Generation of Functional-RNA Arrays by In Vitro Transcription and In Situ RNA Capture for the Detection of RNA-RNA Interactions

Abstract

RNA performs a wide variety of vital cellular functions. These functions typically require interactions with other biological macromolecules, often as part of an intricate communication network. High-throughput techniques capable of analyzing RNA-based interactions are therefore essential. Functional-RNA arrays address this need, providing the capability of performing hundreds of miniature assays in parallel. Here we describe a method to generate functional-RNA arrays using in vitro transcription of a DNA template array and in situ RNA capture. We also suggest how functional-RNA arrays could be applied to investigating RNA-RNA interactions.

Keywords: Binding partner; Functional-RNA; In situ capture; In vitro transcription; Microarray; RNA array; RNA-RNA interactions; Surface immobilization.