RNA extraction explained

RNA extraction is the purification of RNA from biological samples. This procedure is complicated by the ubiquitous presence of ribonuclease enzymes in cells and tissues, which can rapidly degrade RNA.[1] Several methods are used in molecular biology to isolate RNA from samples, the most common of these is guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction.[2] [3] The filter paper based lysis and elution method features high throughput capacity.[4]

RNA extraction in liquid nitrogen, commonly using a mortar and pestle (or specialized steel devices known as tissue pulverizers) is also useful in preventing ribonuclease activity.

RNase contamination

The extraction of RNA in molecular biology experiments is greatly complicated by the presence of ubiquitous and hardy RNases that degrade RNA samples. Certain RNases can be extremely hardy and inactivating them is difficult compared to neutralizing DNases. In addition to the cellular RNases that are released there are several RNases that are present in the environment. RNases have evolved to have many extracellular functions in various organisms.[5] [6] [7] For example, RNase 7, a member of the RNase A superfamily, is secreted by human skin and serves as a potent antipathogen defence.[8] [9] For these secreted RNases, enzymatic activity may not even be necessary for the RNase's exapted function. For example, immune RNases act by destabilizing the cell membranes of bacteria.[10] [11]

To counter this, equipment used for RNA extraction is usually cleaned thoroughly, kept separate from common lab equipment and treated with various harsh chemicals that destroy RNases. For the same reason, experimenters take special care not to let their bare skin touch the equipment.

See also

External links

Two-phase wash to solve the ubiquitous contaminant-carryover problem in commercial nucleic-acid extraction kits

by Erik Jue, Daan Witters & Rustem F. Ismagilov; Nature, Scientific reports, 2020.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Peirson SN, Butler JN . Circadian Rhythms . RNA extraction from mammalian tissues . 362 . 315–27 . 2007 . 17417019 . 10.1007/978-1-59745-257-1_22 . . 978-1-58829-417-3 . registration . https://archive.org/details/circadianrhythms00rosa/page/315 .
  2. Chomczynski P, Sacchi N . The single-step method of RNA isolation by acid guanidinium thiocyanate-phenol-chloroform extraction: twenty-something years on . Nat Protoc . 1 . 2 . 581–5 . 2006 . 17406285 . 10.1038/nprot.2006.83. 28653075 .
  3. Bird IM . Extraction of RNA from cells and tissue . Methods Mol. Med. . 108 . 139–48 . 2005 . 10.1385/1-59259-850-1:139 . 16028681. 1-59259-850-1 .
  4. http://fortiusbio.com/RNA_Extraction_Card_8.html FortiusBio High Throughput RNA Extraction Filter Paper Card
  5. 10.1099/mic.0.023218-0. A type II secreted RNase of Legionella pneumophila facilitates optimal intracellular infection of Hartmannella vermiformis. 2009. Rossier . O.. Dao . J.. Cianciotto . N. P.. Microbiology. 155. 3. 882–890 . 19246759 . 2662391.
  6. 10.1016/j.tibs.2010.02.002. T2 Family ribonucleases: Ancient enzymes with diverse roles. 2010. Luhtala . N. . Parker . R. . Trends in Biochemical Sciences. 35. 5. 253–259 . 20189811 . 2888479.
  7. 10.1007/s11030-006-9028-2. The RNase a superfamily: Generation of diversity and innate host defense. 2006. Dyer . K. D. . Rosenberg . H. F. . Molecular Diversity. 10. 4. 585–597. 16969722. 20922592.
  8. 10.1074/jbc.M207587200. RNase 7, a Novel Innate Immune Defense Antimicrobial Protein of Healthy Human Skin. 2002. Harder . J.. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 277. 48. 46779–46784. 12244054. free.
  9. 10.1371/journal.pone.0006424. RNase 7 Contributes to the Cutaneous Defense against Enterococcus faecium. 2009. Köten . B. . Simanski . M. . Gläser . R. . Podschun . R. . Schröder . J. M. . Harder . J. R. . PLOS ONE. 4. 7. e6424 . 19641608 . 2712763. 2009PLoSO...4.6424K. free.
  10. 10.1074/jbc.M607321200. The Flexible and Clustered Lysine Residues of Human Ribonuclease 7 Are Critical for Membrane Permeability and Antimicrobial Activity. 2006. Huang . Y. -C. . Lin . Y. -M. . Chang . T. -W. . Wu . S. -J. . Lee . Y. -S. . Chang . M. D. -T. . Chen . C.. Wu . S. -H. . Liao . Y. -D. . Journal of Biological Chemistry. 282. 7. 4626–4633 . 17150966. free .
  11. 10.1189/jlb.1107725. RNase a ribonucleases and host defense: An evolving story. 2008. Rosenberg . H. F.. Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 83. 5. 1079–87. 18211964. 2692241.

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