Quantitative competitive (qc) RT-PCR as a tool in biomarker analysis

All inducible proteins which respond to known pollutants are potential mole cular biomarkers. Quantitative competitive (qc) RT-PCR represents a uniquel y sensitive tool for measuring the extent of induction of molecular biomark ers such as metallothionein, which is responsive to inducers that include a range of heavy metals. Using the yellowbelly flounder Rhombosolea leporina collected from sites in the Manukau Harbour and Hauraki Gulf (Auckland, Ne w Zealand) as an indicator species, we describe the methodology underpinnin g the use of qcRT-PCR as a tool in biomarker analysis with reference to the induction of metallothionein. The results show reasonable correlation betw een the extent of metallothionein induction and the liver burden of Cu and Zn.