity, resolution and cost-effectiveness. However, the complexity of the protocol, variability of reagents, an inconsistent quality of biological samples, and the absence of standardized methods of data quantification may produce inconsistent results. In an effort to to standardize ithe procedure and assure high reliability of data, the minimum information for publication of quantitative real-time PCR experiments (MIQE) guidelines was defined and further extended by Prof. Bustin and colleagues (2004). These guidelines have been followed by the development of an XML-based real-time PCR data markup language (RDML) and a RDML data base for consistent reporting of RT-qPCR data created by the RDML consortium. Here we follow the RT-qPCR procedure step by step in compliance with MIQE requirements, local facilities and resources and our own experience in application of RT-qPCR methodology. The MIQE
Revolution: implementation of standards
for the reporting of quantitative PCR
studies
Duncan Ayers Int J Cancer Ther Oncol 2014; 2(2): 02026 The discovery of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) a few decades ago initiated a global impact on the entirety of the medical and life sciences research spheres. Nowadays, essentially all laboratories focusing on such vital research employ in-house PCR techniques on a near-daily basis, due to the wide spectrum of applications which PCR technology can adopt itself to. Unfortunately, ubiquitously available and affordable technologies, such as RT-qPCR, do have a major passive drawback: inter-laboratory reproducibility. Variations in the routine methodologies implemented by individual laboratories can inevitably lead to severe lapse of data robustness and reliability for publication in peer-reviewed journals. In order to address this pressing issue, a consortium of eminent research group leaders in the field of RT-qPCR technology decided to propose a distinct set of standardized guidelines for the reporting of RT-qPCR study results, known as the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real Time PCR Experiments (MIQE), which were published in early 2009.2 This concept is very much similar to the one leading to the development of the Minimum Information for Microarray Experimets (MIAME) guidelines for reporting of microarray-based studies. In order to address this pressing issue, a consortium of eminent research group leaders in the field of RT-qPCR technology decided to propose a distinct set of standardized guidelines for the reporting of RT-qPCR study results, known as the Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real Time PCR Experiments (MIQE), which were published in early 2009. This concept is very much similar to the one leading to the development of the Minimum Information for Microarray Experimets (MIAME) guidelines for reporting of microarray-based studies. MIQE
Guidelines in CHINESE
The MIQE Guidelines - Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments Stephen A. Bustin 1, Vladimir Benes 2, Jeremy A. Garson 3,4, Jan Hellemans 5, Jim Huggett 6, Mikael Kubista 7,8, Reinhold Mueller 9, Tania Nolan 10, Michael W. Pfaffl 11, Gregory L. Shipley 12, Jo Vandesompele 5, and Carl T. Wittwer 13,14 Overseas Laboratory Medicine 2010: 3, 1  Related papers: RDML: structured language and reporting guidelines for real-time quantitative PCR data. Lefever S, Hellemans J, Pattyn F, Przybylski DR, Taylor C, Geurts R, Untergasser A, Vandesompele J; on behalf of the RDML consortium. Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium. Nucleic Acids Res. 2009 Apr;37(7): 2065-2069 Reliability of real-time reverse-transcription PCR in clinical diagnostics: gold standard or substandard? Murphy J, Bustin SA. Expert Rev Mol Diagn. 2009 9(2):187-197 Unreliable real-time PCR analysis of human endogenous retrovirus-W (HERV-W) RNA expression and DNA copy number in multiple sclerosis. Garson JA, Huggett JF, Bustin SA, Pfaffl MW, Benes V, Vandesompele J, Shipley GL. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2009 25(3): 377-378 Real-time polymerasechain reaction – towardsa more reliable, accurateand relevant assay. SA Bustin EUROPEAN PHARMACEUTICAL REVIEW 2008 (6): 19-27 In-House Nucleic Acid Amplification Assays in Research: How Much Quality ControlIs Needed before One Can Rely upon the Results? Petra Apfalter, UdoReischl and Margaret R. Hammerschlag JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY 2005 (dec): 5835–5841
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