This article discusses the specific topic of reference genes. For a more general list of housekeeping genes see housekeeping genes
Reference genes are expressed in all cells of an organism under normal and patho-physiological conditions. Although some housekeeping genes (such as LDHA, NONO, PGK1, PPIH,) are expressed at relatively constant levels in most non-pathological situations, other housekeeping genes may vary depending on experimental conditions. Although the terms "housekeeping gene" and "reference gene" are used somewhat interchangeably, caution must be used in selecting genes for reference purposes.
This is a list of recommended housekeeping genes that may be used for reference purposes:
The following represent genes that should probably not be used for reference purposes:GUSB,RPLP0, and TFRC.GAPDH, HSP90, and β-actin. Although they were once considered as "housekeeping genes," recent data suggests that they are not as reliable as once thought.