NGS Masters: Whole-Genome Sequencing of cfDNA and ctDNA

Enhance CNV detection with Collibri PS DNA library prep kits

Whole-genome sequencing is suitable for the study of disease-specific genomic abnormalities from cfDNA. The Invitrogen Collibri PS DNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina Systems enables consistent and reproducible cfDNA library preparation from human plasma samples.

Optimized protocol captures short cfDNA fragments

Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is becoming an increasingly important research sample to investigate circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) for investigation of many cancer types. Using whole-genome next-generation sequencing (NGS), researchers at the Central European Institute of Technology at Masaryk University in the Czech Republic—in collaboration with the EMBL Genomics Core Facility, Heidelberg, Germany—have developed a protocol for efficient cfDNA library preparation that captures short DNA fragments from low amounts of sample to observe copy number variation (CNV), even with low sequencing coverage, using the Collibri PS DNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina Systems.

Video: Success with cfDNA and ctDNA for investigating leukemia activity

Preparation of sequencing-ready libraries from cfDNA or ctDNA presents a number of technical challenges. Despite cfDNA being present in higher levels in cancer patients than in healthy individuals, the total amount of material available is still in the range of nanograms per milliliter of plasma [1]. This issue is further compounded by the low quality of the input material. cfDNA is degraded from its natural origin, generating short fragments with an average of 170 bp. The combination of low input material and intrinsic fragmentation make efficient and reproducible library preparation essential to the performance of liquid biopsies in medical research.

The goal is to recover the shorter, fragmented DNA for downstream analysis using NGS. A customized protocol for efficient library preparation using the Collibri PS DNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina Systems is now available for use with cfDNA or ctDNA samples. The customized protocol for whole-genome sequencing (WGS) permitted Dr. Plevova and the team at EMBL to research disease-specific genomic abnormalities.

Whole-genome library preparation workflow

Genomic DNA extraction

We offer a range of Invitrogen genomic DNA extraction kits for sensitive, scalable purification from an expansive set of starting materials to help maximize process efficiency and downstream performance. This includes a broad range of kits for purifying genomic DNA from a variety of samples including tissue, cells, blood, serum, plants, forensic samples, and more.

Automate DNA extraction using magnetic bead-based technology and KingFisher instruments to bind, wash, and elute DNA to reduce your hands-on time while maintaining high yields and excellent reproducibility.

Quantification options to scale throughput

The qPCR-based Collibri Library Quantification kit scales well for larger sample batches and is the ideal method for precious samples or clinical samples. Quantification accuracy is equivalent to the KAPA Library Quantification kit with the additional benefit of visual feedback during the quantification process.

The Qubit dsDNA HS Assay is a fluorometric assay that uses dsDNA-binding dyes in order to accurately determine NGS library concentration, and benefits from a simple workflow of just a few minutes per sample. 

Regardless of the assay that is chosen, good laboratory technique should be used in order to ensure accurate measurement of library concentrations and high-quality Illumina sequencing data.

Recommended accessories

With Applied Biosystems QuantStudio real-time PCR systems, you get true value with excellent performance, reliability, and world-class support. Our family of instruments enables you to obtain the results you need, connect and collaborate with colleagues, and achieve your research goals.

Genomic DNA extraction

We offer a range of Invitrogen genomic DNA extraction kits for sensitive, scalable purification from an expansive set of starting materials to help maximize process efficiency and downstream performance. This includes a broad range of kits for purifying genomic DNA from a variety of samples including tissue, cells, blood, serum, plants, forensic samples, and more.

Automate DNA extraction using magnetic bead-based technology and KingFisher instruments to bind, wash, and elute DNA to reduce your hands-on time while maintaining high yields and excellent reproducibility.

Quantification options to scale throughput

The qPCR-based Collibri Library Quantification kit scales well for larger sample batches and is the ideal method for precious samples or clinical samples. Quantification accuracy is equivalent to the KAPA Library Quantification kit with the additional benefit of visual feedback during the quantification process.

The Qubit dsDNA HS Assay is a fluorometric assay that uses dsDNA-binding dyes in order to accurately determine NGS library concentration, and benefits from a simple workflow of just a few minutes per sample. 

Regardless of the assay that is chosen, good laboratory technique should be used in order to ensure accurate measurement of library concentrations and high-quality Illumina sequencing data.

Recommended accessories

With Applied Biosystems QuantStudio real-time PCR systems, you get true value with excellent performance, reliability, and world-class support. Our family of instruments enables you to obtain the results you need, connect and collaborate with colleagues, and achieve your research goals.

Ordering information

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