New method will facilitate next-generation sequencing and comparative studies of gene expression
Researchers in the Chelsea Specht Lab at UC Berkeley have developed a new protocol for RNA extraction that can be used across land plants, which comprise over 300,000 species.
According to Specht, associate professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology and senior author of the study, this protocol will greatly facilitate RNA-based studies of non-model plant species.
"Using this protocol, we can successfully extract high yields and high-quality RNA from tissues of any type from plants across the diversity of land plants, including tissues that are mechanically difficult to grind, rich in starch, or laden with secondary compounds."
Lead author Roxana Yockteng, Specht, and their colleagues tested the protocol on a wide variety of land plant species (one moss species, three gymnosperm species, and numerous angiosperm species) as well as different tissue types (e.g., leaves, flowers, and cones). They were able to consistently recover large quantities of high-quality RNA from the samples tested, demonstrating the broad utility of the protocol.
For more on the protocol, go to: eurekalert.org/pub_releases
For more on the Specht Lab, go to: spechtlab.berkeley.edu
For more information about the Botanical Society of America, go to: botany.org