quantitate gene expression - which method?

[William Sun]

Hello all,

I'm interested in quantitating the expression of a particular gene within 
rat heart after treatment with some hormones.  But I'm faced with several 
choices in regards to methods. Which one of the following is the best
(and most believable) method and why?:

1) northern blot
2) RNase protection assay
3) RT-PCR
4) in situ hybridization

Thanks for any input.


-- 
William Sun, Ph.D               
Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc.           Phone: (619) 622-3930
9390 Towne Centre Drive                FAX:   (619) 622-5545
San Diego, CA 92121                    Email: william at alum.mit.edu