Nucleic Acid Amplification and Identification Methods

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for producing labeled amplified fragments of a nucleic acid template, the method comprising the steps of providing the template nucleic acid; annealing at least one oligonucleotide primer to the template nucleic acid; extending the at least one oligonucleotide primer in a template-specific manner, thereby creating extension products, wherein the extension reaction is terminated when the extension product reaches the 5' end of the template nucleic acid or a nucleic acid extension stopper annealed to the template nucleic acid downstream of the extension product; providing an adapter nucleic acid comprising a recognition sequence on its 5' end, wherein the recognition sequence does not hybridize to the extension stopper when contacted thereto; and ligating the adapter nucleic acid at its 5' end to the 3' end of the extension product, thereby producing labeled amplified fragments.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of nucleic acid analysis and amplification. [Background technology]

[0002] US 2010 / 0273219 A1 describes a method for multi-primer amplification to barcode target nucleic acids.

[0003] WO2012 / 134884 A1 describes barcoding template nucleic acids in multiplex amplification reactions.

[0004] WO2013 / 038010 A2 describes a method for producing an amplified nucleic acid portion of a template nucleic acid that uses oligonucleotide primers and stoppers to prevent strand displacement and read-through by the polymerase used to produce the nucleic acid portion for sequencing, which would eliminate bias during nucleic acid amplification.

[0005] WO2014 / 071361 A1 describes a method for generating double barcoded nucleic acids using barcoded adapter nucleic acids.

[0006] US 2014 / 0274729 A1 describes a method for producing a cDNA library using a DNA polymerase with strand displacement activity.

[0007] EP 3 119 886 B1 describes a quantitative method for producing a nucleic acid product from a template RNA.

[0008] US 2018 / 163201 A1 concerns a method of reverse transcription in which a C-tail is added to the 3' end of the cDNA strand.

[0009] WO2016 / 138500 A1 describes a method for barcoding nucleic acids for sequencing, using stochastic, i.e. random, barcodes as molecular labels.

[0010] Molecular labels, or unique molecular identifiers (UMIs), also called molecular barcodes, have been developed to identify PCR duplicates, reduce sequence-specific PCR bias, and detect rare mutations. Attaching unique molecular identifiers to RNA molecules prior to any PCR amplification of sequencing library preparation establishes separate uniqueness for each input molecule. This allows eliminating the effect of bias of successive PCR amplifications, which is particularly important when creating sequencing libraries from low template input amounts, such as in single cell studies, when many PCR cycles are required. After PCR, molecules that share the same sequence and also the same UMI are considered to be identical copies derived from the same input molecule (Sena et al., Scientific Reports (2018) 8:13121). Summary of the Invention

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for generating sequence fragments of a template nucleic acid, which facilitates the arrangement and assembly of said sequence fragments into linked sequences that correspond to the sequence of the template nucleic acid. Desired improvements would also reduce sequence bias during fragment generation and increase coverage of sequence fragments over the entire length of the template, increasing confidence in the generated linked sequences.

[0012] Thus, the invention provides a method for producing a labeled amplified fragment of a nucleic acid template comprising the steps of providing the template nucleic acid; annealing at least one oligonucleotide primer to the template nucleic acid; extending the at least one oligonucleotide primer in a template specific manner, thereby creating an extension product, wherein the extension reaction is terminated when the extension product reaches a nucleic acid extension stopper that is annealed to the 5' end of the template nucleic acid or downstream of the extension product, providing an adapter nucleic acid comprising a recognition sequence on its 5' end, wherein the recognition sequence does not hybridize to the extension stopper when contacted thereto (to the extension stopper) and preferably also not contacted the template; ligating the adapter nucleic acid at its 5' end to the 3' end of the extension product, thereby producing a labeled amplified fragment.

[0013] The invention also provides a method for producing a labeled amplified fragment of a nucleic acid template comprising the steps of providing the template nucleic acid; annealing at least one oligonucleotide primer to the template nucleic acid; extending the at least one oligonucleotide primer in a template specific manner, thereby generating an extension product; providing an adapter nucleic acid comprising a discriminator sequence, wherein the discriminator sequence does not hybridize to the template, and wherein the adapter nucleic acid ligates, preferably at its 5' end, to the 3' end of the extension product, thereby producing a labeled amplified fragment.

[0014] The present invention further provides a suitable kit for carrying out the method. The kit of the present invention may comprise at least one oligonucleotide primer capable of hybridizing to a template nucleic acid and priming an extension reaction on its 3' end, one or more extension stoppers capable of hybridizing to the template nucleic acid and preferably capable of priming an extension reaction on their 3' end, one or more adapter nucleic acids comprising a discriminator sequence on its 5' end, where said discriminator sequence does not hybridize to the extension stopper, preferably where the adapter nucleic acid is bound, hybridized or not bound to the extension stopper, a reverse transcriptase, and an oligonucleotide ligase. The different components of the kit may be provided in different containers, such as vials.

[0015] The following detailed disclosure may be read to all aspects and embodiments of the invention, including methods and kits. That is, a description of a method may be appropriate to the kit. Any component described in the method may be part of the kit. Components of the kit may be used in the methods of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention provides a method for producing labeled amplified fragments of a nucleic acid template, where a discriminating sequence is introduced as a label prior to amplifying these fragments. The template nucleic acid may be present in multiple copies. According to the present invention, fragmentation is a process that usually occurs during amplification, i.e. from a template of a given length, one or more (usually many) fragments are produced during amplification of that portion of the template. The sequences of the produced fragments may overlap when copies of the template are generated simultaneously, as the fragments and primers for synthesizing these complementary nucleic acid fragments anneal at different sites on the different copies of the template. Although the concept of the present invention works with a single fragment per template, preferably many fragments are produced from one template molecule, usually by using multiple primers that bind to the template at different locations.

[0017] The present invention improves on previous methods by attaching a discrimination sequence to the generated fragments. The discrimination sequence can be introduced by the synthesis of a primer or a complementary nucleic acid fragment after extension. The discrimination sequence is then introduced by ligation of the extension product with an adaptor nucleic acid. Surprisingly, the ligation reaction occurs with a single-stranded discrimination sequence, i.e., the part of the discrimination sequence with the unhybridized (or "free") 5' end can be linked to the 3' end of the extension product. The ligation reaction usually includes a phosphate residue preferably provided on the 5' end of the discrimination sequence. Surprisingly, the proximity of the adaptor nucleic acid to the 3' end of the extension product is required (as shown in the examples) without relying on a template or stopper sequence supported by hybridization. Such proximity can be supported by providing an adapter nucleic acid (also referred to herein as extension stopper or simply stopper, which is an additional primer in the case where more than one fragment is produced per template) with a complementary sequence portion (downstream, i.e., in the 3' direction of the identification sequence) for hybridization by an oligonucleotide bound to the template, where directed proximity is not required and can be the result of a simple diffusion step, which is desired. In particular, it has been shown that the adapter nucleic acid can be ligated with an extension product that reaches the 5' end of the template nucleic acid, and where there is no additional downstream extension stopper. Such a ligation reaction can occur either directly at this end of the extension product or, after the addition of a polymerase, at one or more non-template nucleotides, based on the terminal transferase activity that some polymerases have. This ligation to the extension product corresponding to the 5' end of the template has several surprising beneficial advantages: it increases the occurrence of fragments at the 5' end of the template, and therefore essentially increases the sequence coverage, which is lost in the prior art methods.In previous methods, the distribution of fragment start sites is constant (a result of the number of template copies, average fragment size, and sequencing read length), leading to a high coverage distribution with fragments in the middle of the template having lower coverage, close to zero, at their 3' and 5' ends. This effect on the 5' end is mitigated by the methods of the present invention. Additionally, the present invention also provides an embodiment that increases the coverage on the 3' end of the template.

