This webinar provides an overview of an RNA-seq protocol that has been optimized to study small RNA species such as microRNAs.

Our first speaker, Neelanjan Mukherjee of the Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, discusses the use of this protocol, based on PerkinElmer's NEXTflex Small RNA Sequencing kits, within the context of his research into the role of RNA regulatory networks in cancer and steroid hormone metabolism. Achieving a quantitative understanding of RNA regulatory mechanisms is a critical aspect of this work. Thus, it is necessary to have unbiased and quantitative measurements of RNA species.

Dr. Mukherjee first discusses a case study on miRNA-mediated regulation, which he follows with a description of the variety of upstream protocols to study RNA regulatory mechanisms for which his group has used the NEXTflex Small RNA Sequencing kits.

Next, Adam Morris of PerkinElmer discusses how the Nextflex kits overcome traditional drawbacks of small RNA library preparation methods, such as severe bias, the need for gel-based purifications, and lack of low-input protocols. He explains how the technology addresses these challenges through the use of adapters with randomized ends and a dual approach to prevent formation of adapter-dimers.