A simple and efficient method for isolating small RNAs from banana(Musa nana L.)

【Objective】The aim of this study was to provide a simple and efficient method to isolate smallRNAs from banana which is suitable for downstream handling like RT-PCR and northern blot assays.【Methods】Small RNA was extracted from roots,leaves,flowers,and fruits of banana(Musa acuminataL. AAA group,‘Brazilian') by the modified CTAB method with PEG precipitation step.【Results】The re-sults indicated that high quality small RNA was obtained from each tissue. The ratio values of A260/A280 ranged from 1.872-2.020 and the yield of small RNA isolated by our method were more than 35 μg·g-1.To evaluate further the application of small RNA isolated by our method,stem-loop RT-PCR was per-formed for detecting banana conserved mi RNA156 a using small RNA isolated from roots,leaves,flow-ers,and fruits respectively. The expected PCR products(70 bp) were detected on 2.5% agarose gel andwere verified by sequencing.【Conclusion】A simple,quick and efficient small RNA extraction methodwas provided for the purpose of RT-PCR,Northern blotting and library construction assays.