A customizable approach for selective removal of abundant RNAs enhances the sensitivity of transcript detection across species

A customizable approach for selective removal of abundant RNAs enhances the sensitivity of transcript detection across species

Fiona Stewart, Product Portfolio Manager

The large dynamic range of transcript expression within total RNA presents a challenge to whole-transcriptome sequencing. Highly expressed transcripts with minimal biological interest can dominate readouts, masking detection of more informative lower abundance transcripts. We have developed a customizable approach to enrich for RNAs of interest by eliminating unwanted RNAs. This method is based on hybridization of DNA probes to the targeted RNA and subsequent enzymatic degradation of the selected RNAs. The probe sequences confer specificity and are designed to deplete unwanted RNA from any organism with a user-friendly web tool. Using this tool and method to deplete unwanted RNAs from various species, high depletion efficiency has been achieved for targeted RNAs, while maintaining transcript abundance of non-targeted RNA. Use in combination with high-efficiency library preparation, and UMI-containing index adaptors optimized for RNA workflows, further improves sensitivity and efficiency of RNA-seq.