METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR AMPLIFICATION OF RNA SEQUENCES

摘要

The invention provides methods for linear and exponential amplification of RNA. They are particularly suitable for amplifying a plurality of RNA species in a sample. The methods are based on hybridization of polynucleotide comprising a propromoter sequence to a primer extension product to generate an intermediate polynucleotide capable of driving transcription, whereby multiple copies of RNA products comprising sequences complementary to an RNA sequence of interest are generated. The methods are useful for preparation of nucleic acid libraries and substrates for analysis of gene expression of cells in biological samples. The invention also provides compositions and kits for practicing the amplification methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.