PCR Biosystems launches standalone RNase Inhibitor

Published: 9-Sep-2020

While it has previously been a component of several PCR Biosystems kits, the RNase inhibitor is now available as a standalone product

PCR Biosystems has launched the RiboShield RNase Inhibitor, a recombinant protein that blocks the activity of a range of ribonucleases to protect RNA from RNase digestion. Its designed for use in a variety of RNA-sensitive applications including RNA purification, cDNA synthesis, RT-PCR, RNA sequencing, and in-situ hybridization. With such techniques, the presence of even small amounts of RNase can be highly detrimental to RNA quality and experimental outcome.

The inhibitor also complements PCR Biosystems’s range of products to support COVID-19 research and testing. One application for the inhibitor is in saliva-based testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2, currently gaining popularity owing to the ease of collecting samples as opposed to the standard nasopharyngeal swab. While the sample is simple to obtain, the digestive enzymes present in saliva make for a hostile environment for RNA. Using an RNase inhibitor is essential to provide adequate RNA protection and generate accurate test results.

Alex Wilson, co-founder of PCR Biosystems said, "We’re pleased to introduce the highly effective RiboShield RNase Inhibitor from our kits as a standalone product. As PCR specialists, we are committed to developing products that meet the exact needs of our customers, which is particularly important in the rapidly evolving diagnostics field. All PCR Biosystems products are designed to reach our high quality standards and we are confident that scientists can switch from other RNase inhibitors to RiboShield without seeing any negative impact on RNA integrity.”

RiboShield RNase Inhibitor performs under various reaction conditions and can inhibit RNases at temperatures up to 65°C for 30 minutes. The molecule binds noncovalently at a ratio of 1:1 to inhibit the activity of a range of ribonucleases, including eukaryotic RNases of the neutral type (RNases A, B and C).

The inhibitor does not hinder other enzymes, such as reverse transcriptases, RNA polymerases or Taq DNA polymerase, making it compatible with many enzymatic reactions that utilise RNA. In addition, the very rapid kinetics of association to RNases guarantees immediate protection of RNA. The inhibitor protein is purified from a strain of Pichia pastoris that expresses a modified human placental gene.

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