Nuclear extraction buffer (high-salt, buffer C) recipe

Base: 1 L · Updated 2026-10-01

Extracts nuclear proteins from the nuclear pellet with high salt: 20 mM HEPES pH 7.9, 420 mM NaCl, 1.5 mM MgCl₂, 0.2 mM EDTA, 25% glycerol.

🧮 Volume calculator
ComponentAmount Final concentration (1X)
1 M HEPES-KOH (pH 7.9)200 µL20 mM
5 M NaCl840 µL420 mM
1 M MgCl₂15 µL1.5 mM
0.5 M EDTA4 µL0.2 mM
Glycerol2.5 mL25%
1 M DTT (add fresh)5 µL0.5 mM
Water (distilled)to final volume

Steps

  1. Mix everything except DTT with water and store at 4 °C.
  2. Add DTT and protease inhibitors just before use.
  3. Resuspend the nuclear pellet and keep on ice for 30 min with occasional vortexing.
  4. Spin at maximum speed for 10–15 min; the supernatant is the nuclear extract.

FAQ

Is it suitable for EMSA?

Yes — this Dignam-type method was designed for transcription-factor binding assays such as EMSA; dialyse to lower the salt if needed.

This is a widely used standard composition. Amounts depend on the hydrate form and purity of your reagents — check the formula weight (FW) on the bottle and follow your institution's safety rules and the manufacturers' instructions.