Detection of Target Gene Expression in a Bacteria-Infected Mouse Brain

Source: Zhang, S., et al. Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model. J. Vis. Exp. (2018).This video demonstrates the detection of target gene expression in a bacteria-infected mouse brain. RNA is extracted, treated with a DNA-degrading enzyme, and reverse-transcribed into cDNA. The cDNA is amplified through thermal cycling with gene-specific primers, while a DNA-binding dye binds to the amplified DNA, emitting fluorescence. The fluorescence signals are analyzed to confirm the presence of the target gene.