FAQ: Can the Monarch Total RNA Miniprep Kit be used to purify RNA from zebrafish embryos/larvae?

Yes. We recommend stabilizing embryos or larvae in Monarch DNA/RNA Protection Reagent (NEB #T2011), followed by mechanical lysis/homogenization and processing as described below.
 
RNA Purification from Zebrafish Embryos and Larvae:

  1. Add up to 20 embryos or larvae to 300 µl Monarch 1X DNA/RNA Protection Reagent, vortex briefly, and transfer sample to a tube containing beads for homogenization.
  2. Disrupt sample mechanically using a bead homogenizer.
  3. Transfer lysate to an RNase-free microfuge tube.
  4. Add 30 µl Proteinase K Reaction buffer and 15 µl Monarch Proteinsase K, mix briefly, and incubate at 55oC for 5 min.
  5. Vortex briefly and spin for 2 min (16,000 x g) to pellet debris.  Transfer supernatant to an RNase-free microfuge tube.
  6. Add an equal volume of Monarch RNA Lysis Buffer and vortex briefly. Proceed to Step 1 of PART 2: RNA Binding and Elution in the Product Manual.