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Minor Variant Finder Software
5% somatic variant detection using Sanger sequencing
Applied Biosystems Minor Variant Finder Software is new software developed for the detection and reporting of minor mutations by Sanger sequencing. Minor variants are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that present as a minor component with a contribution of less than 25% at a given allele.
The ability to detect low-level somatic mutations is critical in research areas such as oncology, infectious disease, and inherited disease. The improved sensitivity achieved through Minor Variant Finder Software makes Sanger sequencing the ideal choice for oncologists and/or pathologists to call low-frequency somatic variants (5% or below) where the number of relevant targets is often limited. Depending on the cancer type, the moderate number of relevant variants in oncogenes (for example, KRAS, NRAS, etc.) and/or tumor suppressor genes (for example, TP53) could be detected by the gold-standard Sanger sequencing with Minor Variant Finder, quickly and cost-effectively. It is also an important confirmatory method for next-generation sequencing (NGS) results.
Call minor variants at a detection level as low as 5%
Click image to enlargeTop: Original Sanger sequencing data.
Bottom: Output data through the Minor Variant Finder Software.
Bottom: Output data through the Minor Variant Finder Software.
The innovative algorithm of the Minor Variant Finder Software neutralizes the background noise using a control sample, and enables calling of minor variants at a detection level as low as 5%. Through the noise minimization process of the software, the imported Sanger sequencing data results in a clean electropherogram for visual confirmation of these minor variants. Review indicators are also set up to help call any potential minor variants revealed after the analysis. Minor variants can be detected on both forward and reverse strands to confirm findings.
Sequence a moderate number of targets at the lowest cost
Sanger sequencing is a cost-effective option when running a limited number of targets. The improved sensitivity achieved through Minor Variant Finder Software makes Sanger sequencing the ideal choice for oncology and pathology research labs to call somatic variants, where the numbers of relevant targets are often limited. It also provides an easy and flexible way to augment fixed gene panels.
Critical results faster
Take advantage of the fast turnaround time of Sanger sequencing. Sample to result can be achieved within the same day, providing you with critical results faster.
Confirm NGS findings in alignment view and Venn diagram
For high-throughput labs using NGS technology, minor variants from NGS findings can be confirmed with Sanger sequencing quickly and cost-effectively. The confirmation data can be visualized in an alignment view and Venn diagram for reporting.
Simple workflow
The software requires no change to your current workflow. It is compatible with the Sanger sequencing workflow already implemented in your lab.
Take a tour of the workflow
Prepare and sequence control and test samples using the same materials and procedures (same primers, same sample clean-up method, same instrument, same expert hands, etc.)
Create a new project in the Minor Variant Finder Software.
Click image to enlarge
Feed the control forward and reverse reactions and the forward and reverse reactions of the test samples into the software.
Click image to enlarge
Review the variants called and/or the electropherograms before and after noise minimization.
Click image to enlarge
Prepare and sequence control and test samples using the same materials and procedures (same primers, same sample clean-up method, same instrument, same expert hands, etc.)
Create a new project in the Minor Variant Finder Software.
Click image to enlarge
Feed the control forward and reverse reactions and the forward and reverse reactions of the test samples into the software.
Click image to enlarge
Review the variants called and/or the electropherograms before and after noise minimization.
Click image to enlarge
Learn more about the Minor Variant Finder Software:
Minor Variant Finder Software enables 5% somatic variant detection using Sanger sequencing.
Computer requirements
Component | Requirements |
| Computer | Windows™ computer with 2 GB hard disk space and a minimum of 4 GB memory; 8 GB recommended. Test configurations:
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| Operating system | Windows™ 7 SP1, 32-bit or 64-bit or Windows™ 10 Pro/IoT, 64-bit |
| Browser | Google™ Chrome™, Mozilla™ Firefox™, Microsoft™ Internet Explorer™ v.11, or Microsoft™ Edge The Minor Variant Finder Software runs in a web browser windows, but does not require connection to the internet in order to run. Data is secure on your desktop computer. |
| Screen resolution | 1024 x 768 or higher, optimized for 1280 x 1024 |
Instrument requirements
Requirements | Description |
| Basecaller | The software can analyze .ab1 files that have been basecalled with KB Basecaller v1.4 or later and that contain sequences that have not been edited with a resequencing software application such as Applied Biosystems SeqStudio SeqScape Software. |
| Compatible genetic analyzers | Data from Applied Biosystems SeqStudio, 3500, 3130, and 3730 genetic analyzers has been tested with the Minor Variant Finder Software. Data from the 3100 models is supported if it is basecalled with the basecaller version stated above. |
