Horm Metab Res 2001; 33(4): 213-215
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-14940
Innovative Methods
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Extraction of Total RNA from Adipocytes

J. Janke, S. Engeli, K. Gorzelniak, A. M. Sharma
  • Franz-Volhard-Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Charité, Humboldt Universität Berlin, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

RNA isolation from adipocytes presents with several technical problems and yields unacceptable results when following standard protocols. Here, we will describe additional steps and modifications necessary for the use of different RNA isolation protocols in terms of RNA yield, RNA quality and preparation time. Using five times the recommended quantity of lysis buffer, incubating the lysate at 37 °C, repeatedly passing the lysate through a cannula, and centrifugation to remove the lipid layer are essential additional steps when working with adipocytes. With these modifications, isolation of total RNA resulted in an average yield of 12 - 30 µg total RNA from 2 × 106 cells. Preparation times were similar for all but the CsCl gradient method. The purest RNA was obtained by spin-column purification, whereas acid phenol-chloroform methods yielded the highest amounts of total RNA. CsCl gradient ultracentrifugation is suggested for situations where DNase I digestion is impractical.

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Prof. A. M. Sharma,M.D. 

Department of Nephrology and Hypertension
Franz-Volhard-Klinik
Universitätsklinikum Charité
Humboldt Universität zu Berlin

Wiltbergstrasse 50
13122 Berlin
Germany


Phone: Phone:+ 49 (30) 9417 2203

Fax: Fax:+ 49 (30) 9417 2206

Email: E-mail:sharma@fvk-berlin.de