Selection of Optimum Internal Control Genes for RT-qPCR Analysis of Schisandra chinensis under Four Hormone Treatments

Abstract

qRT-PCR technology is now one of the commonly used methods to study gene expression levels. The selection of accurate reference gene detection is an essential work before gene expressing analysis. In the current study, 8 candidate internal control genes (ACTIN, TUBA, GAPDH, UBC, MUB, TIP41, APX, and CAPA) were selected, and four statistical algorithms were used to evaluate their stability under different hormone treatments. The results confirmed that when using one internal control genes, TUBA emerged as the first ranking internal control gene in all experimental groups. When using two internal control genes, TUBA and MUB, were the most acceptable internal control genes for the GA3 treatment group; TUBA and GAPDH were identified as internal control genes in the IAA treatment group; TUBA and ACTIN were the most reliable combination in the ZT and ABA experimental groups; TUBA and TIP41 were recommended most suitable control genes in control group. Furthermore, the reliability of the internal control genes was further verified by the expression of GAG, a gene related to the development of Schisandra chinensis. The conclusion of this work will be helpful for the subsequent research on gene expression analysis of Schisandra chinensis.