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[[Image:RNA-Seq_pres.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Wang ET, et al. Nature 2008]]
[[Image:RNA-Seq_pres.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Wang ET, et al. Nature 2008]]
The BioMicro Center supports a broad variety of standard library preparation methods for RNAseq. The choice of method is highly dependent on the type of input, the amount of input RNA available, and the quality of the input RNA. The key in all RNAseq methods is the avoidance of ribosomal RNA, which would typically dominate the library preparation. Below area summary of the methods we utilize routinely in the core. For High-Throughput RNA library preparation, please check out our new page for [[BioMicroCenter:RNA_HTL|methods designed specifically for large sample batches.]]
The BioMicro Center supports a broad variety of standard library preparation methods for RNAseq. The choice of method is highly dependent on the type of input, the amount of input RNA available, and the quality of the input RNA. The key in all RNAseq methods is the avoidance of ribosomal RNA, which would dominate the library preparation. Below is a summary of the methods we utilize routinely in the core. For High-Throughput RNA library preparation, please see our page for [[BioMicroCenter:RNA_HTL|methods designed specifically for large sample batches.]]
<BR><BR>
Please note some methods are currently in transition to try to improve data quality and reduce library preparation costs.


{| border=1
{| border=1
  ! Amount of RNA
  ! Amount of total RNA
  ! Quality of RNA
  ! Quality of RNA
  ! Method Recommended
  ! Method Recommended
  |-
  |-
  | >25ng || RIN:9.0 || Kapa Hyperprep <BR> Illumina NeoPrep or Illumina Truseq (>100ng) - Retired 7/17
  | >10ng || RIN:>8.0 || [[BioMicroCenter:RNA_LIB#NEB_Ultra_II_Directional_RNA_with_Poly(A)_Selection|NEB Poly A]] or [[BioMicroCenter:RNA_LIB#Kapa_mRNA_Hyperprep|Kapa Hyperprep]]
  |-
  |-
  | >1ug || RIN:5.0 || Kapa RiboErase <BR> Epicenter RiboZero - only for non-human/mouse
  | >50ng || DV200>0.2 || [[BioMicroCenter:RNA_LIB]] NEB or Lexogen ribosomal depletion followed by NEB UltraII prep.
  |-  
  |-  
  | 10pg-25ng || RIN:9.0 || Clontech SMARTer v4
  | 10pg-25ng || RIN:9.0 || [[BioMicroCenter:RNA_LIB#Clontech_SMARTseq_Low-Input|Clontech SMARTer v4]]
  |-  
  |-  
  | 1ng-1ug || RIN:5.0 || Clontech Pico Ribosomal Depletion (ZapR).
  | 1ng-1ug || DV200>0.2  || [[BioMicroCenter:RNA_LIB#Clontech_SMARTer_Stranded_Total_RNA-Seq_Kit_-_Pico_Input_Mammalian_--_aka_Clontech_ZapR|Clontech Pico Ribosomal Depletion (ZapR).]]
  |-
  |-
  | smallRNA || NA || BIOO SmallRNA Kit or Qiagen miRNA kit.
  | smallRNA || NA || Qiagen miRNA kit or Clontech microRNA.
|}
|}


