Total RNA-Seq Service

Comprehensive transcriptome profiling by ribosomal RNA depletion — capture coding and non-coding RNAs in a single experiment.

The transcriptome is far more than protein-coding mRNAs. Non-coding RNAs — including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and other regulatory transcripts — play essential roles in gene regulation, cellular differentiation, and disease pathogenesis. Studying the full transcriptome requires a method that captures both polyadenylated and non-polyadenylated RNA species without bias.

Our Total RNA-Seq service uses ribosomal RNA (rRNA) depletion to remove highly abundant rRNAs prior to library construction, enabling deep sequencing of the entire transcribed landscape — from mRNAs and lncRNAs to circRNAs and other non-coding transcripts. Combined with strand-specific library preparation and high-depth Illumina sequencing, our service delivers a complete and unbiased view of the transcriptome.

  • Comprehensive RNA detection — mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and other non-coding RNAs from a single library
  • Ribosomal RNA depletion (Ribo-off/Ribo-minus) — maximises informative reads by removing >95% of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial rRNA
  • Strand-specific library preparation — preserves transcript orientation information for accurate expression quantification
  • High-depth Illumina sequencing — NovaSeq 6000 / NovaSeq X Plus, PE150, 40–80 M reads per sample
  • End-to-end bioinformatics — from raw data QC through expression quantification, differential analysis, and functional annotation
Submit Your Request Now

Total RNA-Seq principle: ribosomal RNA depletion enables sequencing of both coding and non-coding RNA transcripts

Overview Comparison Advantages Workflow Bioinformatics Strategy Applications Demo Case FAQ

Total RNA-Seq Overview

Total RNA sequencing (Total RNA-Seq) is a powerful approach for profiling the complete transcriptome, encompassing both coding (mRNA) and non-coding RNAs (lncRNA, circRNA, snoRNA, and other regulatory transcripts). Unlike poly(A)-selected RNA-seq, which captures only polyadenylated mRNAs and some lncRNAs, total RNA-seq uses ribosomal RNA depletion to remove the highly abundant rRNA fraction (which constitutes >80% of total RNA), allowing deep sequencing of the remaining transcriptome including non-polyadenylated species.

The key technical distinction lies in the RNA selection strategy. Poly(A) capture selectively enriches mRNA by binding the 3' poly-A tail, but systematically loses non-adenylated transcripts such as circRNAs, most lncRNAs, histone mRNAs, and various small non-coding RNAs. Ribosomal RNA depletion, in contrast, removes only the unwanted rRNA and preserves all other RNA species, providing a comprehensive and unbiased view of the transcriptional landscape. Studies have demonstrated that rRNA depletion detects significantly more annotated transcripts and identifies more differentially expressed genes than poly(A) capture, particularly for low-abundance and non-coding transcripts (Zhao et al. 2014).

Our Total RNA-Seq service is designed for research applications requiring complete transcriptome coverage — from comprehensive gene expression profiling and non-coding RNA discovery to alternative splicing analysis and transcript isoform characterization. For studies focused exclusively on protein-coding transcripts, we also offer dedicated mRNA-Seq and Strand-Specific RNA Sequencing services. For targeted analysis of small RNA populations, please refer to our Small RNA Sequencing service.

Total RNA-Seq vs. mRNA-Seq vs. Small RNA-Seq

Feature Total RNA-Seq mRNA-Seq (PolyA) Small RNA-Seq
RNA Selection Method rRNA depletion (Ribo-off / Ribo-minus) Poly(A) capture (oligo-dT) Size selection (18–30 nt) + adapter ligation
mRNA Detection Yes Yes (polyadenylated only) No
lncRNA Detection Yes — including non-polyadenylated lncRNAs Partially — only polyadenylated lncRNAs No
circRNA Detection Yes — back-splice junction reads detected No — circRNAs lack polyA tails No
miRNA / piRNA / Other Small RNAs Limited — small RNAs are generally lost during size selection for >100 nt fragments No Yes — designed for 18–30 nt small RNAs
Histone mRNA Yes — replicates-independent histone mRNAs lack polyA tails No — histones lack polyA tails No
rRNA Content Low (typically <5% after depletion) Very low (<1%) Low (size selection removes most rRNA)
Strand Specificity Yes — dUTP-based strand-specific library Optional — both strand-specific and non-stranded available No — small RNA libraries are typically non-stranded
Recommended Read Length PE150 PE150 SE50 / SE75
Best For Comprehensive transcriptome analysis including coding and non-coding RNAs; novel transcript discovery; alternative splicing; circRNA detection Gene expression profiling focused on protein-coding genes; studies where polyadenylated transcriptome is sufficient miRNA, piRNA, siRNA, and other small non-coding RNA profiling; small RNA biomarker discovery

