VASA-seq
Full-length, total RNA single-cell sequencing
VASA-seq is a brand-new technology for full-length, total RNA sequencing at single-cell level. Exclusively offered as a service by Single Cell Discoveries.
*VASA-seq 1.1. will be launched in May 2023. The current VASA-seq protocol will be discontinued shortly. Read more about VASA-seq 1.1.
Full-length, total RNA, single-cell transcriptomics
VASA-seq is a single-cell sequencing platform for full-length, total RNA sequencing.
As with SORT-seq, VASA-seq is based on 384-well cell capture plates and flow cytometry (FACS) sorting.
However, unlike other single-cell sequencing technologies, VASA-seq does not rely on primers that bind to the endogenous poly-A tail of mRNA molecules.
This means that VASA-seq allows us to analyze non-coding RNA species and immature mRNA molecules simultaneously, all at single-cell level.
Currently, VASA-seq is only compatible with human, mouse or rat samples.
Briefly, this is how it works: We receive your single cells, sorted into the wells of a prepared 384-well cell capture plate.
Then, RNA molecules are barcoded with primers that contain a cell-specific barcode.
After barcoding, double-stranded cDNA is generated, then we pool the contents of the wells and start the amplification of the RNA with in-vitro transcription (IVT).
Once IVT is complete, we prepare the sample into an Illumina sequencing library.
Read more about how VASA-seq works in this publication.
What you can do with VASA-seq
VASA-seq is highly suited to single nucleus sequencing, since it does not depend on polyadenylation and can capture the immature RNA molecules in the nuclei that have not yet developed a poly-A tail.
Also, you can use VASA-seq to sequence total RNA to study non-coding RNA species such as long non-coding RNAs and rRNAs, at single-cell level.
Lastly, because VASA-seq generates full-length information on the RNA molecules, you can study RNA isoforms at single-cell level.
VASA-seq provides the ideal data to infer RNA velocity within your dataset as it can be used to separate reads coming from introns or exons along the full length of the RNA molecule.
Key benefits of VASA-seq
- Analyze RNA molecules at full length
VASA-seq generates full-length coverage of the RNA, all the way from the 5' to the 3' end. This means you get information on intron/exon boundaries and SNPs. - Analyze coding and non-coding RNA species
VASA-seq is able to sequence non-polyadenylated RNAs. This includes immature mRNAs and non-coding RNAs. - Compatible with all sample types
VASA-seq works with relatively low numbers of cells. If you can fill (at least part of) a 384-well plate by FACS sorting, you can generate single-cell sequencing libraries.
How does it work
Step 1: FACS sorting
Begin by ordering our cell capture plates, which we ship worldwide. You then sort your single-cells into the 384-well cell-capture plates and send the plates back to us for processing. If you don't want us to process all the plates at once, just let us know which ones to start with.
RESOURCES
Step 2: Plate processing
Once we've received your plates, we'll process them using the VASA-seq protocol. After barcoding the mRNA of your single-cells, we'll pool the material from one plate to generate one sequencing library per plate.
Step 3: Sequencing and data analysis
We'll send the sequencing libraries to one of our partners for sequencing. When we get the data back, we'll perform a preliminary data analysis, then send the data back to you.
Deliverables
As with all of our services, we provide ongoing support from our single-cell sequencing specialists. We provide the following for each VASA-seq project:
- Regular email updates during plate processing
- Raw sequencing data (FASTQ files)
- A QC report per plate
- Mapped count tables for downstream analysis
- A preliminary clustering analysis, done with the Seurat pipeline.
- A preliminary differential gene expression analysis
Once we have sent you the data, we'll invite you to schedule a call with one of our scientists to go over any additional questions you may have.
That's when we can discuss any additional data analysis you may need.
Can I use VASA-seq?
Use our single-cell sequencing buying guide to find out if VASA-seq matches your project.
FAQ
Currently, VASA-seq works on cells of human, mouse and rat origin.
The rRNA is physically removed from the cells before we proceed with the amplification of the RNA contents of the cells.
Our throughput time is 4-8 weeks, from the moment we receive your plates.
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 with VASA-seq.
No, we use different plates for VASA-seq and SORT-seq.
You can order the cell capture plates via the plate order form.
related technologies
Not sure if VASA-seq is right for your project? Explore our other services.
SORT-seq
Cost-effective, plate-based single-cell transctiptomics platform.
10x Genomics
High-throughput single-cell gene expression or single-cell immune profiling analysis.
bulk RNA sequencing
Don't need single-cells? Try our highly cost-effective bulk RNA seq services.
Tell us about your project
Ready to proceed? Tell us about your project and we'll help you with your next steps.
Bastiaan Bijl
Head of Business Development
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