<BR><BR>
<BR><BR>
 
==[https://www.neb.com/products/e7760-nebnext-ultra-ii-directional-rna-library-prep-kit-for-illumina#Product%20Information NEB Ultra II Directional RNA with Poly(A) Selection] ==
===[http://www.illumina.com/products/truseq_rna_sample_prep_kit_v2.ilmn Illumina TruSeq]/ [[BioMicroCenter:NeoPrep||NEOPREP]] ===
{|
{|
|- valign="top"
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|  
|style="text-align: center; width: 450px;"|
Illumina's TruSeq chemistry is the primary RNAseq method used in the BioMicro Center. This chemistry uses polyT beads to isolate the mRNA from the rRNA and tRNA. The use of these beads requires that the RNA be of very high quality or only the 3' end of transcripts will be isolated. Purified mRNA is then fragmented with metal and random priming is used to convert the sample to cDNA. Once double-stranded cDNA is generated, the sample is transferred to the [[BioMicroCenter:SPRI-Works|SPRIworks]] for the remainder of sample preparation.
{| class="wikitable" border=1
  !Service
  !Standard RNA Library Prep
  |-
  |SAMPLE INPUT || Intact total RNA ([[BioMicroCenter:RIN|RIN]] 7+)
  |-
  |RANGE OF INPUT || 10-100 ng
  |-
  |INCLUDED || Initial QC by Fragment Analyzer <BR> Library preparation <BR> Illumina QC
  |-
  |SEQUENCING RECOMMENDATIONS || All platforms
  |-
  |INDEX AVAILABILITY || 112 [[BioMicroCenter:HTLR_TEST_HTLR_TEST#Unique_versus_Combinatorial_Dual_Indexing|Unique Dual Indexes]] <br> 192 [[BioMicroCenter:HTLR_TEST_HTLR_TEST#Unique_versus_Combinatorial_Dual_Indexing|Combinatorial Dual Indexes]]
  |-
  |SUBMISSION || MIT - [https://mit.ilabsolutions.com/service_item/new/3381?spt_id=3863 ilabs] <BR> External - [[BioMicroCenter:Forms|form]]
  |-
  |UNIT || Per sample
|}
|
NEBNext Ultra II Directional RNA preparation with poly(A) selection is used to selectively capture mRNA from high-quality total RNA. The selection of mRNA transcripts occurs by hybridization of the poly(A)-tail to magnetic oligo-d(T) beads. We can reliably generate RNA-Seq libraries with inputs ranging from 10ng to 100ng (recommended input of > 50ng). High-quality samples are required because the method is reliant on poly(A)-tails during RNA isolation. We also offer a [[BioMicroCenter:RNA_HTL|high-throughput protocol]].
|
|
[[Image:BMC_RNAseqMethod.png|thumb|right|200px|TruSeq Chemistry]]
|}
|
[[Image:BMC_IlluminaRNAseq.png|thumb|right|300px|Sample Data]]
|}  
 
[[Image:Neoprep_instrument.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Sample Data]]
The [[BioMicroCenter:NeoPrep|Illumina Neoprep]] allows us to automate this chemistry on a hands-free system using electrowetting technology. The Neoprep reduces input material and significantly reduces cost and turnaround time. However, the instrument is limited to batches of 16 samples and has a total of 24 available indexes, which significantly limits multiplexing possibilities. We anticipate (though have not yet demonstrated) that batch effects will be reduced with the Neoprep as the entire process from polyA selection through amplification is automated in the unit so natural fluctuations in temperature/time should be minimized.
 
=== [http://www.epibio.com/item.asp?ID=589 EpiCenter RiboZero] ===
For samples with degraded RNA or samples where you are interested in looking at non-polyA RNAs, the BioMicro Center utilizes the Epicenter ribominus kit. This kit uses *check me* magnetic beads coupled to rRNA and tRNA sequences to remove these sequences from the solution. The remaining mRNA fragments can then be converted in to cDNA. Once double-stranded cDNA is generated, the sample is transferred to the [[BioMicroCenter:SPRI-Works|SPRIworks]] for the remainder of sample preparation.


