From DNA to genome sequence in one week

Nanopore sequencing is the ‘new wave’ of sequencing technology. This potentially disruptive technology works by directly detecting the base composition of individual DNA strands as they pass through a pore. This technology has several potential advantages over current sequencing platforms:

Significant cost reduction compared to traditional technologies
The ability to read DNA molecules up to megabases in size
The scalability and portability
The potential to directly detect base modifications

That Nanopore sequencing has the ability to revolutionize sequencing is recently demonstrated by KeyGene’s publication: The megabase-sized fungal genome of Rhizoctonia solani assembled from nanopore reads only. KeyGene’s researchers involved in Nanopore sequencing are very enthusiastic about the results and possibilities of the technology:

“The ability to quickly obtain accurate genome sequences of eukaryotic pathogens at low costs provides a tremendous opportunity to identify novel targets for therapeutics, develop pesticides with increased target specificity and breed for resistance in food crops,” says Nathalie van Orsouw, VP Technology Development, KeyGene.

“Using the MinION sequencer we have demonstrated our ability to deliver a eukaryotic fungal genome sequence at low cost within a week. The upcoming PromethION system will enable KeyGene to cost-efficiently generate assemblies of both plant and pathogen genomes at population-scale and low cost,” says Erwin Datema, Scientist, KeyGene.

For more information:
KeyGene Netherlands
Alexander Wittenberg
awi@keygene.com
www.keygene.com