Decreasing miRNA sequencing bias using a single adapter and circularization approach

The ability to accurately quantify all the microRNAs (miRNAs) in a sample is important for understanding miRNA biology and for development of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We develop a new method for preparing miRNA sequencing libraries, RealSeq®-AC, that involves ligating the miRNAs with a single adapter and circularizing the ligation products. When compared to other methods, RealSeq®-AC provides greatly reduced miRNA sequencing bias and allows the identification of the largest variety of miRNAs in biological samples. This reduced bias also allows robust quantification of miRNAs present in samples across a wide range of RNA input levels. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s13059-018-1488-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.