T-RHEX-RNAseq – a tagmentation-based, rRNA blocked, random hexamer primed RNAseq method for generating stranded RNAseq libraries from very low numbers of lysed cells

Background: RNA sequencing has become the mainstay for studies of gene expression. Still, analysis of rare cells with random hexamer priming – to allow analysis of a broader range of transcripts – remains challenging. Results: We here describe a tagmentation-based, rRNA blocked, random hexamer primed RNAseq approach (T- RHEX-RNAseq) for generating stranded RNAseq libraries from very low numbers of FACS sorted cells without RNA purification steps. Conclusion: T-RHEX-RNAseq provides an easy-to-use, time efficient and automation compatible method for generating stranded RNAseq libraries from rare cells.