=== [http://www.clontech.com/US/Products/cDNA_Synthesis_and_Library_Construction/cDNA_Synthesis_Kits/Ultra_Low_Input_RNA_cDNA_Synthesis Clontech SMARTer Low-Input] ===
== [https://www.neb.com/products/e6310-nebnext-rrna-depletion-kit-human-mouse-rat#Product%20Information NEB Ultra II Directional RNA with rRNA Depletion (H/M/R)] ==
{|
{|
|- valign="top"
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|
|style="text-align: center; width: 450px;"|
For samples with less then 100ng of input, the BioMicro Center utilizes the [http://www.clontech.com/US/Products/cDNA_Synthesis_and_Library_Construction/cDNA_Synthesis_Kits/Ultra_Low_Input_RNA_cDNA_Synthesis Clontech SMARTer system]. This system differs from the TruSeq chemisry in that it begins with cDNA generation using polyT priming and proprietary chemistry. The use of polyT priming requires the RNA to be of high quality. Full length double-stranded cDNAs are generated and amplified by PCR. These cDNAs are then fragmented and transferred to the [[BioMicroCenter:SPRI-Works|SPRIworks]] for the remainder of sample preparation. Data from this system is of similar quality to samples created with Illumina TruSeq chemistry.
{| class="wikitable" border=1
  !Service
  !Standard RNA Library Prep
  |-
  |SAMPLE INPUT || [[BioMicroCenter:RIN|Intact]] or [[BioMicroCenter:RIN|degraded]] total RNA
  |-
  |RANGE OF INPUT || 5-100 ng
  |-
  |INCLUDED || Initial QC by Fragment Analyzer <BR> Library preparation <BR> Illumina QC
  |-
  |SEQUENCING RECOMMENDATIONS || All platforms
  |-
  |INDEX AVAILABILITY || 112 [[BioMicroCenter:HTLR_TEST_HTLR_TEST#Unique_versus_Combinatorial_Dual_Indexing|Unique Dual Indexes]] <br> 192 [[BioMicroCenter:HTLR_TEST_HTLR_TEST#Unique_versus_Combinatorial_Dual_Indexing|Combinatorial Dual Indexes]]
  |-
  |SUBMISSION || MIT - [https://mit.ilabsolutions.com/service_item/new/3381?spt_id=3863 ilabs] <BR> External - [[BioMicroCenter:Forms|form]]
  |-
  |UNIT || Per sample
|}
|
NEBNext Ultra II Directional RNA preparation with ribosomal RNA (rRNA) depletion is used to deplete rRNA by enzymatic degradation using single-stranded DNA probes that target rRNAs, leaving all other RNA species present and available for library preparation. This depletion method is agnostic to input sample quality and is the go-to method if samples don't meet quality requirements for poly(A) selection. This method is suited for inputs ranging from 5ng to 100ng (recommended input of > 50ng). Due to probe design used in the depletion, this method is currently only available for Human/Mouse/Rat samples. We also offer a [[BioMicroCenter:RNA_HTL|high-throughput protocol]].
|
|
[[Image:BMC_ClontechChemistry.png|thumb|right|200px|Clontech system.<BR>Image from Clonetech]]
|}
|}
=== [http://www.nugeninc.com/nugen/index.cfm/products/cs/ngs/rna-seq-v2/ NuGEN Ovation RNAseq System V2] ===  
 
