RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq)
RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a highly effective method for studying the transcriptome qualitatively and quantitatively. It can identify the full catalog of transcripts, precisely define gene structures, and accurately measure gene expression levels.
Our RNA-Seq services provide unparalleled flexibility in analyzing different RNA species, including coding, non-coding, and small transcripts, from a wide range of starting material using long- or short-read sequencing. Various RNA-Seq service options are available, including total, small, and single-cell RNA-Seq with RNA-Seq data analysis from a wide range of starting materials using short- or long-read sequencing.
For RNA-Seq experiments using FFPE tissue or other low-quality samples, submit an inquiry about our highly-sensitive RNA exome solution.
RNA Extraction & Library Preparation
Having performed over 220,000 sample extractions, our experienced scientists can extract RNA from over 30 standard and hundreds of custom samples types to ensure RNA integrity and quality.
We also offer several library preparation protocols tailored to meet your project requirements. In addition to standard and stranded poly(A) selection methods, we offer rRNA depletion for FFPE, poor-quality, and ultra-low input samples containing as few as 10pg of RNA or just a few cells. We also offer optional controls such as unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) and ERCC (External RNA Controls Consortium) RNA spike-ins to improve RNA-Seq data quality and quantification accuracy.
RNA Sequencing Services
Single-Cell RNA-Seq
Single-cell RNA sequencing analyzes gene expression at single-cell resolution for heterogeneous samples. The 10x Genomics® Chromium™ platform provides advanced transcriptional profiling of thousands of individual cells.
Standard RNA-Seq
Standard RNA sequencing is our most popular option for profiling gene expression, enabling the analysis of coding (mRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA).
CLIA RNA-Seq
RNA-Seq services performed in a CAP/CLIA laboratory for clinical applications. Custom CLIA validations for specific assays.
Find the right NGS solution for your project using our interactive selection tool.
Features & Benefits
Highly Scalable
Submit one to hundreds of samples
Flexible Data Amounts
Starting at 10M paired end reads
Latest Platforms
Illumina® NovaSeq™ delivers the highest throughput
European Provider
Sequencing available at our lab in Leipzig, Germany
Transcriptomics Technical Resources
Technical Specifications
Example Data
Sample Submission Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
GENEWIZ Citations
eBook | A Guide to RNA-Seq
There are multiple factors to consider when selecting which RNA-Seq technique is the right
approach for
your project. In this eBook, discover the what, why, and how of RNA-Seq, the most common types
of assays
and platforms, and uncover insights into how to select the best method to achieve optimal
results for
your research.
Quick Start Guide | Exploring Bioinformatics for Genome and Transcriptome Sequencing Data
For those new to bioinformatics, analyzing massive amounts of NGS data can be a daunting task.
Download
Azenta’s bioinformatics quick start guide to learn how to analyze whole genome sequencing (WGS)
and RNA
sequencing (RNA-Seq) data with bioinformatics tools to reveal biological insights for your
research.
Webinar Series | Advancing Transcriptomics: Gene Expression Screening, Single-Cell RNA-Seq, and Beyond
With this two-part webinar series, go beyond traditional transcriptomics and learn about the
various NGS
approaches available for gene expression analysis. In part 1, we take an in-depth look at
various gene
expression approaches, including RNA-Seq, single-cell RNA-Seq, digital spatial profiling, and
more. In
part 2, we explore the data generated from these approaches and how they can complement each
other and
confirm findings.
RNA-Seq Bioinformatics Workshop & Roundtable Discussion
RNA-Seq bioinformatics can be complex and difficult to decipher. To help make it more
approachable, this
workshop and roundtable discussion, led by Azenta Life Sciences’ bioinformatics manager Brian
Sereni,
explores the bioinformatics pipeline, explains NGS results, and addresses common challenges and
FAQs for
RNA-Seq bioinformatics analysis.
