Northern blot analysis for detection and quantification of RNA in pancreatic cancer cells and tissues

Investigation of gene expression significantly contributes to our knowledge of the regulation and function of genes in many areas of biology. In this protocol, we describe how northern blot analysis is used to identify gene expression patterns at the RNA level in human cancer cells as well as in cancerous and normal tissues. RNA molecules are separated by gel electrophoresis and are subsequently transferred to a porous membrane by capillary action. Specific sequences in the RNA are detected on the membrane by molecular hybridization with radiolabeled nucleic acid probes. Despite the development of newer methods, such as real-time PCR, nuclease protection assays and microarrays, northern blot analysis is still a standard technique used in the detection and quantification of mRNA levels because it allows a direct comparison of the mRNA abundance between samples on a single membrane. This entire northern blotting protocol takes ∼4 d to complete.