Small RNA sequencing by NGS - Library preparation

Since small RNAs (sRNAs) appear to play key functional roles in the regulation of gene expression, researchers are particularly interested in the group of small non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).

Small-RNA sequencing (Small-RNA-seq or Small-Seq) is a type of RNA sequencing by NGS that allows to isolate and obtain information on non-coding RNA molecules in order to evaluate and discover new forms of small RNAs and to predict their possible functions. Using this technique, it is possible to discriminate small RNAs from other RNAs in order to better understand their functions in the cell and in gene expression. Small RNA sequencing allows the analysis of thousands of small RNA molecules with high throughput and specificity. The greatest advantage of using RNA-seq is the ability to generate RNA fragment libraries from the entire RNA content of a cell.