Efficient microRNA capture and bar-coding via enzymatic oligonucleotide adenylation

Here we report a highly efficient and simplified strategy to preadenylate bar-coded oligonucleotides designed for microRNA (miRNA) capture and multiplex analysis. Using this approach, we enzymatically preadenylated bar-coded oligonucleotides with high efficiency when compared to the chemical method currently used by miRNA investigators. As a case study, we used these oligonucleotides in an ATP-independent ligation to miRNAs, suggesting the utility of our method in end-capture protocols and high-throughput sequencing applications.