scholarly journals Sequencing smart: De novo sequencing and assembly approaches for non-model mammals

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham J Etherington ◽  
Darren Heavens ◽  
David Baker ◽  
Ashleigh Lister ◽  
Rose McNelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Genome Project ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Value For Money ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Data Types ◽  
High Molecular Weight Dna ◽  
Assembly Method ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Genome Assemblies

AbstractBackgroundWhilst much sequencing effort has focused on key mammalian model organisms such as mouse and human, little is known about the correlation between genome sequencing techniques for non-model mammals and genome assembly quality. This is especially relevant to non-model mammals, where the samples to be sequenced are often degraded and low quality. A key aspect when planning a genome project is the choice of sequencing data to generate. This decision is driven by several factors, including the biological questions being asked, the quality of DNA available, and the availability of funds. Cutting-edge sequencing technologies now make it possible to achieve highly contiguous, chromosome-level genome assemblies, but relies on good quality high-molecular-weight DNA. The funds to generate and combining these data are often only available within large consortiums and sequencing initiatives, and are often not affordable for many independent research groups. For many researchers, value-for-money is a key factor when considering the generation of genomic sequencing data. Here we use a range of different genomic technologies generated from a roadkill European Polecat (Mustela putorius) to assess various assembly techniques on this low-quality sample. We evaluated different approaches for de novo assemblies and discuss their value in relation to biological analyses.ResultsGenerally, assemblies containing more data types achieved better scores in our ranking system. However, when accounting for misassemblies, this was not always the case for Bionano and low-coverage 10x Genomics (for scaffolding only). We also find that the extra cost associated with combining multiple data types is not necessarily associated with better genome assemblies.ConclusionsThe high degree of variability between each de novo assembly method (assessed from the seven key metrics) highlights the importance of carefully devising the sequencing strategy to be able to carry out the desired analysis. Adding more data to genome assemblies not always results in better assemblies so it is important to understand the nuances of genomic data integration explained here, in order to obtain cost-effective value-for-money when sequencing genomes.

scholarly journals Sequencing smart: De novo sequencing and assembly approaches for a non-model mammal

GigaScience ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham J Etherington ◽  
Darren Heavens ◽  
David Baker ◽  
Ashleigh Lister ◽  
Rose McNelly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Genome Project ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Data Types ◽  
High Molecular Weight Dna ◽  
Assembly Method ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Genome Assemblies

Abstract Background Whilst much sequencing effort has focused on key mammalian model organisms such as mouse and human, little is known about the relationship between genome sequencing techniques for non-model mammals and genome assembly quality. This is especially relevant to non-model mammals, where the samples to be sequenced are often degraded and of low quality. A key aspect when planning a genome project is the choice of sequencing data to generate. This decision is driven by several factors, including the biological questions being asked, the quality of DNA available, and the availability of funds. Cutting-edge sequencing technologies now make it possible to achieve highly contiguous, chromosome-level genome assemblies, but rely on high-quality high molecular weight DNA. However, funding is often insufficient for many independent research groups to use these techniques. Here we use a range of different genomic technologies generated from a roadkill European polecat (Mustela putorius) to assess various assembly techniques on this low-quality sample. We evaluated different approaches for de novo assemblies and discuss their value in relation to biological analyses. Results Generally, assemblies containing more data types achieved better scores in our ranking system. However, when accounting for misassemblies, this was not always the case for Bionano and low-coverage 10x Genomics (for scaffolding only). We also find that the extra cost associated with combining multiple data types is not necessarily associated with better genome assemblies. Conclusions The high degree of variability between each de novo assembly method (assessed from the 7 key metrics) highlights the importance of carefully devising the sequencing strategy to be able to carry out the desired analysis. Adding more data to genome assemblies does not always result in better assemblies, so it is important to understand the nuances of genomic data integration explained here, in order to obtain cost-effective value for money when sequencing genomes.

scholarly journals Improvement of the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) genome using a Hi-C-based Proximity-Guided Assembly method

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine L. Peichel ◽  
Shawn T. Sullivan ◽  
Ivan Liachko ◽  
Michael A. White
Keyword(s):  
Genome Assembly ◽  
Gasterosteus Aculeatus ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Evolutionary Genetics ◽  
Threespine Stickleback ◽  
Linkage Groups ◽  
High Molecular Weight Dna ◽  
Assembly Method ◽  
Guided Assembly ◽  
Genome Assemblies

