RNA sequencing, or RNA-seq, is a high-throughput method that uses next-generation sequencing to profile the transcriptome, the complete set of RNA transcripts in a sample, allowing researchers to measure gene expression and characterize transcript structure. The approach typically involves extracting RNA, converting…
RNA sequencing, or RNA-seq, is a high-throughput method that uses next-generation sequencing to profile the transcriptome, the complete set of RNA transcripts in a sample, allowing researchers to measure gene expression and characterize transcript structure. The approach typically involves extracting RNA, converting it to complementary DNA, generating a sequencing library, and reading millions of fragments whose mapped abundance reflects the expression level of each gene. RNA-seq enables quantification of differential expression between conditions, tissues, or developmental stages, discovery of novel transcripts, detection of alternative splicing, and analysis of non-coding RNAs. In Plant Genetics and Crop Research, transcriptomic analysis illuminates the molecular basis of agronomically important traits, including responses to pathogens; expression profiling of genes involved in host-pathogen interaction, such as those mediating resistance to powdery mildew, exemplifies how RNA-seq links genotype to function. The method also supports investigation of regulatory RNAs, including the increasingly recognized roles of plant circular RNAs and other non-coding species, and complements immunogenomic and bioinformatic approaches to gene regulation. Effective use of RNA-seq depends on careful experimental design, normalization, and computational analysis to derive reliable biological conclusions. By providing a comprehensive, quantitative view of gene activity, RNA-seq has become a central tool for studying gene function, regulation, and adaptation across plants and other organisms.
8 peer-reviewed articles, ranked by relevance. Each links to its DOI.
The 8 articles above have been cited 84 times in the scholarly literature. Citation data via OpenAlex and Crossref, updated Jun 2026.
A sample of recent works citing this journal's research on RNA-seq, linking to each citing work.