Fundamentals of RNA Analysis on Biobanked Specimens

Compared to DNA, analysis of RNA is one step closer on the central dogma of biology to assessing cellular function. This makes it an extremely valuable target for research and clinical testing in nearly all areas of molecular biology. Most RNA molecules are ephemeral by nature. They exist as temporary intermediates, ostensibly enabling data transfer between the genome and the organism. Their ribose backbone renders them sensitive to simple degradation over time and they are the target molecule for numerous and abundant ribonucleases which have evolved to chop them to pieces with extreme efficiency. At the biochemical level, this means that they degrade rapidly in most physiological and laboratory conditions and are thus challenging to study. When considering specimen banking, it is critical to keep this reality in mind, as some commonly used banking modalities will not adequately preserve the relevant RNA molecules in a measureable state.In this chapter, we explore the broad range of RNA testing methodologies in current use, with particular focus on how specimen preparation impacts analysis. Following an overview in the introduction, Subheading 2 covers the major specimen types amenable to RNA analysis in the context of biobanking. Subheading 3 discusses the applications of various RNA analysis modalities to research and clinical testing.