riboPicker

Automated rRNA sequence identification and removal for metatranscriptomics

RiboPicker detects and removes rRNA-like sequences from metatranscriptomic sequencing data. It processes long-read datasets (≥100 base pairs, optimized for ≥150 base pairs) and classifies identified rRNA reads to improve downstream transcriptome analysis.

Key Features:

• Automated rRNA Detection and Filtering: Identifies and eliminates rRNA-like sequences from metatranscriptomic reads using regularly updated reference databases.
• Long-Read Compatibility: Supports processing of sequencing reads ≥100 base pairs, optimized for datasets ≥150 base pairs.
• Taxonomic Classification: Assigns taxonomic classifications to detected rRNA sequences.
• Coverage and Alignment Reporting: Outputs ribosomal coverage data, alignment results, and associated tabular summaries.

Scientific Applications:

• Metatranscriptomic Data Preprocessing: Enhances microbial ecology, environmental biology, and functional genomics studies by removing rRNA reads that confound gene expression profiling.

Methodology:

RiboPicker aligns metatranscriptomic reads against curated rRNA reference databases to identify rRNA-like sequences, removes matched reads from datasets, and reports coverage statistics, alignment information, and taxonomic classifications.