Transfer RNAs are the most abundant small non-coding RNAs — and the hardest to profile accurately. Arraystar tRNA-seq uses the rtStar™ tRNA Pretreatment Kit to efficiently remove internal and terminal tRNA modifications, achieving exceptional tRNA-seq efficiency and accuracy for comprehensive tRNA expression profiling.
Accurate tRNA profiling starts with removing the modifications that block reverse transcription
Arraystar tRNA-seq is a sample-to-data service that accurately profiles tRNAs. Complete with sequencing data processing and a wealth of tRNA bioinformatic analysis, it is the first and only commercially available service of its kind — ready to spearhead your tRNA research in canonical and non-canonical tRNA biology.
The key to accurate tRNA sequencing is the rtStar™ tRNA Pretreatment Kit: tRNAs carry extensive internal and terminal post-transcriptional modifications that block reverse transcription and distort readout. By efficiently removing these modifications, the pretreatment delivers exceptional tRNA-seq efficiency and accuracy. Every project runs on performance-optimized tRNA sequencing methodologies with a rigorous QC process, supported by a comprehensive tRNA transcriptome reference for annotation.
tRNA sequencing (tRNA-seq) profiles transfer RNA expression at genome-wide scale. Because tRNAs carry dense post-transcriptional modifications that block reverse transcription, accurate tRNA-seq requires enzymatic pretreatment — such as Arraystar's rtStar™ Kit — before library construction.
Standard tRNA sequencing project — custom designs and add-on analyses available on request
| Service Name | Price |
|---|---|
| tRNA Sequencing Service |
Why researchers choose Arraystar for tRNA sequencing
Efficiently removes internal and terminal modifications in tRNA to reach an exceptional level of tRNA-seq efficiency and accuracy.
Performance-optimized tRNA sequencing methodologies with a rigorous QC process at every step.
A comprehensive tRNA transcriptome reference supports full annotation of every detected tRNA.
Thorough tRNA annotation and bioinformatic analysis with publication quality graphics.
Sequencing data processing plus a wealth of tRNA bioinformatic analysis, with data visualization at publication quality graphics.
The first and only commercially available tRNA-seq service, spearheading canonical and non-canonical tRNA research.
Why tRNA biology matters — and why it is hard to sequence
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are ubiquitous and the most abundant of all small non-coding RNA molecules. As a fundamental component in translation, tRNAs serve as the physical link between the mRNA coding and protein sequences. A wide variety of biological processes — such as cell proliferation [1], differentiation [1, 2], and apoptosis — are accompanied by changes in tRNA levels. Alterations of the tRNA repertoire can affect cell-fate choices during cell development (Fig. 1), and dysregulated tRNA repertoire can promote tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
tRNAs undergo by far the greatest number of, and the most chemically diverse, post-transcriptional modifications, which are essential for tRNA stability, folding, and decoding. As the amino acid carrier for peptide synthesis, tRNAs must also be charged with amino acids. However, these aminoacylated termini and the dense modification landscape block reverse transcription — which is why accurate tRNA-seq requires enzymatic pretreatment such as the rtStar™ tRNA Pretreatment Kit before library construction.
Five phases from RNA sample to tRNA expression data
Total RNA quality and quantity assessment before the project proceeds.
Enzymatic removal of internal and terminal tRNA modifications to unblock reverse transcription.
Adapter ligation, reverse transcription, and amplification with an optimized tRNA-seq protocol.
Sequencing with an optimized small RNA sequencing protocol for sensitive, quantitative detection of tRNA expression.
Expression profiling and differential expression analysis of the tRNA transcriptome.
A wealth of tRNA bioinformatic analyses — valuable for investigating tRNAs in biology and disease
Arraystar tRNA-seq includes a wealth of bioinformatics analyses, which are valuable for investigators to gain insights and better understand tRNAs in biology and disease. Every tRNA is annotated in detail with anticodon, sequence, dot-bracket structure notation, and expression levels (Fig. 1); differentially expressed tRNAs are presented with K-means clustering heatmaps, scatter plots, and volcano plots (Fig. 2); and expression levels of different tRNA types can be grouped by anticodon (Fig. 3, additional fee applies).
tRNA biology at the center of translation regulation — from development to disease
tRNA repertoires shape translation programs during cell proliferation and differentiation — a dual program of translation regulation [1].
Threonine fuels glioblastoma through YRDC-mediated codon-biased translational reprogramming (Nature Cancer, 2024); SLFN12-mediated tRNA cleavage drives cancer cell death (Nature Chemical Biology, 2022).
AAV-delivered suppressor tRNA overcomes a nonsense mutation in mice (Nature, 2022); neuronal Nsun2 deficiency produces tRNA epitranscriptomic alterations with synaptic and behavioral impacts (Nature Communications, 2021).
Genetic interactions of tRNA-dependent mistranslation with FUS protein aggregates (Genes, 2023) and tRNAArg-derived fragments as arginine donors for protein arginylation (Cell Chemical Biology, 2020).
Mitochondrial RNA polymerase PPR domain as an exoribonuclease for mtDNA replication (Nature Cell Biology, 2022); rare codon-based translational programs of cell proliferation (Genome Biology, 2020).
Human SAMD9 as a poxvirus-activatable anticodon nuclease inhibiting codon-specific protein synthesis (Science Advances, 2023).
Official Arraystar sample submission requirements for tRNA sequencing projects
| Sample Type | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total RNA | > 2 µg* | tRNA-seq recommended minimum; small-RNA-retaining purification kit required |
| Cultured cells | 2 × 10⁶ cells | Lyse immediately in TRIzol (1 mL per 5–10 × 10⁶ suspension cells or 10 cm² dish); ship on dry ice |
| Tissue | 10–25 mg | RNAlater (≥10 volumes, 2–8 °C overnight), TRIzol (1 mL per 10–25 mg), or fresh-frozen in liquid nitrogen |
| Whole blood | 2–3 mL (0.3 mL/aliquot) | tRNA-seq requires pretreatment → use the “With IP or Pretreatment” volumes; ship on dry ice |
| Plasma / Serum | 2–5 mL (0.3 mL/aliquot) | EDTA or citrate anticoagulant; do NOT use heparin; ship on dry ice |
| Exosomes | Customer-isolated | Resuspend in 200 µL PBS + 800 µL TRIzol (v:v = 1:4); ship on dry ice |
* Recommended minimum per sample for the entire experiment in a single attempt, including sample QC; supply twice the recommended minimum to avoid project delays. If the minimum amount is not obtainable, contact support@arraystar.com for special arrangements. Arraystar performs sample QC upon receipt; QC assessment is final. Low amount/quality samples may proceed with consent — data quality and success rate may decline. Shipping address: ATTN: Samples Receiving (Project#______), Arraystar Inc., 9430 Key West Avenue #128, Rockville, MD 20850 USA, Tel: 888-416-6343.
Common questions about tRNA sequencing
Featured Client Publications in tRNA Research
Arraystar tRNA-seq combines rtStar™ pretreatment with optimized tRNA sequencing methodologies and comprehensive bioinformatics — get a quote and a project timeline tailored to your study.