New Array-Based Resequencing Approach Deepens Information Content, Speeds Next-Generation Sequencing

A group of researchers from the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) have developed a technique that complements massively parallel next-generation DNA sequencing, using custom microarrays to focus on genomic regions of high interest. The method, published in Nature Protocols (vol.4, No.6), typically can be completed for a human genome in only nine or 10 days, inclusive of array captures and one Illumina Genome Analyzer run.

“Targeted resequencing through hybrid selection on custom microarrays is a direct and cost-effective route to address numerous genomic questions, including cancer genetics,” said CSHL researcher Emily Hodges, Ph.D., the first author of the paper. “The convenience of the microarrays, combined with off-the-shelf reagents, represent a resequencing platform that can easily be adapted or reconfigured to address the individual interests of the investigator.”

“We are very pleased to have worked with Dr. Gregory Hannon’s laboratory at CSHL,” said co-author Andy Bhattacharjee, Ph.D., of Agilent’s Life Sciences Division. “The on-array capture method is simple, versatile and robust, and will effectively address an important need in next-generation sequencing sample preparation. Furthermore, the customizability and simplicity of array design is easily replicated to capture portions of other sequenced eukaryotic genomes.”

The complete article, “Hybrid selection of discrete genomic intervals on custom-designed microarrays for massively parallel sequencing” is available at www.nature.com/nprot/journal/v4/n6/full/nprot.2009.68.html (subscription required).

About CSHL

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a private, nonprofit research and education institution dedicated to exploring molecular biology and genetics in order to advance the understanding and ability to diagnose and treat cancers, neurological diseases and other causes of human suffering. For more information, visit www.cshl.edu.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is the world’s premier measurement company and a technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 19,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $5.8 billion in fiscal 2008. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.