Automated RNA Library Prep | Transcriptome Sequencing of Insect Samples

This application establishes an automated transcriptome library preparation workflow for RNA extracted from insect tissues using the MGI MGISP-960 platform. It combines mRNA enrichment and RNA library preparation reagents with automation consumables to generate libraries for MGI sequencing. The example below uses four locust brain RNA samples and reports the preparation conditions, library concentrations, and fragment profiles.

Prepare RNA from Small Insect Tissue Samples

MolPure™ Micro Total RNA Kit (Cat. No. 19212ES) is an option for extracting total RNA from small samples. It combines a micro-scale DNA removal/RNA-binding spin column with a specialized buffer system for very small amounts of animal cells, microdissected tissue, and easy-to-lyse animal tissue.

RNA extraction takes approximately 8 minutes. The kit processes 1–500,000 cells or less than 5 mg of tissue. Its DNA removal/RNA-binding column and reagent formulation remove residual genomic DNA without DNase treatment. The recovered RNA can be used directly for reverse transcription, quantitative PCR, or high-throughput sequencing library preparation.

What RNA Sequencing Reveals about Insect Biology

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) gives researchers a genome-wide view of gene expression, from broad patterns to specific mechanisms. While the genome provides the genetic blueprint, the transcriptome shows how that information is used as biological activity changes. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) captures gene expression under defined conditions, helping explain insect growth, physiology, metabolism, and behavior.

Reagent List for the Experiment

Category	Cat.No.	Product name
RNA Library Preparation	12629ES	Hieff NGS™ mRNA Isolation Master Kit V2
	12340ES	Hieff NGS™ EvoMax RNA Library Prep Kit (Strand-specific)
Magnetic Beads	12601ES	Hieff NGS™ DNA selection Beads (Superior Ampure XP alternative)
Quantification	12642ES	1× dsDNA HS Assay Kit dsDNA qubit
Adapters	13350ES	Hieff NGS™ Unique Dual Barcode Primer Kit for MGI
User-Supplied Materials	—	Absolute Ethanol

The Automated Workflow

Figure 1. Automated transcriptome library preparation from cell samples on the MGISP-960.

Pre-Experiment Preparation

1. Equilibrate magnetic beads to room temperature before use.

2. Prepare 80% ethanol.

3. Prepare 2 herbal medicine samples and 1 rapeseed sample, each containing 400 ng of DNA. The extracted DNA shows visible pigment contamination.

Experimental Conditions and Results

Review Library Concentrations and Fragment Profiles

Figure. Fragment profiles of the RNA sequencing libraries.

Yeasen Product Portfolio for Transcriptomic sequencing