Northern Hybridization: A Proficient Method for Detection of Small RNAs and MicroRNAs

The significance of small RNAs, being an important part of the cellular machinery, is undeniable. Several techniques have been employed for detection of specific small RNAs. Among these techniques northern hybridization is the most popular due to its universal application to RNAs of various sizes. The general procedure involves separation of denatured RNA through gel electrophoresis and subsequent transfer and fixing to a membrane. RNA on the membrane is then detected using suitable labelled oligo-probes. Here we describe a method for detection of specific small RNAs, from an RNA pool, using sequence homology based oligonucleotide DNA or RNA probes.