[0018] The amplified fragments (produced as one fragment molecule per extension reaction) are usually further amplified, i.e. copied. This means that the linked identification sequences are amplified and therefore copied as well. Usually, the identification sequences are so diverse that the random selection process allows uniquely identifying single fragments that have the same sequence but originate from different copies of one template. In all aspects of the present invention, the identification sequences help to determine whether the fragment copies after sequencing originate from different copies of the template, since they have different identification sequences, or whether they originate from the same template molecule and are simply copies made during the further amplification.

[0019] A further method for providing a method for producing a labeled amplified fragment of a nucleic acid template, comprising the steps of providing the template nucleic acid, comprises the steps of annealing at least one oligonucleotide primer to the template nucleic acid, extending the at least one oligonucleotide primer in a template-specific manner, thereby producing an extension product, providing an adapter nucleic acid comprising a discriminating sequence, wherein the discriminating sequence does not hybridize to the template, and linking the adapter nucleic acid, preferably at its 5', to the 3' of the extension product, thereby producing a labeled amplified fragment. This method is essentially the same as above, and all preferred embodiments described herein apply, except that no stopper is used. Multiple primers may be used, which may not have a stopper function. The adapter nucleic acid may be further linked to the extension product after the diffusion process. For ligation, the extension product may be further hybridized to the template or as a single strand. However, a stopper is preferably used.

[0020] The method of the invention begins with the step of providing said template nucleic acid. The template molecule is made available to the skilled artisan for use in the method of the invention. Usually, the template is provided in a sample of nucleic acid molecules. Such template nucleic acid can be isolated from a cell, e.g., a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell. In a particular embodiment, the template is RNA. Total RNA or a fragment of RNA can be provided, e.g., cellular mRNA or rRNA-depleted RNA. Convenient amounts of RNA are, for example, 0.1 pg to 500 ng, 1 pg to 200 ng, 10 pg to 100 ng, or 0.1 ng to 100 ng of rRNA-depleted RNA or 0.1 ng to 1000 ng of total RNA. In some embodiments, the amount of total RNA can be, for example, 10 pg, and the amount of rRNA-free RNA can be less than 1 pg. The primers, stoppers and adapters are preferably DNA.

[0021] The method further comprises annealing at least one oligonucleotide primer to said template nucleic acid. An oligonucleotide primer is an oligonucleotide molecule, preferably a DNA, that anneals to the template and is capable of priming an extension reaction as is standard practice in the art. The oligonucleotide primer (or simply "primer") preferably anneals to the template over at least a portion of its length, e.g., 4 to 30 nucleotides (nt) in length. The primer may have a portion that does not anneal to the template. Such a further portion may be used to anneal to other oligonucleotides when the amplified fragment is further amplified to produce copies thereof and / or may be used for further amplification as described above. Such a further portion or site therefore comprises a sequence to which other primers bind for this amplification / copying reaction. Such a portion is also referred to as a first linker sequence. The first linker sequence preferably has a length of 4 to 30 nt.

[0022] Returning to the main inventive method, at least one nucleotide primer is extended in a template-specific manner, thereby creating an extension product (complementary sequence). Such reactions are standard in the art and usually use a polymerase. If the template is RNA, then an RNA-dependent polymerase, such as reverse transcriptase, is used. If the template is DNA, then a DNA-dependent polymerase is used. The extension reaction is terminated when it reaches a nucleic acid extension stopper that is annealed to the template nucleic acid downstream of the extension product, or when the extension product reaches the 5' end of the template nucleic acid. Obviously, the extension reaction is terminated when it reaches the 5' end of the template and therefore runs out of template. With some polymerases, one or more non-template nucleotides may be added to the extension product at this point, which may be acceptable or even advantageous when selecting for 5' coverage products in sequence analysis of the resulting labeled amplified fragments. However, this addition of non-template nucleotides is not necessary. The extension reaction may also be terminated when it reaches the 5' end of the template and thus runs out of template. The extension reaction is stopped when it reaches a nucleic acid extension stopper that is annealed to the template nucleic acid downstream of the extension product. Such stopped reactions are described at length in WO2013 / 038010 A2 (incorporated herein by reference). In this WO-document, the extension stopper is referred to as an "oligonucleotide stopper" or an "additional oligonucleotide primer". In accordance with the present invention, one term is used: a nucleic acid extension stopper or simply an "extension stopper" or simply a "stopper". The stopper of the present invention is also a primer, which can then correspond to the "additional oligonucleotide primer" of WO2013 / 038010 A2. In essence, such a stopper stops the extension reaction of the upstream extension reaction by presenting a template barrier (the stopper is therefore downstream of the extension product). The stopper is annealed or hybridized to the template, and the extension reaction does not displace the stopper and is therefore stopped. Read-through, i.e. displacement of the stopper, is considered to be a side reaction. Strategies to prevent displacement of the stopper are described at length in WO2013 / 038010 A2 and these can be used according to the present invention. Briefly, a preferred method and meaning to prevent displacement of the stopper (due to strand displacement activity) is to use an extension stopper (the part of the stopper that anneals / hybridizes to the template) that contains one or more modified nucleotides that increase the melting temperature in the annealing sequence for annealing to the template. The increase in melting temperature concerns unmodified, natural nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA. Such modifications are for example LNA (locked nucleic acid), ZNA (zip nucleic acid), 2'fluoronucleoside / 2'fluoronucleotide or PNA (peptidic or peptide nucleic acid). Other methods use polymerases that do not have strand displacement activity or use intercalators. Preferably, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 nucleotides are modified. Preferably, the modified nucleic acid is 5' to the portion of the stopper sequence that hybridizes to the template.There may be an additional portion of the 5'-directed stopper that does not hybridize - for example an amplification sequence ("primer linker sequence") that acts similarly as described above for the oligonucleotide primer for amplification / copying in a further amplification reaction - indeed it is preferred that such an additional portion binds / hybridizes to the adapter nucleic acid - see below. The adapter may bind / hybridize to the "first linker sequence" or to another portion of the oligonucleotide stopper. In a preferred embodiment, the extension stopper and also preferably the oligonucleotide primer comprises one or more modified nucleotides that increase the melting temperature in the annealing sequence (linker) for annealing to the template.

[0023] After the extension reaction, primers and stoppers that are not bound to the template are preferably removed in a purification step. That is, the extension products that are hybridized to the template are purified and retained for further processing. Other embodiments of the invention are performed in a single volume without purification. Such purification can be performed by methods known to those skilled in the art, such as immobilization of the template or extension products to a solid phase (e.g., beads) and washing to remove any unbound primers and stoppers. An exemplary method is solid phase reversible immobilization (SPRI; DeAngelis et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 1995, 23(22):4742-4743).

[0024] The method of the invention includes providing an adapter nucleic acid that includes a discrimination sequence on its 5' end. Also, a sequence tag, such as a sequence for amplification (amplification sequence), can be part of the adapter nucleic acid. The 5' end is the end intended for linking to the 3' end of the extension product for labeling the latter by the discrimination sequence. The discrimination sequence must not hybridize to the extension stopper or template. It is therefore mostly single-stranded and does not hybridize. In the present specification, the term "discrimination sequence" is used for the 5' end part of the adapter nucleic acid that does not hybridize or anneal, even if only a part of the discrimination sequence is used later for discrimination. The adapter nucleic acid also includes a complementary primer sequence, which is the target for the further amplification reaction of the labeled amplified fragment as described above (called the adapter linker sequence). The discrimination sequence can be protected from hybridization to the extension stopper or to the template by selecting a sequence for the discrimination sequence that does not have a complement in the extension stopper. It is also possible to select a discrimination sequence because it does not have a complement on the template. This can be easily done if the template is known. If it is unknown but derived from a biological source, then the discriminator sequence can be selected from sequences that are not present or occur rarely in biological nucleic acids. Such sequences are known from "spike-in" nucleic acids, such as ERCC (External RNA Standards Consortium) sequences or SIRV (spike-in RNA variant) sequences (e.g., ERCC, BMC Genomics 2005 6:150; Jiang et al., Genome Res. 2011, 21(9):1543-1551; WO 2016 / 005524 A1, all of which are incorporated herein by reference). If the discriminator sequence anneals to the template in a side reaction, then this situation will usually prevent ligation in the next step, and therefore will not lead to a labeled fragment and therefore will not be seen as a result. Such side reactions can be tolerated, but are not preferred.The easiest and most preferred way to prevent the annealing of the identification sequence (and preferably the entire adapter nucleic acid) to the template is by simply providing an adapter nucleic acid after the extension reaction. After the extension reaction, the template is in a double-stranded form with the extension product (and primer and stopper). In this form, the adapter nucleic acid cannot bind to any further template, since the template is already covered by a hybridization partner. In this preferred method, the identification sequence can even have a sequence that is complementary to the template and can hybridize to the template, but is prevented from doing so by the continuation of the method steps. That is, a template sequence is not considered to be required in this embodiment.

