Isolating Male Meiocytes from Maize and Wheat for "-Omics" Analyses.

Abstract

Genome-wide gene expression studies have become a routine approach due to the advances in sequencing technologies, their ease of use, and increasing affordability. Simultaneous investigation of small RNA expression adds further valuable information but is not adopted as widely yet. Both RNA-seq and small RNA-seq benefit from the use of specific cell types. Here, we describe a protocol for the isolation of male meiotic cells from maize or wheat plants, along with the application of downstream RNA sequencing, extendable to other -omics approaches.