Streamlined Low-Input Transcriptomics through EASY-RNAseq.

High-throughput sequencing for transcriptome profiling is an increasingly accessible and important tool for biological research. However, accurate profiling of small cell populations remains challenging due to issues with gene detection sensitivity and experimental complexity. Here we describe a streamlined RNAseq protocol (EASY RNAseq) for sensitive transcriptome assessment starting from low amount of input materials. EASY RNAseq is technically robust enough for sequencing small pools of cells, recovering information on larger amounts of genes and with a more even expression distribution pattern than other commonly used methods. Application of EASY RNAseq to single-human embryos at the 8-cell stage led to detection of 70% of currently annotated protein-coding genes. This workflow may thus serve as a useful tool for sensitive interrogation of rare cell populations.