Cloning Small RNAs

Small, noncoding RNAs have proven to be powerful and ubiquitous agents of gene regulation in eukaryotic genomes. Since their initial discovery, several methods have been developed for directly cloning and sequencing these tiny RNA species. These cloning methods are presented along with a discussion of ways to enhance cloning efficiency and success. In addition, major advances in massively parallel, next-generation sequencing methods are presented as they impact small RNA studies. Finally, results of the application of one of the extant in vitro cloning methods to a marsupial mammal model are presented.