Click-qPCR: A Simple Tool for Interactive qPCR Data Analysis

Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a pivotal technique for analyzing gene expression and DNA copy number variations. However, the limited availability of user-friendly software tools for qPCR data analysis presents a significant challenge for experimental biologists with limited computational skills. To address this issue, we developed Click-qPCR, a user-friendly and web-based Shiny application for qPCR data analysis. Click-qPCR streamlines ΔCq and ΔΔCq calculations using user-uploaded CSV data files. The interactive interface of the application allows users to select genes and experimental groups and perform Welch's t-tests and one-way analysis of variance with Dunnett's post-hoc test for pairwise and multi-group comparisons, respectively. Results are visualized via interactive bar plots (mean ± standard deviation with individual data points) and can be downloaded as publication-quality images, along with summary statistics. Click-qPCR empowers researchers to efficiently process, interpret, and visualize qPCR data regardless of their programming experience, thereby facilitating routine analysis tasks. Click-qPCR Shiny application is available at https://kubo-azu.shinyapps.io/Click-qPCR/, while its source code and user guide are available at https://github.com/kubo-azu/Click-qPCR. Key features • A simple browser-based interface that enables biologists without coding experience to perform qPCR data analysis. • Provides integrated data analysis workflows for ΔCq/ΔΔCq calculations and one-way analysis of variance, with appropriate statistical tests and generation of publication-ready visualizations. • Designed for experimental contexts that require quick and reproducible comparisons of gene expression across various conditions, treatments, and reference genes. • Open-source and freely accessible online, supporting transparency, reproducibility, and broad adoption within molecular biology and biomedical research communities.