Small RNA Sequencing and Analysis

Small RNA Sequencing and Analysis

Small RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), play critical regulatory roles in gene expression and cellular function. This course provides an in-depth understanding of small RNA sequencing technologies, experimental design, data processing, and bioinformatic analysis to uncover regulatory networks and biological insights. Participants begin with an overview of small RNA biology, types, biogenesis pathways, and functional roles in development, disease, and environmental responses. The course emphasizes library preparation, sequencing platforms (Illumina, NextSeq, NovaSeq), and experimental considerations for capturing small RNA populations accurately. Core modules cover quality control, adapter trimming, mapping, annotation, normalization, and differential expression analysis. Hands-on exercises involve using tools such as miRDeep2, ShortStack, Bowtie, and DESeq2 to analyze real datasets, identify novel small RNAs, and interpret expression patterns across conditions. Advanced topics include small RNA target prediction, pathway enrichment analysis, cross-species comparisons, integration with mRNA-seq and other omics data, and functional interpretation in health, disease, and agriculture. Participants explore emerging trends, including single-cell small RNA-seq, extracellular vesicle RNA profiling, and high-throughput validation methods. Emphasis is placed on reproducible workflows, data visualization, ethical data handling, and FAIR principles. Case studies illustrate applications in cancer biology, plant stress responses, and viral RNA regulation. By the end of this course, participants will be able to design small RNA sequencing experiments, preprocess and analyze small RNA-seq datasets, perform differential expression analysis, predict small RNA targets, integrate results with other omics layers, visualize regulatory networks, and interpret functional implications. This training equips bioinformaticians, molecular biologists, computational biologists, and genomics researchers with practical skills to advance small RNA research.

Syllabus

• Module 1: Introduction to Small RNA Biology and Function
• Module 2: Experimental Design and Library Preparation
• Module 3: Sequencing Platforms and Considerations
• Module 4: Quality Control and Preprocessing
• Module 5: Read Mapping and Annotation
• Module 6: Normalization and Differential Expression Analysis
• Module 7: Small RNA Target Prediction and Pathway Enrichment
• Module 8: Integration with Other Omics Data
• Module 9: Visualization of Small RNA Regulatory Networks
• Module 10: Case Studies and Reproducible Workflow Practices

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of molecular biology, RNA biology, genomics, and bioinformatics; familiarity with command-line tools and sequencing data

Learning Outcomes

Design and implement small RNA-seq experiments; Perform quality control, mapping, and annotation; Conduct differential expression and target prediction; Integrate small RNA data with other omics layers; Visualize regulatory networks; Interpret biological implications; Implement reproducible analysis workflows

Certificate

Participants who successfully complete the training program will be awarded an official Certificate of Completion issued by Helix Institute for Medical & Biological Sciences LLC (USA).
The certificate confirms that the participant has attended and fulfilled the academic and practical requirements of the course, including lectures, workshops, assignments, and assessments, where applicable.
Each certificate includes:

• Full name of the participant
• Duration and total instructional hours
• Date of completion
• Title of the training program
• Official signature of the authorized representative of Helix Institute
• Institutional logo and identification number (Certificate ID)
• Verification reference for authenticity

Certificates issued by Helix Institute are designed to support professional development, academic portfolios, and continuing education records. Participants may use the certificate as evidence of specialized training in biomedical and life sciences disciplines.
For selected programs, certificates may also be issued in collaboration with partner institutions, universities, or scientific organizations when applicable.
Helix Institute maintains records of issued certificates to ensure verification and transparency. Employers, academic institutions, and professional organizations may request confirmation of certificate authenticity through official communication with the Institute.
Certificates are delivered electronically in secure digital format upon successful completion of the program. Printed certificates may be issued upon request.