The fluoride cleavable 2-(cyanoethoxy)methyl (CEM) group as reversible 3'-O-terminator for DNA sequencing-by-synthesis - synthesis, incorporation, and cleavage

A new and promising sequencing technology called sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) enables fast determination of DNA sequences. 2'-Deoxynucleotides containing the (2-cyanoethoxy)methyl (CEM) group at the 3'-O-position are potential reversible terminators for the SBS technology. Herein we describe the synthesis, the incorporation by several polymerases, and the cleavage of this 3'-O-blocking group using 3'-O-CEM-thymidinyl-5'-O-triphosphate 7 as an example.     

A new class of cleavable fluorescent nucleotides: synthesis and optimization as reversible terminators for DNA sequencing by synthesis

Fluorescent 2'-deoxynucleotides containing a protecting group at the 3'-O-position are reversible terminators enabling array-based DNA sequencing by synthesis (SBS) approaches. Herein, we describe the synthesis of a new family of 3'-OH unprotected cleavable fluorescent 2'-deoxynucleotides and their evaluation as reversible terminators for high-throughput DNA SBS strategies. In this first version, all four modified nucleotides bearing a cleavable disulfide Alexa Fluor(R) 594 dye were assayed for their ability to act as a reversible stop for the incorporation of the next labeled base. Their use in SBS leaded to a signal-no signal output after successive addition of each labeled nucleotide during the sequencing process (binary read-out). Solid-phase immobilized synthetic DNA target sequences were used to optimize the method that has been applied to DNA polymerized colonies or clusters obtained by in situ solid-phase amplification of fragments of genomic DNA templates.     

SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL PIPERIDINYL LINKER BASED ENERGY TRANSFER TERMINATORS AND THEIR POTENTIAL USE IN DNA SEQUENCING

Synthesis of novel piperidinyl linker based ET cassettes and terminators is described. These novel terminators are evaluated in the DNA sequencing experiments using thermostable DNA polymerase.     

Synthesis of 3′-O-fluorescently mono-modified reversible terminators and their uses in sequencing-by-synthesis

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies recently developed are now used for study of genomes from various organisms. Sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) is a key strategy in the NGS. The SBS uses nucleotides so-called dual-modified reversible terminators (DRTs) in which bases are labeled with fluorophores and 3′-OH is protected with a reversibly cleavable chemical group, respectively. In this study, we examined the possibility of performing SBS with mono-modified reversible terminators (MRTs), in which the reversible blocking group on the 3′-OH plays a dual role as a fluorescent signal report as well as a chemical protection. We studied cyclic reversible termination by using two MRTs (dA and dT), wherein the modifications were two different fluorophores and cleavable to regenerate a free 3′-OH. We here demonstrated that SBS could be achieved with incorporation of MRTs by a DNA polymerase and correct base-calls based on the two different colors from the fluorophores.     

PolyPhred: automating the detection and genotyping of single nucleotide substitutions using fluorescence-based resequencing.

Fluorescence-based sequencing is playing an increasingly important role in efforts to identify DNA polymorphisms and mutations of biological and medical interest. The application of this technology in generating the reference sequence of simple and complex genomes is also driving the development of new computer programs to automate base calling (Phred), sequence assembly (Phrap) and sequence assembly editing (Consed) in high throughput settings. In this report we describe a new computer program known as PolyPhred that automatically detects the presence of heterozygous single nucleotide substitutions by fluorescencebased sequencing of PCR products. Its operations are integrated with the use of the Phred, Phrap and Consed programs and together these tools generate a high throughput system for detecting DNA polymorphisms and mutations by large scale fluorescence-based resequencing. Analysis of sequences containing known DNA variants demonstrates that the accuracy of PolyPhred with single pass data is >99% when the sequences are generated with fluorescent dye-labeled primers and approximately 90% for those prepared with dye-labeled terminators.     

