Abstract 5353: High-throughput automation of the 10x Genomics® Chromium™ workflow for linked-read whole exome sequencing and a targeted lynch syndrome panel
Authors: Pellegrino Renata , Benway Michael , Kocjan Paulina , Price Andrew , Kao Charlly , Gerwe Brian A. , Fehr Adrian , Mafra Fernanda , Garifallou James , Hakonarson Hakon 
Published: July 2017

Traditional 2nd generation sequencing strategies have significantly reduced the cost of sequencing the human genome and provide flexibility to query specific gene panels, the whole exome, or the whole genome. However, these methodologies are based on short reads which limit their ability to phase/haplotype over long genomic distances, accurately map reads between highly homologous regions (e.g., genes vs. pseudogenes), and robustly detect particular types of structural variants (e.g., inversions and translocations).

Advances in microfluidics technology and precision reagent delivery allow long-range information to be rescued and preserved through the use of the 10x Genomics Chromium platform. Each input DNA fragment (~40-200kb) is partitioned into a gel-bead in emulsion (GEM), and subsequent biochemistry generates mini-libraries of NGS-ready molecules tagged with a barcode unique for each GEM. Thus, long-range context is achieved by linking short reads sharing the same barcode, and contiguity is established because they were derived from the same input fragment. Importantly, the barcoded mini-libraries are compatible with short-read sequencers and can be implemented as an add-on to existing sequencing infrastructures.

Here we describe and demonstrate how the user-friendly and uniquely-tuned liquid handling capabilities of the PerkinElmer Sciclone® NGSx Workstation interface with the 10x Genomics chip to successfully automate the Chromium Genome workflow. We show the preservation of intact genomic DNA during automated library preparation and demonstrate that these libraries have comparable quality to those generated by manual preparation. Following Chromium partitioning, mini-library generation, and pooling of all the GEM mini-libraries, samples were processed again on the Sciclone using a previously established automated workflow for exome/panel target capture using Agilent SureSelectTM baits. This end-to-end automated workflow was used to generate Linked-Read whole exome data on samples with unresolved structural rearrangements and targeted Linked Reads in a Lynch syndrome gene, PMS2. Linked Reads enable us to 1) fine-map structural rearrangements detected by karyotyping and 2) resolve variants in PMS2 versus those in its homologous pseudogene, PMS2CL, without invoking non-NGS methods such as MLPA or long-range PCR.

The benefits of automation are essential to the scale-up of high-throughput projects by removing manual variability and increasing efficiency. This partnership offers a unique workflow solution that enables exome and panel-based Linked-Read sequencing at scale.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Citation Format: Renata Pellegrino, Michael Benway, Paulina Kocjan, Andrew Price, Charlly Kao, Brian A. Gerwe, Adrian Fehr, Fernanda Mafra, James Garifallou, Hakon Hakonarson. High-throughput automation of the 10x Genomics® Chromium™ workflow for linked-read whole exome sequencing and a targeted lynch syndrome panel [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5353. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5353