Transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) have emerged as key regulatory molecules influencing gene expression, stress responses, and disease mechanisms. However, accurately capturing and quantifying these fragments presents a significant technical challenge due to their diverse biogenesis pathways, complex modifications, and overlapping sequences with other small RNAs. As a key branch of our comprehensive tsRNA Services, BOC Sciences' tsRNA Sequencing Service delivers precise and in-depth profiling of transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) using advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Our platform is designed to capture the full complexity of tsRNA populations—including their diverse biogenesis pathways, chemical modifications, and biological functions—across a wide range of sample types and experimental contexts. BOC Sciences bridges this gap by providing a specialized tsRNA Sequencing Service that integrates modification-aware library construction, high-throughput sequencing, and customized bioinformatics pipelines.
Studying tsRNAs presents unique technical and analytical challenges that often hinder data reliability and interpretation. Our tsRNA sequencing platform is designed to overcome these issues effectively, ensuring trustworthy and biologically meaningful outcomes.
tsRNAs are heavily modified with methylations and other chemical alterations that can hinder reverse transcription and cause sequencing bias. Our proprietary enzymatic and chemical treatment protocols effectively demethylate modified bases, enabling complete and unbiased transcript detection.
Distinguishing between tRFs (tRNA-derived fragments) and tiRNAs (tRNA halves) is critical for downstream biological analysis. Our pipeline ensures subtype-level annotation and classification with precise mapping algorithms, ensuring accurate identification of origin and cleavage sites.
tsRNAs can vary drastically in abundance across cell types and conditions. BOC Sciences employs optimized RNA enrichment and amplification strategies to enhance sensitivity, enabling the detection of rare but biologically significant tsRNA molecules.
Our refined workflows include stringent quality controls, duplicate filtering, and spike-in normalization, ensuring that reported read counts reflect true biological differences rather than technical noise.
Partnering with BOC Sciences means eliminating uncertainty from tsRNA research—achieving precise sequencing results that withstand scientific scrutiny and fuel meaningful innovation.
BOC Sciences provides an end-to-end tsRNA Sequencing Service that enables researchers to accurately detect, quantify, and characterize transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) from a wide variety of biological sources. Our service is specifically engineered to handle the biochemical complexity of tsRNAs, including their high degree of post-transcriptional modifications and structural diversity, ensuring reliable and unbiased results. Unlike conventional small RNA sequencing, which often fails to capture modified or fragmented tRNA-derived molecules, BOC Sciences applies specialized chemistries, optimized enzymatic reactions, and robust computational pipelines to fully profile tsRNAs across different biological systems.
High-quality RNA is the cornerstone of successful tsRNA sequencing. At BOC Sciences, we apply precision-driven RNA extraction and quality control procedures specifically optimized for small RNA recovery and integrity preservation. Unlike general RNA workflows, our extraction strategies are fine-tuned to maximize tsRNA yield and purity, even from challenging or low-input samples.
To accommodate a wide range of experimental designs and sample availability, our platform supports multiple sample types and sources:
| Acceptable Sample Types | |
| Total RNA | We accept total RNA from virtually any biological source—cells, tissues, or fluids. A minimum of 1–2 µg total RNA with RIN ≥ 7.0 is recommended. For partially degraded or archival samples, we provide specialized low-RIN workflows that preserve small RNA integrity. |
| Small RNA-Enriched Fractions | For targeted tsRNA profiling, pre-enriched small RNA fractions (14–40 nt) are ideal. These improve detection sensitivity and sequencing depth, particularly for low-input or complex samples such as serum or exosomes. |
| Cell Lines | Cell lines from mammalian, plant, or microbial origins are compatible. Samples can be submitted as frozen pellets, fresh suspensions, or RNAlater-preserved cells. Only 1×10⁶ cells are typically required. Our optimized extraction protocols ensure recovery of modified and short RNA species often missed by standard RNA kits. |
| Tissue Samples | Both fresh-frozen and FFPE tissues are accepted. Optimized homogenization and deparaffinization workflows ensure high yield and fidelity even from challenging samples. A standard input of 10–20 mg tissue or two 10 µm FFPE sections is sufficient. |
| Biofluids and Extracellular Vesicles | We provide robust small RNA extraction for low-input fluids such as plasma, serum, saliva, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and exosomes. These sources are valuable for circulating tsRNA biomarker studies. Our carrier-assisted purification methods allow sequencing from as little as 100 µL of plasma or serum, maintaining data precision and reproducibility. |
| Model Organisms | Validated for human, mouse, rat, zebrafish, Drosophila, C. elegans, and Arabidopsis, with custom workflows for non-model species. For organisms without reference databases, we perform de novo tRNA prediction and annotation to ensure accurate mapping. |
Sample Quality and Submission Guidelines
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* Every sample type is handled through an optimized extraction and QC pipeline, guaranteeing the preservation of tsRNA integrity and modification profiles. Whether your study involves cell models, tissues, or circulating biofluids, BOC Sciences ensures reproducible, high-confidence results that accurately represent the true tsRNA landscape.
