I want to store the bacterial cells for future analysis with no change in gene expression
If you've just frozen them down for future RNA analysis (i.e. you don't care if they retain any viability) then I would store them at -80. RNA is...not the world's most stable molecule, and does degrade slowly (but steadily) when stored at -20. Ok, it degrades slowly but steadily at -80, too, but orders of magnitude more slowly.
Basically, always store RNA at -80.
If you haven't frozen them down yet, resuspend them in TRIzol first, then freeze at -80. Cells dissolved in TRIzol (and then frozen) will give better quality RNA than cells frozen (and then defrosted and dissolved in TRIzol).
Bacterial cells can be stored at -20°C using a 40-50% glycerol solution. You can revive the cells by culturing the stored sample in LB medium at any point and extract RNA or use it for any other purpose..
Hope I got your question right..
If you've just frozen them down for future RNA analysis (i.e. you don't care if they retain any viability) then I would store them at -80. RNA is...not the world's most stable molecule, and does degrade slowly (but steadily) when stored at -20. Ok, it degrades slowly but steadily at -80, too, but orders of magnitude more slowly.
Basically, always store RNA at -80.
If you haven't frozen them down yet, resuspend them in TRIzol first, then freeze at -80. Cells dissolved in TRIzol (and then frozen) will give better quality RNA than cells frozen (and then defrosted and dissolved in TRIzol).
I agree with Mr. John. TRIzol would be a better reagent to store.
- You can also use guanidine solution (contains RNase inhibitors) for storage followed by TRIzol extraction.
- RNALater reagent is also a very good option.
Good luck!
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