Targeted Nucleic Acid Library Preparation with Cleavable Adaptors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preparing nucleic acid libraries are inefficient and do not allow for rapid production of highly multiplexed targeted libraries, particularly in complex samples, and often result in primer dimers that hinder accurate analysis.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of nucleic acid adaptors with universal handle sequences and cleavable moieties, allowing for a two-step amplification process to produce gapped, double-stranded amplicons, which are then repaired and amplified using universal primers, reducing primer dimers and enabling rapid production of highly multiplexed targeted libraries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional library preparation methods are used, then existing protocols can be followed, but the process is inefficient and does not allow for rapid production of highly multiplexed targeted libraries

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speed of targeted librariesVSAvoidcomplexity of library preparation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The library preparation process is divided into distinct functional modules: adapter design with universal handles and target-specific sequences, selective amplification using target-specific primers, digestion to remove primers, repair of gapped amplicons, and final amplification with universal primers. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized independently and enables rapid multiplexed library production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs universal handle sequences in the adapters that can be used across different target sequences, allowing the same universal primers to amplify multiple different targets. This universality reduces the need for multiple separate primer sets and enables high-throughput multiplexed library preparation from a single reaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional amplification methods are used, then target sequences can be amplified, but primer dimers are generated that hinder accurate analysis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of target sequence detectionVSAvoidprimer dimer formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and removes the target-specific primer sequences from the final library through enzymatic digestion of the cleavable moieties. This extraction step eliminates primer dimers and unwanted primer sequences while retaining the target amplicons, thereby improving the accuracy of subsequent analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces cleavable moieties as intermediary elements that are temporarily incorporated into the amplicons during amplification but are subsequently removed through digestion. These intermediaries enable the amplification process while allowing for their later elimination to prevent primer dimer interference in final analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple target sequences are amplified simultaneously, then multiplexing is achieved, but primer dimers and reaction complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiplexing capabilityVSAvoidreaction complexity in multiplexed amplification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses universal handle sequences and universal primers that can simultaneously amplify multiple different target sequences in a single reaction. This universality enables high multiplexing capability without proportionally increasing reaction complexity, as the same universal components work across all targets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

While using universal components, the invention incorporates target-specific sequences and cleavable moieties at specific locations in the adapters. This local differentiation allows each target to be specifically identified and amplified while maintaining the overall simplicity of using universal primers and handles across all targets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables efficient and rapid production of highly multiplexed targeted libraries, suitable for various applications including sequencing, with reduced primer dimers and improved accuracy in detecting low-frequency alleles.

Implementation Method 1

a DNA polymerase to extend the primers to amplify the targets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemplate-dependent polymerization:

Implementation Method 2

the amplicons are digested with a uracil DNA glycosylase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnzymatic hydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Implementation Method 3

the gapped amplicons are repaired with a DNA polymerase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemplate-dependent polymerization:

Data Source

PatentEP4282982B1Library preparation methods and compositions and uses therefor
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORP
  • EP4282982B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4282982B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4282982B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are methods for preparing a library of target nucleic acid sequences, as well as compositions and uses therefor. Methods comprise contacting a nucleic acid sample with a plurality of adaptors capable of amplification of one or more target nucleic acid sequences under conditions wherein the target nucleic acid(s) undergo a first amplification; digesting the resulting first amplification products; repairing the digested target amplicons; and amplifying the repaired products in a second amplification, thereby producing a library of target nucleic acid sequence. Each of the plurality of adaptor compositions comprise a handle and a targeted nucleic acid sequence and optionally one or more tag sequences. Provided methods may be carried out in a single, addition only workflow reaction, allowing for rapid production of highly multiplexed targeted libraries, optionally including unique tag sequences. Resulting library compositions are useful for a variety of applications, including sequencing applications.