Innovations for Preservation of RNA for Studying Gene Expression

In previous work, we used high salts to preserve RNA in tissues, but these solutions are toxic. We selected less toxic compounds to prepare solutions that preserve intact tissues, including their RNA and DNA, at high quality. We hypothesized that a solution containing a balanced salt, DMSO, and a polyanion can preserve intact RNA for later study and analysis of gene expression with the same quality as a high salt solution. Tissue samples were stored for ten months due to unplanned events (COVID-19) in solutions containing balanced salt, DMSO, and polyanions. After storage, the samples were extracted by homogenization of tissues in Trizol (the standard for extractions). Nucleic acid samples were analyzed for purity and yield. The integrity (size) of the RNA isolated was tested through agarose gel electrophoresis. We concluded that our solutions were successful in preserving RNA, but the Trizol extraction process was problematic when analyzing the results.