AbstractScaffolding genomes into complete chromosome assemblies remains challenging even with the rapidly increasing sequence coverage generated by current next-generation sequence technologies. Even with scaffolding information, many genome assemblies remain incomplete. The genome of the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), a fish model system in evolutionary genetics and genomics, is not completely assembled despite scaffolding with high-density linkage maps. Here, we first test the ability of a Hi-C based proximity guided assembly to perform a de novo genome assembly from relatively short contigs. Using Hi-C based proximity guided assembly, we generated complete chromosome assemblies from 50 kb contigs. We found that 98.99% of contigs were correctly assigned to linkage groups, with ordering nearly identical to the previous genome assembly. Using available BAC end sequences, we provide evidence that some of the few discrepancies between the Hi-C assembly and the existing assembly are due to structural variation between the populations used for the two assemblies or errors in the existing assembly. This Hi-C assembly also allowed us to improve the existing assembly, assigning over 60% (13.35 Mb) of the previously unassigned (∼21.7 Mb) contigs to linkage groups. Together, our results highlight the potential of the Hi-C based proximity guided assembly method to be used in combination with short read data to perform relatively inexpensive de novo genome assemblies. This approach will be particularly useful in organisms in which it is difficult to perform linkage mapping or to obtain high molecular weight DNA required for other scaffolding methods.

scholarly journals MobiSeq: De Novo SNP discovery in model and non-model species through sequencing the flanking region of transposable elements

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alba Rey-Iglesia ◽  
Shyam Gopalakrishan ◽  
Christian Carøe ◽  
David E. Alquezar-Planas ◽  
Anne Ahlmann Nielsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transposable Elements ◽  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Population Genomics ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Snp Discovery ◽  
High Molecular Weight Dna ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Flanking Region

AbstractIn recent years, the availability of reduced representation library (RRL) methods has catalysed an expansion of genome-scale studies to characterize both model and non-model organisms. Most of these methods rely on the use of restriction enzymes to obtain DNA sequences at a genome-wide level. These approaches have been widely used to sequence thousands of markers across individuals for many organisms at a reasonable cost, revolutionizing the field of population genomics. However, there are still some limitations associated with these methods, in particular, the high molecular weight DNA required as starting material, the reduced number of common loci among investigated samples, and the short length of the sequenced site-associated DNA. Here, we present MobiSeq, a RRL protocol exploiting simple laboratory techniques, that generates genomic data based on PCR targeted-enrichment of transposable elements and the sequencing of the associated flanking region. We validate its performance across 103 DNA extracts derived from three mammalian species: grey wolf (Canis lupus), red deer complex (Cervus sp.), and brown rat (Rattus norvegicus). MobiSeq enables the sequencing of hundreds of thousands loci across the genome, and performs SNP discovery with relatively low rates of clonality. Given the ease and flexibility of MobiSeq protocol, the method has the potential to be implemented for marker discovery and population genomics across a wide range of organisms – enabling the exploration of diverse evolutionary and conservation questions.

scholarly journals Twelve quick steps for genome assembly and annotation in the classroom

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e1008325
Author(s):  
Hyungtaek Jung ◽  
Tomer Ventura ◽  
J. Sook Chung ◽  
Woo-Jin Kim ◽  
Bo-Hye Nam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genome Assembly ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Repetitive Sequences ◽  
Genome Project ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Sequencing Technologies ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Sequencing Platforms ◽  
High Quality Genome

Eukaryotic genome sequencing and de novo assembly, once the exclusive domain of well-funded international consortia, have become increasingly affordable, thus fitting the budgets of individual research groups. Third-generation long-read DNA sequencing technologies are increasingly used, providing extensive genomic toolkits that were once reserved for a few select model organisms. Generating high-quality genome assemblies and annotations for many aquatic species still presents significant challenges due to their large genome sizes, complexity, and high chromosome numbers. Indeed, selecting the most appropriate sequencing and software platforms and annotation pipelines for a new genome project can be daunting because tools often only work in limited contexts. In genomics, generating a high-quality genome assembly/annotation has become an indispensable tool for better understanding the biology of any species. Herein, we state 12 steps to help researchers get started in genome projects by presenting guidelines that are broadly applicable (to any species), sustainable over time, and cover all aspects of genome assembly and annotation projects from start to finish. We review some commonly used approaches, including practical methods to extract high-quality DNA and choices for the best sequencing platforms and library preparations. In addition, we discuss the range of potential bioinformatics pipelines, including structural and functional annotations (e.g., transposable elements and repetitive sequences). This paper also includes information on how to build a wide community for a genome project, the importance of data management, and how to make the data and results Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) by submitting them to a public repository and sharing them with the research community.

