Validation of reference genes for the normalization of RT-qPCR gene expression in Acanthamoeba spp

Acanthamoebae are potentially pathogenic organisms, with a highly unique, yet still insufficiently investigated metabolism. Many open questions can be addressed by gene expression studies, however, for Acanthamoeba reliable standards have not yet been established. In this study, suitable reference genes (RGs) for RT-qPCR in Acanthamoeba were comprehensively evaluated, comparing different Acanthamoeba strains and employing four different algorithms (NormFinder, GeNorm, BestKeeper and RefFinder). Expression stability was assessed under various conditions and the potentials of the most promising RGs for accurate normalization of target genes were evaluated. Expression stability of RGs varied depending on conditions and employed algorithms, however, the genes for the 18S rRNA and the hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase seem to be widely suitable RGs. Normalization with a combination of two carefully chosen RGs resulted in reliable expression data for target genes, while normalization with unsuitable RGs led to significant misinterpretation of expression profiles. Thus, a careful evaluation of RGs prior to expression studies is essential.