Removal of rRNA from Deproteinized, Phenol-Extracted Total RNA by Hybrid Selection

In this protocol, rRNAs are selectively removed from a total RNA sample by hybridizing the rRNAs to complementary biotinylated oligodeoxynucleotides that can be affinity-purified using streptavidin beads, leaving all other RNAs behind. Although commercially available kits can be used to perform this procedure, they are expensive. We recommend that investigators order species-specific oligodeoxynucleotides for their own applications. There are well-established secondary structure predictions for all rRNAs.