Improved nucleotide selectivity and termination of 3'-OH unblocked reversible terminators by molecular tuning of 2-nitrobenzyl alkylated HOMedU triphosphates

We describe a novel 3'-OH unblocked reversible terminator with the potential to improve accuracy and read-lengths in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. This terminator is based on 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine triphosphate (HOMedUTP), a hypermodified nucleotide found naturally in the genomes of numerous bacteriophages and lower eukaryotes. A series of 5-(2-nitrobenzyloxy)methyl-dUTP analogs (dU.I-dU.V) were synthesized based on our previous work with photochemically cleavable terminators. These 2-nitrobenzyl alkylated HOMedUTP analogs were characterized with respect to incorporation, single-base termination, nucleotide selectivity and photochemical cleavage properties. Substitution at the α-methylene carbon of 2-nitrobenzyl with alkyl groups of increasing size was discovered as a key structural feature that provided for the molecular tuning of enzymatic properties such as single-base termination and improved nucleotide selectivity over that of natural nucleotides. 5-[(S)-α-tert-Butyl-2-nitrobenzyloxy]methyl-dUTP (dU.V) was identified as an efficient reversible terminator, whereby, sequencing feasibility was demonstrated in a cyclic reversible termination (CRT) experiment using a homopolymer repeat of ten complementary template bases without detectable UV damage during photochemical cleavage steps. These results validate our overall strategy of creating 3'-OH unblocked reversible terminator reagents that, upon photochemical cleavage, transform back into a natural state. Modified nucleotides based on 5-hydroxymethyl-pyrimidines and 7-deaza-7-hydroxymethyl-purines lay the foundation for development of a complete set of four reversible terminators for application in NGS technologies.     

Dideoxy linear PCR on a commercial fluorescent automated DNA sequencer.

The use of automated fluorescent DNA sequencer systems and PCR-based DNA sequencing methods play an important role in the actual effort to improve the efficiency of large-scale DNA analysis. Here we show the application of the linear PCR using a single fluorescent primer and dideoxynucleotide terminators in four separate sequencing reactions on the EMBL/Pharmacia's fluorescent automated DNA sequencer. We have used dideoxy/deoxynucleoside triphosphate ratios and linear amplification cycle conditions to obtain an accurate sequencing response of up to, and over, 500 bases from just 400 ng of double-stranded DNA template without chemical denaturation. The sequencing protocol described in this paper is effectively suited for enhancement of sensitivity and performance of the automated DNA sequencing system.     

Genome Sequencer FLX引领快速基因组测序时代的到来

焦磷酸法最早是应用在检测DNA甲基化和SNP位点分析的一项技术, 在2005年底, 此技术被用来进行基因组序列的测定, 已经成为下一代高通量测序中最成熟的一种技术。本篇文章着重介绍了采用焦磷酸测序法的罗氏公司最新一代高通量基因组测序系统GS FLX的技术原理, 操作过程和广泛的应用范围。     

Synthesis and application of charge-modified dye-labeled dideoxynucleoside-5'-triphosphates to 'direct-load' DNA sequencing

A novel series of charge-modified, dye-labeled 2′,3′-dideoxynucleoside-triphosphate terminators were synthesized and evaluated as reagents for DNA sequencing. These terminators possess an advantage over existing reagents in that no purification is required to remove unreacted nucleotide or associated breakdown products prior to electrophoretic separation of the sequencing fragments. This obviates the need for a time consuming post-reaction work up, allowing direct loading of DNA sequencing reaction mixtures onto a slab gel. Thermo Sequenase™ II DNA polymerase poorly incorporates the charge-modified terminators compared with regular dye-labeled terminators. However, extending the linker arm between dye and nucleotide and using a mutant form of a related DNA polymerase can in part mitigate the decrease in substrate efficiency. We also present evidence that these charge-modified terminators can relieve gel compression artefacts when used with dGTP in sequencing reactions.     

