The Role of Read Numbers in Transcriptome Studies

At Deep Biotech Solutions, we’re dedicated to exploring the boundless potential of genomics. One of the key services we provide is Whole RNA Sequencing, a revolutionary tool that allows us to look at the entire set of RNA molecules in a cell or tissue. One of the factors that can influence the success of this procedure is the number of reads. In this post, we’re diving deep into the role of read numbers and their importance in RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq).

What are “reads”? Simply put, reads refer to the sequence of RNA building blocks (nucleotides) that we can decode in one run of our sequencing process. The total number of reads gives us a broad picture of what’s happening in the RNA world of a cell.

So why are these read numbers so important in RNA Sequencing?

1. Understanding Gene Activity: The number of reads we get for each gene gives us an idea of how active that gene is. The more reads, the higher the gene activity. This is crucial when we’re trying to find out which genes are working in specific tissues, during different stages of growth, or in response to certain treatments or conditions.
2. Discovering New RNA Molecules and Forms: When we have more reads, we increase our chances of discovering new RNA molecules and spotting alternative versions of RNA from the same gene. This is like reading a story from different perspectives, and it helps us understand the complex picture of how genes work.
3. Spotting Rare RNA Molecules: More reads also help us find rare RNA molecules that might otherwise be overlooked. In research and healthcare, these rare finds can be extremely important, like finding a rare clue in a mystery.

How many reads do we need? It depends on what we’re looking for:

• For a quick overview of the most active genes with RNA-Seq, we might need only 5-25 million reads per sample.
• For a wider look at gene activity and some new RNA versions, we typically aim for 30-60 million reads per sample.
• For a deep dive into the RNA world, which can uncover new RNA molecules, we may require as many as 100-200 million reads per sample.
• For targeted RNA expression, fewer reads are required. For example, Illumina suggests 3 million reads per sample for certain panels.
• For small RNA Analysis or miRNA-Seq, even fewer reads might be needed, often ranging from 1-5 million reads per sample.

While more RNA-Seq reads can provide a deeper look into the RNA world, it’s also a balance between cost and benefit. Generating more reads requires more resources, so it’s important to choose a number of reads that matches your goals and resources.

At Deep Biotech Solutions, we tailor our Whole RNA Sequencing service to meet your specific needs. We adjust the number of reads based on your project’s goals, ensuring the best possible outcome.