Total RNA-Seq offers the most comprehensive view of the transcriptome by capturing both coding and non-coding RNA species in a single experiment. While mRNA-Seq provides higher sequencing depth per gene for protein-coding transcripts, total RNA-seq is the method of choice when the research question involves non-coding RNAs, alternative transcript isoforms, or the discovery of novel RNA species. For comprehensive analysis of both long and short non-coding RNAs, we recommend combining Total RNA-Seq with our Small RNA Sequencing service.

Technical Advantages of Our Total RNA-Seq Service

Comprehensive RNA Coverage from a Single Library

Our rRNA depletion chemistry removes both cytoplasmic (28S, 18S, 5.8S, 5S) and mitochondrial (12S, 16S) rRNAs with >95% efficiency, preserving all other RNA species for sequencing. This enables simultaneous detection of mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, antisense transcripts, enhancer RNAs (eRNAs), and histone mRNAs from a single library preparation. Unlike poly(A) selection, which systematically biases against non-polyadenylated transcripts, our total RNA-seq approach provides an unbiased view of the full transcriptional landscape. This comprehensive coverage is particularly valuable for studies of non-coding RNA biology, where many regulatory transcripts lack polyA tails and would be missed by conventional mRNA-seq approaches.

Strand-Specific Library Architecture

All Total RNA-Seq libraries are constructed using dUTP-based strand-specific chemistry, which preserves the orientation information of each sequenced transcript. Strand specificity is essential for accurate quantification of antisense transcription, identification of overlapping transcripts transcribed from opposite strands, and correct assignment of reads to the appropriate gene in regions with bidirectional transcription. It also enables precise detection of circRNA back-splice junctions, where reads spanning the junction must be correctly oriented. Our strand-specific libraries achieve >99% strand specificity, ensuring reliable expression estimates and accurate transcript annotation.

Optimised for Low-Input and Challenging Samples

Our total RNA-seq library preparation protocol is optimised for a wide range of RNA input amounts (10 ng – 1 µg total RNA) and sample types, including fresh-frozen tissue, FFPE samples, biofluids, and laser-capture microdissected specimens. For low-input samples, we employ a modified protocol with reduced adapter-dimer formation and increased PCR cycle optimisation to maintain library complexity. The rRNA depletion chemistry is compatible with partially degraded RNA (DV200 > 40%), making our service suitable for challenging sample types where poly(A)-based methods may fail due to RNA fragmentation removing the 3' polyA tail.

Total RNA-Seq Workflow Overview

Our Total RNA-Seq service follows an optimised 5-step pipeline from RNA quality assessment through to bioinformatic analysis. Each step is designed to maximise transcriptome coverage while maintaining high data quality.

  • RNA Extraction and Quality Control — Total RNA is extracted using optimised protocols for each sample type (TRIzol, column-based, or magnetic bead purification). RNA integrity is assessed by Agilent Bioanalyzer or TapeStation (RIN/DV200 values). Quantity is measured by Qubit fluorometry. Samples meeting quality thresholds (RIN ≥ 7 for intact samples; DV200 ≥ 40% for degraded samples) proceed to library preparation.
  • Ribosomal RNA Depletion — rRNA is removed using sequence-specific hybridisation probes targeting cytoplasmic (28S, 18S, 5.8S, 5S) and mitochondrial (12S, 16S) rRNAs. Depleted RNA is purified by RNase-free magnetic bead cleanup. Depletion efficiency is assessed by qPCR or Bioanalyzer trace analysis (target: <5% rRNA reads post-sequencing).
  • RNA Fragmentation and cDNA Synthesis — Depleted RNA is fragmented to 200–400 nt using heat-mediated or enzymatic fragmentation. First-strand cDNA synthesis is performed using random hexamers with actinomycin D to prevent spurious second-strand synthesis. Second-strand synthesis incorporates dUTP for strand-specific labelling.
  • Library Preparation and Sequencing — Double-stranded cDNA undergoes end repair, A-tailing, adapter ligation with unique dual indexes (UDI), and PCR enrichment. The dUTP-labelled second strand is selectively digested by USER enzyme before final amplification, ensuring strand specificity. Final libraries are QC-checked (Bioanalyzer fragment distribution, Qubit quantification) and sequenced on Illumina NovaSeq 6000 or NovaSeq X Plus with PE150 read length, targeting 40–80 M reads per sample.
  • Bioinformatic Analysis — Raw sequencing data are processed through our comprehensive bioinformatics pipeline: quality trimming (Cutadapt/Fastp), alignment to reference genome and transcriptome (STAR), gene-level quantification (featureCounts, RSEM), differential expression analysis (DESeq2/edgeR), and functional annotation. Specialised modules detect circRNAs (back-splice junctions), lncRNAs, and alternative splicing events (rMATS).

