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Related Concept Videos

Real Time RT-PCR02:57

Real Time RT-PCR

Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, or Real-time RT-PCR, is an analytical tool used to determine the expression level of target genes. The method involves converting mRNA to complementary DNA with the help of an enzyme known as reverse transcriptase, followed by the PCR amplification of the cDNA. These two processes can be performed simultaneously in a single tube or separately as a two-step reaction.
The real-time quantification of the number of amplified products is...
Telomeres and Telomerase02:41

Telomeres and Telomerase

In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Telomerase Activity in the Various Regions of Mouse Brain: Non-Radioactive Telomerase Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) Assay
10:14

Telomerase Activity in the Various Regions of Mouse Brain: Non-Radioactive Telomerase Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) Assay

Published on: September 2, 2014

Nonradioactive detection of telomerase activity using the telomeric repeat amplification protocol.

Brittney-Shea Herbert1, Amelia E Hochreiter, Woodring E Wright

  • 1Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5251, USA. brherber@iupui.edu

Nature Protocols
|April 5, 2007
PubMed
Summary

This study presents cost-effective modifications to the telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) for analyzing telomerase activity. These enhanced methods utilize fluorescence and real-time PCR, offering rapid and sensitive detection within 4 hours.

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Last Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Telomerase Activity in the Various Regions of Mouse Brain: Non-Radioactive Telomerase Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) Assay
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06:38

Droplet Digital TRAP (ddTRAP): Adaptation of the Telomere Repeat Amplification Protocol to Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction

Published on: May 3, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Telomerase activity is crucial for maintaining telomere length and is implicated in cellular aging and cancer.
  • The traditional Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) is a sensitive method for assaying telomerase activity but often involves radioactivity.
  • Modifications are needed to improve the safety, efficiency, and accessibility of telomerase activity detection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe cost-effective procedures for detecting telomerase activity.
  • To present modified TRAP assays utilizing fluorescence and real-time PCR.
  • To enable rapid analysis of telomerase activity in biological samples.

Main Methods:

  • Implementation of a fluorescently labeled primer to replace radiolabeled primers in the TRAP assay.
  • Adaptation of the TRAP assay for real-time, quantitative PCR analysis.
  • Streamlined sample lysis and product analysis for reduced assay time.

Main Results:

  • Developed and validated cost-effective, non-radioactive fluorescent-based TRAP assay.
  • Established a real-time PCR-based TRAP assay for quantitative telomerase activity measurement.
  • Achieved complete assay completion, from sample lysis to product analysis, within 4 hours.

Conclusions:

  • Modified TRAP assays provide sensitive, rapid, and cost-effective detection of telomerase activity.
  • These non-radioactive methods enhance the safety and practicality of telomerase research.
  • The described procedures facilitate efficient analysis of telomerase in various cell and tissue extracts.