MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Two papers in Nature Biotechnology, both published online on July 1, 2012 highlight the unique value for de novo genome assembly provided by the PacBio® RS High Resolution Genetic Analyzer from Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (NASDAQ:PACB).
Due to the inherent limitations of commonly used short-read sequencing technologies, the genomes of very few species have been completely sequenced, or “finished.” PacBio’s single molecule, real-time (SMRT®) technology offers very long reads that reduce the number of contiguous sequences, or contigs, to simplify and improve genome assembly. These multi-kilobase reads allow scientists to sequence through long repeat regions and to identify structural variation, which are common in genomes but not possible to resolve completely with short-read platforms. As a result, PacBio long reads can lead to final assemblies that match—and in some cases even exceed—the quality that previously counted as “finished,” approaching the gold standard of a perfect genome.
In the publication from Koren et al., titled “Hybrid error correction and de novo assembly of single-molecule sequencing reads,” the authors demonstrate a new pipeline for assembly of the parrot genome. Using PacBio long reads in combination with high-accuracy short reads and an updated version of Celera Assembler, they assembled for the first time regulatory regions of genes involved in vocal learning circuits. The hybrid reads represent the most complete assembled bird genome now available.
“Repetitive regions are the biggest impediment to all assembly algorithms and sequencing technologies as they introduce ambiguity in the reconstruction of the genome,” said Sergey Koren, Ph.D., Scientist of Bioinformatics at the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center. “Using the long reads we have access to longer sequences, which increases the probability of spanning a repeat and leads to better assemblies at lower depths than short reads.”
A separate publication from Bashir et al., titled “A hybrid approach for the automated finishing of bacterial genomes,” describes combining contigs from second-generation sequencing technologies with PacBio sequence data for the cholera strain responsible for the 2010 Haitian outbreak. The authors show that their hybrid assembly resolved complex regions with several repeats and suggest that the approach offers a solution for “rapid identification and assembly of full microbial genomes.”
“The publication of these two studies is evidence of how our long-read technology is emerging as the gold standard for finishing genome assemblies and identifying, annotating and deciphering genomic structure,” said Mike Hunkapiller, President and CEO at Pacific Biosciences. “Moreover, investigators are finding creative ways to take advantage of the unique benefits provided by our SMRT sequencing and enabling scientific applications that are simply not possible with short-read sequencing platforms.”
The Nature Biotechnology publication details are as follows:
•“Hybrid error correction and de novo assembly of single-molecule sequencing reads.” Sergey Koren et al., National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center.
•“A hybrid approach for the automated finishing of bacterial genomes.” Ali Bashir et al., Pacific Biosciences and Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
For more information on de novo genome assembly with the PacBio®RS, please visit our website at www.pacb.com/denovo.
About Pacific Biosciences
Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. (NASDAQ: PACB) offers the PacBio®RS, a high resolution genetic analyzer, to help scientists solve genetically complex problems. Based on its novel single molecule, real-time (SMRT®) technology, the company’s products enable: targeted sequencing to more comprehensively characterize genetic variations; de novo genome assembly to more fully identify, annotate and decipher genomic structures; and DNA base modification identification to help characterize epigenetic regulation and DNA damage. By providing access to genetic information that was previously inaccessible, Pacific Biosciences enables scientists to increase their understanding of biological systems.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may contain words such as “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “intend,” “expect,” “plan,” the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions, and include the assumptions that underlie such statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s SMRT technology. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to risks discussed from time to time in documents Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks identified under the section captioned “Risk Factors” in its recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements are based on estimates, projections and assumptions as of the date hereof. Pacific Biosciences undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Contacts
For Pacific Biosciences
Nicole Litchfield, 415-793-6468 (Media)
nicole@bioscribe.com
or
Pacific Biosciences
Trevin Rard, 650-521-8450 (Investors)
ir@pacificbiosciences.com
