RNAcore
The RNAcore at the Houston Methodist Research Institute is a leader in RNA synthesis, generating RNA constructs for the scientific and medical communities in the Texas Medical Center and across the world. The RNAcore is supported by the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas. We also work with government, NGO and industry to further the development of cutting-edge RNA technologies.
The RNAcore, as part of the Center for RNA Therapeutics, is on a mission to:
- Perform rigorous research that reveals fundamental insights in RNA biology.
- Translate those new findings into novel RNA-based products.
- Assist other academic groups and small companies in developing their great ideas into transformative RNA therapeutics.
Core Director:
Elisa Morales, MS
Core Program Manager
RNAcore@houstonmethodist.org
713.441.7283
RNA Services
The RNAcore is staffed by experienced scientists who design, synthesize, validate, test and encapsulate high-fidelity RNA. We can provide a wide range of generic or customized RNA molecules for any desired species, with various specified modifications for research and clinical-grade, including:
- mRNA
- modified mRNA (mmRNA)
- self-amplifying RNA
- Long noncoding RNA
- Customized bicistronic constructs
- Constructs with reporter genes
- Lyophilization
Analytical Services
The RNAcore also provides services for assessing the purity, integrity, and identity of in-vitro transcribed RNA, following GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) guidelines. The following assays are provided on a fee-for-service basis:
- Nucleic acid purity and concentration by UV Spectrophotometry
- Nucleic acid integrity by Bioanalyzer/TAPE station (microfluidic electrophoresis)
- Integrity and purity assessment by HPLC
- Impurity assessment of Residual template DNA by qPCR
- Impurity assessment of Residual E. Coli DNA by qPCR
- Endotoxin testing of mRNA samples with the Nexgen-MCS
- Analysis of size, charge, and encapsulation efficiency of lipid nanoparticles
Encapsulation Services
We provide RNA Lipid encapsulation (LNP) services as an integral service from idea to delivery.
We Can Help You Develop, Manufacture, Deliver and Test Novel RNA Therapies
The RNAcore at the Houston Methodist Research Institute recognizes that United States federally funded life sciences entities and funding agencies rely on this attestation before purchasing gene synthesis equipment or products. The RNAcore at the Houston Methodist Research Institute self-attests to its compliance with the US Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening. Should this information change, the RNAcore at the Houston Methodist Research Institute agrees to update this statement.