[0025] The most preferred option to prevent annealing of the identifier sequence to the stopper is for a portion of the stopper and a portion of the adapter to have sequences complementary to each other: due to the proximity of the adapter to the stopper, the complementary sequence hybridizes first and the identifier sequence remains single-stranded.

[0026] The method of the present invention further comprises ligating an adaptor nucleic acid at its 5' end to the 3' end of the extension product, thereby producing a labeled amplified fragment. Ligation is usually performed using a ligase enzyme. The type of ligase depends on the nature of the oligonucleotides to be ligated and can be selected by the skilled artisan. Exemplary ligases include DNA ligase or RNA ligase. The ligase can also be an RNA ligase, particularly an RNA ligase with DNA ligase activity, such as T4 RNA ligase 2. Further ligases are T4 DNA ligase, T4 RNA ligase 1, DNA ligase I, DNA ligase III, DNA ligase IV, E. coli DNA ligase, ampligase DNA ligase, truncated Rn12, truncated Rn12 K227Q, Thermus scotoductus ligase, methanogen RNA ligase, thermostable App ligase (NEB), Chlorella virus DNA ligase or SplintR ligase. The ligases can be single-stranded or double-stranded ligases. Also possible are combinations of ligases for different reactions in one reaction volume carried out in parallel, e.g. when different extension products and / or adapter nucleic acid molecules are present and have to be ligated simultaneously. Preferred combinations are DNA ligase and RNA ligase or single stranded ligase and double stranded ligase. The ligase reaction usually involves a phosphate residue preferably provided on the 5' end of the identifier sequence of the adapter nucleic acid. Other 5' sites can also be used for ligation, for example ligation of adenylated ends. Such can be ligated by truncated ligase or App-ligase.

[0027] The produced labeled amplified fragments will have the following structure from 5' to 3' after ligation of the adapter sequence with a discriminating sequence adjacent to the extension product sequence: primer sequence-extension product sequence. The primer sequence may have a "primer linker sequence" and / or the adapter sequence may have an "adapter linker sequence". The products of the method of the invention, i.e. the produced labeled amplified fragments, are preferably further amplified. Such further amplification produces copies of the produced labeled amplified fragments by methods known to the skilled artisan, for example PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or linear amplification. Such further amplification usually involves the use of further primers that bind to the labeled amplified fragments, preferably on linker sequences, in particular linker sequences located on the fragment ends, i.e. within the parts of the primer sequence and the adapter sequence, particularly preferably on the 5' end of the primer sequence and the 3' end of the adapter sequence. As described above with regard to these primers and adapters, they may have regions of known sequence ("primer linker sequences" and "adapter linker sequences") that bind to such primers of further amplification. These regions (or "portions") can be very long and specific so that they do not bind to the template; they can be universal primer binding sites, i.e., not selective between different adapters / primers, in contrast to discriminator sequences, which are preferably unique.

[0028] The identification sequence provides a unique label for the amplified fragments and is therefore referred to herein as a unique molecular identifier (UMI). The identification sequence can identify further amplification copies (e.g., PCR) and reduce the effect of sequence-dependent amplification bias. In a preferred embodiment, the identification sequence is an oligonucleotide with a predominantly random distribution of nucleotides at each position that is linked to the extension products (fragments) before further amplification. If the identification sequences are evenly distributed and their value is significantly greater than the number of identical extension products, it is unlikely that the same identification sequence will subsequently be linked to two identical extension products (different copies). In this case, the number of separate and distinct identification sequences after further amplification is the same as the number before further amplification. The identification sequences of the present invention can also be used as described for UMIs in Sena et al. (Scientific Reports (2018) 8:13121). The entire sequence of the labeled fragment or a portion of the entire sequence can be considered as a "read" in next-generation sequencing methods and further sequence analysis. One or more reads are assembled during data analysis to obtain the concatenated sequence of the template. Subsequently, data analysis also results in a quantitative analysis of the template molecules and fragments, which can provide insights when a particular template copy is duplicated or under-represented, for example where a hint is the differential expression rate of RNA splicing variants. In a preferred embodiment, the invention further comprises a step of assembling the sequences of the unique amplified fragments, where the label is used to identify the unique amplified fragment. The different identifying sequences in the amplified labeled amplified fragments identify the unique amplified fragments. The identifying sequences allow for the identification and removal of duplicates and copies during assembly or any other data analysis step.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the discrimination sequence is 3 nt (nucleotides) or more in length, preferably 3 to 20 nt, particularly preferably 4 to 15 nt or 5 to 10 nt, e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 nt or more in length. Such lengths are small enough for easy manipulation and efficient ligation reactions, yet provide a sufficiently large amount of different discrimination sequences for nucleotide substitutions of those nucleotides that provide the desired discrimination of, and preferably unique labeling of, a single amplification product.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, in the case where the extension product reaches the 5' end of the template nucleic acid, the nucleotide polymerase allows the addition of non-template nucleotides to the extension product, preferably by the terminal transferase activity of the polymerase, and / or preferably adds 1 to 15 non-template nucleotides in at least 70% of the extension products. As mentioned above, such non-template nucleic acid addition is a property of some polymerases (see Chen et al. Biotechniques 2001,30(3):574-582). This activity is most prominent in reverse transcriptases, for example, M-MLV (murine leukemia virus) reverse transcriptase or AMV (alfalfa mosaic virus) reverse transcriptase. These non-template nucleotides are usually of any nucleotide type (A, T(U), G, C) and appear random. This can be continued by different, seemingly random, additional nucleotides that are additional products of such non-templates, although the extension products of the 5' ends of different templates can share the same sequence corresponding to the 5' ends. These different additions are transitions between templated repeat sequences and non-templated random additions and can be used to identify the exact location of the 5' end of the template sequence. After addition of the non-templated nucleotides, the labeled fragments are followed by the identifier sequence and these can be used as described above. In cases where the identifier sequence is random, the non-templated random nucleotides are treated as part of the identifier sequence. The position of the identifier sequence relative to the adapter sequence of a defined portion unambiguously identifies the identifier sequence.

[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment, multiple adapter nucleic acids are provided and used in the ligation step. These multiple adapters may have different identification sequences. This allows for the unique identification of the adapter and its generated fragments to be linked. Preferably, at least 10, more preferably at least 50, or even 100 or more or 200 or more adapter nucleic acids with different identification sequences are provided and used in the ligation step. In a particular embodiment, as many adapters with different identification sequences are used as different generated fragments with the same sequence are expected, or preferably more adapters with different identification sequences. The expected number of template copies may be based on the type of sample, e.g., total cellular RNA, total cellular mRNA (transcriptome), RNA quantity, and the complexity of the sample (how many different transcript variants are targeted, which may be the case for the entire transcriptome or only selected genes or transcripts as in the case of gene panels), etc.

