Evaluation of Short-Term Hair Follicle Storage Conditions for Maintenance of RNA Integrity

This study evaluated RNA integrity in horse hair follicle samples stored in RNAlater® under different conditions. Samples from four horses were stored at 4°C for 24 hours, then at -20°C (Group A), or at 4°C and 19°C for 7 days before freezing (Groups B and C). RNA concentration and quality showed no significant differences between groups, with ANOVA results indicating P-values of 0.2 and 0.46, respectively. The findings suggest that hair follicles can be stored for one week at cool or room temperature without compromising RNA integrity, allowing for extended transport times without immediate freezing.