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Population genomics

The advent of high-throughput genomic analysis technologies has driven the field of population genomics — the large-scale comparison of genomes within a population. Population genomics has been fundamental to the identification of novel variation that can define specific phenotypes, such as disease susceptibility; however, the technical limitations of traditional analysis platforms may miss important sources of genomic variation. Combining long sequencing reads (up to 4 Mb) with high sample throughput (up to 14 Tb on PromethION*) nanopore technology makes it possible to generate highly contiguous genomes, with resolution and phasing of single nucleotide variants (SNVs), structural variants (SVs), repeats, and DNA methylation in a single assay — across 10’s to 1,000’s of samples.

Long read sequencing of 3,622 Icelanders provides insight into the role of structural variants in human diseases and other traits

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We identified over 22,636 SVs per individual, three to five times more than found with short-read sequencing data Beyter et al. bioRxiv 848366 (2021)

Oxford Nanopore sequencing

Traditional short-read technologies

Comprehensive genomic characterisation Long sequencing reads

Limited genomic characterisation

Short sequencing reads do not typically span important classes of genomic aberrations such as large structural variants and repeat regions, instead relying on indirect inference and/or complex computational analyses for their detection. The requirement of traditional sequencing technologies for amplification can also introduce sequence bias and removes base modifications. As a result, only a fraction of the genomic variation present in a sample may be identified.

Flexible and on demand On-demand sequencing

  • Scalable, affordable devices to suit all genome and project sizes
  • Generate terabases of data with PromethION — use up to 48 high-capacity flow cells simultaneously or independently to match your sample availability and lab requirements
  • Sequence smaller genomes at high throughput or perform low-pass sequencing of larger genomes with GridION
  • Discover the advantages of nanopore sequencing and undertake pilot projects with MinION, at just $1,000, including flow cells and sequencing reagents
  • Perform sample QC prior to large-scale studies using Flongle, with flow cells at $90 each

Limited flexibility

Traditional high-throughput benchtop sequencing devices require significant infrastructure requirements and expense — confining their use to well-resourced, centralised locations. Sample batching is often required for optimal efficiency, potentially leading to long turnaround times.

Streamlined workflows Easy-to-automate workflows

  • Prepare DNA samples for sequencing in as little as 10 minutes, including multiplexing
  • Easy-to-automate sample preparation kits and protocols suitable for large-scale population genomics projects
  • Low DNA input requirements
  • Run multiple analyses — whole genome, targeted, and full-length RNA sequencing — on a single device and at the same time, with modular PromethION and GridION

Laborious workflows

Typically, lengthy sample preparation requirements and long sequencing run times, reducing workflow efficiency and increasing turnaround times.

Real-time data streaming Rapid access to results

  • Analyse data as it is generated for immediate insights
  • Gain enhanced coverage of specific genomic regions with real-time targeted sequencing using adaptive sampling
  • Stop sequencing when sufficient data generated — wash and reuse flow cell

Fixed run time with bulk data delivery

Increased time-to-result and inability to identify workflow errors until it’s too late, plus additional practical complexities of handling large volumes of bulk sequence data.

White paper

New insights into large genomes

Discover how researchers worldwide are utilising long nanopore sequencing reads to support the generation of highly accurate and contiguous, chromosome-level genome assemblies across many different species. With the facility to generate read lengths in excess of 4 Mb, nanopore sequencing reads enable complete resolution of challenging genomic regions, allowing identification of previously hidden genomic variation — providing new insights into evolution and disease association.

Find more publications on the use of nanopore sequencing for large-scale population genomics studies in our Resource centre.

Case study

Structural variants and their impact on phenotypes, diseases, and population adaptation

In pursuit of a more comprehensive genomic characterisation of the Chinese population, Wu et al. performed a large-scale analysis of 405 individuals using long nanopore sequencing reads delivered by the high-throughput PromethION device. The team identified 132,312 structural variants (SVs), of which 53% were novel. Furthermore, they identified new SV associations with phenotypes and disease, including body height and anaemia.

Our study reveals the complex landscape of human SVs in unprecedented detail and provides new insights into their roles contributing to phenotypes, diseases and evolution

Wu, Z. et al. bioRxiv 430378 (2021).

Find out how nanopore sequencing enables comprehensive variant detection — from SNVs and phasing, to SVs and base modifications — in our Investigations pages.

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Scalable sequencing for population genomics

Nanopore sequencing is uniquely scalable — from portable Flongle and MinION devices, ideal for sample QC and pilot studies, through to the high-throughput benchtop GridION and PromethION platforms, which offer rapid and affordable access to the high yields of high-quality data required for large-scale population genomics projects.

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High sequencing yields for population genomics

Recommended for population genomics

PromethION 48

Combining up to 48 independently addressable, high-capacity flow cells with powerful, integrated compute, PromethION 48 delivers flexible, on-demand access to terabases of sequencing data — ideal for large-scale population genomics projects.

PromethION 24

With 24 independent, high-yield flow cells and powerful integrated compute, PromethION 24 enables high-throughput comparative analysis of large genomes.

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PromethION 2 & 2 Solo

Offering two independent PromethION Flow Cells for low-cost access to high-output sequencing – ideal for smaller sample number whole-genome and transcriptome projects. 

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GridION

Running up to 5 independent MinION (or Flongle) Flow Cells, GridION enables flexible, high-throughput sequencing of smaller genomes and low-pass analysis of larger (eg. human) genomes.

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MinION

Portable nanopore sequencing device — suitable for low-pass whole genomes and pilot population genomics studies.

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MinION Mk1C

The all-in-one sequencer. Get all the benefits of the original MinION device but with integrated high-resolution touchscreen, built-in compute, and complete connectivity.

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Flongle

Adapting MinION and GridION for smaller, rapid tests and analyses – ideal for low-cost sample QC prior to large population-scale analyses.

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VolTRAX

Automated sample extraction and library preparation.

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