T3 RNA POLYMERASE

T3 RNA Polymerase can transcribe RNA from cloned DNA templates that are downstream from a T3 promoter. The synthesis can be performed with labeled NTPs to generate highly labeled RNA. Synthesized RNA can be used in many applications, including:

• RNA or DNA blotting techniques
• In situ hybridization
• RNase protection studies: Transcripts synthesized by the enzyme are used as precursor RNA for studies on RNA splicing and processing.
• Synthesis of capped RNA in vitro with addition of m7GpppG or m7GpppA in excess over GTP or ATP during the transcription reaction. The generated antisense RNA can be introduced into cells to suppress the expression of the corresponding genes.

With this enzyme, homogeneously labeled single-stranded RNA can be generated. Transcripts can be nonradioactively labeled with biotin or DIG-11-UTP or radioactively labeled to high specific activity with [α-³²P]- or [α-³⁵S]-labeled nucleotides. T3 RNA polymerase is a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase that is highly specific for its promoter. Only DNA downstream from the T3 promoter will be transcribed.