How to Sequence a Genome in 15 Minutes

2012-09-06T12:29:00.000Z

The idea behind the Oxford Nanopore DNA sequencing systems – both the USB-key MinION and the workhorse GridION — seem pretty simple: Guide a strand of DNA through a tiny hole and use the electrical signature of the different bases to identify them.

Both systems run the same way, but when you put a large number of the machines together they can split the work and run faster. To sequence a human genome in 15 minutes you would need about 20 GridION boxes that run 8,000 pores simultaneously.

The DNA to be tested first needs to be collected. The sample could be from humans, bacteria or some other organism.

With minimal preparation, the DNA sample is loaded into a cartridge. The cartridge contains a set number of individual wells containing one nanopore each.

The GridION cartridge has everything needed to run the sample. Oxford Nanopore

The cartridge is put in the machine, which is completely automated.

GridION cartridge insertion. Oxford Nanopore

Before the DNA is sequenced, charged molecules in the solution flow through the nanopores at a set rate.

Inside the cartridge, the DNA strand and enzyme complex attach to the top of the nanopore.

Nanopore before DNA attaches. The current flowing through the pore is constant. Oxford Nanopore

A probe in the solution under the nanopore detects changes in current caused by how much each nucleotide of DNA blocks the current flowing through the pore.

DNA sequencing — The changes in current caused by the DNA read out as letters. Oxford Nanopore

These changes in current are translated into a sequence of DNA letters by the computer in the system. This information has almost limitless possibilities.

DNA code — A, T, C, and G are the basic nucleic acid codes in DNA. Oxford Nanopore

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The DNA to be tested first needs to be collected. The sample could be from humans, bacteria or some other organism.

With minimal preparation, the DNA sample is loaded into a cartridge. The cartridge contains a set number of individual wells containing one nanopore each.

The cartridge is put in the machine, which is completely automated.

Before the DNA is sequenced, charged molecules in the solution flow through the nanopores at a set rate.

Inside the cartridge, the DNA strand and enzyme complex attach to the top of the nanopore.

A probe in the solution under the nanopore detects changes in current caused by how much each nucleotide of DNA blocks the current flowing through the pore.

These changes in current are translated into a sequence of DNA letters by the computer in the system. This information has almost limitless possibilities.

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What cheap genome sequencing means for the future of medicine >

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Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

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