Total RNA-Seq workflow from RNA extraction to sequencing and bioinformatic analysis

Bioinformatics and Data Analysis

Our bioinformatics pipeline for Total RNA-Seq data is designed to extract maximal biological insight from every library. The pipeline handles both coding and non-coding RNA quantification, with dedicated modules for specialised analysis tasks.

Analysis Package Content Description
Standard Analysis
1. Raw Data QC and Preprocessing FastQC quality assessment, adapter and quality trimming (Cutadapt/Fastp), rRNA content assessment, read filtering (Q ≥ 30), PCR duplicate identification. Comprehensive QC report including per-base quality, GC content, duplication rates, and alignment statistics.
2. Read Alignment and Transcript Quantification Strand-aware alignment to reference genome (STAR 2-pass). Gene and transcript-level quantification using featureCounts and RSEM. Detection and quantification of known and novel transcripts. Multi-mapping read resolution for paralogous genes and repetitive regions.
3. Differential Expression Analysis Identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using DESeq2 or edgeR. Normalisation (TPM, FPKM, RPKM). Analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs, circRNAs, and mRNAs separately. Multiple testing correction (FDR < 0.05) and fold-change thresholding (|log2FC| ≥ 1).
4. circRNA Identification and Quantification Detection of back-splice junctions using CIRI2, find_circ, or CIRCexplorer2. Circular-to-linear ratio calculation. Identification of circRNA isoforms, exonic vs. intronic circRNA classification. Comparison of circRNA expression between experimental groups.
5. Functional Enrichment Analysis GO enrichment analysis (Biological Process, Molecular Function, Cellular Component) for differentially expressed genes. KEGG and Reactome pathway enrichment. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for ranked gene lists. Visualisation: bar charts, dot plots, enrichment maps, GSEA plots.
Advanced Analysis
6. Alternative Splicing Analysis Identification of differential alternative splicing events using rMATS or MAJIQ. Categorisation of skipped exons (SE), mutually exclusive exons (MXE), alternative 5'/3' splice sites (A5SS/A3SS), and retained introns (RI). Sashimi plot visualisation of splice junctions across conditions.
7. Fusion Gene and Novel Transcript Detection Identification of gene fusions (STAR-Fusion, FusionCatcher). De novo transcript assembly (StringTie) for novel transcript discovery. Transcript isoform reconstruction and comparison with reference annotation. Coding potential assessment for novel transcripts (CPC2, CNCI).
8. ceRNA Network Analysis Construction of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks integrating mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA and mRNA-miRNA-circRNA interactions. miRNA response element (MRE) prediction. Network topology analysis and identification of key regulatory hubs.
9. Variant Detection and Expression Quantitative Trait Loci (eQTL) SNP/INDEL detection from RNA-seq data (GATK Best Practices). Identification of RNA editing events. Allele-specific expression analysis. Integration with genomic variation data for eQTL mapping (where matched WGS/WES data are available).

Our bioinformatics team provides a comprehensive analysis report with publication-ready figures including expression heatmaps, volcano plots, pathway enrichment visualisations, splice event sashimi plots, and circRNA genomic annotations. Data are delivered in standard formats (FASTQ, BAM, count matrices, FPKM/TPM tables, DEG lists, circRNA coordinates) for downstream analysis and deposition in public repositories.

Analytical Strategy for Total RNA-Seq Experiments

Successful total RNA-seq experiments require careful consideration of experimental design, sample quality assessment, and analytical approach. Our strategy integrates sample QC, library preparation optimisation, and multi-layered bioinformatic analysis to maximise biological discovery.

