Introduction to RNA Sequencing
RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is revolutionizing the study of the transcriptome. A highly sensitive and accurate tool for measuring expression across the transcriptome, it is providing researchers with visibility into previously undetected changes occurring in disease states, in response to therapeutics, under different environmental conditions, and across a broad range of other study designs.
RNA-Seq allows researchers to detect both known and novel features in a single assay, enabling the detection of transcript isoforms, gene fusions, single nucleotide variants, and other features without the limitation of prior knowledge.
Propelling Progress with RNA-Seq
RNA sequencing can have far-reaching effects on research and innovation, transforming our understanding of the world around us.
Benefits of RNA Sequencing
RNA-Seq with next-generation sequencing (NGS) is increasingly the method of choice for researchers studying the transcriptome. It offers numerous advantages over gene expression arrays.
- Broader dynamic range enables more sensitive and accurate measurement of gene expression
- Not limited by prior knowledge - captures both known and novel features
- Can be applied to any species, even if reference sequencing is not available
- A better value, often delivering advantages at a comparable or lower price per sample than many arrays
RNA Sequencing Empowers Transcriptomics
Learn how RNA-Seq is advancing transcriptome research in various fields, and how gene regulation studies can provide complementary information.
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New To NGS?
Find out how Illumina NGS technology works and what types of experiments it enables.
How Can I Use NGS to Analyze RNA?
Learn about 7 key RNA-Seq methods. Find out how they differ to help you determine the method most appropriate for your research.
How Can I Apply RNA-Seq?
Study gene expression and transcriptome changes with cancer RNA-Seq.
Analyze host-pathogen interactions or bacterial transcriptome signatures with microbial RNA-Seq.
Study drug response RNA biomarkers.
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Featured RNA Sequencing Articles
Precision Immunotherapies Using Tumor-Specific HLA Ligands
RNA-Seq and HLA typing are increasing the power and efficiency of a target discovery platform.
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The Time Is Now for Microbiome Studies
Transcriptomics and whole-genome shotgun sequencing provide researchers and pharmaceutical companies with data to refine drug discovery and development.
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RNA Sequencing Considerations
Learn about read length and depth requirements for RNA-Seq and find resources to help with experimental design.
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Library Prep for RNA Sequencing
Advances in RNA-Seq library prep are revolutionizing the study of the transcriptome. Our enhanced RNA-Seq library prep portfolio spans multiple types of sequencing studies. These solutions offer rapid turnaround time, broad study flexibility, and sequencing scalability.
Learn MoreCreate Custom RNA-Seq Protocols
A fast, flexible, and mobile-friendly tool, our Custom Protocol Selector helps you generate RNA sequencing protocols tailored to your experiment.
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Featured Products
Illumina Stranded mRNA Prep
A simple, scalable, cost-effective, rapid single-day solution for analyzing the coding transcriptome leveraging as little as 25 ng input of standard (non-degraded) RNA.
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NextSeq 1000 & 2000 Systems
These cost-efficient, user-friendly, mid-throughput benchtop sequencers offer extreme flexibility to support new and emerging applications.
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Enhanced RNA-Seq Library Prep Portfolio
The new enhancements deliver solutions for studying RNA that provide rapid turnaround time, broad study flexibility and sequencing scalability, while delivering exceptional data quality for infectious disease, oncology and genetic disease research.
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Additional Resources
Buyer’s Guide: Simple RNA-Seq Workflows
Evaluating options for next-generation RNA sequencing.
Deeper Insights with RNA-Seq
RNA sequencing provides deeper insights for complex research. See how RNA-Seq is helping this lab move beyond gene expression.
FAQs: RNA-Seq Data Analysis
Demystifying data analysis with answers to some of the most common frequently asked questions.
COVID-19 Host Risk and Response
Host genetic differences and individual responses to the SARS-CoV-2 virus play a part in disease susceptibility and severity.