Nucleic acid affinity chromatography: preparation and characterization of double-stranded RNA agarose.

An improved method for the preparation of a double-stranded RNA-coupled resin is described. Periodate-oxidized double-stranded RNA, in the form of either purified reovirus double-stranded RNA or poly(rl). poly(rC), was covalently attached to agarose-adipic acid hydrazide. The resulting affinity resin had increased specificity for known double-stranded RNA binding proteins, as compared to a similar commercially available resin. The application of this resin in the purification and characterization of double-stranded RNA binding proteins is described.