Target ALS Chooses PacBio HiFi Sequencing to Advance ALS Research with Largest Global Genomic Study to Date
Organization’s 6,000-genome effort will power global ALS research through detailed long-read sequencing data made freely available to scientists worldwide
NEW YORK and MENLO PARK, Calif. — Target ALS, a nonprofit breaking down barriers to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research, has partnered with PacBio (Nasdaq: PACB), a leading provider of high-quality, highly accurate long read sequencing platforms, to launch the largest global whole genome sequencing initiative for ALS to date. By applying PacBio’s HiFi sequencing to more than 6,000 genomes from people with ALS and healthy controls, the project aims to detect structural variants, repeat expansions, and other hard-to-detect genetic features that may underlie the disease. As part of the ALS Global Research Initiative (AGRI), all data will be openly shared via the Target ALS Data Engine, removing barriers to access and enabling researchers around the world to uncover disease mechanisms and explore new pathways to treatment.
The Importance of Long-Read Sequencing for ALS
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually robbing individuals of muscle control and mobility. While genetic factors are known to play a role in some forms of ALS, much about the disease’s origins and progression remains unknown. PacBio HiFi sequencing offers the resolution needed to detect these elements with greater confidence, particularly in non-coding regions of the genome, where regulatory disruptions may play a role in motor neuron degeneration.
“90% of ALS patients do not know the cause of their disease. We are combining two powerful approaches to discover new genetic causes of ALS – the first is to go out into communities to generate data from as many people with ALS as we can find, particularly those who would not be able to come into clinic to participate in research, and the second is to use a method of sequencing that allows us to ‘see’ as much of the genome as is possible,” says Dr. Amy Easton, Ph.D., Senior Director of Scientific Programs at Target ALS.
Traditional short-read sequencing has helped identify known ALS-associated mutations, but its limited read length makes it difficult to resolve complex regions of the genome where novel variants may lie. Long-read sequencing, like PacBio’s HiFi technology, captures DNA fragments ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 base pairs – compared to the 50 to 300 base pairs typical of short-read methods. This allows researchers to more accurately assemble genomes and view the full structure of genes and their regulatory elements. This comprehensive view is essential for ALS, where repeat expansions, cryptic splicing, and regulatory elements may all contribute to disease but often go undetected with short-read tools.
In addition to providing access to longer swaths of DNA and accurate variant calls, HiFi data can be used to generate high-quality transcript isoform information and methylation profiles from each sample allowing researchers to examine how genetic variants may influence RNA expression and epigenetic changes in ALS. This integrated view has the potential to reveal novel disease mechanisms that are invisible to short-read sequencing approaches.
“We’re honored to support Target ALS in addressing one of the most urgent challenges in neurodegenerative disease,” said David Miller, Vice President of Marketing at PacBio. “ALS has a complex genetic landscape marked by elements that are often missed with traditional sequencing. HiFi sequencing offers the length and accuracy needed to uncover those hidden regions, helping researchers make new connections between genetic variation and disease progression. By making these data broadly available, this project has the potential to accelerate discoveries that could lead to better diagnostics, new therapeutic targets, and ultimately, hope for people living with ALS.”
Driving Breakthroughs in ALS Research
Through this collaboration, Target ALS is adding invaluable long-read sequencing data to their Data Engine, which already holds the most comprehensive collection of multi-omic datasets for ALS research. As with all Target ALS resources, access to the Data Engine is open to scientists worldwide at no cost. Whole genomes from this initiative are already available to be mined and analyzed. Together, Target ALS and PacBio continue to enrich this resource, performing short-read, long-read, and RNA sequencing on samples from AGRI, which includes a Global Natural History Study and Community Pop-up Clinics, and Target ALS’ Postmortem Tissue Core.
“For most researchers, the expense of long-read sequencing is prohibitive and the ability to obtain human samples is limited. Target ALS sees it as our role to continue to lower the barriers and fill the gaps, enabling rapid discovery of new diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets,” says Dr. Manish Raisinghani, M.B.B.S., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer at Target ALS.
To start mining the data, visit the Target ALS Data Engine.
About Target ALS
Target ALS is a medical research foundation breaking down barriers to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research to find effective treatments. Since 2013, Target ALS has revolutionized ALS research through its Innovation Ecosystem. By democratizing research through an unbiased review process, providing access to cutting-edge research tools, facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration, and galvanizing industry involvement, Target ALS accelerates the most promising ideas in scientific research into drug development programs. Driven by impatient optimism, deliberate disruption, and radical collaboration, Target ALS aims to transform ALS into a manageable disease, building a world where Everyone Lives.
About PacBio
PacBio (NASDAQ: PACB) is a premier life science technology company that designs, develops, and manufactures advanced sequencing solutions to help scientists and clinical researchers resolve genetically complex problems. Our products and technologies stem from two highly differentiated core technologies focused on accuracy, quality and completeness which include our HiFi long-read sequencing and our SBB® short-read sequencing technologies. Our products address solutions across a broad set of research applications including human germline sequencing, plant and animal sciences, infectious disease and microbiology, oncology, and other emerging applications.