scholarly journals Comparison of long read methods for sequencing and assembly of a plant genome

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentine Murigneux ◽  
Subash Kumar Rai ◽  
Agnelo Furtado ◽  
Timothy J.C. Bruxner ◽  
Wei Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
De Novo ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Genome Project ◽  
Plant Genome ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Sequencing Technologies ◽  
Oxford Nanopore ◽  
Long Read ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Genome Assemblies

AbstractSequencing technologies have advanced to the point where it is possible to generate high accuracy, haplotype resolved, chromosome scale assemblies. Several long read sequencing technologies are available on the market and a growing number of algorithms have been developed over the last years to assemble the reads generated by those technologies. When starting a new genome project, it is therefore challenging to select the most cost-effective sequencing technology as well as the most appropriate software for assembly and polishing. For this reason, it is important to benchmark different approaches applied to the same sample. Here, we report a comparison of three long read sequencing technologies applied to the de novo assembly of a plant genome, Macadamia jansenii. We have generated sequencing data using Pacific Biosciences (Sequel I), Oxford Nanopore Technologies (PromethION) and BGI (single-tube Long Fragment Read) technologies for the same sample. Several assemblers were benchmarked in the assembly of PacBio and Nanopore reads. Results obtained from combining long read technologies or short read and long read technologies are also presented. The assemblies were compared for contiguity, accuracy and completeness as well as sequencing costs and DNA material requirements. Overall, the three long read technologies produced highly contiguous and complete genome assemblies of Macadamia jansenii. At the time of sequencing, the cost associated with each method was significantly different but continuous improvements in technologies have resulted in greater accuracy, increased throughput and reduced costs. We propose updating this comparison regularly with reports on significant iterations of the sequencing technologies.

AStrap: identification of alternative splicing from transcript sequences without a reference genome

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (15) ◽  
pp. 2654-2656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guoli Ji ◽  
Wenbin Ye ◽  
Yaru Su ◽  
Moliang Chen ◽  
Guangzao Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Alternative Splicing ◽  
Single Molecule ◽  
Reference Genome ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Supplementary Information ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Extensive Evaluation ◽  
Reference Genomes

Abstract Summary Alternative splicing (AS) is a well-established mechanism for increasing transcriptome and proteome diversity, however, detecting AS events and distinguishing among AS types in organisms without available reference genomes remains challenging. We developed a de novo approach called AStrap for AS analysis without using a reference genome. AStrap identifies AS events by extensive pair-wise alignments of transcript sequences and predicts AS types by a machine-learning model integrating more than 500 assembled features. We evaluated AStrap using collected AS events from reference genomes of rice and human as well as single-molecule real-time sequencing data from Amborella trichopoda. Results show that AStrap can identify much more AS events with comparable or higher accuracy than the competing method. AStrap also possesses a unique feature of predicting AS types, which achieves an overall accuracy of ∼0.87 for different species. Extensive evaluation of AStrap using different parameters, sample sizes and machine-learning models on different species also demonstrates the robustness and flexibility of AStrap. AStrap could be a valuable addition to the community for the study of AS in non-model organisms with limited genetic resources. Availability and implementation AStrap is available for download at https://github.com/BMILAB/AStrap. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Next generation sequencing allows deeper analysis and understanding of genomes and transcriptomes including aspects to fertility

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Werner
Keyword(s):  
Next Generation Sequencing ◽  
Transcriptional Control ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Alternative Promoters ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Generation Sequencing

Reproduction and fertility are controlled by specific events naturally linked to oocytes, testes and early embryonal tissues. A significant part of these events involves gene expression, especially transcriptional control and alternative transcription (alternative promoters and alternative splicing). While methods to analyse such events for carefully predetermined target genes are well established, until recently no methodology existed to extend such analyses into a genome-wide de novo discovery process. With the arrival of next generation sequencing (NGS) it becomes possible to attempt genome-wide discovery in genomic sequences as well as whole transcriptomes at a single nucleotide level. This does not only allow identification of the primary changes (e.g. alternative transcripts) but also helps to elucidate the regulatory context that leads to the induction of transcriptional changes. This review discusses the basics of the new technological and scientific concepts arising from NGS, prominent differences from microarray-based approaches and several aspects of its application to reproduction and fertility research. These concepts will then be illustrated in an application example of NGS sequencing data analysis involving postimplantation endometrium tissue from cows.

