RNA Sequencing Services
Fast, cost-effective RNA-seq services using Illumina, PacBio, and Takara from extraction
to analysis supporting all sample types in as little as 2 weeks.
RNA-Seq Services: Optimized workflows for diverse sample types
Standard RNA-Seq Service
High-quality profiling using Illumina Stranded mRNA for inputs >50ng.
Total RNA Seq Service
Total RNA-Seq profiling utilizing Illumina Stranded workflows with target-specific rRNA depletion.
Low Input RNA-Seq Service
Ultra-sensitive profiling using Takara SMART-Seq for precious samples down to 10 pg.
FFPE RNA-Seq Service
Reliable transcriptomic recovery from heavily degraded, archived clinical specimens.
Blood RNA-Seq Service
High-efficiency profiling featuring integrated globin and rRNA depletion using Illumina Ribo-Zero Plus.
Long Read RNA Service
Accurately characterize complex isoforms, alternative splicing events, and gene fusions.
Small RNA Service
Targeted short-molecule profiling using specialized size-selection for transcripts 18–30 nt long.
Full-Length 16S Microbiome Service
High-throughput, species-level microbial identification profiling the entire 1.5 kb 16S gene via PacBio Kinnex.
Expedited RNA-Seq Service
Accelerated sequencing and analysis with delivery in as few as 10–12 business days.
Not sure which service fits your project? Our scientists provide complimentary technical consultations to help you select the optimal workflow based on your sample quality and research objectives. Read more about each of our services by following links above or shortcut to explore Technical Documents and FAQ sections below.
The Signios Advantage: Superior Workflow Performance & Technical Excellence
From sample extraction through final analysis, our optimized protocols maximize transcript capture, sequencing depth, and coverage consistency across every project. We prioritize RNA integrity and data quality at every step of the library preparation and sequencing to deliver sensitive, accurate and reproducible gene expression insights.
End-to-end Solutions
Integrated workflows spanning RNA extraction, sample QC, library preparation, sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and reporting — all managed within a single laboratory.
Flexible Transcriptome Profiling
Capture mRNA, total RNA, stranded RNA, small RNA, globin depletion, and custom transcriptome applications using validated Illumina, PacBio, and Takara chemistries.
High Strand Specificity
Validated stranded RNA-Seq workflows enable accurate detection of antisense transcription, overlapping genes, splice variants, and fusion transcripts.
Broad Sample Compatibility
Specialized protocols support ultra-low-input RNA samples down to 10 pg as well as degraded FFPE specimens with DV200 >20%.
US Based Services
All RNA-Seq services are performed in-house at our Foster City, CA facility. No outsourcing or international shipping.
Expert Support
Every project is overseen by PhD-level scientists providing guidance on study design, workflow selection, QC consultation and data interpretation.
Scalable Sequencing
Powered by the latest Illumina NovaSeq X Plus platform for deep transcriptomic coverage.
Fast Turnaround Times
Optimized protocols using liquid handlers for efficient sample processing and data delivery.
The Signios Partnership: Laboratory Workflow & Quality Assurance
A transparent, five-step workflow designed to preserve sample integrity and ensure high-confidence transcriptomic data generation.
Step 1
Consultation & Study Design
Step 2
Order & Sample Submission
Step 3
Sample QC & Library Prep
Step 4
Library QC & Sequencing
Step 5
Data Delivery & Bioinformatics
Our scientists provide dedicated guidance to align our technical workflows with your research objectives.
Register samples via our streamlined customer portal. Schedule a local Bay Area pick-up or ship directly when ready.
We provide formal Qubit and TapeStation reports for your review, ensuring full transparency and customer sign-off before library construction.
Libraries are QC’d and pooled to ensure high-fidelity data outputs from the Illumina NovaSeq X+ platform.
Secure FASTQ and QC report delivery via SFTP or direct cloud transfer. Bioinformatics services are available for publication-ready transcriptomic interpretation.
Resources & Insights
SERVICE OVERVIEW TECH SHEET
RNA Sequencing Services
Download the full technical sheet detailing our complete bulk, low-input, and FFPE RNA-Seq configurations, platform specifications, and recommended sequencing depths.
TECHNICAL GUIDE
RNA-Seq Sample QC Standards
Learn how our laboratory utilizes Qubit and TapeStation systems to evaluate your starting material (RIN and DV200 metrics) to guarantee optimal library prep before sequencing begins.
Blog
RNA Sequencing Demystified: From Sample Prep to Insight
Take an in-depth look at our five-step laboratory workflow. Discover how we transition your project seamlessly from extraction to publication-ready bioinformatic analysis.
Beyond the FASTQ: Comprehensive Bioinformatics for Our RNA Sequencing Services
Our automated bioinformatics pipeline transitions your project from raw sequencing to biological insight. We employ industry-standard STAR and DESeq2 workflows to ensure high-accuracy alignment and differential expression analysis, paired with pathway enrichment to prioritize the biological signals that matter most.
Alignment stats
PCA Plot
Correlation Plot
Heatmap
Volcano Plot
Tumor Microenvironment Analysis
Gene Networks
Dot Plot
Applications of RNA Sequencing
Our RNA sequencing services support a broad range of research applications, including:
Differential Gene Expression
Comparing transcriptional profiles between experimental groups.
