Rapid RNA Sequencing Using Double-Stranded Template DNA, SP6 Polymerase, and 3′-Deoxynucleotide Triphosphates

A simple and efficient nucleic acid sequencing method is described in which RNA transcription by the SP6 polymerase is specifically terminated using 3′-deoxynucleotide triphosphates. Initial difficulties in resolving the RNA ladder were overcome by replacing guanosine triphosphate by inosine triphosphate in the reaction mixture and electrophoresing gels at high temperature (50°C). This method presents advantages over current sequencing techniques: Unprocessed plasmid DNA is the template and preparation of inserts and/or single-stranded templates is unnecessary. Use of the specific promoter for SP6 polymerase removes the need for a primer in sequencing reactions.