I want to study by RNA seq the transcriptome (mRNA and microRNA) of red blood cells (erythrocytes or reticulocytes). Can I do it (as there is no nucleus) and how can I extract it?
Yes, RNA from erythrocytes can be extracted and studied. It is true that erythrocytes lack nucleus. During maturation, erythropoietic cells extrude their nuclei but retain their ability to respond to oxidant stress by tightly regulating protein translation. Several studies have reported microRNA-mediated regulation of translation during terminal stages of erythropoiesis, even after enucleation.
The protocol which includes erythrocytes/reticulocytes isolation and extraction may be obtained from the papers attached below.
Article Gene expression analysis of human red blood cells
Article Efficient method for isolation of reticulocyte RNA from heal...
I have attached a few more articles below for your reference.
Article Deep Sequencing and Proteomic Analysis of the MicroRNA-Induc...