Plant and Animal WGS

All genetic tests in one

Complete Coverage WGS: This method provides an exhaustive view of the genome, capturing every region with high fidelity. It is ideal for comprehensive genetic analysis, allowing for the detection of both common and rare genetic variants. Complete coverage is essential in clinical research and diagnostics where a detailed understanding of the genetic makeup is crucial for identifying pathogenic mutations and tailoring personalized treatments.

Low-Pass WGS: By sequencing the genome at lower coverage, low-pass WGS offers a cost-effective solution for studies requiring a broad overview rather than detailed variant analysis. This approach is suitable for population genetics and large cohort studies, where the goal is to identify common genetic patterns and associations rather than detailed genotypes of each individual.

Long Reads (Nanopore): Nanopore sequencing provides long reads that can span thousands of base pairs, making it exceptionally useful for characterizing complex regions of the genome, such as structural variants and repetitive sequences. This technology shines in research areas where resolving complex genomic architectures is necessary, such as in the study of genomic rearrangements in cancer or in comprehensive genome assembly projects.

Adaptive Sampling (Nanopore): This advanced feature of Nanopore sequencing technology allows selective sequencing of specific genomic regions of interest. By enriching for particular areas, adaptive sampling makes it possible to focus sequencing efforts and depth where it is most needed, enhancing both cost-efficiency and analytical precision. This approach is particularly beneficial in targeted studies, such as those focusing on specific genes known to be involved in disease, or in regulatory regions critical for gene expression studies.

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) in plants and animals opens a new frontier in genomics, offering transformative possibilities across various fields such as agriculture, breeding, research, and ecology. This comprehensive approach surpasses traditional array-based solutions by providing a depth of information and versatility that can revolutionize how we understand and manipulate the genetic basis of life.

• Farming and Agriculture: Identifies novel crop variants for higher yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability, enabling precision breeding and enhancing food security.
• Animal Breeding: Provides detailed genetic profiles to identify desirable traits like growth rates and disease resistance, improving herd quality and productivity.
• Plant Breeders and Researchers: Valuable for non-model species, eliminating limitations of known genomes and accelerating the development of new plant varieties with enhanced qualities.
• Ecology and Conservation: Aids in biodiversity studies and conservation genetics, contributing to the preservation of genetic diversity and understanding evolutionary processes.
• Cost-Effective GWAS Studies: High-throughput sequencing makes WGS more cost-effective than arrays for large-scale Genome-Wide Association Studies, enhancing our ability to identify causal variants.

Sequencing Services

Our workflow begins with purified genomic DNA or we can provide a dedicated nucleic acids extraction service (please enquire for accepted tissues). PCR-based or PCR-free library preparation can be used to generate libraries.  

Sequencing can be performed on one of the following platforms:

• Illumina NovaSeq
• Element Biosciences AVITI
• Oxford Nanopore PromethION

Several QC steps are performed during the sample processing ensuring the delivery of the highest quality data available.

Bioinformatics Analysis

Genome resequencing - standard bioinformatic analysis includes:

• Custom demultiplexing
• Alignment to reference sequence
• Quality control and improvement of reads
• Variant calling (SNP, small indels, SVs)
• Coverage statistics and metrics

Variant summary report including variant coordinates and changes, functional annotation in an Excel-compatible file.

Genome resequencing - advanced bioinformatic analysis includes:

• Comparative genomic analysis - characterize differences and similarities between whole genomes. May be applied to both genomes from individuals from different species or individuals from the same species.
• Identification of somatic and germline structural variants
• Identification of germline and somatic SNPs.
• Clonal fingerprinting and parental testing for variety protection
• Identification of chromosomal abnormalities (karyotype testing, aneuploidy, chimeric somatic variants)
• Event-specific insertion analyses
• Oxford Nanopore: delivering of phased SNPs, structural variants and methylation profiles. Full allele-specific picture of genetics and epigenetics.

We also offer DNA extraction sample preparation service and provide full support on study design to ensure correct sequencing and bioinformatics strategies are used to meet your project goals. Our expert will consult with you about your specific requirements.