Can I use SMARTer kits for the analysis of mature miRNAs?

Yes, the SMARTer smRNA-Seq Kit for Illumina was specifically designed for analysis of small non-coding RNAs ranging in size from 15–150 nt, including miRNAs, siRNAs, piRNAs, and snoRNAs. General [...]

What kit is recommended for degraded total RNA samples?

For 200 pg–10 ng of degraded or nonpolyadenylated RNA samples we recommend the SMARTer Universal Low Input RNA Kit for Sequencing (Cat. # 634938). This kit is compatible with low-quality total RNA (RIN 2–3) such as that obtained from LCM or FFPE samples. As with the SMARTer stranded kit, the SMARTer Universal Low Input RNA Kit for Sequencing is a random-primed kit; therefore, total RNA samples [...]

What kit is recommended for full-length or degraded total RNA with strand information maintained?

The SMARTer Stranded RNA-Seq Kit (Cat. # 634836) is extremely sensitive and can be used with 100 pg–100 ng of full-length or degraded RNA inputs. The cDNA generated from this kit maintains strand information with >99% accuracy. This kit utilizes random priming for first-strand cDNA synthesis; therefore, total RNA samples must be rRNA-depleted or poly(A)-enriched prior to use with this kit. [...]

I am currently using a legacy SMARTer Ultra low kit, can I switch to the SMART-Seq v4 kit?

There are slight differences in both the protocols and the composition of template-switching oligos between different SMARTer Ultra low kits. For this reason, we recommend completing your entire experiment using the same generation of SMARTer Ultra low kit. General [...]

What are the benefits of using the fourth-generation SMART-Seq v4 kit versus other ultra-low input mRNA-seq kits?

The SMART-Seq v4 Ultra Low Input RNA Kit for Sequencing improves on our previous SMARTer Ultra low kits and outperforms both previously published protocols (including the SMART-Seq2 method) and existing kits. The SMART-Seq v4 Ultra Low Input RNA Kit for Sequencing builds on our experience from three previous generations of SMARTer Ultra low kits, and the work done by Rickard Sandberg's group at [...]