==[https://sequencing.roche.com/en-us/products-solutions/by-category/library-preparation/rna-library-preparation/kapa-mrna-hyperprep-kits.html Kapa mRNA Hyperprep] ==
{|
{|
|- valign="top"
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|style="width: 300px;"|
{| class="wikitable" border=1
  !Service
  !Standard RNA Library Prep
  |-
  |INPUT || Clean eukaryotic total RNA <BR> RIN 9+ <BR> >10ng/uL <BR> >10uL
  |-
  |INCLUDED || Initial QC by Fragment Analyzer <BR> Library preparation <BR> Illumina QC
  |-
  |INDEX AVAILABILITY || 96 UDI
  |-
  |SEQUENCING RECOMMENDATIONS || All platforms
  |-
  |SUBMISSION || MIT - [https://mit.ilabsolutions.com/service_item/new/3381?spt_id=3863 ilabs] <BR> External - [[BioMicroCenter:Forms|form]]
  |-
  |UNIT || Per sample
|}
|
The BioMicro Center utilizes the Kapa mRNA hyperprep kit for standard RNA libraries. This workflow is very similar to Illumina's TruSeq chemistry at lower cost and is streamlined for automation. This chemistry uses polyT beads to isolate the mRNA from the rRNA and tRNA. The use of these beads requires that the RNA be of very high quality or only the 3' end of transcripts will be isolated. Purified mRNA is then fragmented with metal and random priming is used to convert the sample to cDNA. Once double-stranded cDNA is generated, LMPCR is performed to create the indexed Illumina library. The BioMicro Center offers mRNA HyperPrep as a single sample reaction or in [[BioMicroCenter:RNA_HTL|batches of 24 done on the TecanEvo 150s.]]
|
|
For samples with less then 100ng of input and restricted input amounts, our kit of choice is the NuGEN Ovation. This kit utilizes non-random nonamers designed to not amplify ribosomal RNA to create double stranded cDNA fragments. The fragmented cDNA is then transferred to the [[BioMicroCenter:SPRI-Works|SPRIworks]] for the remainder of sample preparation. The downside of this kit is that the non-random nonamers cannot amplify all areas of the genome and certain portions of genes are often lost. Still, for many samples, this kit is the only way to generate RNAseq libraries.
|
[[Image:BMC_SPIA.gif|thumb|right|200px|NuGEN SPIA Chemistry. <BR> Image from NuGen.]]
|}
== Additional Chemistries Available in the BioMicro Center ==
=== Strand Specific Sequencing ===
{|
{|
[[Image:BMC_RNAseqMethod.png|thumb|right|200px|TruSeq Chemistry]]
  |-
  |-
  |For samples with high amounts of input, we can modify the chemistry of cDNA creation to allow detecting the strand of the RNA using the dUTP 2nd strand marking protocol that preformed best in J. Levin et al 2010. In this method, actinomycin D is added to the 1st strand synthesis to prevent reinitiation of the RT-PCR enzymes. Then, dUTP is substituted in for dTTP in the second strand, allowing a clear distinction between the forward and reverse strands. After library construction, but before amplification, the dUTP containing strand is degraded and only the reverse strand (template strand) remains. This method is highly efficient but requires significant amount of RNA as the actinomycin causes a significant reduction in 1st strand yield.
  [[Image:BMC_IlluminaRNAseq.png|thumb|right|300px|Sample Data]]
|-
|}
|[[Image:BMC_strandSpecific.gif|thumb|600px|left|Sample Data from Strand Specific RNAseq]]
|}
|}
=== [[BioMicroCenter:PippinPrep|Size Selection]] ===
For some applications of RNAseq, such as splice choice determination, having a precise knowledge of the insert size is critical. While the [[BioMicroCenter:SPRI-Works|SPRIworks]] does provide some size selection (typically restricting fragments to between 150 and 350bp), this can be too wide for some methodologies. In these cases, after libraries are amplified, they can be run on the [[BioMicroCenter:PippinPrep|Sage BluePippin]] (either singly or pooled). Here the size distribution can be much tighter, with most of the DNA fragments being within a 50nt range.


== Comparison of the RNAseq methods ==
== [https://sequencing.roche.com/en-us/products-solutions/by-category/library-preparation/rna-library-preparation/kapa-rna-hyperprep-kit-with-riboerasehmr.html Kapa RiboErase] & [https://www.illumina.com/products/by-type/accessory-products/ribo-zero-plus-rrna-depletion.html RiboZero] ==
{|
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|style="width: 300px;"|
{| class="wikitable" border=1
  !Service
  !rRNA depletion based RNA Library Prep
  |-
  |INPUT || Clean total RNA <BR> DV200>0.2 <BR>
Human/Mouse/Rat
* >10ng/uL
* >10uL
All others
* > 200ng/uL
* > 10uL
  |-
  |INCLUDED || Initial QC by Fragment Analyzer <BR> Library preparation <BR> Illumina QC
  |-
  |SUBMISSION || MIT - [https://mit.ilabsolutions.com/service_item/new/3381?spt_id=3863 ilabs] <BR> External - [[BioMicroCenter:Forms|form]]
  |-
  |UNIT || Per sample
|}
|
For samples with degraded RNA or samples where you are interested in looking at non-polyA RNAs, the BioMicro Center utilizes the Kapa RNA RiboErase and Illumina RiboZero for Human/Mouse/Rat samples. RiboErase uses RNAseH to degrade rRNAs while RiboZero uses magnetic beads coupled to rRNA sequences to remove these sequences from the solution. The remaining mRNA fragments can then be converted in to cDNA and prepared using the NEB Ultra II Directional RNA or Kapa mRNA Hyperprep kit to produce the Illumina library.<BR><BR>
|
|}


