Hybridization methods for DNA sequencing.

I have conducted a general analysis of the practicability of using oligonucleotide hybridization to sequence DNA. Any DNA sequence may be sequenced by hybridization with a complete panel of oligonucleotides. However, sequencing DNA segments over 2 kb long requires an unrealistic number of hybridization reactions. The optimal protocol is to hybridize 7-mer or 8-mer mixed oligonucleotide probes to immobilized DNA fragments 80 bp long: should this prove impractical, hybridization of labeled 270-bp fragments to immobilized mixed 10-mers is a potential alternative. Both protocols require no more experiments to sequence large regions of DNA than conventional m13-based sequencing and are much easier to automate, thus reducing the requirements for skilled personnel. In the ideal case, hybridization sequencing reduces the number of experiments required to sequence megabase DNA by 90%.     

Enzymatic multiplex DNA sequencing.

The problem of reading DNA sequence films has been reformulated using an easily implemented, multiplex version of enzymatic DNA sequencing. By utilizing a uniquely tagged primer for each base-specific sequencing reaction, the four reactions can be pooled and electrophoresed in a single lane. This approach has been previously proposed for use with fluorescently labelled probes (1), and is analogous to the principle used in four-dye fluorescence sequencing except that the signals are resolved following electrophoresis (2). After transfer to a nylon membrane, images are obtained separately for each of the four reactions by hybridization using oligonucleotide probes. The images can then be superimposed to reconstitute a complete sequence pattern. In this way the correction of gel distortion effects and accurate band registration are considerably simplified, as each of the four base-specific ladders require very similar corrections. The methods therefore provide the basis for a second generation of more accurate and reliable film reading programs, as well as being useful for conventional multiplex sequencing. Unlike the original multiplex protocol (3), the approach described is suitable for small projects, as multiple cloning vectors are not used. Although more than one vector can be utilized, only a library of fragments cloned into any single phage, phagemid or plasmid vector is actually required, together with a set of tagged oligonucleotide primers.     

Mass-spectrometry DNA sequencing

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been explored widely for DNA sequencing. Compared to gel electrophoresis based sequencing systems, mass spectrometry produces very high resolution of sequencing fragments, rapid separation on microsecond time scales, and completely eliminates compressions associated with gel-based systems. While most of the research efforts have focused on using mass spectrometers to analyze the DNA products from Sanger sequencing or enzymatic digestion reactions, the read lengths attainable are currently insufficient for large-scale de novo sequencing. The advantage of mass-spectrometry sequencing is that one can unambiguously identify frameshift mutations and heterozygous mutations making it an ideal choice for resequencing projects. In these applications, DNA sequencing fragments that are the same length but with different base compositions are generated, which are challenging to consistently distinguish in gel-based sequencing systems. In contrast, MALDI-TOF MS produces mass spectra of these DNA sequencing fragments with nearly digital resolution, allowing accurate determination of the mixed bases. For these reasons mass spectrometry based sequencing has mainly been focused on the detection of frameshift mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). More recently, assays have been developed to indirectly sequence DNA by first converting it into RNA. These assays take advantage of the increased resolution and detection ability of MALDI-TOF MS for RNA.     

Colorimetric-detected DNA sequencing

A sensitive, colorimetric method for visualizing the band pattern of DNA sequencing reaction is described. The enzymatic incorporation of radioactive nucleotides commonly used for the band detection is replaced by biotin conjugated to the 5'-terminus of a synthetic oligonucleotide by chemical synthesis. The oligonucleotide so labeled is used as a primer for dideoxy DNA sequencing in a primer extension reaction. The products of the sequencing reactions are analyzed on a denaturing polyacrylamide gel using the direct blotting electrophoresis technique. This technique makes it possible to transfer the band pattern during the electrophoresis onto an immobilizing matrix, on which it is made visible by an enzymatic reaction in less than 3 h. This biotin-based detection method is so sensitive that the sequencing reactions can be performed under the same conditions and concentrations as those for the radioactive detection.     

Exoquence DNA sequencing.

We have developed a strategy for DNA sequencing based on exonuclease III digestion followed by double strand specific endonuclease digestion and direct dideoxynucleotide sequencing reaction. This strategy eliminates the need for subcloning, oligonucleotide primers, and prior knowledge of the DNA to be sequenced. All template and primer duplexes needed for sequencing a complete insert can be prepared in one day from uncharacterized starting DNA. Sequence information can be obtained from different regions of the DNA simultaneously. The method uses double-stranded DNA to generate single-stranded template and primer, and thus produces high quality sequence results. Commercially available dideoxy-sequencing kits are well suited for this method. The strategy should be applicable for both automatic and routine laboratory DNA sequencing.     