All extracted RNA undergoes DNase I treatment and optional rRNA depletion to remove interfering contaminants that could obscure tsRNA reads. The process ensures that the resulting RNA population accurately reflects the biological small RNA composition.
The unique chemical landscape of tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) presents formidable challenges for traditional library preparation methods. tsRNAs are often heavily decorated with post-transcriptional modifications such as m¹A, m²G, m⁵C, m⁷G, and pseudouridine (Ψ), which can obstruct reverse transcription, reduce ligation efficiency, and distort quantitative readouts. To address these intrinsic difficulties, BOC Sciences has engineered a modification-aware, bias-minimized library construction workflow specifically optimized for tsRNA profiling.
BOC Sciences' modification-aware construction workflow delivers high-fidelity libraries that capture the full spectrum of tsRNAs, including rare and modified fragments, providing an accurate and comprehensive foundation for downstream sequencing and analysis.
BOC Sciences performs tsRNA sequencing on our proprietary high-throughput sequencing platform, developed and optimized to deliver superior accuracy, sensitivity, and consistency for small RNA analysis. Each run is carefully calibrated to ensure deep coverage, uniform read distribution, and minimal sequencing bias.
(1) Precision Sequencing Performance
Our in-house platform provides high base-calling fidelity and dynamic range, enabling accurate detection of both abundant and low-copy tsRNA fragments. Flexible read configurations and adjustable sequencing depths allow us to tailor output precisely to project scale and biological complexity.
(2) Flexible Read Configuration and Depth
(3) Strict Quality Control and Data Validation
Every sequencing run includes comprehensive QC steps to ensure data reliability:
(4) Data Output and Reporting
Processed reads are delivered in standard FASTQ format, accompanied by a detailed sequencing summary report including quality metrics and performance statistics. This high-quality dataset provides the foundation for reliable downstream bioinformatics analysis and tsRNA subtype classification.
BOC Sciences provides an end-to-end bioinformatics pipeline specifically engineered for tsRNA sequencing data. Our analytical framework integrates accurate mapping, subtype identification, quantitative assessment, and biological interpretation—ensuring that every dataset translates into clear, actionable insights.
(1) Data Processing and tsRNA Identification
All reads undergo adapter trimming, quality filtering, and duplicate removal before alignment to curated tRNA reference databases. Advanced mapping algorithms accurately distinguish tsRNA subtypes such as tRF-1, tRF-3, tRF-5, and tiRNAs, even in highly modified regions.
(2) Quantitative and Differential Analysis
Normalized expression values and differential expression profiles are generated using validated statistical models, enabling reliable comparison across samples or experimental conditions.
(3) Functional Annotation
Each identified tsRNA is functionally annotated through GO and KEGG enrichment to highlight pathways involved in gene regulation, translation, and cellular stress response.
(4) Comprehensive Reporting
Clients receive a complete analytical package, including:
By combining computational precision with expert curation, BOC Sciences delivers high-quality tsRNA expression profiles that support biomarker discovery and mechanistic RNA research.
BOC Sciences has established a fully integrated tsRNA sequencing workflow powered by our proprietary in-house sequencing platform and optimized chemistries. Every stage of the process—from RNA isolation to data interpretation—is executed under stringent quality control to ensure precise, reproducible, and modification-aware tsRNA profiling.
Every project begins with an in-depth consultation to define research objectives, sample characteristics, and analytical goals. Our scientific experts work closely with clients to determine optimal sequencing depth, library specifications, and data analysis parameters. This tailored planning guarantees that the workflow aligns precisely with the intended biological question.
Reliable data originates from high-quality RNA. Depending on the biological material—cells, tissues, or biofluids—BOC Sciences employs optimized extraction protocols to efficiently isolate total and small RNAs.
Since tsRNAs are small and often chemically modified, accurate sequencing requires careful preprocessing.
BOC Sciences' in-house library preparation chemistry is optimized specifically for structured and modified small RNAs.
Sequencing is performed using BOC Sciences' advanced internal sequencing platforms, developed for high sensitivity and ultra-low bias small RNA detection.
Our dedicated bioinformatics pipeline is specifically engineered for tsRNA analysis.
Beyond basic quantification, we provide comprehensive biological insights:
Clients receive a complete, publication-ready data package accompanied by professional scientific guidance.
BOC Sciences combines technological precision with scientific insight to deliver a tsRNA Sequencing Service that stands out for its accuracy, depth, and reliability. Every stage—from sample preparation to data interpretation—is optimized to capture the complexity of tRNA-derived fragments with unmatched resolution.
tRNAs and tsRNAs contain extensive chemical modifications such as m¹A, m³C, and m⁵C, which can block reverse transcription and cause sequencing dropouts. Our proprietary modification-aware library preparation neutralizes these modifications without compromising RNA integrity. This ensures that even heavily modified or rare tsRNA species are accurately detected and quantified, providing a more complete and biologically relevant dataset.
