Improving custom bait design to increase accuracy, sensitivity and coverage depth
Oxford, UK – 23 May 2012. Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), provider of innovative clinical genetics and diagnostic solutions to advance molecular medicine, has released a new application note exploring the optimisation of targeted DNA sequencing. Entitled, “Fishing for variants in the deep end of the gene pool”, the document discusses how the intelligent design of custom bait probes can significantly improve data quality by decreasing off-target noise, increasing the depth of coverage and optimising the sensitivity of variant detection. Well-designed probes can also be used to investigate GC-rich areas of the genome, thereby ensuring studies are not biased towards low-GC regions.
Whilst whole exome sequencing offers a powerful route into analysis of Mendelian disorders and provides a platform for GWAS studies, custom designs offer significant advantages where the biological question is more focused. Examples include the follow up of genome wide association studies (GWAS) or investigations into the mutational analysis of specific pathways or genes in a clinical context. Targeted sequencing offers greater depth of coverage, reduced cost, simpler data analysis and shorter time to results. However, the design of custom baits for such studies is not straightforward and poor design strategies can render the results unusable. For this reason, through its Genefficiency™ Targeted Sequencing Services, OGT leverages its expertise in probe design for solid and liquid phase hybridisation to create custom bait probes optimised for each individual study, ensuring accurate, unbiased results that provide true biological insight.
To find out more, download the new application note now or visit www.ogt.co.uk for more information on the range of genomic services offered by OGT.
About Oxford Gene Technology
Founded by Professor Ed Southern, Oxford Gene Technology (OGT) provides innovative clinical genetics and diagnostic solutions to advance molecular medicine. www.ogt.co.uk.
Biomarker Discovery: OGT delivers tailored biomarker discovery solutions that optimise drug and diagnostic development programmes. With expertise in genomic and proteomic diagnostic biomarkers, OGT provides highly specific customised biomarker panels for cancer and other diseases, both for direct sale and also for collaboration with partner companies.
Clinical & Genomic Solutions: OGT’s Genefficiency™ is a unique combination of world-leading platforms, people, processing power and performance synchronised to deliver rapid, high-quality genomic data to customers worldwide. OGT’s CytoSure™ cytogenetics array, labelling and interpretation software products and services provide a complete solution for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities. Together, Genefficiency and CytoSure offer a unique, standardised and integrated solution for cytogenetics research.
CytoSure™: For research use only
This product is provided under an agreement between Agilent Technologies, Inc., and OGT. The manufacture, use, sale or import of this product may be subject to one or more of U.S. patents, pending applications, and corresponding international equivalents, owned by Agilent Technologies, Inc. The purchaser has the non-transferable right to use and consume the product for RESEARCH USE ONLY AND NOT for DIAGNOSTICS PROCEDURES. It is not intended for use, and should not be used, for the diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, treatment or alleviation of any disease or condition, or for the investigation of any physiological process, in any identifiable human, or for any other medical purpose.
For further information, please contact:
Oxford Gene Technology, Begbroke Science Park, Begbroke Hill, Woodstock Road, Begbroke, Oxfordshire, OX5 1PF, UK.
T: +44 (0) 1865 856826 ; F: +44 (0) 1865 848684 ; E: [email protected]
W: www.ogt.co.uk ;
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