A Modified In Vitro Transcription Approach to Improve RNA Synthesis and Ribozyme Cleavage Efficiency

RNA elements such as catalytic RNA, riboswitch, microRNA, and long non-coding RNA perform a major role in cellular processes. A complete understanding of cellular processes is impossible without knowing the structure-function relationship of participating RNA molecules that ultimately requires large quantities of pure RNAs. Thus, structural/functional analyses of emerging RNAs necessitate revised protocols for improved RNA quantity and quality. Here we present a modified in vitro transcription protocol to enhance ribozyme cleaving efficiency and RNA yield by working on two variables, i.e., incubation temperature and limiting GTPs. Following an improved RNA synthesis, the target RNA is purified from transcription mixture components through denaturing size-exclusion chromatography. The protocol confirms that cyclic elevated incubation temperatures during transcription and increased concentrations of GTPs improve the production rate of RNA. Our modified in vitro transcription method improves the ribozyme cleaving efficiency and targets RNA yield by four- to fivefold that can benefit almost any RNA-related study from protein-RNA interaction analysis to crystallography.