[0032] In a particular embodiment, the identification sequence is a random sequence. A "random sequence" can be understood as a mixture of different sequences with high variability due to random synthesis of at least some of the identification sequences. A random sequence covers the entire binding potential area for said sequence in the four naturally occurring nucleotides (A, T(U), G, C). The random sequence can cover 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or more nucleotides randomly selected from A, G, C or T(U). The terms hybridization potential of a sequence of nucleotides T and U are used interchangeably herein. The entire binding potential area for a random sequence portion is m n where m is the number of nucleotide types used (preferably all four of A, G, C, T (U)) and n is the number of random nucleotides. Thus, here each possible sequence is shown, with the random hexamers being 4 6= 4096 different sequences. The identifier sequence must not bind to the template. In all cases, especially for random identifier sequences, it is preferred to add an adapter nucleic acid after the extension reaction. When the extension product reaches the stopper (or the end of the template) and essentially the entire template is then in double-stranded form with the extension product, the adapter nucleic acid is then prevented from binding to the template.

[0033] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the primers and stoppers are selected (with the stopper downstream to the extension product) to bind to one or more target sequences of interest in the template nucleic acid, resulting in an extension sequence of a specific template portion. Such targeting of a specific region is preferably used for a transcript (RNA) or a gene (gDNA) as a template. The discriminator sequence is particularly useful when used in a gene panel, for example for the analysis of sequence variants of different species of the template, such as splice variants or other changes in the template sequence.

[0034] In a particular preferred embodiment of the invention for all its aspects and aspects, the extension stopper also has primer activity and is also extended during the extension step. This means that more than one primer is used and that most primers have a stopper function (i.e. prevent displacement - see above). Using several primers means that the template leads to many generated fragments, i.e. improves coverage. Primers bind to the template, but they will provide comprehensive coverage if different primers bind to different positions on the template. The inventive method using multiple primers (which are also preferably stoppers) will increase the coverage, since new extension products start extending at positions on the template where the upstream extension product has just stopped. This leads to many fragments covering the whole template. Furthermore, it also means that stoppers / primers (in this embodiment used as synonyms) are used that bind to different parts of the template molecule. Generally, binding to the template molecule is determined by the annealing sequence of the primer and the stopper. This sequence can be varied to hybridize to the template and bind to different positions on the template. Preferably, extension stoppers with different annealing sequences for annealing to at least 9, at least 10, more preferably at least 49, at least 50, for example, 100 or more or 200 or more templates are used. Thereby, they will anneal to potentially different positions on the template nucleic acid. Preferably, the annealing sequences are random sequences. The random sequences are described above in relation to the identification sequences of primers, stoppers and stoppers with similar primer functions. Preferably, the random sequence of the annealing sequence can cover 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or more nucleotides randomly selected from A, G, C or T (U).

[0035] Preferably, the adapter nucleic acid is bound, hybridized or not bound to the extension stopper. Such a binding reaction, for example by chemical reaction, complex formation or hybridization, facilitates the placement of the adapter nucleic acid close to the 3' end of the upstream extension product at its identifier sequence which is not itself hybridized to the stopper or template, and which is surprisingly not required for the ligation reaction to work. Preferably, when the adapter nucleic acid is bound or hybridized to the extension stopper, then the identifier sequence is selected independently of the annealing sequence of the extension stopper for annealing the extension stopper to the template. Both the annealing sequence and its identifier sequence are random sequences, preferably selected independently of each other. This is mostly ensured when the nucleic acid portion of the stopper and the adapter are universal sequences, i.e., any adapter binds to any stopper (preferably for all aspects of the invention), and furthermore the adapter nucleic acid is not provided to be bound to the stopper, for example when the adapter is provided only after the extension reaction. In other embodiments or other parts of the reaction, they are not bound, e.g. when the extension reaction reaches the 5' end of the template, the stopper requires at least a minimal annealing sequence on the template, which moves the most downstream stop position from the 5' end to a few nucleotides upstream, so that the stopper is usually not hybridized. Also, the adapter can be ligated to the extension product without binding or hybridizing to the extension stopper. However, it is preferred in all embodiments that when the adapter nucleic acid is ligated to the extension product, the extension stopper and / or the extension product is further hybridized to the template, particularly preferably at its 3' end. It is also particularly preferred that the adapter nucleic acid is hybridized to the extension stopper after the extension reaction and / or in certain embodiments, particularly preferably after ligation.

[0036] In a preferred case of the method and kit of the invention, the oligonucleotide primer and also preferably, but not necessarily, the extension stopper, comprises a universal amplification sequence ("primer linker sequence", see above) and / or wherein the adapter nucleic acid comprises a universal adapter amplification sequence ("adapter linker sequence", see above). Such an amplification sequence or "linker" can be used to bind the primers and further amplify as already described above. The universal sequence means that it is the same for all primers, stoppers or adapters, respectively. This allows the same primer type to bind to these oligonucleotides. Also, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the universal amplification sequence (linker sequence) is the same for primers, stoppers and adapters, i.e. a further amplification primer can bind to the oligonucleotide primer, the extension stopper and the adapter nucleic acid, etc. This facilitates easy manipulation, since only one type of primer is necessary for the further amplification. In another embodiment, the primers, stoppers and adapters have different universal amplification sequences (linker sequences), i.e. a further amplification primer can only bind to the oligonucleotide primer and another further amplification primer can only bind to the adapter nucleic acid. In these groups, the primers are preferably universal, which allows for easy manipulation but also better control, since primers for both ends of the labeled fragment are different and can be specifically selected.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, a special oligonucleotide is used to select and anneal to the selected sequence of the template, preferably on the 3' end of the template. In the case of an mRNA or any other type of RNA containing an oligo(A) tail, such 3' end can be annealed to a complementary oligonucleotide primer, for example one that contains an oligo(dT) annealing sequence that is complementary to the oligo(A) tail. Preferably, at least one oligonucleotide primer contains an annealing sequence for annealing to the selected sequence of the template. Preferably, the oligo(dT) sequence contains one or more 3' anchor nucleotides that are different from the oligo(dT) sequence. This allows for proper positioning and binding to the 5' end of the oligo(A) template sequence. The anchor nucleotide will anneal to the next non-A (e.g. T, G, C) on the template next to the oligo(A) portion. If the next non-A nucleotide is unknown, a mixture of oligonucleotide primers can be used with different anchor primers, for example using three oligonucleotide primers each with a non-T (e.g. A, G, C) nucleotide (complementary to the next non-A (e.g. T, G, C) on the template). In a preferred embodiment, two anchor nucleotides are used. The anchor nucleotide next to the non-T nucleotide can be selected from any nucleotide type (A, T(U), G, C) since it is not adjacent to an oligo(T). The special oligonucleotide primer is not a stopper and cannot contain sequences for hybridization to an adapter, since these are not necessary when the special oligonucleotide primer anneals to or near the 3' end of the template. This means that the upstream extension product will not reach that position. Of course, such sequences and / or stopper functions can be present for ease or uniformity in the manufacture of primers / stoppers.

[0038] Preferably, the ligation reaction is in the presence of a crowding agent. As seen in Zimmerma et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1983; 80(19): 5852-6, crowding agents increase the likelihood of adapters and extension products interacting with each other by reducing the effective reaction volume. Further crowding agents are disclosed, for example, in US 5,554,730, US 8,017,339 and WO2013 / 038010 A2. Preferably, the crowding agent is a macromolecule, polymer or polymer, including compounds such as polyalkyl glycols, preferably PEG, octoxynol, or Triton X, or polysorbates, preferably Tween. In a preferred embodiment, the crowding agent is used at a concentration of 5% to 35% by volume, particularly preferably 10% to 25% by volume. Preferably, the crowding agent has a molecular weight of 200 to 35000 g / mol, preferably 1000 to 10000 g / mol. Particularly preferred are polyalkyl glycols such as PEG, especially with said molecular weights. The crowding agent is preferably provided in the kit of the invention, preferably in the ligation buffer.

