PacBio and AATI to promote long-read DNA sequencing
The PacBio RS II and Sequel Systems are based on PacBio’s Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT) technology and are used to sequence small or large genomes, perform targeted sequencing and RNA sequencing.
SMRT Sequencing provides characterization of genomic variation in complex regions not accessible with short-read or synthetic long-read sequencing technologies and reveals epigenetic information.
AATI’s Fragment Analyzer quantifies and qualifies nucleic acid samples in one step with sizing to ~50 kilobases in length. The method takes up to one hour (opposed to almost 16 hours with pulse field gel electrophoresis) and can process up to 96 samples in parallel.
Kevin Corcoran, SVP of market development at PacBio, said: “Use of the Fragment Analyzer for accurate sizing will significantly speed the time it takes to make a library and improve the likelihood of project success.”
Dr Jonathan Hagopian, director of business development at Advanced Analytical, said the collaboration will accelerate discoveries based on the long-read sequencing technology.
TBUSA and IDT combine
Meanwhile, Takara Bio USA (TBUSA) and Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) will collaborate to support targeted RNA sequencing.
They will use IDT's expertise in the manufacture and quality control of long oligonucleotides and TBUSA's knowledge of developing low-input solutions for next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications under the Clontech brand.
Lorna Neilson, director, corporate development at TBUSA, said IDT's approach to probe synthesis delivers improved sequencing performance by providing more uniform coverage of targeted regions.
“This partnership leverages the companies' expertise and complementary strengths in order to develop innovative RNA-seq solutions to answer important biological questions,” she said.
"We believe that RNA-seq holds great promise for medical research and diagnostics, as well as for identification of novel therapeutic targets.”
The companies will explore probe design and kits for low-input, targeted RNA-seq applications.
John Havens, VP of business development at IDT, said RNA-seq allows identification of changes in the transcriptome.
“This RNA-seq solution, which leverages IDT's expertise in manufacturing long, high-fidelity oligonucleotides, will be a welcome addition to our expanding portfolio of NGS products.”
