long RNA isolation

[Sakti]

Hi guys,

 

I have a big question in my mind, given that I am not an expert biochemist.

 

How difficult is the isolation of big RNAs? I'm thinking on lengths between 2 kb to 20 kb, or even larger.

 

Besides, these RNAs have very low abundances. Could we faithfully perform in vivo analysis of their function, like immunoprecipitations? Any help would be great.

 

Thanks!!

 

-Sakti

[CharonY]

Well technically it should be feasible. Of course it is going to be trickier with longer and low abundant RNA, but there is nothing inherently impossible about it (depends a little bit on the protocols used, though). For immunoprecipitation it is important that the binding is highly specific, of course as otherwise higher abundant targets may outdilute your low-abundant targets.