[0039] Other components of the kit, which are optional, include buffers, salts, enzymatic cofactors and metals, such as Mn for polymerases and ligases. 2+ and Mg 2+ , solvent, and container.

[0040] The present invention provides kits for carrying out the methods of the invention. Such kits may include any of the compounds and meanings described hereinbefore. Preferably, the kits include: The kit comprises (i) at least one oligonucleotide primer capable of hybridizing to the template nucleic acid and priming an extension reaction on its 3' end, (ii) one or more extension stoppers capable of hybridizing to the template nucleic acid, preferably capable of priming an extension reaction on its 3' end, (iii) one or more adapter nucleic acids comprising a recognition sequence on its 5' end, where said recognition sequence is not hybridized to the extension stopper, preferably where the adapter nucleic acid is not bound, hybridized or bound to the extension stopper, (iv) a reverse transcriptase, and (v) an oligonucleotide ligase, (iv) and (v) may be optional, since they may be available in many laboratories independent of the present invention. The important part is the design of the adapter / stopper, and in particular the recognition sequence on the adapter. A plurality of adapters, preferably with different recognition sequences, is provided in the kit as described above. All these components of the kit are described above, and also any preferred embodiment thereof applies to the kit as well. Preferably, the kit comprises adapter nucleic acids with at least 10, more preferably at least 50, different identification sequences. The reasons for such preferred embodiments are given above. Preferably, the oligonucleotide primer comprises an annealing sequence for annealing to the template, which comprises an oligo(dT) sequence for annealing to an oligo(A) sequence in the template, preferably, wherein said oligo(dT) sequence comprises one or more 3' anchor nucleotides different from the oligo(dT) sequence. The kit also comprises a solid phase for purification, e.g. beads, preferably magnetic beads (see detailed methods above and read about the suitability and embodiment of the kit components).

[0041] All the above preferred aspects can be combined. Such a method also uses random primers (with linker sequences) that are stoppers (also called "strand displacement termination primers"). After the extension reaction, preferably purification of the extension products (hybridized to the template) is performed to remove unbound primers and stoppers. Adapters with their linkers and identifier sequences are then ligated to the extension products. The identifier sequences preferably have random sequences with lengths between 4 and 12 nt. One preferred choice is to use a mixture of otherwise long identifier sequences, since ligases tend to impose a ligation bias by favoring certain 5'-located nucleotides at the last and penultimate positions. Such a mixture homogenizes nucleotide substitutions when sequencing over the region of the ligation junction, since such bias can affect the quality of the reads. However, the variable identifier sequence, like any other defined sequence, provides an even more unbiased ligation and also simultaneously serves as a UMI (unique molecular identifier). Identification sequences, such as UMIs, make it possible to determine whether sequencing reads that have identical sequences or map to the same position in the reference annotation to account for minor sequence errors originate from different template molecules or from one template molecule and are simply the result of further amplification (PCR duplication). The adapter, if present, hybridizes to the primer.

[0042] Also, discriminator sequences, such as UMIs, can distinguish between true SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) between individuals and errors (mutations) introduced during reverse transcription or in early PCR cycles that are subsequently amplified. All of these randomly generated and amplified errors have the same discriminator, and therefore the "true SNPs" in a sample have a variety of different discriminators. Alternatively, RNA editing that introduces base modifications that lead to misincorporation and therefore errors during RT may be quantified with greater confidence.

[0043] Also, discriminatory sequences, such as UMIs, can be used to reliably determine and quantify allele frequencies in populations, molecular markers and mutations that cause genetic diseases. Preferably, a DNA template is used for this embodiment.

[0044] A further preferred combination is the method of the present invention, in which at least one, preferably at least nine, extension stoppers have primer activity and are also extended during the extension step, and adapter nucleic acids containing at least two, preferably ten, different identification sequences are used, producing at least two, preferably at least ten, different labeled fragments, optionally amplifying the labeled fragments, and further comprising assembling the sequences of the amplified fragments that are unique, where the labels are used to identify the unique amplified fragments. The different labels in the amplified labeled fragments can be used to distinguish the unique amplified fragments.

[0045] A further preferred method uses a stopper with a primer function. Preferably, a plurality of such primers are used. In such a method, without distinguishing between stoppers and primers, an embodiment of the present invention can be defined as follows: a method for producing labeled amplified fragments of a template nucleic acid, comprising the steps of providing said template nucleic acid, annealing a plurality of oligonucleotide primers to said template nucleic acid, extending the oligonucleotide primers in a template-specific manner, thereby producing a plurality of extension products, where said extension reaction is stopped when the extension product reaches the oligonucleotide primer annealed to the 5' end of the template or the template nucleic acid downstream of such extension product, providing a plurality of adapter nucleic acids comprising a discriminating sequence on their 5' end, where said discriminating sequence does not hybridize to the oligonucleotide primer or to the template, ligating the plurality of adapter nucleic acids at their respective 5' ends to the 3' end of the extension product, thereby producing a plurality of labeled amplified fragments. This is a preferred embodiment that can be combined with the claims and any specific described aspects above. All of the above about stoppers provides primers of this embodiment, since these primers are stoppers with primer function. The term "plurality" is used in reference to oligonucleotide primers, extension products (resulting from primer extension), adapter nucleic acid, and labeled amplified fragments (resulting from extension and adapter ligation). As indicated, several quantities of these pluralities are the result of the method. The quantities of oligonucleotide primers and adapter nucleic acid can be selected, as described above. The quantities can be selected independently, but are preferably about the same to relate pairwise to a given extension product. Preferably, the plurality is, for example, 10 or more, 50 or more, 100 or more, 200 or more, etc.Many different oligonucleotide primers and adapter nucleic acids can be used: adapter nucleic acids with different identification sequences, preferably for unique identification sequences of the labeled amplified fragments, so that the oligonucleotide primers bind to many different locations on the template. In this embodiment, the primer and stopper are the same, but also specialized primers can be added that do not need (but may have) a stopper function, for example a 5' end specific primer such as the oligo(A) target primer as described above.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to these aspects of the invention, which are further described in the following figures and examples. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of making a UMI-linker labeled short cDNA library using a primer with SDS specificity and a UMI-containing linker oligo partially complementary within the body of the RNA. a) A general strand displacement termination primer Pn is hybridized to the RNA transcript, and primer Pn+1 is hybridized to a position more upstream (5') than primer Pn of the template RNA. In the case of reverse transcriptase, when the extending Pn reaches primer Pn+1, the polymerase reaction will be stopped by the strand displacement termination technique described in WO2013 / 038010 A2. A UMI-containing linker oligo containing L2 complementary to L1 is hybridized to primers Pn and Pn+1. b) Upon ligation, the extension product is ligated to the UMI immediately preceding the L2 strand of the linker. Again in this manner, a cDNA library is made that has two linker sequences (L1, L2) present at its ends and contains a unique molecular identifier. c) Finally, PCR is performed to amplify these libraries.

[0048] [Figure 2a]Generation of UMI-containing libraries Figure 2a) shows a library produced by the SDS+ligation procedure. Ligation of the partially complementary L2 adaptor containing UMI (see Figure 1) can be performed using either single-stranded or double-stranded ligase (lanes 2, 3). If the ligase is omitted, no library is produced (lane 1). After ligation, cDNA fragments containing L1 and L2 linkers are amplified and analyzed by PCR. Shown is a gel image from an HS DNA assay run on a Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies, Inc.). b) Schematic representation of the generation of a library containing UMI using the SDS+ligation procedure with non-hybridizing starter and adaptor oligos. In this case, the adaptor oligo L2' does not contain a sequence complementary to the extended starter Pn. c) Gel image and electropherogram of a replicate library produced using a non-hybridizing extended starter and adaptor oligo containing UMI (SEQ ID NO. 10). Images are obtained from an HS DNA assay run on a Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies, Inc.).

