Do I need to perform a DNAse I treatment on my RNA samples?

The need for DNAse I treatment depends on several factors, including:

• The RNA extraction method: some procedures are more effective than others in removing gDNA (e.g., acidic phenol / chloroform extraction). It is therefore recommended to carefully evaluate the optimal RNA extraction method available for the specific sample type.

• The library preparation technology: the library prep method can also influence the impact of gDNA levels on the sequencing results.

  • 3’ mRNA-Seq library preps (e.g., QuantSeq) are less affected by the presence of low levels of gDNA contamination than random primed whole transcriptome library preps. Nevertheless, high gDNA levels can also affect 3’ mRNA-Seq library preps and reduce the quality of the downstream data.

• The sample type: some samples are more prone to gDNA carry-over.

DNAse I treatment is always recommended for the following sample types:

• Samples with high DNA / RNA content (e.g., blood samples).

• Low quality / FFPE samples.

• Samples containing large quantities of short, extra-chromosomal DNA.

• Samples that have undergone mechanical disruption (gDNA fragmentation can increase carry-over potential)

ATTENTION! DNase I should be removed before library preparation as it may affect the efficiency of the library generation.

NOTE: for more information on gDNA contamination and DNAse treatment, please, check also our RNA LEXICON Chapter #5.