RNA-Seq
What is it and why is it important?
RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a technique used to see which genes are transcriptionally active in a cell by capturing and reading the RNA molecules inside a sample. As technology advances and costs decrease, RNA-seq has become a more common assay for tracking cell identity, state, or response to changing stimuli.
How is it done
RNA-seq is done by extracting RNA from a sample and converting it into complementary DNA (cDNA), which is more stable and easier to sequence. This cDNA is then prepared into a sequencing library and run on a high-throughput sequencing machine that generates millions of short reads. Computational tools are then used to align these reads to a reference genome and count how many copies of the cDNA, reflecting the original RNA, come from each gene, allowing researchers to see which genes are active and how strongly they’re expressed.
How can we help
At Allele, we prepare samples for sequencing by receiving and documenting the material, performing high-level quality checks, and guiding it through a controlled nucleic-acid preparation workflow. During this process, DNA or RNA is isolated, refined, and formatted to meet the requirements of our sequencing partners, with quality indicators reviewed throughout. Once the material is finalized, we complete the necessary documentation and coordinate its transfer, ensuring it is consistent, reliable, and ready for RNA-seq.
Conducting iPSC gene therapy and RNA-seq in cGMP environments requires significant investment in facilities, equipment, and specialized personnel. By using established cGMP-aligned workflows with validated quality systems, we provide sequencing support that is reliable, compliant, and scalable, giving users access to high-quality results without the burden of maintaining full cGMP infrastructure.
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