VASA-seq
Full-length, total RNA single-cell sequencing
VASA-seq is a highly sensitive plate-based method that enables you to study full-length RNA and a variety of RNA species.
Exclusively offered by Single Cell Discoveries.
Benefits of VASA-seq
Analyze RNA molecules at full length
VASA-seq can be used for the analysis of full-length transcriptomes. This enables you to study alternative splicing on a single-cell level and make RNA velocity predictions. For example, you could detect splicing dynamics across developmental trajectories.
Analyze coding and non-coding RNA
VASA-seq allows for many applications involving non-coding and non-polyadenylated RNA types. For example, you can determine the cell cycle stage on a single-cell level based on histone content. Use this to determine cell cycle stages across developmental phases or between cell populations—or remove cell-cycle effects for unbiased cell type identification.
Highly sensitive and best capture efficiency
VASA-seq has a higher capture efficiency than 10x Genomics and Smart-seq3 and outperforms Smart-seq-total in terms of sensitivity.
Get the Information Guide
Download our information guide to access an overview of Single Cell Discoveries, explore our single-cell sequencing services, learn how to get started, and gain more valuable insights.
Features of VASA-seq
Full-length, total RNA, single-cell transcriptomics
VASA-seq, vast transcriptome analysis of single cells by dA-tailing, is a single-cell sequencing platform for full-length, total RNA sequencing. Our R&D consultant Fredrik Salmén developed this technology as a postdoc to equip biologists with a full-transcriptome range.
Single-cell sequencing methods such as SORT-seq and 10x Genomics enable single-cell transcriptomics analysis by detecting short fragments of polyadenylated RNA. In contrast, VASA-seq generates full-length RNA reads and encompasses non-coding and immature RNA species by fragmenting and tailing all RNA molecules.
This allows for the analysis of full-length, non-coding, and immature mRNA molecules, all at single-cell resolution. The RNA biotypes you can detect include lncRNA, snRNA, snoRNA, and histone genes.
Currently, our VASA-seq service is available for human, mouse, and rat samples. Working with other species? Please contact us to see what we can do for you.
Both plate-based and microfluidics-based VASA-seq are published in Nature Biotechnology in 2022. We have offered the plate-based method exclusively as a service since 2019 and continuously focus on improving the method.
“It’s the expertise that Single Cell Discoveries has in single-cell and T cell receptor sequencing, even though you are flexible, that makes it preferential for us to work with an industry partner like you.”
"Fantastic job made by a really professional and friendly team. I strongly recommend Single Cell Discoveries for sequencing services."
“What we appreciate most is the nature of the collaboration. With Single Cell Discoveries, we could discuss the design of our 10x Genomics experiments, which analyses to do, and how to solve our challenges.”
We are single-cell
sequencing experts
At Single Cell Discoveries, we are 100% focused on single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. This focus enables us to take on both large-scale projects and create customized solutions for each client project. Our R&D team is actively developing novel single-cell sequencing technologies, multi-omic applications and spatial transcriptomics.
Our experience is unmatched in the field
Our team of PhD-level scientists and bioinformatics experts are at the forefront of single-cell sequencing research. We have been working in the single-cell field since 2012. Our co-founder and CEO Mauro Muraro published our SORT-seq technology, and our R&D consultant is the mind behind VASA-seq. We have experience in over 40 organisms and 30 tissues, and are able to quickly adapt workflows for novel samples.
We help you stay ahead of the curve
At Single Cell Discoveries, we are committed to continuously integrate leading-edge technologies into our service offerings to ensure clients have access to the latest advancements in single-cell genomics. Our R&D department works to both internalize the best commercial platforms and advance our own single-cell innovations to provide you with the highest quality results.
We work with you as a collaborative partner
Our team will work closely with you, providing guidance and support throughout your research journey. We are dedicated to maintaining a high-touch, collaborative relationship with clients as we scale our capacity to accommodate larger projects. By acting as your thought partner, we delve deep into the intricacies of your research and offer valuable single-cell insights.
Trusted by
The premier single-cell CRO
Accelerate your research with our tailored single-cell sequencing solutions
Located in Utrecht, the Netherlands, our purpose-built single-cell sequencing lab is operated by a team of PhD-level scientists, some of whom have pioneered the single-cell platforms we employ to deliver exceptional service. At Single Cell Discoveries, we are dedicated to crafting customized solutions for your unique challenges, ensuring rapid turnaround times, and unlocking high-impact biological insights. We eat, sleep, and breathe single-cell biology so you can focus on advancing your discovery program.
How we supercharge
your research
Project Design
- Strategize with our PhD-level account executives to decide between multiple single-cell technologies, including two exclusively offered by us.
- Leverage our experience with 200+ clients over 1000+ unique projects.
Sample Processing
- Run in our purpose-built single-cell lab with Illumina Novaseq X.
- Benefit from our experience with 8500+ samples sequenced in 40+ organisms and 30+ tissue types with over 10M single cells sequenced.
Data Analysis
- Gain quick insights into your single-cell data with our preliminary analysis report with QC, clustering, and differential gene expression.
- Uncover biological insights through custom data analysis with our bioinformaticians who have processed over 50 terabytes of single-cell data.
Step 1
Consultation
Every project starts with one or more free consultations because no two single-cell projects are the same. Our experienced PhD-level team discusses your biological question, sample type, planning, data analysis options, and other wishes. This will ensure you select the best method for your project and can hit the ground running.
Step 2
Sample Preparation
For 10x Genomics, create a single-cell suspension from your sample and either cryopreserve or methanol-fix the cells. For SORT-seq, FACS-sort the single cells into the wells of our cell capture plates. Then, send your samples to our lab on dry ice. In the case of nuclei, the sample preparation depends on the project.
Step 3
Processing in Our Lab
Our experienced team performs the 10x Genomics protocol in our lab. We sequence the libraries on our Illumina NovaSeq X Plus or NextSeq 2000. We'll do multiple QC checks and keep you informed of the status of your project.
Step 4
Data Analyis
Our data team performs preliminary data analysis using a Seurat pipeline, checks the data quality and discusses irregularities with our lab team if necessary. You will receive the raw data files, data report, and guiding explanations. Talk to our data consulting team for help or request additional assessments such as pseudotime and gene set enrichment analysis.
Deliverables
As with all of our services, we provide ongoing support from our single-cell sequencing specialists. For each SORT-seq project, we provide the following.
- Regular updates during sample processing, including QC
- Raw sequencing data (FASTQ files)
- Gene count tables
- QC report of mapping results (raw and mapped reads per sample, and PCA plot)
- An explanation from our data team about data quality metrics
- All raw sequencing data, results and reports are processed on EU servers, and securely encrypted using an AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) algorithm with a 256-bit key, before being delivered to the customers and archived.
FAQ
Currently, VASA-seq works on cells of human, mouse, and rat origin. However, we are always exploring other species, so please contact us if you're interested.
The protocol includes an rRNA removal step. We have probes for human and mouse samples in-house. Working with another species? Please contact us so we can see what we can do.
All fresh cell types/nuclei that can be FACS sorted (live/dead) are suitable. Methanol-fixed cells that are rehydrated before sorting are also compatible.
No, the plates are not interchangeable.
No, unfortunately, these RNA types are too short or have too many modifications to be properly detected.
Information Guide
Discover our VASA-seq solution
Download our information guide to access an overview of Single Cell Discoveries, explore our VASA-seq service, learn how to get started, and gain more valuable insights.