High Pure FFPE RNA Micro Kit

Low to medium throughput isolation of total RNA from free FFPE tissue sections in micro scale.

The High Pure FFPE RNA Micro Kit isolates total RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples for direct use in:

• Qualitative RT-PCR
• Relative quantification of mRNA with real-time PCR systems such as the LightCycler^® 480 System
• Differential display RT-PCR
• cDNA synthesis
• Primer extension

Nucleic acids bind to the surface of the glass fiber fleece in the presence of a chaotropic salt (guanidine HCl). This allows the High Pure filter tube to specifically immobilize nucleic acids (both DNA and RNA) while they are freed of contaminants. For RNA isolation, the binding conditions can be optimized to ensure immobilization of all the RNA.

Size Distribution: The typical size of RNA isolated from formalin-fixed tissue ranges from 150 to 1500 bases. However, section thickness, tissue type, age of sample, and the fixation protocol used can affect the yield and quality of the isolated RNA.
Capacity: The High Pure Micro Filter Tubes hold up to 500 μl sample volume.
Sample Material: 1 - 10 μm sections from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue (e.g., from colon, breast, liver, kidney, spleen of mammalian species).

The High Pure FFPE RNA Micro Kit isolates total RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples for direct use in RT-PCR.

• Streamline and simplify RNA isolation (even small RNA fragments) from FFPE tissue.
• Obtain a highly concentrated, ready-to-use eluate and excellent recovery of RNA (>80%).
• Isolate DNA-free RNA for use in qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR.
• Minimize RNA loss with a kit that removes contaminants without precipitation or other handling steps that degrade RNA.
• Generate high-quality template RNA that shows excellent performance and linearity in RT-PCR.

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections are homogenized by overnight Proteinase K digestion and purified as described. RNA yield is determined by measuring the optical density at 260 nm.
The RNA eluate and specific primers for the ß2M gene are used in one-step RT-PCR. In the following PCR on the LightCycler^® 2.0 Instrument (accomplished using the LightCycler^® RNA Amplification Kit SYBR Green I and specific primers for β2M), the expected amplification signal is obtained at a Cp-value less than 24.
Absence of contaminating genomic DNA is examined by PCR on a LightCycler^® 2.0 Instrument without a reverse transcriptase step; no amplification product is obtained.

To prepare tissue sections for RNA isolation, fixation reagents must be removed from the samples; after deparaffinization, the sections are ready to be processed with the High Pure FFPE RNA Micro Kit. Deparaffinized tissue samples are disrupted and homogenized during incubation with Proteinase K and a chaotropic salt (guanidine HCl). The homogenate is then applied to the glass fiber fleece in a High Pure Micro Filter Tube.

Under the buffer conditions used in the procedure, all nucleic acids bind specifically to the glass fiber fleece, while contaminating substances (salts, proteins, and other tissue contaminants) do not. DNA in the preparation is digested with DNase I directly on the filter. Brief wash-and-spin steps readily remove the digested DNA fragments and other contaminating substances. The remaining purified RNA is then eluted in a small volume of low-salt buffer.

Typical RNA Recovery

Starting Material and Quantity: 1 - 10 μm FFPE sections, colon, breast, liver, kidney, spleen of mammalian species
Yield/Recovery: 1.5 - 3.5 μg/5 μm section
Time Required: 60 minutes without 3 hour incubation
Number of Reactions: 50/1-10 μm sections

For general laboratory use.

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