Hercules, CA — October 26, 2009 — Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIOb), a multinational manufacturer and distributor of life science research and clinical diagnostic products, today announced the availability of its iScript RT-qPCR sample preparation reagent for rapid isolation of total RNA, enabling reverse transcription and real-time PCR to be performed directly from cell lysates.
Scientists can use the protocol to efficiently remove genomic DNA and stabilize RNA in as little as five minutes.
"We designed iScript RT-qPCR sample preparation reagent to meet the needs of researchers performing high-throughput gene expression analysis, gene silencing or RNAi, and microarray validation," said Viresh Patel, Senior Product Manager, PCR Reagents, Bio-Rad Laboratories.
Conventional RNA purification methods, such as organic extraction or column-based methods that include salting out or the use of magnetic particles, require numerous steps to purify RNA without contaminating genomic DNA and can take at least 30 minutes to complete. iScript RT-qPCR sample preparation reagent employs selective lysis of the cell membrane, leaving the nuclear membrane intact to achieve DNA-free RNA within five to 10 minutes.
The single buffer formulation contains all the components needed to perform cell lysis, RNA stabilization, and genomic DNA removal for sensitive, quantitative gene expression analysis. It offers sensitive detection of high-, medium-, and low-copy gene targets directly from cell lysates. It also enables multiplex real-time detection of up to four targets from as few as 10 cells.
"The cost of RNA sample preparation has remained quite high, relative to the cost of performing reverse transcription and quantitative PCR," said Patel. "This reagent provides a more affordable option for researchers looking to complete sensitive, high-throughput gene expression analysis."
Upon exposure of cells to iScript RT-qPCR sample preparation reagent, cell disruption and lysis occurs in approximately 30 seconds with the aid of mild vortexing. The reagent also stabilizes RNA and effectively inhibits intracellular ribonucleases (RNases). A short two-minute high-speed centrifugation yields total RNA that can be collected in the supernatant while the nuclei containing genomic DNA form a pellet and can be discarded. The resulting RNA preparation is ready for use, without further treatment, in subsequent reverse transcription and PCR/qPCR.
RNA isolated with the iScript RT-qPCR sample preparation reagent is stable for up to six months when stored at –20°C. The reagent is compatible with multiple PCR reagents already being used by researchers. For more information please visit www.bio-rad.com/reversetranscription.
About Bio-Rad
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO and BIOb), has remained at the center of scientific discovery for more than 50 years, manufacturing and distributing a broad range of products for the life science research and clinical diagnostic markets. Bio-Rad is renowned worldwide among hospitals, universities, major research institutions, as well as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies for its commitment to quality and customer service. Founded in 1952, Bio-Rad is headquartered in Hercules, California, and serves more than 85,000 research and industry customers worldwide through its global network of operations. The company employs over 6,500 people globally and had revenues exceeding $1.7 billion in 2008. For more information, visit www.bio-rad.com.
This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "intend," "estimate," "continue," or similar expressions or the negative of those terms or expressions. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. For further information regarding the Company's risks and uncertainties, please refer to the "Risk Factors" in the Company's public reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect an analysis only and speak only as of the date hereof. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
For more information contact:
Viresh Patel, Ph.D.
Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
510-741-6605
viresh_patel@bio-rad.com