Next-generation sequencing for SARS-CoV-2 research

During viral pandemics, next-generation sequencing (NGS) can be a valuable tool for the characterization and detection of viruses in the environment, animals, and humans (Kustin et al. 2019). Additionally, NGS can provide useful insights to help researchers and clinicians looking to develop the right treatment options. We offer a variety of RNA-sequencing kits for unmatched sensitivity and reproducibility for all of your demanding sequencing applications, including research on SARS-CoV-2.

Monitoring of the environment

Monitoring environmental samples (e.g., tabletops, door handles, and other high touch points) for the presence of harmful pathogens requires a high degree of sensitivity, down to just a few copies of a viral or bacterial genome. Our SMARTer RNA-seq products offer sensitivity to detect trace amounts of RNA, and through randomly primed reverse transcription also enable detection of RNA that is in various stages of degradation. In particular, the SMARTer Pico v3 RNA-seq (the improved version of Pico v2) and SMART-Seq Stranded kits work from inputs of <1 ng total RNA to provide comprehensive RNA transcript profiling.

Understanding the effects of viral infection

Our tools, such as the SMART-Seq v4 PLUS and SMART-Seq Single Cell PLUS kits (the improved versions of our customer-trusted SSv4 and SSsc cDNA-generation kits), can help researchers understand the expression changes that occur in a host as a result of viral infection and treatment—at both the bulk and single-cell level, respectively—to aid in the development of appropriate treatment. Additionally, both of these kits sequence full-length transcripts enabling cell-type identification as well as providing detailed information on isoform changes, SNPs, or splice variants that can help us better understand the response to the infection and treatments alike.

To read studies by COVID-19 researchers using the kits below, please refer to the "RNA-seq" section of our COVID Publications page.