What is T7 RNA Polymerase and How Does It Work?
T7 RNA Polymerase is a DNA-dependent enzyme widely used in molecular biology for in vitro transcription of RNA from DNA templates containing a T7 promoter. This enzyme recognizes the specific T7 promoter sequence and efficiently synthesizes RNA with high yield and precision, making it a fundamental tool in RNA production workflows such as mRNA synthesis, probe generation, or RNA structure-function studies.
In transcription reactions, the enzyme catalyzes the incorporation of ribonucleotides (NTPs) into RNA strands, using linearized plasmids or PCR products as templates. Because of its selectivity and robustness, T7 RNA Polymerase is the preferred choice for researchers seeking reproducible, high-fidelity RNA synthesis.
Furthermore, Canvax T7 RNA Polymerase offers an easy transition from research to clinical development, as its specifications and manufacturing principles are equivalent to those of GMP-grade T7 RNA Polymerases used in regulated environments. This ensures that early-stage discoveries can be smoothly scaled or translated into later-phase applications without compromising performance or quality.
Key Advantages of Canvax T7 RNA Polymerase
Canvax T7 RNA Polymerase stands out for its superior purity, reproducibility, and European manufacturing standards. Developed and produced at Canvax’s facilities in Spain, this enzyme offers an exceptional combination of quality and consistency for every in vitro transcription workflow.
Main benefits include:
- European manufacturing: produced in Spain under ISO 13485 and cGMP principles, ensuring full traceability and regulatory compliance.
- RNase-free, DNase-free and host DNA-free: each lot is certified RNase-free, DNase-free, and strictly controlled to avoid residual host DNA during purification — a key factor for sensitive RNA applications and a common concern among researchers.
- Endotoxin- and bioburden-controlled: each batch is tested to ensure extremely low endotoxin levels and bioburden, reinforcing quality and product consistency.
- High yield and activity: delivers reliable performance for both research and industrial applications.
- Broad template compatibility: ideal for linearized plasmids, PCR products, and other DNA templates containing a T7 promoter.
- Reproducible results: consistent activity from batch to batch for standardized outcomes.
In Canvax’s internal performance tests, this enzyme demonstrated excellent stability and strong transcription yields even under challenging reaction conditions, confirming its robustness and reliability. Additionally, independent studies have shown that it generates full-length mRNA with integrity profiles comparable to leading competitors, with dsRNA levels within the same low range, ensuring high-quality RNA suitable for demanding in vitro and preclinical workflows.
Applications in RNA Synthesis and Molecular Biology
T7 RNA Polymerase is an essential enzyme for laboratories engaged in RNA-based research and production. Its versatility makes it suitable for multiple workflows, including:
- In vitro transcription of RNA probes or controls for hybridization assays.
- mRNA synthesis for translation studies and functional assays.
- Generation of RNA standards for qPCR and RT-PCR.
- Production of short interfering RNAs (siRNA) and other functional RNA molecules.
Researchers value this enzyme for its high performance and purity, ensuring that downstream applications — from analytical assays to advanced RNA therapeutics research — are not compromised by contaminants or variable activity.
How to Achieve Optimal In Vitro Transcription Results
To obtain the best results with Canvax T7 RNA Polymerase:
- Use a DNA template containing a T7 promoter.
- Maintain RNase-free conditions throughout the workflow.
- Optimize NTP concentration and incubation temperature (37 °C) for maximum yield.
- Purify the resulting RNA using reliable cleanup methods to remove unincorporated NTPs and DNA templates.
These guidelines, together with the enzyme’s high stability, ensure consistent, high-yield transcription reactions suitable for demanding experimental setups.
Technical Specifications and Quality Standards
- Form: Recombinant enzyme
- Activity: Optimized for in vitro transcription reactions
- Purity: ≥ 95 % (SDS-PAGE)
- DNase/RNase free: Yes, certified RNase- and DNase-free
- Host DNA-free: Residual host DNA minimized through controlled purification
- Endotoxin- and bioburden-controlled: Each lot tested and certified for low endotoxin and bioburden levels
- Storage: −20 °C
- Quality control: Manufactured under ISO 13485 and cGMP principles, each lot is certified RNase-free, DNase-free, host DNA-free, and endotoxin-/bioburden-controlled
Each batch of T7 RNA Polymerase undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee stability, reproducibility, and compliance with Canvax’s European manufacturing standards.
Frequently Asked Questions about T7 RNA Polymerase
What is the main function of T7 RNA Polymerase?
It catalyzes the transcription of RNA from DNA templates containing a T7 promoter.
Why choose a European-made enzyme?
European manufacturing ensures strict quality control, full traceability, and support directly from the production site — minimizing supply risks and guaranteeing compliance with EU regulations.
Is Canvax T7 RNA Polymerase suitable for mRNA synthesis?
Yes. Its purity and performance make it ideal for mRNA production and other RNA-based workflows, generating full-length transcripts with integrity and dsRNA levels on par with leading alternatives.
Why Choose Canvax for Your Enzymes and Reagents
As a European manufacturer of high-quality enzymes, buffers, and molecular biology reagents, Canvax offers reliable solutions for laboratories worldwide.
Our T7 RNA Polymerase exemplifies our commitment to performance, reproducibility, and trust — key elements that accelerate scientific discoveries.