Transcriptome Profiling
Discovering novel transcripts, isoforms, and non-coding RNAs.
Oncology & Biomarker Discovery
Identifying fusion genes and expression signatures in cancer.
Immune Profiling
Understanding immune cell activation and response pathways.
Drug Mechanism of Action
Evaluating how compounds affect cellular pathways.
Single-Cell Correlation
Bulk RNA-Seq to validate or complement single-cell datasets.
Get Started with Your Project
Ready to accelerate your transcriptomic research? Contact our team today for a technical consultation. We will guide you through sample requirements, library prep options (Poly-A vs. Ribo-Zero) aligned to your analysis goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I order RNA-Seq?
Reach out through our [Request a Quote] link. Our sales team will assist with account setup. Ordering and sample submission are handled through our seamless customer portal.
What is the typical turnaround time (TAT)?
Our standard TAT is 3–4 weeks from sample QC approval. Choose our Expedited Service for urgent projects.
What type of QC is provided?
All RNA is QC’d using Qubit and TapeStation (RIN/DV200). We provide formal reporting for every project to ensure sample integrity before sequencing.
What species are supported?
We provide full support for Human, Mouse, and Rat samples across all workflows. Our Total RNA and polyA selection services are also compatible with a wide range of other species, including plants and bacteria, through specialized depletion or universal library preparation kits. Please contact us to discuss your specific model organism.
What library prep kits does Signios Bio use?
Signios utilizes 5 main kits to support a variety of inputs, quality and species. Illumina Stranded mRNA, Takara SMART-Seq mRNA, Illumina Stranded Total RNA RiboZero Plus or Takara Total RNA ZAPR with UMIs (Previously Takara Pico v3). We support alternative workflows so inquire if you’re looking for an option that isn’t listed.
What analysis options are available?
We offer standard (alignment and gene counts), Advanced (differential expression, pathway enrichment, and splicing analysis) and fully customized analysis to take your raw data to publication.
What samples are compatible?
Our services are validated for whole blood, tissue, cells, and FFPE. Our team will guide you toward the best extraction and library prep method for your material.
What are the sample requirements?
Kit: Takara SMART-Seq mRNA
Source: Cells
- Recommended: >10,000 cells
- Lower limit for direct input: 1-1000 cells
Source: Purified
Preferred input: 10 ng, Volume: 15 µl
Lowest Input: 10 pg, Volume: 15 µl
RIN > 5
Kit: Illumina Stranded mRNA prep
Source: Purified
0.05 ug, RIN >7 or 1 ug, RIN >5
Volume: 25 µl
Source: Cells
Recommended: >50,000 cells frozen and pelleted
Source: Tissue
60 mg of fresh fully submerged in RNA later
- 60 mg of frozen tissue in RNA later or flash frozen
Source: Blood
Recommended: 3 mL, Minimum: 1.5 mL; recommended to send in Paxgene Blood RNA tubes
Source: FFPE
Recommended: 8 slides with 10um thick tissues and surface area of 250 mm²
- Minimum: 5 slides with 10um thick tissues and surface area of 250 mm²
Source: Curls
5-8 curls (10 µM thick)
Kit: Total RNA, stranded
Illumina Stranded Total RNA RiboZero Plus with Globin depletion (mouse, human, rat, bacteria)
Source: Blood
Recommended: 3 mL, Minimum: 1.5 mL
Illumina Stranded Total RNA RiboZero Plus (mouse, human, rat, bacteria)
Source: Purified
200 ng-1 µg, Volume: 25 µl; DV200>25
Source: Cells
Minimum 1e+6 cells required. Cells should be frozen and pelleted
Source: Tissue
60 mg of fresh or frozen tissue, 20 mg of stabilized tissue
Source: FFPE
Recommended: 8 slides with 10um thick tissues and surface area of 250 mm²
- Minimum: 5 slides with 10um thick tissues and surface area of 250 mm²
Source: Curls
8 curls (10 µM thick)
Takara SMART-Seq Total RNA ZAPR (UMIs)
Source: FFPE
5-8 slides with 10um thick tissues and surface area of 250 mm²
Source: Cells
Recommended: >10,000 cells
Low Input: 50-1,000 cells
- DV200 > 25
Source: Purified
Recommended: >10 ng, Volume: 15 µl
Low Input: 250 pg-10 ng, Volume: 15 µl
- DV200 > 25
What is the recommended sequencing depth?
For standard expression profiling, we recommend 20M–30M reads per sample. For rare transcript discovery or deep transcriptome profiling, 50M+ reads may be required.
What sequencing platform is used?
The Illumina NovaSeq X+ platform is utilized for PE150 read lengths, providing industry-leading data quality and throughput.
Can Signios handle low-input RNA?
Yes. We specialize in low-input RNA-Seq, utilizing high-efficiency conversion kits to maximize data from limited starting material.
What kits does Signios use for RNA Extraction?
We select from validated Qiagen RNeasy or Promega Maxwell kits, optimized for specific sample types to ensure high yield and purity.
Explore Related Sequencing Solutions
Starting at $129/sample
Turn RNA into meaningful biological insights with scientist-led sequencing and bioinformatics