Nanopore sequencing of genomes
For technical information about Oxford Nanopore's first generation of sequencing system, please
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Human genomes
Oxford Nanopore is developing an entirely novel DNA sequencing
system that is dramatically scalable due to its use of electronic based
measurements. This allows the Company to leverage the utility of
products from the semiconductor industry to produce array biochips,
allowing the operation of many nanopores in parallel. This unique
technology carries unparalleled potential to deliver fast and
affordable whole genome analysis. Many foresee the routine sequencing
of every human, as a lifetime tool for medical management.
The
$1000 genome, the subject of much recent scientific and media interest,
is defined by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the cost of
sequencing a diploid human genome to Q40 (99.99% accuracy), with
greater than 95% coverage. In order to reflect the true cost of such a
genome, Oxford Nanopore believes that all costs such as reagents,
labour, informatics, sample preparation and instrumentation should be
taken into account. A label-free, single-molecule sequencing technology
such as that promised by nanopores would be best placed to achieve this
goal.
The US National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI,
part of the NIH) has administered more than $15 million in grants to
develop methods and technologies aimed at dramatically reducing the
cost of genome sequencing, with a target of lowering the price of
sequencing individual human genomes down to $1,000. Professor Hagan
Bayley's laboratory is the only non-US team to receive funding under
this NIH grant programme.
Non-human genomes
The study of the human genome represents only a small part of the
potential application of a new genome sequencing technology. Of great
importance is the study of non-human genomes, contributing not only to
the understanding of the human genome, but also advancing many other
fields of science and the development of other industries.
The study of plant and animal genomes is now an integral part
of biodiversity studies, informing the study and practice of
conservation. Many animal genomes including the dog, cat, platypus and even the Giant Panda have now been completed.
The genomes of plants and animals can also give clues to the movement
and evolution of species. Genetic data may be used to answer questions
about whether two species were once related or other evolutionary
pathways. For example, a current study of the Neanderthal genome is
expected to give vital clues to how humans evolved.
The study of plant genomes is an important tool for agriculture and
many crop genomes have now been completed. For example, the study of
the completed rice genome is expected to inform strategies to increase
the yield of this crop and address potential global food shortages.
The genomes of single celled organisms such as bacteria and fungi are
actively researched for many purposes, ranging from the production of
synthetic organisms that may provide energy solutions or perform other
biological roles, to the study of infectious disease.
Nanopore technology has the potential to be truly versatile,
offering not only high-throughput sequencing for human genome
applications, but accurate mutiplexed sequencing for smaller genomes.