[0049] [Figure 2b-c]Generation of UMI-containing libraries Figure 2a) shows a library produced by the SDS+ligation procedure. Ligation of the partially complementary L2 adaptor containing UMI (see Figure 1) can be performed using either single-stranded or double-stranded ligase (lanes 2, 3). If the ligase is omitted, no library is produced (lane 1). After ligation, cDNA fragments containing L1 and L2 linkers are amplified and analyzed by PCR. Shown is a gel image from an HS DNA assay run on a Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies, Inc.). b) Schematic representation of the generation of a library containing UMI using the SDS+ligation procedure with non-hybridizing starter and adaptor oligos. In this case, the adaptor oligo L2' does not contain a sequence complementary to the extended starter Pn. c) Gel image and electropherogram of a replicate library produced using a non-hybridizing extended starter and adaptor oligo containing UMI (SEQ ID NO. 10). Images are obtained from an HS DNA assay run on a Bioanalyzer (Agilent Technologies, Inc.).

[0050] [Diagram 3]Improved 5'-end coverage of the transcript can be achieved by ligation of the L2 linker to the cDNA at the 5'-end of the RNA template. a) Schematic of the RT reaction at the 5'-end of the transcript. The deoxynucleotidyl transferase activity (TdT) at that end of the RT without SDS by downstream primer Pn+1 adds non-template nucleotides to the 3'-end of the cDNA producing an overhang. b) Non-template nts can contribute to any of the hybridization sites for L1 containing primer Pn+1. Ligation of the UMI-L2 linker can occur in double strands together with being partially hybridized with L2. c) On the other hand, if the UMI-L2 linker is not primed, it can be ligated as single strands. d) The libraries produced as shown systematically in Figure 3a)-c) were sequenced on an Illumina NextSeq 500 (single read, 75 bp). Shown are reads mapping to the 5' end of ERCC-0130 (as shown in SIRV set 3, Lexogen Catalog #051.0N). Reads are analyzed without trimming of additional and mismatched bases. Nucleotides marked in grey that correspond to the annotation of ERCC-0130 and nucleotides shown in black are derived from non-template addition by the TdT activity of the RT. Thirty representative sequences of reads obtained for the 5' end of ERCC-0130 are shown below. Read sequences, from top to bottom, are SEQ ID NOs: 12-42. e) Improved 5' end coverage of the SDS / ligation approach compared to the conventional protocol. Libraries were prepared using conventional protocols (NEBNext® Ultra™ II directional RNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina®, New England Biolabs, Catalog #E7760S) or the SDS / ligation method and sequenced by Illumina NextSeq 500 (paired-end reads, 150 bp).Reads mapping to ERCC-0130 were overlaid and compared with the expected coverage shown as rectangles. Left: conventional RNA library preparation protocol, right: coverage obtained by the novel SDS / ligation technique.

[0051] [Figure 4] Schematic of the reaction used to improve 3'-end coverage by the SDS / ligation approach and the combination of a universal (Pn) and an oligo-dT primer (PdT). a) Universal primer Pn hybridizes to an RNA template within its RNA body. In addition, the oligo-dT primer (PdT) hybridizes to the poly(A) tail at the 3' end of a polyadenylated transcript. RT will extend PdT until the downstream primer Pn is reached and stops strand displacement. b) Upon ligation, the UMI-containing L2 linker is ligated to the cDNA fragment that spans the 3' end, producing a junction of L1 and L2, a UMI-containing cDNA library that covers the 3' end of the transcript. c) Gene body coverage plot showing enhanced coverage of the 3' end of the transcript across the entire transcriptome. Libraries were prepared using the SDS+ligation protocol with a mixture of random priming and an oligo-dT first strand synthesis primer as described in Example 3. Libraries were sequenced on a NextSeq500 instrument and gene body coverage across the transcriptome was plotted relative to the previously described SDS+ligation protocol. d) Exemplary coverage across an endogenous housekeeping gene (HSP90) for the conventional library preparation method (top) and the SDS+ligation protocol with oligo-dT titration resulting in improved 3'-end coverage (bottom).

[0052] [Figure 5a]Overall improvement of 5' and 3' coverage of transcripts. The transcription start site, i.e. the real 5' end of the transcript, and the transcription termination site, i.e. the real 3' end of the transcript, are resolved using the SDS+ligation protocol, but not when using the two exemplary conventional library preparation methods. Libraries produced using the SDS+ligation protocol shown diagrammatically in Figure 3a-c) are sequenced (paired-end, 150 bp) by Illumina NextSeq 500. Conventional libraries are prepared using either TruSeq Stranded Total RNA Library Prep Human / Mouse / Rat, Illumina Catalog#20020596 or 20020597 (= Convention 1) or NEBNext® Ultra™ II directional RNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina®, New England Biolabs, Catalog#E7760S (= Convention 2) according to the manufacturer's instructions. a) Shown is the read mapping to the real 5' and 3' ends of the detected ERCCs (as present in SIRV set3, Lexogen Catalog#051.0N). Reads were mapped to ERCC spikes in RNAs by known sequences. Normalized coverage of the pooled mapped reads for all detected ERCCs was plotted at the absolute nucleotide positions corresponding to the transcription start (TSS) and transcription termination sites (TES) marked by dotted lines. b) Extended 5' coverage reveals the real TSS. Top: Coverage profile for gapdh by visualization of condensed introns as produced using SDS+ ligation protocol or conventional library preparation as described above. Read sequences are SEQ IDs No. 43 to No. 67 from top to bottom. Nucleotides marked in black correspond to the annotation of gapdh, and in grey are derived from mismatches or non-template additions due to TdT activity of RT. Start site clusters produced by stacking reads at the 5' end of the transcript can be used to re-annotate TSSs.The annotated and manually determined TSSs are indicated by arrows with the annotated consensus sequence shown in bold.

[0053] [Figure 5b]Overall improvement of 5' and 3' coverage of transcripts. The transcription start site, i.e. the real 5' end of the transcript, and the transcription termination site, i.e. the real 3' end of the transcript, are resolved using the SDS+ligation protocol, but not when using the two exemplary conventional library preparation methods. Libraries produced using the SDS+ligation protocol shown diagrammatically in Figure 3a-c) are sequenced (paired-end, 150 bp) by Illumina NextSeq 500. Conventional libraries are prepared using either TruSeq Stranded Total RNA Library Prep Human / Mouse / Rat, Illumina Catalog#20020596 or 20020597 (= Convention 1) or NEBNext® Ultra™ II directional RNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina®, New England Biolabs, Catalog#E7760S (= Convention 2) according to the manufacturer's instructions. a) Shown is the read mapping to the real 5' and 3' ends of the detected ERCCs (as present in SIRV set3, Lexogen Catalog#051.0N). Reads were mapped to ERCC spikes in RNAs by known sequences. Normalized coverage of the pooled mapped reads for all detected ERCCs was plotted at the absolute nucleotide positions corresponding to the transcription start (TSS) and transcription termination sites (TES) marked by dotted lines. b) Extended 5' coverage reveals the real TSS. Top: Coverage profile for gapdh by visualization of condensed introns as produced using SDS+ ligation protocol or conventional library preparation as described above. Read sequences are SEQ IDs No. 43 to No. 67 from top to bottom. Nucleotides marked in black correspond to the annotation of gapdh, and in grey are derived from mismatches or non-template additions due to TdT activity of RT. Start site clusters produced by stacking reads at the 5' end of the transcript can be used to re-annotate TSSs.The annotated and manually determined TSSs are indicated by arrows with the annotated consensus sequence shown in bold. EXAMPLES

[0054] Example 1: Ligation of unique molecular identifiers (UMIs) to first-strand cDNA fragments