scholarly journals De novo identification of satellite DNAs in the sequenced genomes of Drosophila virilis and D. americana using the RepeatExplorer and TAREAN pipelines

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bráulio S.M.L. Silva ◽  
Pedro Heringer ◽  
Guilherme B. Dias ◽  
Marta Svartman ◽  
Gustavo C.S. Kuhn
Keyword(s):  
Transposable Elements ◽  
Tandem Repeat ◽  
Tandem Repeats ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Chromosome Mapping ◽  
Drosophila Virilis ◽  
Satellite Dnas ◽  
Bioinformatic Tools ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Genome Assemblies

AbstractSatellite DNAs are among the most abundant repetitive DNAs found in eukaryote genomes, where they participate in a variety of biological roles, from being components of important chromosome structures to gene regulation. Experimental methodologies used before the genomic era were not sufficient despite being too laborious and time-consuming to recover the collection of all satDNAs from a genome. Today, the availability of whole sequenced genomes combined with the development of specific bioinformatic tools are expected to foster the identification of virtually all of the “satellitome” from a particular species. While whole genome assemblies are important to obtain a global view of genome organization, most assemblies are incomplete and lack repetitive regions. Here, we applied short-read sequencing and similarity clustering in order to perform a de novo identification of the most abundant satellite families in two Drosophila species from the virilis group: Drosophila virilis and D. americana. These species were chosen because they have been used as a model to understand satDNA biology since early 70’s. We combined computational tandem repeat detection via similarity-based read clustering (implemented in Tandem Repeat Analyzer pipeline – “TAREAN”) with data from the literature and chromosome mapping to obtain an overview of satDNAs in D. virilis and D. americana. The fact that all of the abundant tandem repeats we detected were previously identified in the literature allowed us to evaluate the efficiency of TAREAN in correctly identifying true satDNAs. Our results indicate that raw sequencing reads can be efficiently used to detect satDNAs, but that abundant tandem repeats present in dispersed arrays or associated with transposable elements are frequent false positives. We demonstrate that TAREAN with its parent method RepeatExplorer, may be used as resources to detect tandem repeats associated with transposable elements and also to reveal families of dispersed tandem repeats.

scholarly journals Proteotranscriptomics assisted gene annotation and spatial proteomics of Bombyx mori BmN4 cell line

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Levin ◽  
Marion Scheibe ◽  
Falk Butter
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Bombyx Mori ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
De Novo ◽  
High Resolution Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Gene Annotation ◽  
Transcriptome Assembly ◽  
Model Organisms ◽  
Sequence Information ◽  
A Genome

Abstract BackgroundThe process of identifying all coding regions in a genome is crucial for any study at the level of molecular biology, ranging from single-gene cloning to genome-wide measurements using RNA-Seq or mass spectrometry. While satisfactory annotation has been made feasible for well-studied model organisms through great efforts of big consortia, for most systems this kind of data is either absent or not adequately precise. ResultsCombining in-depth transcriptome sequencing and high resolution mass spectrometry, we here use proteotranscriptomics to improve gene annotation of protein-coding genes in the Bombyx mori cell line BmN4 which is an increasingly used tool for the analysis of piRNA biogenesis and function. Using this approach we provide the exact coding sequence and evidence for more than 6,200 genes on the protein level. Furthermore using spatial proteomics, we establish the subcellular localization of thousands of these proteins. We show that our approach outperforms current Bombyx mori annotation attempts in terms of accuracy and coverage. ConclusionsWe show that proteotranscriptomics is an efficient, cost-effective and accurate approach to improve previous annotations or generate new gene models. As this technique is based on de-novo transcriptome assembly, it provides the possibility to study any species also in the absence of genome sequence information for which proteogenomics would be impossible.

scholarly journals Metassembler: Merging and optimizing de novo genome assemblies

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Hernandez Wences ◽  
Michael Schatz
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Genome Assembly ◽  
De Novo ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Genome Assemblies ◽  
Multiple Algorithms

Genome assembly projects typically run multiple algorithms in an attempt to find the single best assembly, although those assemblies often have complementary, if untapped, strengths and weaknesses. We present our metassembler algorithm that merges multiple assemblies of a genome into a single superior sequence. We apply it to the four genomes from the Assemblathon competitions and show it consistently and substantially improves the contiguity and quality of each assembly. We also develop guidelines for metassembly by systematically evaluating 120 permutations of merging the top 5 assemblies of the first Assemblathon competition. The software is open-source at http://metassembler.sourceforge.net.

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