The major recent advances in our understanding of the regulation of gene transcription have stemmed largely from our ability to quantify and characterize mRNA. This book describes the methods used for the analysis of RNA, for DNA transfection into mammalian cells, and reporter technology for mapping transcription control elements. Other techniques used in cloning and characterizing transcription factors and in detailed analysis of regulatory sequences are provided in the companion volume to this book, Gene Transcription: DNA Binding Proteins. The Essential Techniques Series books are designed to provide you with immediate access to the protocols you require every day. These handy pocket-sized manuals are easy to carry around, and conveniently spiral bound making them ideal for lab bench work. Written by experienced laboratory researchers, each book in the Essential Techniques Series gives up-to-date, tried and tested practical information for the life scientist. For each key technique these books:
- introduce the most commonly used methods,
- explain the advantages and disadvantages of the methods, and give advice on which procedure to use,
- provide easy to follow step-by-step protocols, with experimental notes and tips on where to pause, plus information on safety and suppliers.
