An oligodeoxynucleotide primer hybridized to mRNA is extended by an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase to create a cDNA copy that can be amplified by PCR. Depending on the purpose of the experiment, the primer for first-strand cDNA synthesis can be specifically designed to hybridize to a particular target gene, or a general primer such as oligo(dT) can be used to prime cDNA synthesis from essentially all mammalian mRNAs - [Read Amplification of cDNA Generated by Reverse Transcription of mRNA Protocol]
Protocol for cloning genes from a phage library. Includes: Titer and plate out phage; Lift plaques onto filters and prepare them for screening; Make a probe; Hybridize the probe to the filters; Wash the filters and expose to film; Purify putative plaques; Excise plasmid from the desired phage. - [Read Clone Genes From a Phage Library Protocol]
This protocol describes a method for observing and measuring the movement of RNA molecules in the nucleus of living mammalian cells. Caged fluorescein-labeled DNA oligonucleotides are introduced into living mammalian cells, where they demonstrably hybridize to complementary RNA. After site-specific photoactivation at desired sites within the cell, the RNA movements away from those sites are followed and digitally recorded using a rapid acquisition microscopy system. - [Read Photoactivation-Based Labeling and In Vivo Tracking of RNA Molecules in the Nucleus]
Protocol describes the preparation of subtracted cDNA probes by hybridization to an mRNA driver, followed by purification of the single-stranded radiolabeled cDNA by hydroxyapatite chromatography. Before preparing the probe, it is a good idea to have filters (which contain the cDNA library to be screened) ready to hybridize. - [Read Synthesis of Radiolabeled, Subtracted cDNA Probes Using Oligo(dT) as a Primer Protocol]
DNA microarrays are an ordered arrangement of DNA molecules complementary to genes of interest that are "spotted" by robotic equipment onto a glass slide substrate. The expression of genes in cells can be monitored with microarrays by preparing cDNA from the mRNA of cells of interest and measuring the hybridization to the microarray. This protocol describes the labeling of genomic DNA for use as a probe for hybridization to the cDNA spotted on the array.
This Microarray Protocol Preparation of Fluorescent DNA Probes from Human mRNA protocol describes the production of probes labeled with the fluorescent dyes, Cy3 and Cy5, following the synthesis of cDNA from human mRNA and the hybridization of the probes to DNA microarrays.