Sigma REDExtract-N-Amp is Great for Quick Mouse Tail Genotyping

October 01, 2015

BlueskyReddit
Stanford
Pathology
Graduate Student

Overall

Quality of Results

Ease-of-Optimization

What do these ratings mean?
Write a Review

Company:

Sigma Aldrich

Product Name:

REDExtract-N-Amp™ Tissue PCR Kit

Catalog Number:

XNAT-1000RXN

We utilize the REDExtract kit to quickly obtain DNA from mouse tails for genotyping. We looked into using this product because it was much quicker than typical DNA extraction kit/protocols.

Experimental Design and Results Summary

Application

Mouse Genotyping

Starting Material

Mouse tails (around 5 mm or less)

Protocol Overview

The kit/reagents were used according to the user protocol provided by Sigma. In short, mouse tails were collected, and DNA extracted using the kit (a short digestion step followed by a neutralization step). DNA is then ready for use in PCRs without needing any additional cleaning.

Tips

Contrary to their written protocol, tails don't need to be extremely fresh (they can be kept at room temperature for a long time or frozen at -20 degrees for use later). Additionally, reagents can be scaled down for use (we typically use the reagents at half the recommended volumes, and our genotyping PCRs turn out fine)

Results Summary

The product from the kit gives very clean genotyping results. Our lab does a large amount of mouse genotyping, and this kit has greatly facilitated the process by being quick and by providing PCR-ready products at the end of the protocol.

Additional Notes

The DNA product is also compatible with other PCR mixes.

Image Gallery

Summary

The Good

Provides quick DNA extraction for mouse genotyping and provides PCR product at the end (no cleaning necessary)

The Bad

It is a bit expensive, but reagents can be scaled down, and alternative PCR mixes can be utilized with the DNA product

The Bottom Line

The product saves a lot of time for labs that need to go through a large number of mouse tail genotyping.

Join the discussion