TaqMan RT-qPCR for tRNA half quantification

When quantifying tRNA-derived short non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), two key considerations must be addressed. First, sequencing analyses have revealed significant heterogeneity in the lengths and terminal sequences of tRNA-derived sncRNAs. Second, within the total RNA fraction, these sncRNAs coexist with more abundant mature tRNAs and their precursors (pre-tRNAs), which share identical sequences with the sncRNAs. While accurate quantification of individual tRNA-derived sncRNAs is crucial for research on these molecules, these two factors make it challenging to achieve with standard RT-qPCR, stem-loop RT-qPCR, and northern blot. We have developed a TaqMan RT-qPCR method that specifically quantifies tRNA half molecules. Here we describe a detailed and recently updated protocol in which an adaptor is ligated to the target tRNA half, and the TaqMan probe targets the boundaries of the tRNA half and adaptor, ensuring specific quantification without cross-reacting with corresponding mature tRNA or pre-tRNA. Our method utilizes only commercially available reagents and is broadly applicable for quantifying tRNA halves and other sncRNAs in diverse samples, including clinical specimens such as human plasma.