Many biologically significant tsRNAs exist at extremely low levels, particularly in early disease stages or specific cellular stress responses. Our optimized small RNA enrichment and amplification protocols offer superior sensitivity, enabling detection of low-copy tsRNAs that are often missed by conventional sequencing methods.Advanced Bioinformatics for tsRNA-Specific Annotation
Our custom bioinformatics pipeline is specifically designed to analyze tRNA-derived fragments and halves. Using curated tRNA reference databases and optimized mapping algorithms, we achieve precise subtype classification (tRF-5, tRF-3, i-tRF, 5'-tiRNA, 3'-tiRNA, etc.) and origin site identification. Beyond simple read counts, we deliver comprehensive reports including differential expression analysis, functional annotation, and pathway enrichment, turning raw data into actionable insights.
Quality and reproducibility define our sequencing philosophy. Each project undergoes multi-layer QC checkpoints—including RNA integrity assessment, library size distribution, sequencing depth verification, and mapping efficiency evaluation. This ensures that every dataset meets the highest standards for accuracy and reliability.
Recognizing the diversity of tsRNA research, BOC Sciences offers fully customizable solutions—from organism selection and sequencing depth to specific bioinformatics outputs. Whether your project focuses on disease biomarker discovery, epitranscriptomic regulation, or functional validation, our team tailors every workflow to meet your exact experimental needs.
Our scientific team—comprising experienced RNA biologists, chemists, and data analysts—provides end-to-end project support. From study design and protocol optimization to data interpretation, we ensure that every project achieves meaningful biological outcomes, not just raw data.
tsRNA sequencing has become an indispensable tool in elucidating the diverse biological roles of transfer RNA-derived small RNAs and their implications in health, disease, and cellular regulation. By providing quantitative and structural insights into tsRNA profiles, BOC Sciences' tsRNA Sequencing Service empowers researchers to uncover novel regulatory mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers with translational value.
tsRNAs have emerged as promising non-coding RNA biomarkers due to their stability in biological fluids and disease-specific expression patterns. tsRNA sequencing enables the identification of unique tsRNA signatures associated with cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic syndromes.
tsRNAs are key regulators of gene expression through diverse mechanisms, including translational repression, mRNA destabilization, and ribosome biogenesis modulation. High-resolution sequencing data enable precise identification of tsRNAs that interact with Argonaute proteins, translation initiation factors, or specific mRNA targets, facilitating deeper understanding of post-transcriptional regulation networks.
Under physiological stress conditions such as oxidative stress, nutrient deprivation, or infection, tsRNA generation increases significantly. tsRNA sequencing reveals dynamic changes in tsRNA abundance and cleavage patterns, offering valuable insight into how cells adapt to environmental and metabolic stressors.
tRNAs and their derived fragments contain extensive chemical modifications (e.g., m¹A, m⁵C, m⁷G) that influence tsRNA biogenesis and function. With BOC Sciences' modification-aware sequencing protocols, researchers can analyze how epitranscriptomic marks affect tsRNA generation, stability, and target specificity—an essential aspect of RNA modification biology.
By linking tsRNA dysregulation to specific signaling pathways and disease phenotypes, tsRNA sequencing supports the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Functional tsRNAs can also be explored as therapeutic molecules or delivery regulators in RNA-based drug development pipelines.
Emerging evidence indicates that both host and microbial tsRNAs contribute to immune modulation and infection dynamics. tsRNA sequencing enables simultaneous profiling of host and pathogen-derived tsRNAs, providing insight into RNA-mediated cross-kingdom communication mechanisms.
By leveraging advanced library preparation, modification-aware sequencing, and bioinformatics pipelines, BOC Sciences empowers researchers to translate tsRNA data into functional and mechanistic insights. Our tsRNA Sequencing Service not only reveals expression dynamics but also provides the biological context required for hypothesis-driven discovery and therapeutic innovation.
tsRNA sequencing is a next-generation sequencing approach used to identify and quantify transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs). These fragments play critical roles in gene regulation, cellular stress response, and disease mechanisms. Accurate tsRNA sequencing enables researchers to explore RNA modifications, uncover biomarkers, and understand post-transcriptional regulatory networks.
While small RNA sequencing targets all short RNA species (like miRNAs, piRNAs, and snoRNAs), tsRNA sequencing focuses specifically on tRNA-derived fragments and halves. It employs modification-aware chemistries and bioinformatics pipelines optimized for highly modified tRNA-derived molecules, ensuring more accurate and subtype-specific quantification.
Comprehensive tsRNA sequencing can identify multiple tsRNA subclasses, including:
Each subtype provides unique biological insights into RNA processing and cellular regulation.
The major challenges include heavy RNA base modifications, short fragment lengths, and high sequence similarity among tRNAs. BOC Sciences overcomes these obstacles through optimized demethylation protocols, advanced adapter ligation chemistry, and high-fidelity mapping algorithms to ensure accurate, bias-free results.
Typically, 1–2 µg of total RNA or 100–200 ng of enriched small RNA is sufficient for reliable library preparation. Lower input options are available upon request for precious or limited samples.
Contact BOC Sciences today to discuss your tsRNA sequencing project and accelerate your discoveries.
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