What is Cells-to-CT?

Invitrogen Cells-to-CT kits measure relative gene expression by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) without the need for RNA purification prior to amplification. Available in both TaqMan and SYBR Green detection chemistries, Cells-to-CT kits provide a complete workflow for qPCR analysis directly from cultured cells, providing you with excellent performance, reliability, and world-class support.


Benefits of Cells-to-CT kits

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    • Extraordinary ease and speed—96 samples for RT-qPCR in less than 10 min
    • Skip RNA purification—no columns, heating, or centrifugation
    • Exceptional performance—designed for consistent accuracy, reproducibility, and sensitivity with 1–100,000 cells
    • Analytically validated workflows—complete sets of reagents pre-optimized to work efficiently right out of the box

    Invitrogen TaqMan Cells-to-CT Express Kit


    Perform RT-PCR directly from cell lysates without extraction using the newest product in the Cells-to-CT family. This kit allows you to prepare cells for RT-qPCR analysis in just 5 minutes with a simplified workflow that is suitable for a few samples, or scalable for automated, high‑throughput applications.

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    Cells-to-CT kit selection guide

     TaqMan Cells-to-CT Express KitCells-to-CT 1-Step TaqMan KitSingle Cell-to-CT qRT-PCR KitTaqMan Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT Kit
     product photoproduct photoproduct photoproduct photo
    Cell working range10–100,000 cells10–100,000 cells1–10 cells10–100,000 cells
    1-step or 2-step2-step1-step1-step2-step
     SYBR Green Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT KitCells-to-CT 1-Step Power SYBR Green Kit
     product photoproduct photo
    Cell working range10–100,000 cells10–100,000 cells
    1-step or 2-step2-step1-step
    TaqMan detection chemistry
     TaqMan Cells-to-CT Express KitCells-to-CT 1-Step TaqMan KitSingle Cell-to-CT qRT-PCR KitTaqMan Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT Kit
     product photoproduct photoproduct photoproduct photo
    Cell working range10–100,000 cells10–100,000 cells1–10 cells10–100,000 cells
    1-step or 2-step2-step1-step1-step2-step
    SYBR Green detection chemistry
     SYBR Green Fast Advanced Cells-to-CT KitCells-to-CT 1-Step Power SYBR Green Kit
     product photoproduct photo
    Cell working range10–100,000 cells10–100,000 cells
    1-step or 2-step2-step1-step

    Read more about the difference between 1-step vs 2-step kits

    Read more about the difference between TaqMan vs SYBR Green detection chemistries

     

    Cell lines compatible with Cells-to-CT kits
    Cell lineGrowth typeSource speciesSource tissue
    A549adherentH. sapiensLung carcinoma
    BJadherentH. sapiensForeskin
    CHO-K1adherentC. griseus (hamster)Ovary
    COS-7adherentC. aethiops (monkey)Kidney
    DU-145adherentH. sapiensProstate
    HEK-293adherentH. sapiensKidney
    HeLaadherentH. sapiensCervical adenocarcinoma
    HepG2adherentH. sapiensLiver carcinoma
    Huh-7adherentH. sapiensLiver
    JurkatsuspensionH. sapiensAcute T cell leukemia
    K562suspensionH. sapiensBone marrow
    ME-180adherentH. sapiensCervical epidermoid carcinoma
    NCI-H460adherentH. sapiensLung
    Neuro 2AadherentM. musculusBrain
    NIH/3T3adherentM. musculus (mouse)Embryonic fibroblast
    PC-12adherentR. norvegicus (rat)Adrenal pheochromocytoma
    PT-K75adherentS. scrofa (pig)Nasal turbinate mucosa
    RajisuspensionH. sapiensB lymphocyte
    SK-N-ASadherentH. sapiensBrain neuroblast
    SK-N-SHadherentH. sapiensBrain fibroblast
    U-2 OSadherentH. sapiensBone
    U-87 MGadherentH. sapiensBrain glioblastoma 

    Note: Due to differences in cell size and composition, the maximum number of cells per lysis reaction may be slightly different for different cell lines. Test for inhibition and minimal sample input by using the TaqMan Cells-to-CT Control Kit.

    Research solutions for downstream RT-PCR (qPCR) analysis

    Leverage our diverse product offerings for real-time, quantitative PCR applications to build a complete experimental workflow solution. Explore our powerful assay design algorithms, optimized master mixes, intuitive data analysis software, and flexible instrumentation to help harness the power of RT-qPCR across a rich and diverse set of applications.

    quantstudio instrument

    QuantStudio Real-Time
    PCR Instruments

    TaqMan Real-Time
    PCR Assays

    		qPCR reagents icon

    Real-Time PCR
    Reagents and Kits

    		qPCR data analysis

    Real-Time PCR
    Data Analysis


    Featured resources

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        Cells-to-CT Kits: A fast way to kill your cells for gene expression analysis

        This ASCB presentation shows you how Cells-to-CT kits allow you to measure relative gene expression by qPCR without having to purify RNA prior to amplification.

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            Cells-to-CT: full video

            Learn how to prepare RNA for gene expression analysis from cultured cells, without the need for RNA purification. Fast track to RT-qPCR in only seven minutes. 

            Resources for Cells-to-CT kits

            Product literature

            Protocols

            Tips & tricks

            Research papers

            Application notes

            FAQs

            (TOP)

            Resources
            • Protocol Videos—Videos to help you isolate nucleic acids using a variety of techniques.
            • DNA & RNA Selection Guide—Find the right purification products.
            • Videos—View our library of DNA & RNA purification and analysis videos.
            • Application Notes—Explore our application notes from scientists sharing data for isolation products

            For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

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