NEXTFLEX Custom Small RNA Blockers

Maximize discovery by reducing dominant RNA species in small RNA-Seq

Small RNA sequencing profiles a wide array of RNA molecules under 200 nucleotides, including microRNA (miRNA), tRNA, Y RNA, PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA), and more. However, in many samples, a few highly abundant RNA species, particularly tRNA fragments, Y RNA fragments, and a handful of overexpressed miRNAs dominate read counts. This skewed abundance profile reflects real biology but reduces library complexity, making it harder to detect rare yet biologically important RNAs.

Stop abundant RNAs from taking over your small RNA-seq data. NEXTFLEX Custom Small RNA Blockers selectively remove high-abundance RNAs from your libraries without affecting other sequences.

• Affordable and tailored for your project. Target specific miRNAs, tRNA fragments, rRNA fragments, or Y RNAs from any organism.
• Compatible with NEXTFLEX Small RNA-seq Kit v4.
• Reduce unwanted sequences without introducing bias in other RNAs.
• Free up sequencing capacity for the RNAs that matter most to your study.

How it works

• Blockers are sequence-specific oligonucleotides designed to hybridize up to 10 unique target sequences chosen by the user. Target sequences must have a length of 25 - 50 nt.
• Blocking occurs in the first step (Step A) of the NEXTFLEX Small RNA-Seq Kit v4 workflow.
• Hybridized RNAs cannot undergo 3' adapter ligation, preventing amplification downstream.

Get started

Schedule a consultation or contact our team to design custom blockers for your species, tissue, or experimental context. Increase the complexity, sensitivity, and value of your small RNA sequencing today.