Digital PCR based gene expression analysis: 4 different applications using universal probes

Digital PCR offers several unique advantages, including its inherent capacity for high-level multiplexing. However, conventional target-specific detection probes come with practical limitations, including high costs, long turnaround times, unused probe inventory, and iterative design-test-redesign cycles. Universal probe technologies, such as pxlence’s Rainbow probes, overcome many of these challenges, enabling flexible, cost-effective multiplexing.

In this presentation, I will highlight the potential of digital PCR for RNA quantification, with a particular focus on the versatility of universal probes. Four applications will illustrate this potential: (1) TERT transcript quantification, using a genomic DNA target for normalization to express results as transcripts per cell; (2) RNA quantification in extracellular vesicles; (3) five-plex gene expression analysis in iPSCs, as a model system for studying RNA-guided cellular differentiation, by converting existing SYBR Green I qPCR assays into universal probe-based assays; and (4) single-cell gene expression analysis.

Together, these examples demonstrate how universal probe-based digital PCR can simplify assay development, expand multiplexing capabilities, and enable quantitative RNA analysis across a wide range of biological applications.

This presentation was given at Bio-Rad's Droplet Digital PCR World 2026 on Tour on October 15, 2026 in Brussels.