Total RNA extraction protocol for marine ostracods (bioluminescent and non-bioluminescent ostracods) v1

Marine ostracods are tiny crustaceans, just 1-2 millimeters in size, with important ecological roles in marine ecosystems. However, extracting RNA from single individuals and specific tissues (upper lip, gut, and compound eye) can be challenging for these tiny marine crustaceans. Here, I optimized an RNA extraction protocol using Agengcourt AMPure XP magnetic beads to extract total RNA from individuals and various tissue types for both bioluminescent and non-bioluminescent ostracods. This protocol is optimized for tissue extraction and works effectively with a single or a few individuals, ensuring high-quality RNA yield from minimal sample input.