The BioMicro Center has done testing in head-to-head competitions of the TruSeq, NuGEN v2 and Clontech kits. These data were presented at AGBT 2012 as part of a poster. The authors were: Avanti Shrikumar, Zachary Banks, Manlin Luo, Ryan Sinapius, Paola Favaretto, Jessica Hurt, Chris Burge, and Stuart S. Levine. Selections of the poster are shown below:
== [http://www.clontech.com/US/Products/cDNA_Synthesis_and_Library_Construction/cDNA_Synthesis_Kits/Ultra_Low_Input_RNA_cDNA_Synthesis Clontech SMARTseq Low-Input] ==
 
{|
{| cellpadding="10"
  |- style="vertical-align: top;"
  |-
  |style="width: 300px;"|
|rowspan="2" width=350| '''Summary''' <BR>
  {| class="wikitable" border=1
Sequencing of the transcriptome (RNAseq) has become an increasingly important tool in the molecular biology toolkit and is rapidly replacing microarrays as the primary method for determining genome-wide expression levels. Several vendors have created pre-packaged kits for creating RNAseq libraries for Illumina sequencing. These kits differ significantly in methodology and in the amounts of input required. Here we provide a head to head test of five different RNAseq kits in a core setting. The kits were evaluated on two experimental samples with similar expression patterns, murine embryonic stem cells and the same cells with a single factor knocked down by RNAi, to determine the sensitivity of each method. Each kit was additionally evaluated across  three different concentrations of RNA input. We found that the different methodologies show different RPKM levels for each transcript and also vary in their technical reproducibility. The different methods resulted in small but largely distinct lists of differentially expressed genes that we compared to genes with known expression changes
   !Service
|[[Image:AGBT12_1.png|thumb|center|300px]] <BR>
   !Low input RNA Library Prep
  |align="center"|
  {|Border=1 style="text-align: center; width:150px;"
   !Kit Type !! Home Made (Burge Lab) !! Illumina TruSeq !! NuGen v1 !! NuGen v2 !! Clontech SMARTer
   |-
  |1ug || X || X ||  ||  || 
   |-
   |-
   |100ng || || X ||  || X ||
   |INPUT || Clean eukaryotic total RNA <BR> RIN 9+ <BR> 10pg <BR> >10uL (where possible)
   |-
   |-
   |10ng || || X* || X || X || X
   |INCLUDED || Initial QC by FemtoPulse <BR> Library preparation <BR> Illumina QC
   |-
   |-
   |1ng || || || X* || X || X
   |SUBMISSION || MIT - [https://mit.ilabsolutions.com/service_item/new/3381?spt_id=3863 ilabs] <BR> External - [[BioMicroCenter:Forms|form]]
   |-
   |-
   |0.1ng || || || || X* || X
   |UNIT || Per sample
  |}
  |}
|-
|
|'''Experimental Design:''' ES cells were transfected with siRNA targeting a splicing factor or a control siRNA. The tested splicing factor normally blocks inclusion of specific exons that had been previously identified by RT-PCR. Reduction of the splicing factor’s levels should lead to an increase in the amounts of these specific transcripts. RNA was collected from the cells and analyzed by RNA-seq. Samples were sequenced to a depth of at least 7.5m reads of 40nt length on either a GAIIx or a HiSeq2000
For samples with less then 50ng of input, the BioMicro Center utilizes the [http://www.clontech.com/US/Products/cDNA_Synthesis_and_Library_Construction/cDNA_Synthesis_Kits/Ultra_Low_Input_RNA_cDNA_Synthesis Clontech SMARTseq v4 system]. This system differs from the TruSeq chemistry in that it begins with cDNA generation using polyT priming followed by strand switching oligos. The use of polyT priming requires the RNA to be of high quality. Full length double-stranded cDNAs are generated and amplified by PCR. These cDNAs are then prepared into Illumina libraries using the NexteraXT chemistry from Illumina. Data from this system is of similar quality to samples created with Illumina TruSeq chemistry but is not stranded. Single samples can be prepared by hand. [[BioMicroCenter:RNA_HTL|Batches of 24, 96 or 384 samples]] can be prepared using the older SMARTseq v2 chemistry on the Mosquito HV resulting in significantly lower costs/sample.
|'''Testing Matrix:''' A single sample of control and splicing factor knockdown samples were serially diluted. Aliquots of the diluted samples were tested against the 5 methods to determine the ability of each kit to identify differentially expressed genes in a biologically challenging situation as well as to identify their sensitivity to different input amounts and quantify the amount of technical variation. * indicates the amount tested was below the minimum recommended input.
|
|-
[[Image:BMC_ClontechChemistry.png|thumb|right|200px|Clontech system.<BR>Image from Clonetech]]
| [[Image:AGBT12_2.png|thumb|center|300px]]
| [[Image:AGBT12_3.png|thumb|center|200px]]
| [[Image:AGBT12_4.png|thumb|center|300px]]
|-
|'''Fraction of reads aligned:''' Reads aligning once or multiple times to the mouse genome (mm9) are shown. Reads were aligned with Bowtie. NuGen samples show an increase in non-aligned reads at low input amounts.
|'''3’ Bias:'''
Read densities were calculated along the exonic portions of each transcript. Transcripts were grouped by length and plotted as metagenes with both 5’ and 3’ ends locked. Clear 3’ bias can be observed in the samples processed using the Clontech kit. 
|'''Variation in RPKM score across the transcript.'''(right) The evenness of coverage within the transcript was measured by comparing the read density in largest two exons. Only exons greater than 200nt and genes with PRKMs over 10 were included in this analysis (n = 1,876 genes including 3,676 exons) (left) the average number of exons in the above  data set with very low coverage (<5 reads) is shown.
|}
|}


