Transcriptome RNA sequencing

Transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is an advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique designed to comprehensively profile all RNA molecules (the transcriptome) present in a biological sample at a given time.
Unlike DNA sequencing, which reveals genetic code, RNA-seq provides a snapshot of gene activity, enabling researchers to determine which genes are turned on or off, measure their expression levels, and detect variations such as alternative splicing events, gene fusions, or mutations in expressed regions.
The process typically involves:
RNA extraction from the sample (tissue, blood, cells, etc.).
Conversion of RNA to complementary DNA (cDNA) using reverse transcription.
Applications include disease research, cancer profiling, biomarker discovery, pharmacogenomics, developmental biology, and more. By revealing dynamic changes in gene expression, RNA-seq plays a crucial role in understanding molecular mechanisms and guiding precision medicine.