( RNA in a biologi...)Successful stabilization of gene expression profiles

RNA in a biological sample becomes extremely unstable upon collection of the sample, leading to changes in the gene expression profile. For accurate gene expression analysis in applications such as real-time RT-PCR and microarray analysis, it is important to stabilize the RNA immediately. QIAGEN provides products which enable stabilization and purification of high-quality RNA from animal tissues, bacteria, and human blood and now from human saliva and sorted or cultured cells. All products deliver immediate RNA stabilization at ambient temperature, eliminating the need for liquid nitrogen or dry ice.

Human saliva
RNA in saliva is already degrading prior to collection, making RNA stabilization critical. The RNeasy Protect Saliva Mini Kit provides immediate RNA stabilization upon collection of saliva followed by RNA purification (Figure 1). Stabilized saliva samples can be stored or transported at room temperature for up to 14 days prior to RNA purification or can be archived at 20C or 80C.

Sorted or cultured cells
In experiments where cells are harvested and stored for RNA purification and analysis at a later date, RNA stabilization is typically achieved by pelleting and freezing cells. If the cells need to be transported, dry ice is required to keep the cells frozen. The RNeasy Protect Cell Mini Kit provides a more convenient solution for RNA stabilization and purification. Supplied with the kit is RNAprotect Cell Reagent, which immediately stabilizes RNA in cells at room temperature without the need to remove cell-culture medium (Figure 2). The stabilized cells can then be transported at ambient temperature or stored frozen prior to RNA pu
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