== Choosing a read length and read depth ==
== [http://www.clontech.com/US/Products/cDNA_Synthesis_and_Library_Construction/Next_Gen_Sequencing_Kits/Total_RNA-Seq/Pico_Input_Total_RNA_Seq_Illumina Clontech SMARTer Stranded Total RNA-Seq Kit - Pico Input Mammalian -- aka Clontech ZapR] ==
{|
|- style="vertical-align: top;"
|style="width: 300px;"|
{| class="wikitable" border=1
  !Service
  !Low Input RNA Depletion Library Prep
  |-
  |INPUT || Clean Human/Mouse total RNA <BR> DV200>0.5 <BR> >1ng <BR> >10uL where possible
  |-
  |INCLUDED || Initial QC by FemtoPulse <BR> Library preparation <BR> Illumina QC
  |-
  |SUBMISSION || MIT - [https://mit.ilabsolutions.com/service_item/new/3381?spt_id=3863 ilabs] <BR> External - [[BioMicroCenter:Forms|form]]
  |-
  |UNIT || Per sample
|}
|
For samples with less then 100ng of input and restricted input amounts, our kit of choice is the Clontech SMARTer Stranded Total RNAseq Kit - Pico Input -- or more simply, Clontech ZapR . This kit utilizes the same template switching as the v4 kit but uses random primers on fragmented RNA. The key is the ZapR enzyme which is used post library production to, in a targeted manner, cause breaks in Illumina library molecules that contain rRNA reads. These breaks make the rRNA containing molecules unreadable. Currently this chemistry is only available as single samples but we are working to adapt it to the Mosquito HV system. <BR><BR>


== RNAseq References ==
In analyzing data from this kit, we have observed that the first few nucleotides from many reads appear to have a very high mismatch rate, particularly from low input samples or samples that possibly may not be as clean as desired. We believe this is a results of the template switching and random priming. A 5nt trim from the 5'end of the read can significantly improve data quality.
A few notable references. Please feel free to add more:
|
|}
== Additional Chemistries Available in the BioMicro Center ==


<biblio>
=== [[BioMicroCenter:PippinPrep|Size Selection]] ===
#Paper1 pmid=18978772
For some applications of RNAseq, such as splice choice determination, having a precise knowledge of the insert size is critical. While the [[BioMicroCenter:SPRI-Works|SPRIworks]] does provide some size selection (typically restricting fragments to between 150 and 350bp), this can be too wide for some methodologies. In these cases, after libraries are amplified, they can be run on the [[BioMicroCenter:PippinPrep|Sage BluePippin]] (either singly or pooled). Here the size distribution can be much tighter, with most of the DNA fragments being within a 50nt range.
#Paper2 pmid=19015660
#Paper3 pmid=18550803
#Paper4 pmid=20711195
<\biblio>

