Kapa Biosystems Launches New RNA Prep Kit to Maximize Sequencing Efficiency

Kapa Biosystems, Inc., today launched a new RNA library preparation product for next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows that enables users to generate a more complete view of the transcriptome by detecting more low-abundance and unique transcripts. The KAPA Stranded RNA-Seq Kit with RiboErase uses a targeted enzymatic depletion method to remove ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and thereby improve sequencing efficiency.

In RNA library preparation, even small amounts of residual rRNA can dramatically reduce sequencing efficiency and data quality. Using enzymatic depletion, the KAPA Stranded RNA-Seq Kit with RiboErase reduces rRNA at industry-leading rates of 99.98 percent. The kit provides an alternative to mRNA enrichment, since rRNA depletion allows for the analysis of exonic regions, precursor mRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs.

“Transcriptome analysis is critical to understanding gene function and its downstream effects on phenotype,” said Deepti Sanjai, Global Product Manager for NGS at Kapa Biosystems. “This kit is an exciting addition to our NGS portfolio for RNA-Seq, providing Kapa customers with a highly sensitive and accurate means of interrogating gene expression that offers significant performance advantages compared to competitive offerings.”

The KAPA Stranded RNA-Seq Kit with RiboErase is available for use with human, mouse, and rat samples and is robust and reproducible with flexible input amounts. Kits also contain a low-bias engineered enzyme called KAPA HiFi, a low-bias engineered enzyme, for maximum coverage uniformity, and include a streamlined, “with-bead” protocol. The kit is supported for use on Illumina sequencing systems.