Rapid incorporation kinetics and improved fidelity of a novel class of 3'-OH unblocked reversible terminators

Recent developments of unique nucleotide probes have expanded our understanding of DNA polymerase function, providing many benefits to techniques involving next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. The cyclic reversible termination (CRT) method depends on efficient base-selective incorporation of reversible terminators by DNA polymerases. Most terminators are designed with 3′-O-blocking groups but are incorporated with low efficiency and fidelity. We have developed a novel class of 3′-OH unblocked nucleotides, called Lightning Terminators™, which have a terminating 2-nitrobenzyl moiety attached to hydroxymethylated nucleobases. A key structural feature of this photocleavable group displays a ‘molecular tuning’ effect with respect to single-base termination and improved nucleotide fidelity. Using Therminator™ DNA polymerase, we demonstrate that these 3′-OH unblocked terminators exhibit superior enzymatic performance compared to two other reversible terminators, 3′-O-amino-TTP and 3′-O-azidomethyl-TTP. Lightning Terminators™ show maximum incorporation rates (k_pol) that range from 35 to 45 nt/s, comparable to the fastest NGS chemistries, yet with catalytic efficiencies (k_pol/K_D) comparable to natural nucleotides. Pre-steady-state kinetic studies of thymidine analogs revealed that the major determinant for improved nucleotide selectivity is a significant reduction in k_pol by >1000-fold over TTP misincorporation. These studies highlight the importance of structure–function relationships of modified nucleotides in dictating polymerase performance.     

Genome Sequencer FLX引领快速基因组测序时代的到来

焦磷酸法最早是应用在检测DNA甲基化和SNP位点分析的一项技术,在2005年底,此技术被用来进行基因组序列的测定,已经成为下一代高通量测序中最成熟的一种技术.本篇文章着重介绍了采用焦磷酸测序法的罗氏公司最新一代高通量基因组测序系统GS FLX的技术原理,操作过程和广泛的应用范围.     

高通量测序技术在转座子研究中的应用

高通量测序技术极大地提高了测序效率,大幅度降低了测序成本,同时该技术具有特异性好、灵敏度高、精确性高等优势,目前已被广泛应用于遗传变异、转录组学和表观组学等研究。近年来,高通量测序技术也逐渐应用于转座子的研究,并取得了丰硕的成果。本文主要综述了高通量测序技术在转座子研究中的应用,包括转座子含量估算、靶点偏好性及分布、多态性及群体频率、稀有转座子的鉴定、转座子的水平转移以及转座子标签技术中的应用等,并简要介绍了目前研究中采用的主要测序策略和算法,及其存在的利弊和相应的解决方案。最后对高通量测序技术,尤其是第三代测序技术的发展趋势和它们在转座子未来的研究中的应用进行了展望,以期为相关的科研人员提供一个全面的了解和参考。     

Efficient incorporation of positively charged 2', 3'-dideoxynucleoside-5'-triphosphates by DNA polymerases and their application in 'direct-load' DNA sequencing

A series of charge-modified, dye-labeled 2′, 3′-dideoxynucleoside-5′-triphosphates have been synthesized and evaluated as reagents for dye-terminator DNA sequencing. Unlike the commonly used dye-labeled terminators, these terminators possess a net positive charge and migrate in the opposite direction to dye-labeled Sanger fragments during electrophoresis. Post-sequencing reaction purification is not required to remove unreacted nucleotide or associated breakdown products prior to electrophoresis. Thus, DNA sequencing reaction mixtures can be loaded directly onto a separating medium such as a sequencing gel. The charge-modified nucleotides have also been shown to be more efficiently incorporated by a number of DNA polymerases than regular dye-labeled dideoxynucleotide terminators or indeed normal dideoxynucleoside-5′-triphosphates.     

