Analysis of nuclear RNA interference in human cells by subcellular fractionation and Argonaute loading

Keith T. Gagnon, Liande Li, Bethany A. Janowski, David R. Corey

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

122 Scopus citations

Abstract

RNAi is well known for its ability to regulate gene expression in the cytoplasm of mammalian cells. In mammalian cell nuclei, however, the impact of RNAi has remained more controversial. A key technical hurdle has been a lack of optimized protocols for the isolation and analysis of cell nuclei. Here we describe a simplified protocol for nuclei isolation from cultured cells that incorporates a method for obtaining nucleoplasmic and chromatin fractions and removing cytoplasmic contamination. Cell fractions can then be used to detect the presence and activity of RNAi factors in the nucleus. We include a method for investigating an early step in RNAi, Argonaute protein loading with small RNAs, which is enabled by our improved extract preparations. This protocol facilitates the characterization of nuclear RNAi, and it can be applied to the analysis of other nuclear proteins and pathways. From cellular fractionation to analysis of Argonaute loading results, this protocol takes 4-6 d to complete.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2045-2060
Number of pages16
JournalNature Protocols
Volume9
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Analysis of nuclear RNA interference in human cells by subcellular fractionation and Argonaute loading'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this