TU-tagging: cell type-specific RNA isolation from intact complex tissues

Nat Methods. 2009 Jun;6(6):439-41. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.1329. Epub 2009 May 10.

Abstract

We found that the combination of spatially restricted uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (UPRT) expression with 4-thiouracil delivery can be used to label and purify cell type-specific RNA from intact complex tissues in Drosophila melanogaster. This method is useful for isolating RNA from cell types that are difficult to isolate by dissection or dissociation methods and should work in many organisms, including mammals and other vertebrates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Drosophila melanogaster / chemistry
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Pentosyltransferases / chemistry*
  • RNA / genetics*
  • RNA / isolation & purification*
  • Specimen Handling / methods
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Thiouracil / analogs & derivatives*
  • Thiouracil / chemistry
  • Tissue Extracts / chemistry*
  • Tissue Extracts / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Tissue Extracts
  • 4-thiouracil
  • Thiouracil
  • RNA
  • Pentosyltransferases
  • uracil phosphoribosyltransferase