Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

RNA Stability

RNA Stability

Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...

RNA Stability

RNA Stability

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

mRNA Stability and Gene Expression

Types of RNA

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...

Types of RNA

Types of RNA

Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Multisite Assessment of Methods for Cell Preservation Upstream of Single-Cell RNA Sequencing.

Journal of biomolecular techniques : JBT·2026

Same author

Multi-site Assessment of Methods for Cell Preservation Upstream of Single Cell RNA Sequencing.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology·2025

Same author

Framework to Select Multi-Cancer Detection Assays in the National Cancer Institute's Vanguard Study.

Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology·2025

Same author

Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.

Frontiers in genetics·2023

Same author

A Mentored Pathway into the Sciences for Underrepresented Populations: A Newly Crafted Educational Modality for Women Exploring Career Opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

Women's health reports (New Rochelle, N.Y.)·2021

Same author

Expression of the muscle-associated gene MYF6 in hairy cell leukemia.

PloS one·2020

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Optimized Quantitative Assessment of Enhancer RNA Stability in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Optimized Quantitative Assessment of Enhancer RNA Stability in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Published on: November 21, 2025

Long-term stability of total RNA in RNAstable® as evaluated by expression microarray.

Holly S Stevenson¹, Yonghong Wang, Rolf Muller

¹1 Genetics Branch, Center for Cancer Research , National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.

Biopreservation and Biobanking

|April 1, 2015

Summary

RNAstable reagent allows RNA storage at room temperature, maintaining integrity for over 50 months. This offers a viable alternative to ultra-low freezing for RNA preservation and expression analysis.

More Related Videos

Monitoring Protein-RNA Interaction Dynamics In Vivo at High Temporal Resolution Using χCRAC

Monitoring Protein-RNA Interaction Dynamics In Vivo at High Temporal Resolution Using χCRAC

Published on: May 9, 2020

Rapid In Vivo Fixation and Isolation of Translational Complexes from Eukaryotic Cells

Rapid In Vivo Fixation and Isolation of Translational Complexes from Eukaryotic Cells

Published on: December 25, 2021

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 15, 2026

Optimized Quantitative Assessment of Enhancer RNA Stability in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Optimized Quantitative Assessment of Enhancer RNA Stability in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells

Published on: November 21, 2025

Monitoring Protein-RNA Interaction Dynamics In Vivo at High Temporal Resolution Using χCRAC

Monitoring Protein-RNA Interaction Dynamics In Vivo at High Temporal Resolution Using χCRAC

Published on: May 9, 2020

Rapid In Vivo Fixation and Isolation of Translational Complexes from Eukaryotic Cells

Rapid In Vivo Fixation and Isolation of Translational Complexes from Eukaryotic Cells

Published on: December 25, 2021

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Biotechnology
Genomics

Background:

Labile RNA requires ultra-low temperature storage, necessitating expensive equipment and reliable power.
Current RNA storage methods present challenges in terms of cost, convenience, and shipping.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the efficacy of RNAstable as a room temperature RNA stabilization reagent.
To assess RNA sequence integrity and suitability for expression analysis after extended storage periods and varying temperatures.

Main Methods:

RNA samples were stored in RNAstable at room temperature and elevated temperatures (45°C).
RNA integrity was assessed using Bioanalyzer electropherograms.
Gene expression profiling was performed using Illumina and Agilent RNA expression microarrays.
MicroRNA (miRNA) levels were analyzed using miRNA expression arrays.

Main Results:

RNA stored in RNAstable at room temperature for up to 50.5 months showed comparable integrity to -80°C controls.
RNA quality, gene expression patterns, and miRNA levels remained consistent between RNAstable-protected RNA and freezer controls.
RNA stored at 45°C in RNAstable for 4.5 months (equivalent to 22 months at RT) maintained high quality and expression profiles.

Conclusions:

RNAstable is an effective reagent for stabilizing total RNA at room temperature for extended periods.
RNAstable provides a cost-effective and convenient alternative to ultra-low temperature storage, especially in resource-limited settings.
This technology facilitates reliable RNA shipping and storage, preserving sample integrity for downstream molecular analyses.