Latest revision as of 08:51, 7 December 2021

HOME -- SEQUENCING -- LIBRARY PREP -- HIGH-THROUGHPUT -- COMPUTING -- OTHER TECHNOLOGY
Wang ET, et al. Nature 2008

The BioMicro Center supports a broad variety of standard library preparation methods for RNAseq. The choice of method is highly dependent on the type of input, the amount of input RNA available, and the quality of the input RNA. The key in all RNAseq methods is the avoidance of ribosomal RNA, which would dominate the library preparation. Below is a summary of the methods we utilize routinely in the core. For High-Throughput RNA library preparation, please see our page for methods designed specifically for large sample batches.

Amount of total RNA Quality of RNA Method Recommended
>10ng RIN:>8.0 NEB Poly A or Kapa Hyperprep
>50ng DV200>0.2 BioMicroCenter:RNA_LIB NEB or Lexogen ribosomal depletion followed by NEB UltraII prep.
10pg-25ng RIN:9.0 Clontech SMARTer v4
1ng-1ug DV200>0.2 Clontech Pico Ribosomal Depletion (ZapR).
smallRNA NA Qiagen miRNA kit or Clontech microRNA.



NEB Ultra II Directional RNA with Poly(A) Selection

Service Standard RNA Library Prep
SAMPLE INPUT Intact total RNA (RIN 7+)
RANGE OF INPUT 10-100 ng
INCLUDED Initial QC by Fragment Analyzer
Library preparation
Illumina QC
SEQUENCING RECOMMENDATIONS All platforms
INDEX AVAILABILITY 112 Unique Dual Indexes
192 Combinatorial Dual Indexes
SUBMISSION MIT - ilabs
External - form
UNIT Per sample

NEBNext Ultra II Directional RNA preparation with poly(A) selection is used to selectively capture mRNA from high-quality total RNA. The selection of mRNA transcripts occurs by hybridization of the poly(A)-tail to magnetic oligo-d(T) beads. We can reliably generate RNA-Seq libraries with inputs ranging from 10ng to 100ng (recommended input of > 50ng). High-quality samples are required because the method is reliant on poly(A)-tails during RNA isolation. We also offer a high-throughput protocol.

NEB Ultra II Directional RNA with rRNA Depletion (H/M/R)

Service Standard RNA Library Prep
SAMPLE INPUT Intact or degraded total RNA
RANGE OF INPUT 5-100 ng
INCLUDED Initial QC by Fragment Analyzer
Library preparation
Illumina QC
SEQUENCING RECOMMENDATIONS All platforms
INDEX AVAILABILITY 112 Unique Dual Indexes
192 Combinatorial Dual Indexes
SUBMISSION MIT - ilabs
External - form
UNIT Per sample

NEBNext Ultra II Directional RNA preparation with ribosomal RNA (rRNA) depletion is used to deplete rRNA by enzymatic degradation using single-stranded DNA probes that target rRNAs, leaving all other RNA species present and available for library preparation. This depletion method is agnostic to input sample quality and is the go-to method if samples don't meet quality requirements for poly(A) selection. This method is suited for inputs ranging from 5ng to 100ng (recommended input of > 50ng). Due to probe design used in the depletion, this method is currently only available for Human/Mouse/Rat samples. We also offer a high-throughput protocol.

Kapa mRNA Hyperprep

Service Standard RNA Library Prep
INPUT Clean eukaryotic total RNA
RIN 9+
>10ng/uL
>10uL
INCLUDED Initial QC by Fragment Analyzer
Library preparation
Illumina QC
INDEX AVAILABILITY 96 UDI
SEQUENCING RECOMMENDATIONS All platforms
SUBMISSION MIT - ilabs
External - form
UNIT Per sample

The BioMicro Center utilizes the Kapa mRNA hyperprep kit for standard RNA libraries. This workflow is very similar to Illumina's TruSeq chemistry at lower cost and is streamlined for automation. This chemistry uses polyT beads to isolate the mRNA from the rRNA and tRNA. The use of these beads requires that the RNA be of very high quality or only the 3' end of transcripts will be isolated. Purified mRNA is then fragmented with metal and random priming is used to convert the sample to cDNA. Once double-stranded cDNA is generated, LMPCR is performed to create the indexed Illumina library. The BioMicro Center offers mRNA HyperPrep as a single sample reaction or in batches of 24 done on the TecanEvo 150s.

