What can I use to protect RNA in my frozen tissue sample?
RNAlater-ICE Frozen Tissue Transition Solution can be used to submerge a frozen sample, then thaw it overnight at -20 degrees C or colder. Once thawed, tissues can then be processed like fresh tissues using standard RNA isolation procedures.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our RNA Sample Collection, Protection, and Isolation Support Center.
Can RNAlater Stabilization Solution be used to preserve samples for laser capture microdissection (LCM)?
While we have not tested this in-house, there is evidence that it is possible to use tissues preserved in RNAlater Stabilization Solution and then perform laser capture microdissection. Please see the reference below:
Thelen P, Burfeind P, Grzmil M et al. (2004) cDNA microarray analysis with amplified RNA after isolation of intact cellular RNA from neoplastic and non-neoplastic prostate tissue separated by laser microdissections. Int J Oncol 24(5):1085-1092.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our RNA Sample Collection, Protection, and Isolation Support Center.
Have you tested temperature stability of RNA stored in RNAlater Stabilization Solution?
RNA stored in RNAlater Stabilization Solution is stable for 1 day at 37 degrees C, 1 week at 25 degrees C, 1 month at 4 degrees C, or long-term at -20 degrees C.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our RNA Sample Collection, Protection, and Isolation Support Center.
Can cells treated with RNAlater Stabilization Solution be FACS sorted? How about mass spectrometry?
Yes, you should be able to sort cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) after treatment with RNAlater Stabilization Solution. If you run into problems due to the viscosity of RNAlater Stabilization Solution, you may need to dilute it with cold nuclease-free water. This will not affect the protection of the RNA. Samples should be processed quickly and as cold as possible. Read more about this procedure and view references here (http://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/references/Invitrogen-tech-support/rna-isolation/tech-notes/facs-into-rnalater-solution-for-gene-profiling.html). You should also be able to perform mass spectrophotometry on samples treated with RNAlater Stabilization Solution. Please note that salt can form adducts on the protein at the desorption/ionization step. To avoid this problem, dialyze the sample to get rid of all salt.
Find additional tips, troubleshooting help, and resources within our RNA Sample Collection, Protection, and Isolation Support Center.