Total RNA was isolated from human leukocytes (monocytes, granulocytes)
, various cell lines (COS-7, Mono Mac-6, L-132, HaCaT, EA.hy926, HL-60
), and fungal mycelium by a rapid two-step method. Cells were lysed wi
th NaDodSO(4) in a citric acid-containing buffer. This procedure was s
ucceeded by salt precipitation to remove contaminating DNA and protein
and a final alcohol precipitation of RNA. Isolated RNA was of high qu
ality, with a reasonable yield and little or no protein or DNA contami
nation. We present here a fast method for preparing RNA particularly f
rom cell lines, which limits the use of toxic compounds.