An optimized method for extraction of RNA from tea roots for functional genomics analysis

Extraction of quality RNA is a prerequisite for downstream application in functional genomics analysis. However, extraction of high-quality RNA from tissues containing higher amount of polyphenol and secondary metabolites is quite difficult using conventional methods. This problem was also encountered in the isolation of RNA from root tissues of tea plant [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze]. Here, we describe a cost-effective and rapid RNA extraction method from tea roots based on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). This optimized RNA extraction method can be completed within 1 h. Composition of extraction buffer, precipitation and purification was found to be critical for isolation of quality RNA from tea roots. The isolated RNA using the pesent protocol was successfully used for constructing a cDNA library and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in gene expression studies.