Abstract
Research on bone diseases often requires investigation of bone gene expression. Isolating high-quality RNA is essential to obtain reliable and accurate gene expression data. In an effort to analyze the expression of genes related to osteoporosis in rat bones, we developed an improved method for extraction of high-quality RNA without the need for liquid nitrogen or specialized equipment. This method involved transitioning frozen bone tissues to a more pliable state with RNAlater ice and pulverization of the samples with a simple homogenizer, followed by a phenol-chloroform-based RNA extraction. Spectrophotometric analysis indicated high purity of the isolated RNA. Electrophoresis on agarose gel revealed two well-defined ribosomal RNA bands. Herein, we present a method that consistently yields RNA of high purity and integrity from rat bone.