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SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus sequencing

Targeted NGS is a valuable research tool for the detection and characterization of viral genomes. We offer solutions designed for SARS-CoV-2 variant research.

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xGen SARS-CoV-2 Amplicon Panel

Ready-to-order panel of multiplexed primers that creates 345 overlapping amplicons of SARS-CoV-2 genomic material for NGS sequencing. Resulting data can be used to research viral variants and improve understanding of virus evolution and transmission.

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SARS-CoV-2 ARTIC Amplicon Panel

The ARTIC panel consists of 98 primers in two pools that amplify SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes. The sequencing data can elucidate the presence of mutations consistent with known variants or identify new variants in research studies.

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SARS-CoV-2 Midnight Amplicon Panel

Amplicon panel that amplifies SARS-CoV-2 genomic material from research samples that can be used to study the spread of the virus, identify variants, and provide information to better understand COVID-19.

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xGen SARS-CoV-2 Hyb Panel

The xGen SARS-CoV-2 Hyb Panel for research spans the complete viral genome and is not susceptible to known and novel mutations arising from diverse strains.

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Overview

Next generation sequencing (NGS) can provide valuable information about the spread and genetic evolution of a virus. Targeted NGS is a valuable basic research tool for both identification and characterization of viruses. Since targeted NGS research provides data about viral genetic changes, the data can be used in combination with basic disease research to potentially correlate genetic changes that increase transmissibility or severity of disease.

Why sequence the SARS-CoV-2 genome?

The genome sequences we get from sequencing SARS-CoV-2 are crucial to track and trace the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19. Using NGS, we can look at the virus’ genomic sequence from virus-positive samples to help us understand where it may have originated, how it is mutating or evolving, and where it spreads. Knowing the genome sequence information is also critical to research:

  • Origin identification
  • Track mutations and evolution rates
  • Identify transmission routes
  • Population surveillance

Methods for NGS viral sequencing

There are several methods that can be used by researchers to study the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome:

  • Whole genome sequencing (WGS)
  • Target enrichment via multiplex PCR (amplicon sequencing)
  • Target enrichment via hybridization capture

Whole genome sequencing is a rapid way of getting from sample to sequencing and can be a good method to utilize if one is looking for a comprehensive picture of all pathogens in a sample. However, if the interest is solely to study SARS‑CoV‑2, it’s important to keep in mind that samples will also contain host or human genetic material, which could make sequencing inefficient and potentially increase associated costs.

Target enrichment methods are an efficient and cost-conscious way to study the complete SARS-CoV-2 viral sequence, or even select genes from its genome. These methods enrich for those desired regions prior to library prep or sequencing.

IDT target enrichment optoins:

Target enrichment via multiplex PCR (amplicon sequencing):

Following RNA isolation, this method requires relatively few steps which makes it faster to get from sample to sequencing without sacrificing genome coverage.

xGen SARS-CoV-2 Amplicon Panel (formerly the Swift Normalase™ Amplicon SARS-CoV-2 Panel—SNAP SARS Panel)

One-tube amplicon sequencing library preparation in 2-3 hours time. The optional Normalase step creates equimolar amounts of each library for multiplexing. The final library is compatible with Illumina sequencing instruments for understanding the changing sequences of viral isolates.

Figure 1. xGen SARS-CoV-2 Amplicon Panel (formerly Swift SNAP-SARS Panel). The steps for amplicon sequencing with the xGen SARS-CoV-2 Amplicon Panel include cDNA synthesis (reagents not included), amplicon generation with multiplex PCR, adapter ligation/indexing by PCR, and a final optional normalization step to create equimolar amounts of multiplexed library samples.

xGen SARS-CoV-2 ARTIC Amplicon Panel

Amplicons are 400 bp long, making them compatible with either Oxford Nanopore® or Illumina® sequencing instruments.

Figure 2. ARTIC workflow. The steps for amplicon sequencing with the ARTIC Panel and the IDT DNA Library Prep Kit include cDNA synthesis, amplicon generation, fragmentation, adapter ligation, and a final PCR amplification. The combination results in Illumina or Nanopore-ready libraries.

xGen SARS-CoV-2 Midnight Amplicon Panel

Amplicons are 1200 bp long, making them compatible with the Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing system. To make these amplicons compatible with Illumina sequencing instruments, use one of IDT's xGen DNA Library Prep Kits to create smaller library fragments.

Figure 3. Midnight panel workflow. The steps for amplicon sequencing with the Midnight Panel and the IDT Lotus DNA Library Prep Kit include cDNA synthesis, amplicon generation, fragmentation, end prep, adapter ligation, and a final PCR amplification. The final library is ready for sequencing with Illumina sequencing instruments.

Target enrichment via hybridization capture:

Another targeted next generation sequencing method that uses long, biotinylated oligonucleotide baits (probes) to hybridize to regions of interest. It is particularly helpful for enriching viral genomes when sequencing a sample.

xGen SARS-CoV-2 Hyb Panel

Available as a bundle with xGen Universal Blockers-TS Mix and xGen Hybridization and Wash Kit. For more information, see the xGen SARS-CoV-2 Hybridization Panel.

Dr. Adriana Heguy
NYU Grossman School of Medicine
DNA baits are essential to our work, helping us capture human exome sequences and other specific targeted areas of the human genome. From the beginning, as we were designing the library prep and sequencing strategy for the SARS-CoV-2 viral genome sequencing, we sought to use specific baits to fish out this viral genome from our samples. IDT has been an invaluable partner in this research effort to ‘capture’ this viral genome, accelerating our sequencing efforts and making them more cost-effective.

ALIGN Program: SARS‑CoV‑2 sequencing service providers

IDT partners with some of the most comprehensive genomic sequencing providers in the world. These companies are aligned in our commitment to collaboration, and we are aligned in our resolve to break down research barriers. Whether you’re focused on whole genome sequencing or custom panels, our partners have you covered.

More about the ALIGN program

Press releases

News IDT acquires Swift Biosciences, a pioneer in the development of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation genomics kits for academic, translational, and clinical research
Combining IDT’s high-quality NGS products with Swift’s broad portfolio of library preparation and enrichment products will be transformative for enabling scientists to conduct research more efficiently
Read more »
News Novogene America Joins IDT Align Partner Program
Latest addition to program is valuable global NGS resource to IDT and its customers
Read more »

References

  1. Freed NE, Vlkova M, Faisal MB, et al. Rapid and inexpensive whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 using 1200 bp tiled amplicons and Oxford Nanopore Rapid Barcoding. Biol Methods Protoc. 2020;5(1):bpaa014.
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