Sequential extraction of RNA, DNA and protein from cultured cells of the same group

Abstract

BACKGROUND Efficient extraction of nucleic acids and proteins (ENAP) from cells is a prerequisite for precise annotation of gene function, and has become laboratory routine for revealing the mysteries of life. However, cell samples are often from different culture dishes, resulting in inevitable experimental errors and sometimes poor repeatability. AIM To explore a method to improve the efficiency of ENAP, minimizing errors in ENAP processes, enhancing the reliability and repeatability of subsequent experimental results. METHODS A protocol for the sequential isolation of RNA, DNA, and proteins from the same cultured HepG2 cells using RNAzol reagent is presented here. The first step involves culturing HepG2 cells to the exponential phase, followed by the sequential isolation of RNA, DNA, and proteins from the same cultured cells in the second step. The yield of nucleic acids and proteins is detected in the third step, and their purity and integrity are verified in the last step. RESULTS The procedure takes as few as 3-4 d from the start to quality verification and is highly efficient. In contrast to the existing kits and reagents, which are primarily based on independent isolation, this RNAzol reagent-based method is characterized by the sequential isolation of RNA, DNA, and proteins from the same cells, and therefore saves time, and has low cost and high efficiency. CONCLUSION The RNA, DNA, and proteins isolated using this method can be used for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting, respectively.