RNA Biology

Historically the function of RNA in the cell was to assist in the translation of genetic information from DNA into protein. The major species of RNA were; (A) messenger RNA, which converts the genetic information of DNA into RNA, (B) transfer RNA (tRNA) that are charged with specific amino acids and, (C) ribosomal RNA (rRNA), a major component of the ribosome.  RNA has now been implicated in a diverse number of biological processes including catalysis and transcriptional regulation. Recently, technological advances and improvements in RNA analysis and detection have led to the discovery of many new classes of small and large non-coding RNAs with novel regulatory functions.  Examples include, microRNA (miRNA), circular RNA, long  non-coding RNA (lncRNA), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) and extracullular RNA (exRNA). In addition, RNA modifications have revealed added complexity to RNA. These biologically relevant modifications are an active area of exploration. These findings have helped usher in a renaissance of RNA-focused research in biology.

Key capabilities for contemporary RNA research include RNA synthesis for in vitro analysis or transfection, RNA modification and processing, reverse transcription of RNA for cloning and expression analysis, and detection of RNA.

NEBs Reverse Transcriptases can be found here.

Videos

NEBNext Ultra II Directional RNA Workflow

Learn more about the streamlined workflow for the NEBNext Ultra II Directional RNA Library Prep Kit.

In vitro Transcription and Capping of Gaussia Luciferase mRNA Followed by HeLa Cell Transfection

This method describes high yield in vitro synthesis of both capped and uncapped mRNA from a linearized plasmid containing the GLuc gene.

Example: mRNA Synthesis Workflow & related NEB products

(Click on the respective grey box to receive further product information)

TEMPLATE GENERATION IN VITRO TRANSCRIPTION RNA CAPPING POLY(A) TAILING RNA PURIFICATION
Q5 High Fidelity DNA Polymerase HiScribe T7 mRNA Kit with CleanCap Reagent AG E. coli Poly(A) Polymerase Monarch RNA Cleanup Kit (10 μg)
HiScribe T7 ARCA mRNA Synthesis Kit (with tailing)
dNTP solution mixes HiScribe T7 ARCA mRNA Synthesis Kit Monarch RNA Cleanup Kit (50 μg)
BspQI* HiScribe T7 High Yield RNA Synthesis Components Faustovirus Capping Enzyme Monarch RNA Cleanup Kit (500 μg)
DNA Assembly

 HiScribe T7 Quick High Yield RNA Synthesis Kit Vaccinia Capping System Lithium Chloride
HiScribe SP6 High Yield RNA Synthesis Kit mRNA Cap 2´-O-Methyltranferase
T3 & SP6 RNA Polymerases ARCA and other mRNA cap analogs
T7 RNA Polymerase
Hi-T7 RNA Polymerase
Companion Products Companion Products
RNase inhibitor (Murine) Monarch RNA Cleanup Binding Buffer
RNase Inhibitor (Human Placental) Monarch RNA Cleanup Wash Buffer
Pyrophosphatase, Inorganic (E. coli) Nuclease-free Water
Pyrophosphatase, Inorganic (Yeast)
DNase I (RNase-free)
DNase I-XT
NTPs

* NEB can offer large-scale preparations of restriction enzymes using Recombinant Albumin (BSA-free)

Information on Reverse Transcription / cDNA Synthesis from NEB can be found here.
You can also learn more about: Monarch RNA Cleanup Kits (purification/concentration), Monarch Total RNA Miniprep Kit and NEBNext Ultra II RNA Library Prep Kit and modules!

Further information can be found in our Technical Resources section or at neb.com. Information on trademarks can be found here.