Experimental Design and QC Strategy

  • Sample size planning — Power analysis-based sample size recommendations (minimum 3 biological replicates per group; 5+ recommended for complex study designs). Randomisation and blocking strategies to minimise batch effects.
  • RNA quality assessment — RIN scoring for intact samples, DV200 assessment for degraded samples (FFPE, biofluids). Alternative quality metrics (RNA integrity number, 28S/18S ratio) for tissue-specific samples. Quality thresholds established before library construction.
  • rRNA depletion efficiency — Depletion efficiency monitored by qPCR (ΔCq between pre- and post-depletion 28S, 18S, and mitochondrial rRNA targets) and confirmed by Bioanalyzer trace analysis. Failed depletions (<90% reduction) are flagged and re-processed.
  • Library QC metrics — Fragment size distribution (target: 250–500 bp), adapter-dimer contamination (<1%), library yield (>10 nM for cluster generation), indexing balance across multiplexed samples.

Data Analysis and Interpretation Strategy

  • Comprehensive alignment approach — STAR two-pass alignment for improved splice junction detection. Separate alignment to rRNA reference for depletion efficiency assessment. Multi-mapping read resolution for transcript family members.
  • Multi-level quantification — Gene-level (union exons), transcript-level (isoform-specific), and exon-level quantification. Separate analysis tracks for mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and other RNA biotypes using curated annotation databases (GENCODE, RefSeq, miRBase, circBase).
  • Downstream integration — Correlation with clinical metadata, integration with public datasets (TCGA, GTEx, ENCODE), and multi-omics contextualisation where matching genomic or epigenetic data are available.

Analytical strategy for Total RNA-Seq from experimental design to multi-level data interpretation

Applications

Total RNA-Seq is broadly applicable across transcriptomics research, offering particular advantages in areas where non-coding RNAs and transcript diversity are central to the biological question.

Comprehensive Transcriptome Profiling

Total RNA-Seq provides the most complete view of the transcriptome, capturing protein-coding and non-coding RNAs simultaneously. This is essential for studies aiming to characterise the full transcriptional response to a perturbation, disease state, or developmental transition. The ability to detect lncRNAs, circRNAs, and other non-coding transcripts alongside mRNAs enables researchers to build a complete picture of gene regulatory networks and identify RNA species that may serve as biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Applications range from baseline transcriptome cataloguing in non-model organisms to comprehensive characterisation of disease-associated transcriptional changes.

Non-coding RNA Discovery and Functional Characterisation

Total RNA-Seq is the method of choice for lncRNA and circRNA discovery because it captures non-polyadenylated transcripts missed by other methods. Numerous studies have used total RNA-seq to identify novel lncRNAs involved in cancer progression, cardiovascular disease, and neurodevelopment. The strand-specific nature of our libraries allows accurate determination of transcript orientation, which is critical for annotating antisense lncRNAs and distinguishing overlapping sense/antisense transcript pairs. Combined with RNA-seq after perturbation (knockdown/knockout), total RNA-seq can also identify downstream targets of specific non-coding RNAs.

Alternative Splicing and Isoform Diversity Analysis

Alternative splicing generates transcript diversity that vastly expands the coding capacity of the genome. Total RNA-Seq with deep sequencing coverage (80–100 M reads per sample) enables comprehensive detection and quantification of alternatively spliced transcripts. Our advanced analysis pipeline identifies all major splicing event types (skipped exons, alternative 5'/3' splice sites, mutually exclusive exons, retained introns) and quantifies their usage differences between conditions. This application is particularly valuable in cancer research, where splicing dysregulation is a hallmark, and in neurobiology, where tissue-specific splicing patterns shape neuronal function and plasticity.

Biomarker Discovery in Liquid Biopsy and Tissue Studies

Total RNA-Seq of biofluids (plasma, serum, urine, CSF) and tissue biopsies enables unbiased biomarker discovery by capturing all RNA species without a priori selection. Circulating lncRNAs and circRNAs in biofluids have emerged as promising non-invasive biomarkers for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders, often providing complementary information to protein-coding biomarkers. Total RNA-seq's ability to simultaneously assess multiple RNA biotypes increases the probability of identifying robust multi-analyte biomarker panels. For FFPE tissue archives, our optimised low-input protocol enables retrospective biomarker discovery studies using clinical specimens.

Integrative and Multi-Omics Transcriptome Analysis

Total RNA-Seq data can be integrated with other omics data types — including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, DNA methylation, and proteomics — to build mechanistic models of gene regulation. Integration with genomic variation data enables expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) mapping and allele-specific expression analysis. Comparison with matched epigenomic data (H3K27ac, H3K4me3, H3K27me3 ChIP-seq) reveals the chromatin regulatory landscape underlying differential expression. For translational research, total RNA-seq data can be integrated with drug response datasets to identify biomarkers of treatment response and resistance mechanisms.

