RNA Technology

Bioinsight offers contract RNA services for researchers working on gene function — from expression analysis through to the synthesis of the RNA molecules used to test it. We support both model and non-model organisms.

RNA-seq analysis

RNA-seq is used to compare gene expression comprehensively between treatment and control, between tissues, between developmental stages, or across environmental conditions. We support the work from raw data through to a shortlist of candidate genes: extraction of differentially expressed genes, functional annotation, pathway analysis and organisation of candidates. Downstream work such as qPCR validation and RNAi experiments can also be arranged.

Who this is for

  • You want to find genes whose expression changes between treatment and control
  • You already have RNA-seq data but are unsure how to analyse or interpret it
  • You are searching for candidate genes in a non-model organism
  • You want to narrow a list of differentially expressed genes down to the functionally important ones
  • You need figures and tables suitable for a paper or report

Available analyses

Step Description
FASTQ quality check Data quality, read counts and base quality
Trimming Removal of low-quality sequence and adapters
Mapping Alignment to a reference genome or reference sequence
De novo assembly Transcript reconstruction for organisms without a reference genome
Expression estimation Quantification per gene and per transcript
Differential expression Extraction of genes that change between conditions
Functional annotation Homology search and inference using public databases
Visualisation PCA, heatmaps, volcano plots and similar
Candidate gene extraction Gene lists built around the aim of the study
Reporting Methods, results and discussion, organised

Custom dsRNA synthesis

Double-stranded RNA is widely used as a tool for suppressing the expression of a specific gene. We synthesise research-use dsRNA from sequences you specify, for gene knockdown experiments, functional analysis of target genes and comparative evaluation of candidate sequences.

Item Specification
Service Research-use dsRNA synthesis from customer-specified sequences, by in vitro transcription
Length Approximately 300–1,000 bp (other lengths on request)
Scale Tens of micrograms to hundreds of milligrams, depending on application
Organisms Insects, plants, microorganisms, cultured cells and other research targets
Quality control Size confirmation by agarose gel electrophoresis, concentration measurement
Deliverables dsRNA solution, QC results (gel image, concentration), lot information
Lead time Approximately 2–4 weeks, depending on sequence and quantity

Custom siRNA synthesis

Research-use siRNA synthesised from sequences you specify, for RNA interference knockdown experiments, functional analysis of target genes and comparison of candidate sequences.

Item Specification
Service Research-use siRNA synthesis from customer-specified sequences
Structure Double-stranded siRNA, sense and antisense strands supplied annealed
Organisms Cultured cells, insects, plants and other research targets
Quality control Mass spectrometry, concentration measurement
Delivery form siRNA solution or lyophilised, with QC results
Quantity Discussed individually according to requirement and application

How to order

  1. Enquiry — we confirm the target organism, target gene, intended use and quantity required.
  2. Sequence review and quotation — we propose a synthesis approach and quotation based on the sequence information you provide.
  3. Synthesis — carried out to the specified sequence.
  4. Quality control — size confirmation and concentration measurement.
  5. Delivery — product and QC results.

Please store dsRNA and siRNA at −20 °C or below. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles degrade quality, so we recommend aliquoting before use.

Sequences we cannot synthesise

We are unable to accept orders for sequences related to the virulence or replication of pathogenic viruses and microorganisms, sequences that could confer or enhance infectivity, and sequences associated with select agents or toxins.

Enquiries

Please tell us the target organism, target gene, intended use and quantity, and we can give you an indicative quotation and schedule in our first reply. We normally respond within two business days.