RNase R

What it means: circRNA Selectivity describes what the enzyme leaves behind. RNase R digests linear RNA processively from the 3′ end but cannot start on a closed circle, so circular species survive the treatment.

Why it matters:

• circRNAs are vastly outnumbered by linear transcripts, so without depletion they are nearly invisible in RNA-seq.
• Selectivity comes from the substrate's topology, not its sequence, so the enrichment is unbiased with respect to gene identity.
• Lariat RNA from traditional splicing also survives, which makes the same treatment useful for branchpoint and splicing studies.

How to interpret here: Use RNase R treatment as an enrichment step before library preparation, and compare treated against untreated libraries — resistance to digestion is itself the evidence a transcript is circular.

Tip: Duplexes with 3′ overhangs shorter than seven nucleotides also resist digestion, so validate candidate circRNAs by an independent method such as divergent primers.

What it means: Stability is how long the manufacturer guarantees stated performance — here 1 year from the shipping date, provided all components are stored and handled correctly.

Why it matters:

• One year is shorter than the two-year window typical of the PCR enzymes in this range, so this product needs closer stock tracking.
• The clock starts at shipping, not first use, so a vial sitting in a shared freezer may have less usable life than it appears to.
• Partial loss of activity is silent here — incomplete digestion looks like an abundance of circRNA rather than a failed reaction.

How to interpret here: Label the vial with its receipt date and avoid repeated freeze-thaw of any component. Plan circRNA experiments within the window rather than holding stock across projects.

Tip: Include a linear-RNA control in each run — if it is not fully degraded, the enzyme rather than the sample is the problem.

What it means: Bundle Available notes that this enzyme is also sold packaged with an RNase inhibitor, as Cat. No. E049-G138S.

Why it matters:

• The circRNA that survives RNase R treatment is still vulnerable to contaminating RNases carried in with the sample.
• Buying the pair together covers both halves of the workflow — deliberate digestion of linear RNA, and protection of what remains.
• The bundle is offered at a single combined price rather than as two separate line items.

How to interpret here: If circRNA enrichment is a routine workflow rather than a one-off, the bundle (RNase R 500 U plus RNaseOFF 800 U) covers it in one order. For occasional use, the standalone enzyme is sufficient.

Tip: The inhibitor protects against contaminating RNases only — it does not interfere with RNase R's intended digestion of linear RNA.