Skeletal Muscle RNA Extraction in Preparation for RT-PCR

Extraction of high quality RNA is paramount to successful RT-PCR, and here, a method proven optimal for skeletal muscle is described. While this method described is for use with skeletal muscle, it could be suitable for other types of mammalian tissue also. This method describes an approach to extract high quality RNA with minimal degradation and the subsequent analysis of that RNA in preparation for RT-PCR. Two separate methods of RNA quantification and analysis are described in this chapter and regardless of the method chosen for quantitation and analysis, it is imperative that the integrity of the sample be established before proceeding to RT-PCR.