Isolation of DNA-free RNA from human bone marrow mononuclear cells: comparison of laboratory methods.

RNA quality (purity and integrity) and quantity are of critical importance to ensure reliable gene expression analysis, reproducibility of RNA sequencing and microarray data and validation by RT-PCR. Currently available methods for isolating RNA either are labor intensive (requiring the use of toxic organic solvents and separate DNase treatment) or require automation (with extensive setup and startup costs). To optimize both the quality and quantity of RNA from bone marrow, we recommend stabilization and storage of bone marrow mononuclear cells in RNAprotect Cell Reagent, followed by extraction using the RNeasy Protect Cell Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). This method achieves optimal quantity and high-quality RNA for sequencing and RT-PCR while remaining efficient and cost effective.