DNA-free RNA preparations from mycobacteria.
BACKGROUND
To understand mycobacterial pathogenesis analysis of gene expression by quantification of RNA levels becomes increasingly important. However, current preparation methods yield mycobacterial RNA that is contaminated with chromosomal DNA.


RESULTS
After sonication of RNA samples from Mycobacterium smegmatis genomic DNA is efficiently removed by DNaseI in contrast to untreated samples.


CONCLUSIONS
This procedure eliminates one of the most prevalent error sources in quantification of RNA levels in mycobacteria.
Stephan
Joachim
J
Lehrstuhl für Mikrobiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr, 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany. jstephan@biologie.uni-erlangen.de <jstephan@biologie.uni-erlangen.de>
Bail
Johannes G
JG
Titgemeyer
Fritz
F
Niederweis
Michael
M
D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000378:metabolism*; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I / Q000378:metabolism*; D016680:Genome, Bacterial; D020102:Mycobacterium smegmatis / Q000235:genetics*; D012329:RNA, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification*
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D012329:RNA, Bacterial; D003850:Deoxyribonuclease I