Today we’re pleased to announce the release of a new version of Sequel Software (V5.1) and a new polymerase. Combined, these upgrades increase throughput and overall performance for key SMRT Sequencing applications such as de novo assembly, structural variant detection, targeted sequencing, and RNA sequencing using the Iso-Seq method. Orders for the new products can be submitted today.
With this release, the Sequel System can achieve up to 10 Gb per SMRT Cell for de novo genome assembly, effectively doubling the throughput when using ultra-long inserts (>40 kb). For targeted and RNA sequencing, customers can achieve up to 20 Gb per SMRT Cell.
For human whole genome sequencing (WGS) studies, the new improvements support sensitive detection of structural variants with as little as 5- to 10-fold coverage per individual. As a result, customers can now complete low-cost WGS studies in thousands of individuals using fewer SMRT Cells. Sequel System users can obtain 10-fold coverage using as few as 4 SMRT Cells and population genetics projects can be conducted with 5-fold coverage using a few as 2 SMRT Cells. Check out our structural variation project calculator to inform your study design.
For long amplicons (>3 kb), the new polymerase increases the number of high-quality sequences per SMRT Cell, reducing costs for HLA sequencing and other targeted applications. Also, the analytical workflow for multiplexed samples has been simplified through the software update.
Read length data shown above from a E. coli 35 kb size-selected library using the Express kit, on a Sequel System with 2.1 Chemistry and 5.1 Sequel System Software.
Dr. Nezih Cereb, CEO and co-founder of HistoGenetics, was one of several early access users for this release. “By introducing SMRT Sequencing for routine HLA testing, HistoGenetics set the new gold standard. To date, we have run 475,000 samples on PacBio systems in our high-volume HLA typing lab. With these new Sequel System improvements, we are achieving increased throughput as well as saving time.”
Our SVP of Market Development, Kevin Corcoran, said: “We remain focused on enhancing key applications and, with increased throughput, empowering users to perform large-scale studies at a price per sample that meets their research or commercial objectives.”