新一代测序技术在遗传性耳聋基因研究及诊断中的应用

超过50%的耳聋由遗传基因缺陷所致,伴随着基因组学技术的发展,耳聋分子遗传学研究逐渐成为耳科学研究的前沿领域。新一代高通量测序技术的出现,提供了以数据为导向的新的遗传性疾病研究模式,革新了人们对遗传性疾病的认识过程,使得对遗传性疾病的研究策略也发生了重大转变。近年来新一代测序技术(Next generation sequencing,NGS)在耳聋研究中的应用,大大加快了耳聋基因发现的速度,并逐渐向临床应用方向转化。文章总结了遗传性耳聋的特点和研究现状,以及新一代测序技术在耳聋研究中的应用和前景,以及基于NGS技术的耳聋基因研究和临床耳聋基因诊断的发展方向。     

第三代测序技术在微生物研究中的应用

1977年Sanger发明的双末端终止法开启了测序之旅,而测序技术在30多年内不断革新。每种新技术的出现都有超过前代产品的独特之处,但也会不可避免的存在自身局限性,关键在于掌握每种技术的优缺点并加以合理应用。第三代测序技术是一种集高通量、快速度、长读长及低成本等多种优点于一身的新型测序技术,它的出现为基因组学、转录组学及DNA甲基化等研究注入了新活力。本文在介绍基本技术原理的基础上,着重概述了第三代测序技术在微生物研究中的应用,从而揭示了其广泛的应用前景。     

DNA sequencing,genomes and genetic markers of microbes on fruits and vegetables

The development of DNA sequencing technology has provided an effective method for studying foodborne and phytopathogenic microorganisms on fruits and vegetables (F & V). DNA sequencing has successfully proceeded through three generations, including the tens of operating platforms. These advances have significantly promoted microbial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and DNA polymorphism research. Based on genomic and regional polymorphisms, genetic markers have been widely obtained. These molecular markers are used as targets for PCR or chip analyses to detect microbes at the genetic level. Furthermore, metagenomic analyses conducted by sequencing the hypervariable regions of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) have revealed comprehensive microbial communities in various studies on F & V. This review highlights the basic principles of three generations of DNA sequencing, and summarizes the WGS studies of and available DNA markers for major bacterial foodborne pathogens and phytopathogenic fungi found on F & V. In addition, rDNA sequencing-based bacterial and fungal metagenomics are summarized under three topics. These findings deepen the understanding of DNA sequencing and its application in studies of foodborne and phytopathogenic microbes and shed light on strategies for the monitoring of F & V microbes and quality control.     

Novel cyanine dye-labeled dideoxynucleoside triphosphates for DNA sequencing

Single color cyanine dye-labeled (Cy 5.0 and Cy 5.5) dideoxynucleoside-5'-triphosphates, or 'terminators', containing different spacer lengths were synthesized and evaluated for efficacy in DNA sequencing methods using a modified thermally stable DNA polymerase. The single color cyanine dye terminators were formulated into two separate sets of sequencing mixes, one for Cy 5.0 and the other for Cy 5.5, and evaluated on different automated sequencing platforms. Each set of mixes included two pyrimidine terminators with 17-atom linkers and two purine terminators with 10-atom linkers between the dye and the nucleotide. The two sets of cyanine dye-labeled terminators chosen for this cycle sequencing study produced improved band patterns with band uniformity similar to that obtained with dye-primer sequencing methods.     

高通量测序技术及其在表观遗传学上的应用

DNA测序技术是现代生命科学研究的重要工具之一,而高通量测序技术在全基因组的研究中发挥着越来越重要的作用。简要回溯DNA测序技术的产生与发展,着重从PCR扩增测序和单分子测序两个方面全面描述了高通量测序中众多代表性的技术及直接测序技术,并从DNA甲基化、组蛋白修饰、非编码RNA调控等方面阐述了高通量测序技术在表观遗传学上的运用。     

Synthesis of novel piperidinyl linker based energy transfer terminators and their potential use in DNA sequencing

Synthesis of novel piperidinyl linker based ET cassettes and terminators is described These novel terminators are evaluated in the DNA sequencing experiments using thermostable DNA polymerase.