Identification of mixups among DNA sequencing plates

MOTIVATION: During the process of high-throughput genome sequencing there are opportunities for mixups of reagents and data associated with particular projects. The sequencing templates or sequence data generated for an assembly may become contaminated with reagents or sequences from another project, resulting in poorer quality and inaccurate assemblies. RESULTS: We have developed a system to assess sequence assemblies and monitor for laboratory mixups. We describe several methods for testing the consistency of assemblies and resolving mixed ones. We use statistical tests to evaluate the distribution of sequencing reads from different plates into contigs, and a graph-based approach to resolve situations where data has been inappropriately combined. While these methods have been designed for use in a high-throughput DNA sequencing environment processing thousands of clones, they can be applied in any situation where distinct sequencing projects are performed at redundant coverage.     

Thermal cycle dideoxy DNA sequencing

Thermal cycle dideoxy DNA sequencing eliminates the requirements for independent primer annealing and double-stranded DNA denaturation steps. The method enables sequencing from nanogram amounts of DNA from double-stranded and single-stranded PCR products, and plasmid or phage DNA templates. Thermal cycle sequencing also enables direct sequencing from bacterial colonies or phage plaques. Protocols using the Vent exo⁻ DNA polymerase, helpful suggestions, and a troubleshooting guide are also presented.     

用于高通量测序的基因组靶序列捕获方法的建立

文章旨在建立一种基因组目标靶序列捕捉文库的方法,并结合第二代测序技术,以实现候选基因区段的深度测序。利用Agilent公司的eArray在线平台,对1250个基因的11824个外显子共2414977bp的基因组序列进行120个碱基长度的捕捉探针(钓饵)设计,并制备成SureSelect液相靶序列捕获试剂。选用2例人基因组DNA,超声打断后末端补平并磷酸化,连接SOLiD接头,回收150bp～200bp的DNA片段,与靶序列探针杂交捕获目标序列,油包水微乳滴PCR扩增后,磁珠分离富集,上SOLiD测序系统通过工作流程分析(WFA)进行文库质量的评价,或正式测序反应。结果显示对所包含的11147个基因外显子片段设计出并合成了46509个捕捉探针,制备成SureSelect试剂盒。探针可有效地捕捉并富集基因组DNA的目标靶片段,定量PCR显示富集效率可达29倍。WFA分析表明文库可以在SOLiD仪器进行正式测序。测序结果显示靶序列区域的测序数占有效总测序数的比例达到70%,覆盖率均在200×以上。结果表明本研究所建立的SureSelect基因组靶序列捕捉、富集建立测序文库的技术路线可行,可直接用于SOLiD测序仪的测序。     

PCR and DNA sequencing

Specific DNA segments defined by the sequence of two oligonucleotides can be enzymatically amplified up to a millionfold using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). One of the most significant uses of this technique is for generation of sequencing templates, either from cloned inserts or directly from genomic DNA. To avoid the problem of reassociation of the linear DNA strands in the sequencing reaction, ssDNA templates can be produced directly in the PCR or generated directly from dsDNA by enzymatic treatment, electrophoretic separation or affinity purification. By combining PCR with direct sequencing, both the amplification and the sequencing reaction can be performed in the same vial. Finally, use of fluorescently labeled terminators or sequencing primers will allow the whole procedure to be amenable to complete automation.     

DNA sequencing with transposons.

The use of transposons offers the possibility of a directed approach to DNA sequencing, where a target DNA up to about 6kb in length can be sequenced quickly and with minimal redundancy. Transposons are mobile DNA elements which can be inserted in a reasonably random fashion into the target DNA. An important part of this process is the location of the transposon insertions (known as mapping) and the selection of a sensible subset of transposons to use as priming sites for sequencing reactions. This paper presents a probabilistic method of scoring selected subsets of transposons and a graph-theoretic algorithm for selection of a subset of maximal score.     

Efficient identification of point mutations by automated DNA sequencing of artificial heterozygote samples

DNA sequencing templates of individual point mutants of thelacI target gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). By mixing the PCR fragments from two individual mutants in a defined ratio, samples of artificial heterozygous composition were prepared. These samples were then submitted to automated DNA sequencing. The simultaneous, visual comparison of the mixed mutant traces using a graphics program efficiently revealed all heterozygous positions. Based on the individual intensities of the heterozygous base signals the identified point mutations could be assigned to the corresponding mutants. This efficient approach doubles the sample throughput for both the sequencing reactions and the gel electrophoresis using an automated DNA sequencing system.     

