Discovering Genome, Genetic Variations and Gene Expression via Next Generation Sequencing

Speaker: Subrata Panja, Field Applications Manager

Join our Gene Expression & Genotyping core and Quantabio NGS for this special lunch and learn on NGS Library Prep.

In the past 20 years since the initial publication of the Human Genome Project, sequencing continues to provide valuable information about human genetics. The advent of next-generation sequencing technologies such as Illumina’s sequencing-by-synthesis have further improved the ability to sequence not only human samples but also many other animal, plant and bacterial species. Further improvements to these technologies have decreased the cost of sequencing, enabling access to even more laboratories. In order to generate meaningful and high quality sequencing data, generating high quality libraries from DNA and RNA samples is essential.

Quantabio develops pioneering amplification technologies to deliver cutting edge products for researchers focused on critical PCR, qPCR and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) based applications. NGS-based DNA sequencing covers a wide variety of experimental conditions which range from varying species, sample input types, and sample amounts. Flexibility is required to adapt to the needs of each of these specific experimental conditions. Novel enzymatic DNA fragmentation technology developed by Quantabio enables the flexibility to choose the appropriate library sizes based on the application, while also enabling the entire workflow to be automated with minimum human involvement. High efficiency ligation and subsequent high fidelity amplification helps achieve higher yields even starting with low input (as low as 250 pg) and low quality DNA samples like FFPE and cfDNA.

We can understand most genetic variations by studying DNA, but the underlying cause of many diseases like cancer, kidney disease, cardiovascular conditions, autoimmune disease etc. occurs due to changes in gene expression. In order to understand alternative splice variants, post-transcriptional modifications, gene fusions etc. sequencing of RNA samples is extremely valuable. Quantabio’s sparQ RNA-Seq HMR Kit was developed to simultaneously deplete rRNA and globin mRNA while generating stranded RNA-Seq libraries from a wide range (1 ng to 1 μg total RNA) and qualities of total RNA sample input. Unique and streamlined total RNA-seq library preparation method helps laboratories to achieve high quality sequencing data, uniform 5’ to 3’ coverage and maintains ~90% unique fragments over a wide range of samples.