The most well characterized cell-free system for in vitro transcription of eukaryotic genes is derived from HeLa cell nuclei. HeLa nuclear extracts can support accurate transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II and exhibit both basal and regulated patterns of transcription. These nuclear extracts also are a source of a variety of transcription factors, DNA-binding proteins and the enzymatic machinery involved in RNA processing.
The HeLaScribe® Nuclear Extract included in this system is prepared by a modification of the method of Dignam et al. (Nucl. Acids Res.11, 1475). The system includes all of the necessary components for in vitro transcription as well as a positive control template (CMV immediate early promoter DNA).