RNA analysis is a significant part of various fields, including genetics and molecular biology, drug development, and medical diagnostics. Laboratories from across the world use RNA research to gather information about gene expression, detect mutations, and create targeted therapies.
However, precise analysis of RNA samples is based on accurate measurement and confirmation of fragments of RNA, something that one may not manage without the appropriate device.
RNA ladders act as molecular rulers, enabling scientists to measure with accuracy the size and integrity of RNA molecules. They assist scientists by providing a standard length for RNA fragment size, and the experiments become accurate and reproducible.
Therefore, with the increasing role of RNA research in medical, biotechnological, and synthetic biology progress, using RNA ladders in laboratory processes is crucial to render them more precise and reliable.
Here are the reasons why you need to have RNA in the lab.
1) Enhancing Gel Electrophoresis Accuracy
One commonly used method for RNA analysis is gel electrophoresis. However, it becomes challenging to interpret when an RNA sample is run without an accompanying reference marker. RNA ladders fill this void by offering a visual and standardized reference for RNA fragment sizes. They enable researchers to identify the molecular weight of unknown RNA samples with precision and ease.
Laboratories performing gene expression research, RNA virus research, or RNA interference experiments extensively use RNA ladders. During the Northern blotting procedure, for instance, an RNA ladder ensures precise band identification and quantification.
Besides, RNA ladders for various research uses are available. There are RNA ladders for small RNA molecules such as microRNAs and others for big RNA fragments. Using the appropriate ladder, laboratories can improve precision and reproducibility for various RNA analysis uses.
2) Quality Control and Reproducibility
Scientific work is built on reproducibility. Unreproducible findings can be the roadblock to further development and believability. RNA ladders aid in experimental reproducibility by offering an invariant standard. When different teams or laboratories test RNA samples, having an RNA ladder to utilize allows for similar findings.
Also, RNA degradation is another overall problem with RNA-based experiments. In the absence of an RNA ladder, it can be hard for scientists to know whether an experiment failed due to RNA degradation or for another reason. When an RNA ladder is added to a gel, scientists are provided with an unmistakable visual indication to distinguish between undegraded RNA and degraded samples. Therefore, it enables quick troubleshooting, saving time and money.
Another significant advantage of RNA ladders is that they can be employed to confirm RNA extraction and purification. Most protocols require the removal of unwanted contaminants and debris. RNA ladders can be employed to confirm the RNA extracted is of the appropriate quality and size, thus making the downstream applications and sequencing reliable. 
3) Applications in Disease Research and Drug Development
RNA research has been central to the understanding of diseases such as cancer, genetic diseases, and virus infections. RNA research helps to identify therapeutic targets and test the efficacy of drugs. RNA ladders ensure the accuracy of the studies so that scientists can analyze RNA profiles reliably and make informed decisions.
For example, RNA ladders have been used in COVID-19 studies to test for the integrity of the RNA virus and enable the development of diagnostic tests and vaccines. Similarly, RNA biomarkers are being studied to detect early diseases and targeted therapies in the context of personalized medicine. RNA ladders in such processes guarantee the precision and reliability of the information.
Additionally, RNA ladders play a vital role to play in biotech and synthetic biology. Both fields rely on the manipulation of RNA for the production of novel therapeutics, vaccines, and gene-editing reagents. It is crucial in such cutting-edge research fields that RNA samples are precisely sized and are of the highest quality.
4) Optimizing Laboratory Efficiency
Efficiency is vital in every laboratory environment. Repeated troubleshooting experiments with unclear results waste precious time and money. RNA ladders make processes more efficient by offering precise size markers, minimizing re-runs and improving result interpretation.
Also, most commercial RNA ladders come in pre-stained or ready-to-use ladders, saving preparation time. This convenience allows researchers to devote more time to analyzing the information and less to troubleshooting technical issues. Labs incorporating RNA ladders into the procedure report greater efficiency and less experimental downtime.
Moreover, RNA ladders enable high-throughput screening in extensive studies. Most research labs today handle hundreds of RNA samples per day. Using an RNA ladder standard, such samples can be treated consistently and accurately with little error and discrepancy.
5) Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Benefits
Some laboratories are unwilling to use RNA ladders due to the cost. However, the cost is worth it because it avoids experiment failure and makes the work more efficient in the long term. It is generally more costly to re-run the experiments because the sizes were incorrectly calculated than it is to use RNA ladders initially.
Additionally, proper storage and bulk purchase can make RNA ladders an economical addition to laboratory procedures. If stored under the appropriate conditions, most RNA ladders can be used for many years, giving consistent performance throughout. Labs with RNA ladders in the standard toolkit generally experience fewer experiment failures and increased overall productivity.
Final Thoughts
Not only is using RNA ladders in laboratory procedures a Best Practice, but it is also necessary for accurate RNA examination. Whether it is gel electrophoresis precision and quality control, disease research, or pharmaceutical discovery, RNA ladders are necessary for providing reliable and reproducible results.
Time-saving, error-preventing RNA ladders are the cornerstone to the overall success of RNA-based research. Research labs looking to fine-tune their protocols should incorporate RNA ladders into the standard arsenal.