DNA sequencing using biotinylated dideoxynucleotides and mass spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) has been explored widely for DNA sequencing. The major requirement for this method is that the DNA sequencing fragments must be free from alkaline and alkaline earth salts as well as other contaminants for accurately measuring the masses of the DNA fragments. We report here the development of a novel MS DNA sequencing method that generates Sanger-sequencing fragments in one tube using biotinylated dideoxynucleotides. The DNA sequencing fragments that carry a biotin at the 3′-end are made free from salts and other components in the sequencing reaction by capture with streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. Only correctly terminated biotinylated DNA fragments are subsequently released and loaded onto a mass spectrometer to obtain accurate DNA sequencing data. Compared with gel electrophoresis-based sequencing systems, MS produces a very high resolution of DNA-sequencing fragments, fast separation on microsecond time scales, and completely eliminates the compressions associated with gel electrophoresis. The high resolution of MS allows accurate mutation and heterozygote detection. This optimized solid-phase DNA-sequencing chemistry plus future improvements in detector sensitivity for large DNA fragments in MS instrumentation will further improve MS for DNA sequencing.     

DNA sequencing research group: 2006 general survey of DNA sequencing facilities.

Over the past few years, technological advances in automated DNA sequencing have had a profound effect on the nature of DNA sequencing laboratories. To characterize the changes occurring within DNA sequencing facilities, the DNA Sequencing Research Group conducted three previous studies, in 1998, 2000, and 2003. A new general survey has been designed and conducted by the DSRG to capture the current status of DNA sequencing facilities in all sectors. Included were questions regarding facility administration, pricing, instrumentation, technology, protocols, and operation. The results of the survey are presented here, accompanied by comparisons to the previous surveys. These comparisons formed a basis for the discussion of trends within the facilities in response to the dynamics of a changing technology.     

Next-generation sequencing technologies for environmental DNA research

Since 2005, advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have revolutionized biological science. The analysis of environmental DNA through the use of specific gene markers such as species-specific DNA barcodes has been a key application of next-generation sequencing technologies in ecological and environmental research. Access to parallel, massive amounts of sequencing data, as well as subsequent improvements in read length and throughput of different sequencing platforms, is leading to a better representation of sample diversity at a reasonable cost. New technologies are being developed rapidly and have the potential to dramatically accelerate ecological and environmental research. The fast pace of development and improvements in next-generation sequencing technologies can reflect on broader and more robust applications in environmental DNA research. Here, we review the advantages and limitations of current next-generation sequencing technologies in regard to their application for environmental DNA analysis.     

Direct haplotype-specific DNA sequencing

Determining haplotype-specific DNA sequence information is very important in a wide range of research fields. However, no simple and robust approaches are currently available for determining haplotype-specific sequence information. We have addressed this problem by developing a very simple and robust haplotype-specific sequencing approach. We utilise the fact that DNA sequencing polymerases are sensitive to 3'end mismatches in the sequencing primer. By using two sequencing primers with 3'end corresponding to the two alleles in a given SNP locus, we are able to obtain allele-specific DNA sequences from both alleles. We evaluated this direct haplotype-specific approach by determining haplotypes within the intron 2 sequence of the fructan-6-fructosyltransferase (6-ft) gene in Lolium perenne L. We obtained reliable haplotype-specific sequences for all primers and genotypes evaluated. We conclude that the haplotype-specific sequencing is robust, and that the approach has a potentially very wide application range for any diploid organism.     

Direct genomic fluorescent on-line sequencing and analysis using in vitro amplification of DNA.

In vitro amplification of genomic DNA and total RNA, as well as recombinant DNA, using one fluorescently labelled and one unlabelled primer during amplification, together with on-line analysis of the products on the EMBL fluorescent DNA sequencer, is described. Further is reported direct sequencing of fluorescently labelled amplified probes by solid-phase chemical degradation, without subcloning and purification steps involved. At present up to 350 bases in 4 hours are determined with this technique. The fluorescent dye and its bond to the oligonucleotide are stable during the amplification cycles, and do not interfere with the enzymatic polymerization. High sensitivity of the detection device, down to 10(-18) moles, corresponding to less than 10(6) molecules makes possible analyses of the non-radioactive amplified probes after only 10 amplification cycles, starting with about 5 x 10(4) copies of recombinant DNA.     

CircumVent thermal cycle sequencing and alternative manual and automated DNA sequencing protocols using the highly thermostable VentR (exo-) DNA polymerase.

CircumVent thermal cycle and standard DNA sequencing protocols utilizing the cloned and highly thermostable VentR (exo-) DNA polymerase are described. The thermal cycle sequencing procedures are advantageous because they allow fast and simple semiautomation of the sequencing reaction; make possible the direct DNA sequencing of PCR products, bacterial colonies and phage plaques; require only femtomoles of template DNA; eliminate the requirement of an independent primer annealing step; remove the requirement of denatured plasmids for sequencing double-stranded templates; and use a highly thermostable DNA polymerase for sequencing through potential recalcitrant secondary structure domains and large linear double-stranded DNA templates such as lambda derivatives. More standard methods of DNA sequencing (i.e., a one-step protocol and a labeling-termination protocol) are also presented. For each protocol, alternatives for choice of label and method of labeling are presented, including the use of 5' biotinylated primers for chemiluminescent DNA sequencing and fluorinated primers for automated sequencing using the BaseStation Automated DNA Sequencer.