RNA-Seq and Microarray Technology Comparison

RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology enables rapid profiling and deep investigation of the transcriptome, for any species. This approach offers a number of advantages compared to microarray analysis, a legacy technology often used in gene expression studies.

Benefits of RNA-Seq vs microarrays

• Ability to detect novel transcripts: Unlike arrays, RNA-Seq technology does not require species- or transcript-specific probes. It can detect novel transcripts, gene fusions, single nucleotide variants, indels (small insertions and deletions), and other previously unknown changes that arrays cannot detect.^1,2
• Wider dynamic range: With array hybridization technology, gene expression measurement is limited by background at the low end and signal saturation at the high end. RNA-Seq technology produces discrete, digital sequencing read counts, and can quantify expression across a larger dynamic range (> 105 for RNA-Seq vs 103 for arrays).^1,2,3
• Higher specificity and sensitivity: Compared to microarrays, RNA-Seq technology can detect a higher percentage of differentially expressed genes, especially genes with low expression.^4-6
• Simple detection of rare and low-abundance transcripts: Sequencing coverage depth can easily be increased to detect rare transcripts, single transcripts per cell, or weakly expressed genes.