RepGene: A spreadsheet template for the management of reporter gene assays

One of the most powerful techniques in molecular biology is the controlled expression of specific proteins by transfection of eukaryotic cells. This m ethod has become feasible and highly sensitive and, thus, suitable for high -throughput reporter gene assays in basic and applied research. Moreover; t he limiting factors are neither the transfection efficiency nor the functio nal analysis, but rather the ability to manage complex experimental protoco ls when multiple genes are co-transfected and/or when the effects of severa l chemical compounds are investigated within the same experiment. Here, we describe an easy-to-use and highly flexible spreadsheet template intended t o rationalize and expedite the organization and data management of multi-st ep reporter gene assays. The objectives of this spreadsheet template are th e design of the transfection protocol, the coordination of the administrati on of test compounds, and the graphical presentation and statistical analys is of the results.