A modified primer extension procedure for specific detection of DNA-RNA hybrids on nylon membranes.

We have developed a modified primer extension procedure for specific detection of mRNA. Alkali-fragmented total cellular RNA or some RNA fraction is hybridized to single-stranded or double-stranded M13 DNA containing the insert of interest which is immobilized on nylon membranes. Hybridized RNA is then detected by incubation of membranes with Escherichia coli RNase H and DNA polymerase I. RNase H is used for nicking the RNA in the hybrids. The resulting 3'-OH groups can subsequently be used by DNA polymerase I to synthesize a labeled complementary strand. The method described is both relatively fast and sensitive and particularly useful for screening large numbers of DNA clones for their representation in RNA populations. Using total cellular RNA as hybridization probe and single-stranded M13 DNA as template as low as 0.25 ng of a specific mRNA was detected (2.5-fold background) when adding 1 microCi [3H]dCTP or 2.5 microCi [32P]d-CTP alternatively as radioactive precursor for the labeling reaction. The detection limit increased to 1 ng (2-fold background) with denatured replicative form double-stranded M13 DNA as template.