For preparation of pure nuclei and fragile nuclei from cell lines and solid tissues.

The protocol incorporates centrifugation through a dense sucrose cushion to protect nuclei and strip away cytoplasmic contaminants. High yield has been obtained from common cell lines (Jurkat, HFN7.1, COS7, HEK293 and MDCK) and tissues (spleen and liver). These preparations are suitable for many cell biology applications, e.g., as a source of nuclear components such as chromatin, genomic DNA, histones, and nuclear RNA/RNP, produces nuclei for in vitro apoptosis assays, and functional studies such as examination of the transcriptional status of cells.

The protocol incorporates centrifugation through a dense sucrose cushion to protect nuclei and strip away cytoplasmic contaminants. The sucrose concentration that is suitable for a particular cell type is determined empirically by the user. The sucrose concentrate and sucrose cushion buffer give the user flexibility to modify the density of the sucrose cushion as appropriate. High yield has been obtained from common cell lines (Jurkat, HFN7.1, COS7, HEK293 and MDCK) and tissues (spleen and liver). These preparations are suitable for many cell biology applications, e.g., as a source of nuclear components such as chromatin, genomic DNA, histones, and nuclear RNA/RNP, produces nuclei for in vitro apoptosis assays, and functional studies such as examination of the transcriptional status of cells.