Simple and rapid RNA extraction from freeze-dried tissue of brown algae and seagrasses

Pearson, G. A.; Lago-Lestón, Asunción; Valente, M.; Serrão, Ester

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/4169

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Authors

Pearson, G. A.

Lago-Lestón, Asunción

Valente, M.

Serrão, Ester

Abstract(s)

An inexpensive and rapid RNA extraction protocol for brown algae and seagrasses is presented, based on homogenization in a simple CTAB buffer and selective precipitation of RNA with lithium chloride. The protocol avoids the use of toxic chaotropic agents and phenol; high concentrations of dithiothreitol are used to inhibit RNase activity and to prevent oxidative cross-linking of nucleic acids by phenolics. A relatively high throughput of about 100 samples in 24 h can be achieved for, for example, Northern analysis. Yields of 50–200 µg g−1 fresh weight are comparable with those obtained for higher plants using commercially available kits. Tests of the extraction procedure demonstrate that high quality, intact RNA can be obtained from a variety of lyophilized brown algal tissues, even after prolonged storage at room temperature. Lyophilization is therefore suggested as an alternative to freezing tissue at −70°C to −80°C. The RNA obtained was used directly in several downstream applications to detect Fucus plastid-encoded transcripts by RNA-labelling, RT-PCR and Northern analysis.

Keywords

Brown algae Fucus Lyophilization Plastid gene expression

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.1/4169

Citation

Pearson, G.A.; Lago-Leston, A.; Valente, M.; Serrão, E.A.Simple and rapid RNA extraction from freeze-dried tissue of brown algae and seagrasses, European Journal of Phycology, 41, 1, 97-104, 2006.