Agencourt offers a high quality whole genome sequencing service. Our efforts to increase quality while reducing costs allow even the smallest of laboratories to undertake whole genome sequencing endeavors. The key features that set our whole genome sequencing service apart are:


 Learn more about our DNA Sequencing Pipeline

Whole Genome Sequencing Includes:
  • Library construction
  • Template purification using Agencourt SPRI® reagents
  • DNA sequencing reactions using BigDye Terminator v3.1
  • Dye terminator removal with Agencourt CleanSEQ system
  • Sequence delineation on an ABI PRISM 3730xl
  • Base calling and data compilation
  • Assembly with Phred, PHRAP and parcel genome assembler ARACHNE
  • Finishing, utilizing Consed with proprietary LIMS-integrated finishing software
  • Data delivery via secure FTP site

Library Construction
Agencourt uses tailored library construction strategies to provide more random libraries with increased coverage. Our approach to library construction is customized for each project's specific needs and can include:
  • DNA shearing
  • Use of BstXI adapters
  • Creation of small and large insert sizes
  • Insertion into high and/or low copy number vectors

Finishing and Assembly
Our finishing strategies include primer walking, transposon insertion and/or direct PCR sequencing. We use both commercial and proprietary software for semi-automated assembly, including Phred, PHRAP and Consed. Paired end DNA sequence information is used to resolve repeat sequences and maximize the level of contig ordering. Our quality standards are among the highest in the industry, with error rates well below 1 in 10,000 nucleotides in the assembled contigs.


Agencourt has experienced personnel dedicated to shotgun library construction and verification.

Samples
A minimum of 100-200µg of high quality genomic DNA is required from the customer for complete genome sequencing projects. We have detailed guidelines available for DNA preparation to enable the highest level of sequencing quality and decrease the time from sample submission to result delivery.

Results
Results are delivered via a secure FTP site. Data delivery is personally overseen by a member of the Agencourt team to ensure simple and timely results transfer. Compiled data are available in multiple file formats including:
  • FASTA
  • .AB1
  • .SCF
  • .QUAL

Sequence Annotation & Comparative Genomics
Agencourt offers access to genome analysis and functional annotation using ERGO™, a proprietary bioinformatics suite from Integrated Genomics. ERGO can be used for in-depth ORF calling, automated sequence annotation and functional pathway analysis including metabolic reconstructions. The process is based on cross-genome comparative analysis using Integrated Genomics' database, which contains genome sequences for more than 650 organisms.

  

ERGO integrates genomic information with biochemical data, literature, and high-throughput analysis into a comprehensive network of metabolic and nonmetabolic pathways.