RNA Sequencing
About RNA Sequencing
Where RNA Meets Revolutionary Research
RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a method used to determine the sequence and quantity of RNA present in a sample, providing insight into gene expression, alternative splicing, and non-coding RNA functions. It is essential for understanding various biological processes, including disease mechanisms, gene regulation, and cellular responses.
RNA Sequencing Approaches
| Sequencing Approach | Description | Sequencing Platform | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Transcriptome (Total RNA) Sequencing | Sequencing of all RNA molecules in a sample, including mRNA and non-coding RNA. Captures and quantifies all RNA transcripts, both coding and long non-coding RNAs. | Illumina NovaSeq 6000/ NovaSeq X Plus | Gene expression profiling, discovery of novel RNAs, transcriptome analysis |
| mRNA Sequencing (mRNA-Seq) | Focuses on sequencing messenger RNA to study gene expression and alternative splicing. Targets polyadenylated (poly-A) transcripts for precise gene expression analysis. | Illumina NovaSeq 6000/ NovaSeq X | Quantifying gene expression, alternative splicing, transcript discovery |
| Small RNA Sequencing (sRNA-Seq) | Detects and sequences small RNA species, such as microRNA (miRNA) and piRNA, in a sample. Analyzes small non-coding RNAs under 200 nucleotides in length. | Illumina MiSeq, Nextseq 550 | miRNA profiling, regulatory RNA studies, biomarker discovery |
| Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) Sequencing | Focuses on sequencing long non-coding RNAs, which play crucial roles in gene regulation. Identifies RNA molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that do not code for proteins. | Illumina NovaSeq 6000/ NovaSeq X | Gene regulation, disease mechanisms, novel lncRNA discovery |
| Metatranscriptomics | Sequencing of RNA from microbial communities to understand gene expression in environmental samples. Examines active gene expression in entire microbial ecosystems. | Illumina NovaSeq 6000/ NovaSeq X | Microbial community analysis, environmental and ecological research |
| Degradome Sequencing | Targets and sequences degraded RNA to study RNA degradation processes and associated regulatory mechanisms. Also called Parallel Analysis of RNA Ends (PARE). | Illumina NovaSeq 6000/ NovaSeq X | RNA stability, degradation pathway analysis, regulation of RNA turnover |
| Isoform Sequencing (Iso-Seq) | Uses long-read sequencing to capture full-length RNA isoforms, providing insights into alternative splicing. Leverages PacBio's SMRT sequencing technology for detailed transcript analysis. | PacBio SMRT, Oxford Nanopore | Full-length transcript analysis, isoform discovery, gene expression |
| Circular RNA Sequencing | Focuses on the identification and sequencing of circular RNAs, which are implicated in gene regulation and disease. Analyzes non-coding circular RNAs formed through back-splicing events. | Illumina NovaSeq 6000/ NovaSeq X | Circular RNA discovery, gene regulation, disease studies |
| Single-Cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-Seq) | Analyzes RNA from individual cells to investigate cellular heterogeneity and gene expression at the single-cell level. Explores transcriptomic diversity within complex tissues. | 10X Genomics Chromium System followed by Illumina Sequencer | Single-cell gene expression, cellular diversity, rare cell analysis |