Methods and reagents for preserving rna in cell and tissue s amples

Abstract

This specification relates to the field of molecular biology and provides novel methods and reagents for preserving and protecting the ribonucleic acid (RNA) content of samples from degradation prior to RNA isolation. This preservation may be accomplished without ultra-low temperature storage or disruption of the tissue.

1 . A composition of matter comprising an intact biological cell infiltrated with ammonium sulfate, cesium sulfate, or a combination thereof, such that RNA of the cell is preserved. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of matter of  claim 1  wherein the composition is a blood sample comprising an intact biological cell infiltrated with ammonium sulfate, cesium sulfate, or a combination thereof, such that RNA of the cell is preserved. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of matter of  claim 1  wherein the composition is a solid tissue sample comprising an intact biological cell infiltrated with ammonium sulfate, cesium sulfate, or a combination thereof, such that RNA of the cell is preserved. 
     
     
         4 . A method of preserving RNA in an intact cell of a biological sample comprising:
 treating the sample with an RNA preservation composition comprising a chelator of divalent cations; a citrate buffer or an acetate buffer; and an ammonium sulfate or cesium sulfate salt at a concentration between 20 g/100 ml and a saturating concentration of the salt, wherein the intact cell remains intact and the RNA in the intact cell is preserved.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the RNA preservation composition comprises ammonium sulfate. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sample is a suspension of cells. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sample is a solid tissue sample. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sample is a blood sample. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sample is a water sample. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the sample comprises a pathogen within a tissue sample or other organism.