TruSeq Chemistry
Sample Data

Kapa RiboErase & RiboZero

Service rRNA depletion based RNA Library Prep
INPUT Clean total RNA
DV200>0.2

Human/Mouse/Rat

  • >10ng/uL
  • >10uL

All others

  • > 200ng/uL
  • > 10uL
INCLUDED Initial QC by Fragment Analyzer
Library preparation
Illumina QC
SUBMISSION MIT - ilabs
External - form
UNIT Per sample

For samples with degraded RNA or samples where you are interested in looking at non-polyA RNAs, the BioMicro Center utilizes the Kapa RNA RiboErase and Illumina RiboZero for Human/Mouse/Rat samples. RiboErase uses RNAseH to degrade rRNAs while RiboZero uses magnetic beads coupled to rRNA sequences to remove these sequences from the solution. The remaining mRNA fragments can then be converted in to cDNA and prepared using the NEB Ultra II Directional RNA or Kapa mRNA Hyperprep kit to produce the Illumina library.

Clontech SMARTseq Low-Input

Service Low input RNA Library Prep
INPUT Clean eukaryotic total RNA
RIN 9+
10pg
>10uL (where possible)
INCLUDED Initial QC by FemtoPulse
Library preparation
Illumina QC
SUBMISSION MIT - ilabs
External - form
UNIT Per sample

For samples with less then 50ng of input, the BioMicro Center utilizes the Clontech SMARTseq v4 system. This system differs from the TruSeq chemistry in that it begins with cDNA generation using polyT priming followed by strand switching oligos. The use of polyT priming requires the RNA to be of high quality. Full length double-stranded cDNAs are generated and amplified by PCR. These cDNAs are then prepared into Illumina libraries using the NexteraXT chemistry from Illumina. Data from this system is of similar quality to samples created with Illumina TruSeq chemistry but is not stranded. Single samples can be prepared by hand. Batches of 24, 96 or 384 samples can be prepared using the older SMARTseq v2 chemistry on the Mosquito HV resulting in significantly lower costs/sample.

Clontech system.
Image from Clonetech

Clontech SMARTer Stranded Total RNA-Seq Kit - Pico Input Mammalian -- aka Clontech ZapR

Service Low Input RNA Depletion Library Prep
INPUT Clean Human/Mouse total RNA
DV200>0.5
>1ng
>10uL where possible
INCLUDED Initial QC by FemtoPulse
Library preparation
Illumina QC
SUBMISSION MIT - ilabs
External - form
UNIT Per sample

For samples with less then 100ng of input and restricted input amounts, our kit of choice is the Clontech SMARTer Stranded Total RNAseq Kit - Pico Input -- or more simply, Clontech ZapR . This kit utilizes the same template switching as the v4 kit but uses random primers on fragmented RNA. The key is the ZapR enzyme which is used post library production to, in a targeted manner, cause breaks in Illumina library molecules that contain rRNA reads. These breaks make the rRNA containing molecules unreadable. Currently this chemistry is only available as single samples but we are working to adapt it to the Mosquito HV system.

In analyzing data from this kit, we have observed that the first few nucleotides from many reads appear to have a very high mismatch rate, particularly from low input samples or samples that possibly may not be as clean as desired. We believe this is a results of the template switching and random priming. A 5nt trim from the 5'end of the read can significantly improve data quality.

Additional Chemistries Available in the BioMicro Center

Size Selection

For some applications of RNAseq, such as splice choice determination, having a precise knowledge of the insert size is critical. While the SPRIworks does provide some size selection (typically restricting fragments to between 150 and 350bp), this can be too wide for some methodologies. In these cases, after libraries are amplified, they can be run on the Sage BluePippin (either singly or pooled). Here the size distribution can be much tighter, with most of the DNA fragments being within a 50nt range.