Thermo Scientific™ Invitrogen™ SuperScript™ III First-Strand Synthesis System

The SuperScript™ III First-Strand Synthesis System by Invitrogen™ is a complete and optimized solution for synthesizing first-strand cDNA from RNA templates. Designed to deliver high efficiency, specificity, and full-length cDNA synthesis, this kit is ideal for both routine and challenging RT-PCR applications. It features the SuperScript III Reverse Transcriptase, an engineered version of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (M-MLV) RT, modified to exhibit reduced RNase H activity and superior thermal stability—ensuring more robust performance, even with complex RNA templates.

This system is compatible with a wide range of RNA inputs (1 pg to 5 µg), and supports detection of RNA targets ranging from 100 bp to >12 kb. It includes both oligo(dT) and random hexamer primers, allowing flexibility for targeting mRNA or total RNA. A control RNA and primer pair are also provided for validation of reverse transcription performance.

Key Features & Benefits

• ✅ Enhanced Thermal Stability – Active at 42–55°C, improving transcription through RNA secondary structures and enabling higher specificity.
• ✅ Broad RNA Compatibility – Supports total RNA and poly(A)+ RNA across a broad range of input amounts.
• ✅ High Yield & Full-Length cDNA – Optimized for maximum transcript length and quality.
• ✅ Reduced RNase H Activity – Preserves RNA integrity during reverse transcription for accurate cDNA synthesis.
• ✅ Flexible Priming Strategies – Compatible with oligo(dT), random hexamers, or gene-specific primers.
• ✅ Complete Kit Convenience – Contains all essential components for first-strand synthesis, including controls and RNase inhibitors.
• ✅ Optimized for Downstream Applications – Compatible with high-fidelity and high-specificity PCR enzymes for robust second-strand amplification.

Applications

• Gene expression profiling
• Detection of rare transcripts
• RT-PCR and real-time qPCR (quantitative PCR)
• First-strand cDNA synthesis from total RNA or poly(A)+ RNA
• Template preparation for cloning and sequencing
• Studies involving GC-rich or long RNA sequences

Technical Specifications

Kit Components

• SuperScript III Reverse Transcriptase (50 µL, 200 U/µL)
• RNaseOUT™ RNase Inhibitor (100 µL, 40 U/µL)
• 10X RT Buffer (1 mL)
• DTT (250 µL, 0.1 M)
• MgCl₂ (500 µL, 25 mM)
• dNTP Mix (250 µL, 10 mM)
• Oligo(dT)20 Primer (50 µL, 50 µM)
• Random Hexamers (250 µL, 50 ng/µL)
• E. coli RNase H (50 µL, 2 U/µL)
• DEPC-Treated Water (1.2 mL)
• HeLa Total RNA (20 µL, 10 ng/µL)
• Control Sense Primer (25 µL, 10 µM)
• Control Antisense Primer (25 µL, 10 µM)

Recommended Companion Products

The SuperScript™ III First-Strand Synthesis System stands as a robust and trusted choice for researchers seeking high-quality, full-length cDNA from diverse RNA sources. Its superior enzyme stability, reduced RNase H activity, and compatibility with a broad range of PCR polymerases make it particularly valuable in applications requiring high sensitivity, specificity, and reliability. Whether working with degraded RNA, GC-rich templates, or low-abundance transcripts, this kit provides the performance and flexibility necessary for confident and reproducible cDNA synthesis.