A proximity ligation-based method to detect RNA-DNA association

Abstract

We recently developed a method for assessing RNA-DNA interactions using proximity ligation assays (PLA). This technique, termed the “RNA-DNA interaction assay” (RDIA), involves differentially labeling DNA and RNA with EdU and BrU, respectively. Once labeled, PLA is performed to assess if the labeled molecules are in close proximity. Here we provide a detailed description of the modified RDIA protocol utilizing currently commercially available BrdU antibodies. As an example, we show its ability to detect nascent transcripts on recently synthesized DNA in both cultured H1299 cells and mouse embryonic stem cells.