RNAConnect, a leader in next-generation molecular biology tools, has officially announced the commercial launch of UltraMarathonRT cDNA Synthesis and Amplification Kit, which is designed to elevate short-read RNA sequencing workflows.
According to certain reports, this particular kit dips into the prowess of UltraMarathonRT (uMRT), all for delivering unprecedented sensitivity and breadth in regards to transcript detection and quantification. Markedly enough, it is able to do so even for the most challenging transcripts.
To understand the significance of such a development, we must take into account how RNA sequencing technologies have become increasingly powerful, but at the same time, they continue to struggle with creating cDNA inputs that faithfully reflect the transcriptomic diversity in each RNA sample.
This happens to be the case because existing retroviral reverse transcriptases (RTs) are inherently ‘distributive,’ something which means they attach and detach frequently from an RNA transcript. Not just that, they also struggle to copy through highly structured, long, or repeat sequences.
Such a mechanism, like you can guess, really goes the distance to birth whole stretches of RNAs that never get copied into cDNA, and as a result, never make it into sequencing libraries.
Against that, UltraMarathonRT arrives on the scene bearing a group II intron encoded RT which, due to its intrinsic helicase activity, is inherently ultraprocessive and faithfully copies each RNA end-to-end in a single pass at ambient temperatures.
Talk about the whole value proposition on a slightly deeper level, we begin from the potential for enhanced detection of genes, isoforms, and retained introns. This translates to how uMRT dramatically improves reverse transcription of low-abundance and structurally complex RNAs so to facilitate the capture of transcripts and retained introns that often go undetected.
Next up, there is the promise of superior gene quantification, particularly for long transcripts. You see, having ultra-processive and high-fidelity reverse transcriptase in UltraMarathonRT seamlessly ensures full-length cDNA synthesis and amplification performance, facilitating more accurate quantification of long genes.
Another detail worth a mention relates to how RNAConnect’s latest brainchild enjoys broad compatibility with short-read RNA-seq workflows. In essence, UltraMarathonRT integrates seamlessly with standard Illumina®-style platforms and library prep protocols to reach upon a versatile drop-in solution for researchers involved in differential expression studies, biomarker discovery, intron retention analyses, splice isoform mapping, and more.
Among other things; it ought to be acknowledged that UltraMarathonRT is now commercially available across major markets worldwide, with flexible kit sizes designed for pilot studies, as well as high-throughput workflows. In case that wasn’t enough, custom OEM and bulk packaging options are also available for large-scale and core facility users.
Founded in 2023, RNAConnect’s rise up the ranks stems from its RNA analysis solutions focused on advancing the field of genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular diagnostics. The company’s excellence in what it does can also be understood once you consider its product portfolio has already made a name for themselves by facilitating discoveries across rare disease, immunology, oncology, neurobiology, and beyond.
“UltraMarathonRT represents a significant leap forward for RNA-seq,” said Dr. Jason Underwood, Vice President, Technology Development at RNAConnect. “By harnessing uMRT, researchers can now uncover RNA species and transcriptional complexity that were previously masked – especially rare isoforms and long noncoding RNAs – unlocking new avenues for biomarker discovery and basic research.”
