Overview - What is small RNA-Seq?
Small RNA sequencing is used for small RNA profiling across the entire transcriptome, as well as for discovery and analysis of novel microRNA (miRNA) and miRNA isoforms (isomiRs). Small RNA sequencing is an RNA-Seq approach that targets small RNAs as input material. These noncoding small RNAs include important regulatory elements like miRNA, siRNA and piRNA. Small RNAs are involved in cellular processes like RNA-mediated epigenetic regulation of gene expression, cell development, differentiation and apoptosis. miRNAs in particular are well-studied modulators of protein expression through post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. As abnormal miRNA mechanisms have been strongly linked to diseases such as cancer, miRNA-Seq is a tool with considerable diagnostic and prognostic potential.
Applications - What are the advantages of small RNA-Seq?
- A next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach to small RNA profiling provides key advantages such as:
- A profile of all small RNAs and miRNAs in the transcriptome
- Analysis of all small noncoding RNAs without prior sequence information
- Identification of novel small RNAs
- Characterisation of miRNA isoforms and their effects on gene expression
- Tissue-specific differential expression analysis of small RNAs
- Discovery of novel biomarkers (miRNA discovery) for cancer, other diseases
Workflow - Methods & technologies for small RNA-Seq
Unlike mRNA sequencing and whole RNA sequencing, small RNA sequencing enriches only RNAs and miRNAs with shorter nucleotide lengths. The small RNA targets are enriched through size selection using size-exclusion gels or commercially developed kits. Once the small RNA is isolated, linkers are added to the ends and the RNA is purified. This RNA is reverse transcribed into cDNA that is then treated according to standard RNA-Seq procedures.
Scientific expertise: RNA-Seq
To support the increased research interest in small noncoding RNA, Eurofins Genomics has developed specialised workflows dedicated to small RNA sequencing. With our highly-optimised method for NGS of small RNA and microRNA, Eurofins Genomics provides a simple and accurate approach to discovering and profiling RNA of smaller sizes.
Products related to small RNA sequencing
Would you like to enhance your research on small RNA with next-generation sequencing? Eurofins Genomics offers small RNA sequencing, for novel miRNA and isomiRs discovery, small RNA profiling and extensive analysis of post-transcriptional regulation. Benefit from the simplicity and reliability of a full-service package that offers RNA isolation and size selection, library preparation, sequencing on state-of-the-art Illumina platforms and expert BioIT data analysis.
See how our INVIEW Transcriptome product s can help advance your transcriptome project or contact our Contact our Customer Care for more information.
Did you know that Eurofins Genomics has a comprehensive product portfolio that includes optimised DNA and RNA oligonucleotides, such as PCR primer, sequencing primer, and cloning oligos?