A diverse range of RNA extraction methods exist, which can be divided into four general categories: organic extraction methods, spin basket formats, magnetic particle methods, and direct lysis methods. The method for RNA extraction to use depends on the type of RNA being researched and the downstream application(s).
RNA types
Types of RNA used for research include total RNA, mRNA, sequence-specific RNA, microRNA, and viral RNA. Researchers requiring testing of more than RNA from samples can opt to use RNA/DNA or RNA/protein kits.
What are the different types of RNA?
There are several types of RNA that play distinct roles within the cell. mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes where it is translated into proteins. Transfer RNA (tRNA) helps in the translation process by bringing amino acids to the ribosomes. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a major component of ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. There are small nuclear RNA (snRNA) and small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) involved in various RNA processing and modification events.
RNA extraction by RNA type
RNA extraction kits can further get categorized based on the type of RNA extraction method it utilizes. Types of RNA extraction methods include sequence-specific RNA purification, miRNA and small RNA isolation, viral RNA extraction, and total nucleic acid/protein purification.
Sequence-specific RNA extraction
Sequence-specific RNA extraction is a method used to selectively isolate target segments of RNA molecules. Sequence-specific RNA include low-abundance cDNA from libraries, mutated sequences, infectious agents, and microsatellites. Target a specific RNA sequence and isolate only those RNA molecules directly from crude lysates or other biological fluids using magnetic bead technology. Dynabeads Streptavidin magnetic beads can work for numerous applications, including protein purification, nucleic acid purification, protein interaction studies, immunoprecipitation, immunoassays, phage display, biopanning, drug screening, and cell isolation.
Dynabeads Streptavidin binds to highly specific biotinylated antibodies or ligands.
- Compatible with mass spectrometry (MS)
- Low non-specific binding
- For samples high in soluble IgGs
- Recombinant Ab lacking the Fc region
Sequence-specific RNA extraction kit selection guide
| Feature | Four beads in one kit, identify best for your application | Best solution for viscous samples | High surface area for maximum enrichment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynabeads Streptavidin | Trial kit | M-270 | MyOne C1 |
| Bead size | 1 µm x 2, 2.8 µm x 2 | 2.8 µm | 1 µm |
| Biotinylated Ig (µg/mg beads) | up to 20 | up to 20 | up to 20 |
| Binding capacity (free biotin) | 650–2,500 pmoles/mg beads | 650–1,350 pmoles/mg beads | 2,500 pmoles/mg beads |
| Pack size | 4 x 1 mL | 2 or 10 mL | 2 or 10 mL |
| Order now | Order now | Order now |
Learn more: Sample preparation for RNA seq
Learn more: How to capture biotinylated molecules
Learn more: Nucleic acid capture assays
miRNA and small RNA isolation
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) help modulate gene expression. Along with several other classes of small noncoding RNAs (e.g., snRNA, snoRNA, and piRNA), they have tremendous impact on a variety of biological processes.
While most traditional RNA isolation methods are not very efficient at recovering these smaller RNAs, several kits developed by our RNA experts offer quantitative recovery of small RNAs from a variety of sample types.
Which microRNA and small RNA isolation kit is right for you?
| Feature | 30 min isolation from most samples | Recover all RNAs as well as proteins | High-throughput isolation of total RNA enriched for small RNAs | Complete kit, sample-to-qPCR from cells |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kit | mirVana miRNA Isolation Kit (with or without phenol) | mirVana Paris RNA and Native Protein Purification Kit | MagMAX mirVana Total RNA Isolation Kit | TaqMan MicroRNA Cells-to-CT Kit |
| Prep time | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | <1 hour | 10 minutes |
| Sample types | Most sample types | Most sample types | Serum/Plasma, whole blood, fresh/frozen tissue, cells, urine | Cells |
| Isolation method | Organic extraction and silica column | Organic extraction and silica column | Magnetic beads | Chemical lysis |
| Reverse transcription reagents included | No | No | No | Yes (TaqMan MicroRNA Reverse Transcription Kit) |
| qPCR master mix included | No | No | No | Yes (TaqMan) |
| Kit size | 40 preps | 40 preps | 96 preps | 100 reactions |
| Cat. No. | Order now | Order now | Order now | Order now |
Learn more: Getting started with microRNA research
Learn more: Got small RNA?
Viral RNA extraction
The extraction of viral RNA differs from cultured cells or tissue samples as it focuses specifically on isolating RNA from the viral particles rather than the host cells. This requires additional steps to separate and release the viral particles from the sample matrix. Additionally, the viral RNA extraction process may involve more stringent measures to help prevent contamination and enable the purity of the viral RNA for downstream analysis.
Viral RNA extraction kit selection guide
| Product | Format | Prep time | Downstream applications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RT-qPCR | Northern blot | |||
| Dynabeads SILANE Viral NA Kit | Magnetic beads, automation compatible | ~1 hr | ✓ | |
| MagMAX Viral RNA Isolation Kit | Magnetic beads | 45 min | ✓ | ✓ |
| MagMAX-96 AI⁄ND Viral RNA Isolation Kit | Magnetic beads, 96-well processing, automation compatible | 1 hr | ✓ | ✓ |
| MagMAX-96 Viral RNA Isolation Kit | Magnetic beads, 96-well processing, automation compatible | 45 min | ✓ | ✓ |
| PureLink Pro 96 Viral RNA⁄DNA Purification Kit | Silica filter, 96-well processing, automation compatible | 30 min | ✓ | ✓ |
| PureLink Viral RNA⁄DNA Mini Kit | Silica filter | 45 min | ✓ | ✓ |
Explore: MagMAX magnetic bead kits for viral RNA extraction
Explore: PureLink viral RNA extraction kits
Total nucleic acid/protein extraction
Research sometimes requires testing of more than just RNA from each sample. For example, researchers may want to compare the effects of genetic variations on gene expression, or to evaluate both protein and cognate mRNA levels. To help serve this need, some purification products are designed to extract both RNA and DNA, or both RNA and protein from samples. Total nucleic acid extraction kits with these capabilities allow users to get more out of their samples while employing one kit to streamline the process.
| Product | MagMAX Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit | mirVana PARIS Kit | PARIS Kit | RecoverAll Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit for FFPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Isolates | RNA, DNA | Total RNA, transcriptome RNA, siRNA, protein (native), snRNA, microRNA | Total RNA, protein (native) *This kit also permits separation of nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions | Genomic DNA, total RNA, microRNA |
| Prep time | 1 hr | 30 min | 20 min | 45 min |
| Kit size | 100 preps | 40 preps | 50 preps | 40 preps |
Nucleic Acid Purification and Analysis Support Center
Find tips, troubleshooting help, and resources for your nucleic acid purification & analysis applications.
- Protocol Videos—Videos to help you isolate nucleic acids using a variety of techniques.
- DNA & RNA Selection Guide—Find the right purification products.
- Videos—View our library of DNA & RNA purification and analysis videos.
- Application Notes—Explore our application notes from scientists sharing data for isolation products
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.