Webinar | Non-Classical Sources of Tumour-Specific Antigen in Checkpoint Inhibitor Response
Developing immunotherapies for cancer can be difficult due to the variation of immune response
from
patient to patient. In this webinar, Dr. Litchfield from UCL Cancer Institute presents his
team’s
exploratory research using a multiomics approach to better understand the diversity of immune
response
to cancer and highlights their findings of an alternative source of a tumour-specific antigen in
checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) response.
Tech Note | Add More Life to Your Data: Optimizing Single-Cell RNA-Seq with Dead Cell Removal
Obtaining samples with high cell viability can be difficult for many experiments but is necessary
for
success on the 10x Genomics® Chromium™ platform. This tech note describes how Azenta scientists
used
optimized single-cell workflows, including dead cell removal, to overcome low viability and
generate
high-quality sequencing data.
Case Study | Uncovering Cell Type-Specific Expression Profiles in the Tumor Microenvironment with Ultra-Low Input RNA-Seq
Biomedical specimens are often restricted to minute quantities, posing major limitations to
RNA-Seq. This
case study shows how approximately 50 sorted cells from a glioblastoma can produce
transcriptomic data
comparable to RNA-Seq experiments that use millions of cells.
Case Study | Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis Identifies Rare Drug-Resistant Cancer Stem Cells
Cell populations are rarely homogeneous and synchronized in their characteristics. Standard
RNA-Seq
approaches are limited to reporting general expression levels thus omitting minor subpopulation
profiles. This study highlights new single-cell RNA sequencing capabilities for identifying rare
cells,
characterizing their transcriptomes, and discovering potential biomarkers.
Tech Note | Full-Length RNA-Seq: A Novel Method to Assess Sequence Integrity for RNA Therapeutics
Strict quality control is required to maintain the integrity of manufactured products for RNA
therapies,
but current assays often present limitations. Learn how the novel full-length RNA-Seq approach
from
Azenta allows you to preserve the entire length of and effectively sequence the poly(A) tails of
your
mRNA products.
Tech Note | Isoform Sequencing on the PacBio Sequel® – Maximizing Output and Accuracy
Contiguous mRNA full-length sequencing (Iso-Seq) greatly simplifies genome annotation efforts and
revolutionizes the discovery of novel RNA isoforms. This Tech Note discusses the advantages of
the
latest technologies combined with Azenta’s optimized workflow, and how this increases output and
accuracy.
Tech Note | Achieving Phenotypic Profiling for Rapid Drug Discovery with High-Throughput Gene Expression Screening
High-throughput technologies are critical in performing phenotypic profiling for drug discovery
applications. In this tech note, Azenta Life Sciences discusses the challenges associated with
traditional approaches, such as microarrays and RNA sequencing, and offers an optimized assay to
achieve
high-quality phenotypic profiling at a reduced cost for rapid drug discovery.
What is RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) used for?
RNA sequencing, or RNA-Seq, is used to identify the nucleotide sequence of the RNA strand and detect the quantity of RNA in a sample.
RNA-Seq provides a deeper insight into the transcriptome of a cell— enabling discovery of novel transcripts and differential gene expression analysis—by generating count data. In analyzing the count data, researchers can quantify RNA fragments and associate RNA sequences to respective genes in the sample.
What is the process of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq)?
The process of RNA-Seq starts by isolating and fragmenting the RNA strand, then undergoing reverse transcription— synthesizing complementary DNA (cDNA)— and adding nucleotides to an RNA strand while copying the RNA strand simultaneously using next generation sequencing (NGS) technology.
How does RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis work?
RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis works by using a reference genome or transcriptome to map sequencing reads, quantifying the expression levels of the individual genes and transcripts, and identifying target genes and transcripts that are differentially expressed between samples. Researchers can perform de novo transcriptome assembly for new species with RNA-Seq using low concentrations of a starting sample, and/or with low-quality sample solutions.
NGS PLATFORMS
For information on our NGS platforms as well as recommended configurations of your projects, please visit the NGS Platforms page. Azenta does not guarantee data output or quality for sequencing-only projects.
