RNA-Seq of human placental tissue
Total RNA is normalized to 7.5ng/ul in a total volume of 50ul on the Perkin Elmer Janus Workstation (Perkin Elmer, Janus II).  Poly-A selection and cDNA synthesis are performed using the TruSeq Stranded mRNA kit as outlined by the manufacturer (Illumina, cat#RS-122-2103).  All steps are automated on the Perkin Elmer Sciclone NGSx Workstation to reduce batch to batch variability and to increase sample throughput.  Final RNASeq libraries are quantified using the Quant-it dsDNA High Sensitivity assay, and library insert size distribution is checked using a fragment analyzer (Advanced Analytical; kit ID DNF474).  Samples where adapter dimers constitute more than 4% of the electopherogram area are failed prior to sequencing.  Technical controls (K562,Thermo Fisher Scientific, cat# AM7832), are compared to expected results to ensure that batch to batch variability is minimized.  Successful libraries are normalized to 10nM for submission to sequencing.