Deliverables

Sample Requirements

Sample Type Recommended Amount Quality Requirements
Total RNA (intact) 100 ng – 1 µg RIN ≥ 7; 28S/18S ratio ≥ 1.5; A260/A280 ≥ 1.8; A260/A230 ≥ 1.5
Total RNA (degraded / FFPE) 200 ng – 1 µg DV200 ≥ 40%; no severe DNA contamination; A260/A280 ≥ 1.6
Fresh-frozen tissue 10–30 mg Snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen; stored at −80°C; no RNAlater required
FFPE tissue sections 5–10 sections (10 µm thick) H&E QC available; RNA extraction performed in-house for optimal yield
Biofluid (plasma/serum) 200 µL – 1 mL EDTA or citrate tubes preferred; haemolysis-free; processed within 2 h of collection
Cell pellet / Cultured cells 1 × 10⁶ – 1 × 10⁷ cells Washed in PBS; snap-frozen or TRIzol-lysed; RNA stabilisation reagent accepted

Important Notes:

  • All samples should be shipped on dry ice or in RNA stabilisation reagent (RNAlater or similar). Avoid multiple freeze-thaw cycles.
  • For total RNA samples, please provide concentration (ng/µL), A260/A280, A260/A230, and RIN/DV200 values with the submission form.
  • Minimum 3 biological replicates per experimental group is recommended for robust statistical analysis. 5+ replicates are recommended for studies with high expected biological variability or complex designs.
  • For studies requiring circRNA detection, we recommend higher sequencing depth (≥80 M reads per sample) and at least 4 biological replicates per group to achieve sufficient power for circRNA-specific differential expression analysis.
  • Please include a minimum of one control sample per batch (technical replicate or reference RNA) to enable batch effect assessment in multi-batch studies.
  • For species without a well-annotated reference genome, please contact our team for a feasibility assessment — de novo transcriptome assembly may be recommended.

Demo Results

Representative data outputs from typical Total RNA-Seq transcriptome profiling experiments.

RNA quality and sequencing QC metrics — Bioanalyzer trace showing RNA integrity, FastQC per-base quality scores (Q30 > 95%), and rRNA depletion efficiency assessed by qPCR and post-sequencing rRNA read content.

Transcriptome mapping statistics — Alignment summary including uniquely mapped reads, multi-mapping reads, spliced reads (spanning junctions), rRNA reads, and unmapped reads. Comparison of mapping rates across sample groups.

Differential gene expression analysis — Bar chart showing the number of significantly up- and down-regulated genes across each RNA biotype (mRNA, lncRNA, circRNA) between experimental conditions.

Volcano plot and expression scatter plot — Volcano plot highlighting significantly differentially expressed genes with top candidates labelled. Scatter plot showing expression correlation between replicates or experimental groups with R² value.

Hierarchical clustering heatmap — Heatmap of top differentially expressed genes with sample clustering dendrograms, annotated by condition group and RNA biotype.

Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis — Bar chart and dot plot showing top enriched GO terms and KEGG pathways for differentially expressed genes, with enrichment significance and gene count annotations.

RNA quality and sequencing QC metrics for total RNA-seq RNA quality and sequencing QC metrics

Transcriptome mapping statistics Transcriptome mapping statistics

Differential gene expression analysis results Differential gene expression analysis

Volcano plot and expression scatter plot Volcano plot and expression scatter plot

Hierarchical clustering heatmap of differentially expressed genes Hierarchical clustering heatmap

GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis

Case Study: Whole Transcriptome Sequencing Reveals ceRNA Regulatory Networks in Colorectal Cancer

A 2024 study published in Scientific Reports by Zhang and colleagues used whole transcriptome sequencing (total RNA-seq with rRNA depletion) to systematically characterise coding and non-coding RNA expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) and construct comprehensive ceRNA regulatory networks linking lncRNAs, circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, with complex molecular heterogeneity that complicates diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection. While protein-coding genes have been extensively studied in CRC, the roles of non-coding RNAs — particularly lncRNAs and circRNAs — in CRC pathogenesis are less well understood. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, in which lncRNAs and circRNAs sequester miRNAs away from their mRNA targets through shared miRNA response elements (MREs), represent an important layer of post-transcriptional regulation that has been implicated in cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, a systematic characterisation of the ceRNA landscape in CRC using total RNA-seq had been lacking.

