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Paper-based archiving of mammalian and plant samples for RNA analysis
P Natarajan1, T Trinh, L Mertz
1Life Technologies, Rockville, MD, USA.
Biotechniques
|December 29, 2000
Summary
FTA Cards effectively preserve biological samples for RNA analysis, enabling successful RT-PCR and northern blot. RNA stability varies with storage temperature and sample type, with mammalian cells stable for over a year at -20°C.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Sample Preservation
Background:
- Archiving biological samples for nucleic acid analysis is crucial for various applications.
- FTA Cards are established for DNA preservation and room temperature storage.
- The utility of FTA Cards for RNA preservation requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of FTA Cards for preserving RNA in biological samples.
- To determine RNA stability on FTA Cards under different storage conditions.
- To assess the suitability of FTA Card-preserved RNA for downstream molecular analyses.
Main Methods:
- Biological samples (mammalian cells, plant leaves) were applied to FTA Cards.
- Samples were stored at various temperatures (-70°C, -20°C, room temperature).
- RNA integrity was assessed using RT-PCR and northern blot analysis.
Main Results:
- RNA in mammalian cells on FTA Cards remained stable for over one year at ≤ -20°C and 2-3 months at room temperature.
- RNA in plant leaf samples required storage at ≤ -70°C for stability beyond 5 days.
- Preserved RNA was successfully utilized for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and northern blot.
Conclusions:
- FTA Cards are effective for preserving RNA from mammalian cells and plant leaves.
- Optimal storage conditions (temperature, sample type) are critical for RNA stability on FTA Cards.
- FTA Cards offer a convenient method for sample collection, storage, and rapid RNA analysis via RT-PCR.