RNA-seq
Pronunciation: R-N-A-seek
Also written as: RNA-seq — RNA sequencing
RNA sequencing technology that analyzes gene expression patterns and identifies fusion transcripts in cancer samples.
Full Definition
RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a high-throughput sequencing technique that provides comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome by sequencing all RNA molecules present in a sample. In cancer genomics, RNA-seq serves multiple purposes including quantifying gene expression levels, identifying alternatively spliced transcripts, detecting gene fusions and novel splice variants, and characterizing the tumor's transcriptional landscape. This technology enables discovery of therapeutic targets through expression profiling, identification of fusion oncogenes that may be druggable, assessment of pathway activation status, and evaluation of immune infiltration patterns. RNA-seq data complements DNA sequencing findings by providing functional context about which genes are actively transcribed in tumor cells.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenated form preferred over RNAseq or RNA seq.
In Context
- "RNA-seq analysis revealed significant upregulation of immune checkpoint genes." — Research publication
- "The laboratory's RNA-seq protocol includes quality control metrics for degraded samples." — Standard operating procedure