[0055] Libraries were prepared from universal human reference RNA (Agilent Technologies, Catalog #740000) including the SIRV Set 3 spike in a control mix (Lexogen, Catalog #051.0N) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0056] After cDNA synthesis, a downstream primer (Pn+1(L2)) containing a unique molecular identifier of length between 2 and 24 nucleotides, preferably between 6 and 12 nucleotides, can be ligated to the newly transcribed cDNA strand in hybrid with the template RNA. Reverse transcription was performed using oligos, templates, and conditions as described in WO2013 / 038010A2. Various ligases and their combinations can be used to ligate oligos such as: SEQ ID No:1:(Phos)(5'-NNNNNNAGATCGGAAGAGCA-3'(3InvdT)), SEQ ID No:2:(Phos)(5'-NNNNNNNNNNAGATCGGAAGAGCACACGTCTGAA-3'(3InvdT)), SEQ ID No:3:(Phos)(5'-NNNNNNNNNNAGATCGGAAGAGCGTCGTGTAGGGAAAGAGTG-3'(3InvdT)), SEQ ID No:4:(Phos)(5'-NNNNNNNNNNAGATCGGAAGAGCGTCGTGTAGG-3'(3InvdT)), SEQ ID No:5:(Phos)(5'-NNNNNNNNNNNAGATCGGAAGAGCGTCGTGTAGGGAAAGAGTG-3'(3InvdT)), SEQ ID No:6:(Phos)(5'-NNNNNNNNNNNNAGATCGGAAGAGCGTCGTGTAGGGAAAGAGTG-3'(3InvdT)), SEQ ID No:7:(Phos)(5'-NNNNNNNNNNNNAGATCGGAAGAGCGTCGTGTAGG-3'(3InvdT)), SEQ ID No:8:(Phos)(5'-+NNNNNNNNNNAGATCGGAAGAGCGTCGTGTAGG-3'(3InvdT)), SEQ ID No:9:(Phos)(5'-+NNNNNNNNNNNNAGATCGGAAGAGCGTCGTGTAGG-3'(3InvdT)). After reverse transcription (RT), the samples were purified by solid phase reversible immobilization (SPRI) with magnetic purification beads (AMPure Beads; Agentcourt) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The cDNA:RNA hybrids were eluted in 20 μL of water or 10 mM Tris, pH 8.0, and 17 μL of the supernatant was transferred into a new PCR plate. Ligation reactions were then carried out in 60 μL with 20% PEG-8000, 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.5, 25° C.), 10 mM MgCl2, 5 mM DTT, 0.4 mM ATP, 0.01% Triton-X100, 50 μg / mL BSA, and 20 units of ligase, which could be either single-strand specific ligase and / or double-strand specific ligase. Small unligated fragments and remaining oligos were removed by SPRI purification. All remaining primary cDNA libraries were amplified in a PCR reaction using a high fidelity polymerase and the following program: 98°C for 30 s, followed by 10-25 PCR cycles of 98°C for 10 s, 65°C for 20 s, and 72°C for 30 s. A final extension was performed at 72°C for 60 s. Figure 1b) shows the general principle of ligation of the basic extended cDNA to a UMI-containing linker oligo (L2) with a sequence complementary to the strand displacement termination primer (L1).

[0057] The illustration in Figure 2 shows that various ligases can perform the ligation reaction of UMI containing oligonucleotides and therefore generate a cDNA fragment containing both PCR linkers and amplifiable by PCR (Figure 2a, lanes 2-3). In contrast, a control experiment omitting any ligase shows that no library can be amplified (Figure 2a, lane 1), highlighting the specificity of the reaction.

[0058] Example 2: Library production using non-hybridizing extension starter and adaptor oligonucleotides.

[0059] Libraries were prepared from universal human reference RNA (Aglient Technologies, Catalog #740000) including SIRV Set 3 spike in a control mix (Lexogen, Catalog #051.0N) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0060] Reverse transcription (RT) was performed as described in Example 1. Following RT, the samples were purified by solid phase reversible immobilization (SPRI) with magnetic purification beads (AMPure Beads; Agentcourt) according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the purified cDNA:RNA hybrids were eluted in 20 μL, 10 mM Tris, pH 8.0, and 17 μL of the supernatant was transferred into a new PCR plate. Ligation was performed using the conditions described in Example 1, but providing an adapter oligonucleotide that does not contain a sequence complementary to the extension starter used to prime the reverse transcription reaction. Thus, the oligonucleotide adapter cannot hybridize and is not brought close to the 3' end of the newly generated extension product by replenishment (Figure 2b). Oligos such as SEQ ID No. 10: (Phos) (5'-NNNNNNNNNNNNTGGAATTCTCGGGTGCCAAG-3' (3SpcC3) have no sequence complementary to the extension starter. A fragment containing both linker sequences was amplified after removal as described in Example 1. Figure 2c) shows a gel image and electropherogram of library traces for two replicate SDS+ ligation libraries generated with non-hybridized extension starter and adapter oligos.

[0061] Example 3: Improved 5'-end coverage as a result of terminal transferase activity and ss-ligation of UMI-linkers to first strand cDNA fragments.

[0062] Libraries were prepared from universal human reference RNA (Agilent Technologies, Catalog #740000) containing the SIRV Set3 spike in a control mix (Lexogen, Catalog #051.0N) according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0063] First-strand cDNA synthesis is terminated at the 5' end of the template RNA molecule, and the terminal transferase activity of reverse transcriptase catalyzes the addition of a non-template nucleotide at the 3' end of the cDNA strand (Figure 3a).

[0064] After reverse transcription, ligation of UMI-linker oligos (e.g., SEQ ID 1-9) can occur in double strand formation (Figure 3b) and protruding single strands (Figure 3c). After SPRI purification and PCR amplification, libraries were sequenced on a NextSeq500 in either single-stranded read or paired end format. Reads mapping to the 5' end of ERCC-0130 were analyzed without prior clipping of mismatched nucleotides. Reads covering the 5' end of ERCC-0130 are exemplarily shown in Figure 3d. Addition of terminal nucleotides and UMI ligation on the extended single strand results in improved 5' coverage. A comparison of the coverage characteristics of a common RNA-Seq library preparation and the present invention is shown in Figure 3e. Coverage was compared to all sequenced reads (trace shown in grey) and the expected uniform coverage shown as a rectangle. On the other hand, in the sequence data derived from the conventional protocol, the 5' and 3' ends were covered with apparently low efficiency in a gradient towards either end, whereas the new protocol produced additional reads mapping to the extreme 5' end of the transcript (Figure 3e, right).

[0065] Example 4: Improving 3'-end coverage by titrating oligo dT first strand synthesis primers

[0066] The coverage of the transcript 3' end can be modified, preferably increased, by using first strand primers (Pn including L1) oligo-dT, which are added to the mixture of random primers SDS oligos. They contain already T-rich and T-only priming sequences (e.g. SEQ ID No:11 5'-GTGACTG-GAGTTCAGACGTGTGCTCTTCCGATCT+TTT TTT TTT TTT TTT TTT+V-3') according to the normal distribution of random nucleotides, enhancing the coverage at the 3' end. Depending on the selected ratio between the random primers and poly-dT L1 primers, the variation of the depth of the sequence at the 3' end site can be noticeable (Figure 4). The random SDS primers and the specific oligo-dT primers, as well as the length and LNA content of the primers, can be varied and will determine the amount of over-representation of the 3' end.

[0067] Libraries were prepared using random priming displacement stop primers alone or in mixtures with varying amounts of oligo-dT first strand primer (SEQ ID No:11) by SDS+ligation. The resulting libraries were sequenced on a NextSeq500, the data were analyzed, and a gene body coverage plot across the entire transcriptome was generated from the mapped reads using the geneBody_coverage python script available from rseqc (Figure 4c). The coverage of the 3' end could be significantly increased by the addition of an oligo-DT primer during reverse transcription.

