RNA-Seq Blog

Single-cell RNA sequencing has changed how scientists study biology by allowing them to measure gene activity in individual cells instead of averaging signals across millions of cells. This level of detail helps researchers better understand development, disease, and the many different cell types that make up tissues. One remaining challenge, however, is accurately reconstructing the full-length RNA transcripts, also called isoforms, that are present in each cell.

In most modern cells, DNA stores the genetic blueprint, and relies on proteins to replicate, repair and build from those blueprints. At the same time, proteins require instructions from DNA to be made in the first place. So which one came first? Neither, hypothesize researchers like Saurja DasGupta, a biochemist at the University of Notre Dame.

MicroRNAs, or miRNAs, are small RNA molecules that help control how genes are expressed. They do this by binding to messenger RNAs, or mRNAs, preventing them from producing proteins or triggering their breakdown. Because microRNAs regulate many biological processes, understanding exactly where they bind is important for studying diseases and developing RNA based therapies.

Transfer RNAs, or tRNAs, play a critical role in protein production by delivering amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. These small RNA molecules also contain numerous chemical modifications that help maintain their structure and function. Understanding these modifications is important because changes in tRNA biology have been linked to cancer, neurological disorders, and other diseases.

The kidneys filter about 50 gallons of blood every day, removing waste while helping regulate blood pressure, balance fluid levels and serve other vital functions. But when those organs are damaged by illness or injury, a specialized group of immune cells helps determine whether the kidneys recover or sustain lasting damage.

Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinomas are rare and aggressive cancers that develop in the nasal cavity and surrounding sinuses. Because these tumors are uncommon and often resistant to standard therapies, treatment options remain limited. Researchers are now using single nucleus RNA sequencing to better understand these cancers at the cellular level and identify new opportunities for targeted treatment.

New England Biolabs (NEB®) has launched the NEBNext Companion Module for Oxford Nanopore Technologies Direct RNA Sequencing. The companion module contains the NEB reagents recommended by Oxford Nanopore for execution of the Direct RNA Sequencing workflow (RNA004 sequencing kit), providing a simple and convenient format for scientists performing a wide range of applications where direct sequencing of native RNA is critical.

Single cell RNA sequencing has become one of the most powerful tools for studying complex tissues because it allows researchers to examine the gene activity of individual cells. One of its most common uses is identifying different cell types within a sample. However, distinguishing closely related cell subtypes, especially in cancer, remains a major challenge because tumors contain highly diverse and constantly changing cell populations.

RNA sequencing has become an essential tool for understanding how genes function in health and disease. In addition to measuring normal gene expression, it can also detect unusual RNA molecules called chimeric RNAs, which are formed when parts of two different genes become joined together through genomic rearrangements or abnormal RNA splicing. These hybrid molecules are attracting growing attention as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Hormones are chemical messengers that help coordinate many of the body’s most important functions, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and immune responses. Although scientists have studied individual hormones for decades, it has been difficult to create a complete picture of where hormones are produced and which cells respond to them throughout the body.