Gene Expression in Mouse Oocytes by RNA-Seq

Second-generation sequencers such as the Illumina GAIIx make possible the study of all transcribed loci in a genome across an almost endless dynamic range. Although typical protocols call for starting from at least 1 μg of total RNA, this is not possible when studying small tissues or rare cell types. This chapter explains how to prepare Illumina sequencing libraries from mouse oocytes. The protocol is also suitable for mural and cumulus cells, flow sorted or laser captured cells.