| Storage of Isolated RNA The last step in every RNA isolation protocol, whether for total or mRNA preparation, is to resuspend the purified RNA pellet. After painstakingly preparing an RNA sample, it is crucial that RNA be suspended and stored in a safe, RNase-free solution. Ambion now has several RNA Storage Solutions for this purpose: - THE RNA Storage Solution (1 mM sodium citrate, pH 6.4 ± 0.2)
- 0.1 mM EDTA (in DEPC-treated ultrapure water)
- TE Buffer (10mM Tris-HCl, 1 mM EDTA, pH 7.0)
- RNAsecure™ Resuspension Solution
Our technical service staff has received numerous requests for pre-made 0.1 mM EDTA and TE Buffers; these solutions are often specified in common RNA isolation and analysis protocols. These storage solutions are ideal for researchers who already use them but would like the convenience and security of having them premade and certified RNase-free. We are also introducing THE RNA Storage Solution, a buffer which delivers greater RNA stability than 0.1 mM EDTA or TE. THE RNA Storage Solution has two features which minimize base hydrolysis of RNA: a low pH, and sodium citrate, which acts both as pH buffer and a chelating agent (divalent cations catalyze base hydrolysis of RNA). THE RNA Storage Solution is compatible with all of the common RNA applications such as reverse transcription, in vitro translation, Northern analysis, and nuclease protection assays. The RNAsecure Reagent is a unique nonenzymatic reagent for the irreversible inactivation of RNases in enzymatic reactions. RNAsecure Resuspension Solution contains the same active ingredients as the RNAsecure Reagent, but is supplied at a working concentration for direct resuspension of RNA pellets. To inactivate RNases, the RNA pellet is resuspended in the RNAsecure Resuspension Solution and heated to 60°C for 10 minutes. A unique feature of RNAsecure is that reheating after the initial treatment will reactivate the RNase-destroying agent to eliminate any new contaminants. Ambion is continuously inventing ways to make RNA analysis easier. Our goal is to provide unique products to solve the problems researchers frequently face when working with RNA. Ambion's RNAlater Solution, RNA Isolation Kits, and RNA Storage Solutions are designed to work together to take you all the way from tissue to your RNA analysis application. If you have suggestions for additional products that would be useful in your RNA research, please contact us. |