Illumina launches new RNA sequencing kits

Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN) today introduced TruSeq Stranded mRNA and Total RNA Sample Preparation Kits for RNA sequencing. The new reagent kits enable researchers to quickly and easily conduct gene expression studies that provide a complete view of the transcriptome, even from low-quality RNA samples, such as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples.

The Total RNA Sample Preparation Kit efficiently removes ribosomal RNA and other high abundance transcripts using Epicentre's proven Ribo-Zero™ ribosomal RNA reduction chemistry, with an improved workflow optimized for high-throughput studies. The resulting combination of high-quality ribosomal removal and sample preparation chemistries into a single, streamlined solution provides an exciting new opportunity for researchers to conduct highly-accurate gene expression studies.

"TruSeq Stranded mRNA and Total RNA Sample Preparation Kits offer powerful, high-throughput, and easy-to-use reagent solutions suited to a broad range of study designs, including those that use challenging but important FFPE samples," said Christian Henry, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Illumina's Genomic Solutions Business. "These types of samples are a rich source of information on changes in gene expression and regulation associated with cancer and a wide range of other diseases."

The TruSeq Stranded RNA Sample Preparation Kits are available in multiple configurations to suit a wide range of study design needs, with offerings for both mRNA-focused and whole-transcriptome analysis, as well as for both small and large sample sizes. Configurations compatible with human, mouse and rat samples are currently available, with additional offerings planned later this year for plant samples and for the effective removal of globin transcripts from blood samples.

"Illumina's new RNA sequencing kits allow researchers to quickly and robustly analyze nearly every aspect of the transcriptome and will certainly be a powerful new tool in unraveling the complexities of gene regulation," said Brenton Graveley, professor at University of Connecticut Health Centre and researcher in the modENCODE Project. "We were able to reliably detect expression changes in coding as well as non-coding RNA species, for which important regulatory roles impacting a rapidly broadening array of phenotypes continue to be discovered."

The TruSeq Stranded mRNA and Total RNA Sample Preparation Kits are the newest additions to the TruSeq line of sample prep solutions, which are designed to further advance data quality, ease-of-use, and the cost effectiveness of sequencing. Additional benefits of TruSeq Stranded mRNA and Total RNA Sample Preparation Kits include:

• An improved workflow, requiring less hands-on time while delivering the same high standard of performance and affordability as Illumina's current TruSeq products.
• High strand specificity and uniform coverage in a comprehensive end-to-end solution.
• Availability in multiple configurations, including 48-sample low-throughput kits containing 12 of 24 total available indexes, and 96-sample high-throughput kits. Additionally, the company recently introduced TruSeq DNA HT Sample Preparation Kits, which contain 96 unique index pairs pre-loaded into 96-well plates.