Study design and workflow for whole transcriptome sequencing of colorectal cancer tissuesFigure 1. Study design for whole transcriptome sequencing-based ceRNA network analysis in colorectal cancer.
Total RNA was extracted from 10 paired CRC and adjacent normal tissues. Ribosomal RNA was depleted (Ribo-off kit), and strand-specific libraries were sequenced on Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (PE150). Bioinformatic analysis identified differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs, which were used to construct mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA and mRNA-miRNA-circRNA ceRNA networks. Key network hubs were validated using TCGA-COAD data and in vitro experiments. Adapted from Zhang et al. 2024 (CC BY 4.0).

Whole transcriptome sequencing approach: The authors collected 10 paired CRC tumour and adjacent normal tissue samples from patients undergoing surgical resection. Total RNA was extracted and subjected to ribosomal RNA depletion using a Ribo-off rRNA Depletion Kit, which removes both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial rRNAs. Strand-specific RNA-seq libraries were constructed and sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform with PE150 read length, generating approximately 60–80 million reads per sample. Bioinformatic analysis was performed using a multi-layer pipeline: (1) alignment to the human reference genome (GRCh38) using STAR; (2) gene-level quantification with featureCounts for mRNAs and lncRNAs; (3) circRNA detection and quantification using CIRI2 and CIRCexplorer2; (4) miRNA quantification from the same total RNA-seq data; (5) differential expression analysis using DESeq2 with FDR correction; (6) ceRNA network construction using miRanda and RNAhybrid for MRE prediction, with network visualisation in Cytoscape. Key findings were validated using TCGA-COAD and GEO public datasets (GSE50760, GSE90652), and in vitro functional experiments (KPNA2 knockdown in HCT116 and RKO cell lines).

Differential expression and ceRNA network analysis results from colorectal cancer whole transcriptome sequencingFigure 2. Differential expression and ceRNA network analysis results.
Total RNA-seq identified thousands of differentially expressed RNAs spanning all major biotypes, including mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs. ceRNA networks were constructed based on shared miRNA response elements. Validation using TCGA-COAD data and public GEO datasets confirmed the robustness of the identified regulatory interactions. Adapted from Zhang et al. 2024 (CC BY 4.0).

Key findings: (1) Whole transcriptome sequencing identified 2,465 differentially expressed mRNAs (1,236 up-regulated, 1,229 down-regulated), 2,852 differentially expressed lncRNAs (1,498 up, 1,354 down), 1,477 differentially expressed circRNAs (789 up, 688 down), and 77 differentially expressed miRNAs in CRC tissues compared with adjacent normal controls. (2) Functional enrichment analysis revealed that target genes of dysregulated ceRNAs were enriched in pathways related to cell cycle, DNA replication, p53 signalling, PI3K-Akt signalling, and Wnt signalling — all pathways with established roles in colorectal carcinogenesis. (3) The mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA ceRNA network comprised 425 nodes and 875 edges, while the mRNA-miRNA-circRNA network comprised 336 nodes and 702 edges. (4) KPNA2 (karyopherin subunit alpha 2) was identified as a key hub gene in the ceRNA network, and its knockdown in CRC cell lines significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. (5) Validation using TCGA-COAD data confirmed that KPNA2 was significantly overexpressed in CRC and associated with poor prognosis, and that the ceRNA interactions identified from the study's total RNA-seq data were reproducible in this independent cohort. This study demonstrates the power of total RNA-seq for comprehensive transcriptome analysis and its utility in identifying clinically relevant regulatory mechanisms in cancer.

FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions

References:

  1. Zhao W, He X, Hoadley KA, et al. Comparison of RNA-Seq by poly (A) capture, ribosomal RNA depletion, and DNA microarray for expression profiling. BMC Genomics. 2014;15:419.
  2. Conesa A, Madrigal P, Tarazona S, et al. A survey of best practices for RNA-seq data analysis. Genome Biology. 2016;17:13.
  3. Zhang L, Li Y, Fu C, et al. Exploration and validation of ceRNA regulatory networks in colorectal cancer based on associations whole transcriptome sequencing. Scientific Reports. 2024;14:20446.
  4. Adiconis X, Borges-Rivera D, Satija R, et al. Comparative analysis of RNA sequencing methods for degraded or low-input samples. Nature Methods. 2013;10(7):623-629.

For Research Use Only. This service is intended for transcriptome profiling and gene expression analysis applications. It is not intended for clinical diagnosis, treatment selection, patient stratification, or therapeutic decision-making.



Inquiry
  • For research purposes only, not intended for clinical diagnosis, treatment, or individual health assessments.
RNA
Research Areas
Copyright © CD Genomics. All rights reserved.
Top