Kit for direct RT-PCR on oligonucleotide-immobilized PCR microplates

A kit for direct RT-PCR, comprising:

• an oligonucleotide-immobilized microplate for capturing mRNA from a cell lysate, said microplate having wells to which oligonucleotides are securely immobilized, said microplate having heat-stability for thermal cycles of PCR, said oligonucleotides having nucleic acid sequences specifically complimentary to mRNA of interest present in the cell lysate;
• and
• a filter plate for preparing a cell lysate, said filter plate having wells with a membrane having a pore size such that target cells are trapped, but cytosolic mRNA present in the cells passes therethrough, wherein the target cells are placed on the membrane, said filter plate having a configuration such that the filter plate can be mounted on top of the microplate to establish well-to-well communication between the filter plate and the microplate;
• wherein the filter plate is mounted on top of the microplate when in use, and an appropriate lysis buffer is passed through the cell layer on the membrane without disturbing the cells to transfer the cell lysate to the microplate, followed by RT-PCR using the microplate.