A quantitative analysis for the expression of a specific gene in tissue. RT-PCR is used to determine if the agents (including cell, gene, or pharmacological based treatments) under study alter the level of gene expression. Areas for investigation can include markers for: inflammation, fibrosis, regeneration, and degeneration in neuromuscular diseases.

RNA is extracted and converted to cDNA then quantified using primers specific to the RNA of interest and compared to a standard curve to determine quantity.