[0068] Furthermore, gene coverage was visualized exemplarily using custom scripts to assess coverage of individual genes. In Figure 4d, we show the coverage of the housekeeping gene HSP90 obtained by the conventional RNA library preparation protocol (top), which is notoriously under-represented at its 5' and 3' ends. In contrast, the SDS-ligation protocol with oligo-dT titration shows improved 5' and 3' coverage (bottom).

[0069] Example 5: Improved 5' and 3' coverage aids in determining true transcription start and stop sites.

[0070] SDS+ ligation libraries were prepared with ribo-deleted universal human reference RNA (Agilent Technologies, Catalog #740000) containing SIRV Set 3 spike in a control mix (Lexogen, Catalog #051.0N) as described in Examples 3 and 4. Removal of ribosomal RNA can be effected by using RiboCop (Lexogen, Catalog #037.96) according to the manufacturer's instructions. For comparison, two library preparation practices were used with the same ribonuclease-depleted universal human reference RNA: TruSeq Stranded Total RNA Library Prep Human / Mouse / Rat, Illumina Catalog#20020596 or 20020597 (= Practice 1) or NEBNext® Ultra™ II directional RNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina (tourokushouhyou), New England Biolabs, Catalog#E7760S (= Practice 2), according to the manufacturer's instructions. The resulting libraries were sequenced on a NextSeq500 and the data were analyzed. Gene body coverage plots were generated for all detected ERCCs present in SIRV Set3. Figure 5a) shows the normalized coverage of aligned reads clustered around absolute nucleotide positions corresponding to known transcription start (TSS) and transcription end sites (TES), both of which are indicated by dotted lines. Coverage at the 5' and 3' ends was significantly increased for samples derived from SDS+ ligation libraries compared to both conventional library preparations, showing reduced coverage of the 3' end and precise deletion resolution of the 5' end.

[0071] Additionally, gene coverage was exemplarily visualized for the endogenous housekeeping gene, gapth, using custom scripts to assess coverage of individual genes. Figure 5b) shows coverage characteristics for gapth with visualization of condensed introns. Read mapping to gapth (SEQ IDs No. 43 to No. 67) was analyzed without addition and trimming of mismatched bases. Nucleotides matching the consensus sequence (top row) are marked in black, and nucleotides deviating from the annotated consensus sequence or derived from non-template additions are marked in grey. Based on the stack of reads seen for samples derived from SDS+ ligation library preparations, authentic transcription start sites can be determined and re-annotated for transcripts of interest. In the example shown in Figure 5b), the TSS was manually adjusted to position -15 (with respect to the annotated +1 position). Similarly, authentic transcription start and end sites may be reassessed for the complete transcript of interest, allowing comprehensive analysis of the complete transcript including resolution of single-stranded nucleotides at the authentic TSS for high-throughput NGS testing. This can be achieved by simply using SDS+ligation library preparation methods, as opposed to standardized and more complex approaches such as 5' capture sequencing technology (CAGE-Seq) or low-throughput methodologies such as 5' RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends).

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing labeled amplified fragments of a nucleic acid template, comprising: providing said nucleic acid template; annealing at least two oligonucleotide primers to the nucleic acid template; extending the at least two oligonucleotide primers in a template-specific manner, thereby generating an extension product, wherein the extension reaction is terminated when the extension product reaches (a) the 5' end of the nucleic acid template or (b) an oligonucleotide primer as a nucleic acid extension stopper that is annealed to the nucleic acid template downstream of the extension product; providing at least two adaptor nucleic acids, wherein a plurality of said adaptor nucleic acids have different identifier sequences on their 5' ends, wherein said identifier sequences do not hybridize to an oligonucleotide primer that is an extension stopper and do not hybridize to said nucleic acid template; ligating said adaptor nucleic acids at their 5' ends to the 3' ends of said extension products, where said extension products are hybridized to said nucleic acid template for ligation, thereby producing labeled amplified fragments. A method comprising the steps of:

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method allows a nucleotide polymerase to add a non-template nucleotide to the extension product when the extension product reaches the 5' end of the nucleic acid template.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the non-template nucleotide is added to the extension product by terminal transferase activity of the polymerase.

4. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein 1 to 15 non-template nucleotides are added to at least 70% of the extension products.

5. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least 10 adapter nucleic acids with different recognition sequences are provided and used in the ligation step.

6. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least 50 adapter nucleic acids with different recognition sequences are provided and used in the ligation step.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the identification sequence is a random sequence.

8. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least nine oligonucleotide primers as extension stoppers are used, the oligonucleotide primers as extension stoppers having different annealing sequences for annealing to the nucleic acid template and thereby capable of annealing to different positions of the nucleic acid template.

9. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least 49 oligonucleotide primers as extension stoppers are used, the oligonucleotide primers as extension stoppers having different annealing sequences for annealing to the nucleic acid template and thereby capable of annealing to different positions of the nucleic acid template.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the annealing sequences are random sequences.

11. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the adaptor nucleic acid is attached, hybridized, or not attached, or not hybridized to the extension stopper oligonucleotide primer.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein when the adapter nucleic acid is attached or hybridized to the extension stopper oligonucleotide primer, the identification sequence is independent of the annealing sequence of the extension stopper oligonucleotide primer for subsequently annealing the extension stopper oligonucleotide primer to the nucleic acid template.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the nucleic acid template is RNA.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein a reverse transcriptase is used for the extension.

15. 15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the oligonucleotide primers each comprise a universal amplification sequence and / or the adapter nucleic acid comprises a universal adapter amplification sequence.

16. 16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the oligonucleotide primer comprises an annealing sequence for annealing to the nucleic acid template, which comprises an oligo(T) sequence for annealing to an oligo(A) sequence within the nucleic acid template.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the oligo(T) sequence comprises one or more 3' anchor nucleotides that differ from the oligo(T) sequence.

18. 18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the ligation reaction occurs in the presence of a crowding agent; and / or wherein the oligonucleotide primer comprises one or more modified nucleotides that increase the melting temperature of an annealing sequence for annealing to the nucleic acid template.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the crowding agent is a polymer.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the polymer is PEG, octoxynol, Triton X, polysorbate, or Tween.

21. 21. The method of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein an adapter nucleic acid comprising at least two different identification sequences is used, thereby producing at least two differently labeled amplified fragments, and further comprising assembling sequences of unique amplified fragments, wherein the labels are used to identify unique amplified fragments.

22. The method of claim 21 , wherein adapter nucleic acids containing at least 10 different recognition sequences are used.

23. 23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein at least 10 differently labeled amplified fragments are produced.

24. 24. The method of any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising amplifying the labeled amplified fragment.

25. A method for preparing a nucleic acid template comprising the steps of: providing a nucleic acid template comprising: providing a nucleic acid template having a nucleic acid sequence that is nucleotide-linked to said nucleic acid template; at least two adaptor nucleic acids, a plurality of said adaptor nucleic acids having different identifier sequences on their 5' ends, wherein said identifier sequences do not hybridize to said oligonucleotide primers; reverse transcriptase, and oligonucleotide ligase, A kit for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, comprising:

26. 26. The kit of claim 25, wherein the adapter nucleic acid is attached, hybridized, or unattached or unhybridized to an oligonucleotide primer.

27. 27. The kit of claim 25 or 26, comprising at least 10 adapter nucleic acids having different recognition sequences.

28. 27. The kit of claim 25 or 26, comprising at least 50 adapter nucleic acids with different recognition sequences.

29. 29. The kit of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein at least one oligonucleotide primer comprises an annealing sequence for annealing to the nucleic acid template, which comprises an oligo(T) sequence for annealing to an oligo(A) sequence within the nucleic acid template.

30. 30. The kit of claim 29, wherein the oligo(T) sequence comprises one or more 3' anchor nucleotides that differ from the oligo(T) sequence.

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