5' Hairpin Adaptor Ligation for ssDNA-Specific Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-throughput sequencing technologies struggle to specifically distinguish and sequence single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) from double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in samples, necessitating improved library preparation methods.

Innovation Solution

A 5' hairpin adaptor with a specific structure is used for ssDNA-specific sequencing, involving a 5' end or 3' end hydroxyl group, complementary stem regions, and a loop region, along with a DNA polymerase lacking exonuclease activity for precise ligation and amplification, enabling the construction of a Liss-seq library.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional library preparation methods are used, then sequencing can be performed on DNA samples, but single-stranded DNA cannot be specifically distinguished from double-stranded DNA

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecificity of ssDNA detectionVSAvoidlibrary preparation method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The library preparation process is segmented into distinct steps: dsDNA fragmentation, ssDNA enrichment, adapter ligation, and sequencing. This segmentation allows specific targeting of ssDNA molecules while excluding dsDNA, achieving precise measurement without excessive overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An adapter sequence serves as an intermediary element that specifically binds to ssDNA molecules. This adapter acts as a mediator that enables the sequencing system to specifically identify and sequence ssDNA while ignoring dsDNA, resolving the specificity issue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If existing sequencing methods are applied, then DNA sequencing is achieved, but ssDNA-specific sequencing sensitivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensitivity of ssDNA sequencingVSAvoidssDNA recovery efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The method performs preliminary enrichment of ssDNA molecules before the main sequencing process. By pre-concentrating and purifying ssDNA from mixed samples, the sensitivity of subsequent sequencing is dramatically improved while maximizing recovery of the target substance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protocol utilizes parameter changes in DNA structure (single-stranded vs. double-stranded conformation) to differentiate and enrich ssDNA. By exploiting physical-chemical parameter differences, the method achieves high sensitivity detection and maximum recovery efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional library preparation is used, then sequencing libraries can be constructed, but non-specific ligation occurs between adapters and dsDNA

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecificity of adapter ligationVSAvoidlibrary construction simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The method applies preliminary anti-action by treating dsDNA with exonucleases before adapter ligation. This pre-treatment prevents dsDNA from participating in non-specific ligation reactions, ensuring high reliability of adapter binding while maintaining simple library construction protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

The method achieves highly specific, sensitive, and stable sequencing of ssDNA, ensuring efficient library construction and high-throughput sequencing, with minimal non-specific ligation and bias, suitable for various sample types.

Implementation Method 1

the first stem region and the second stem region are complementary to each other and connect to each other by hydrogen bonds through corresponding relationship of different bases to form stem regions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding:

Implementation Method 2

a double helix structure forms through performing renaturation treatment on the stem regions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRenaturation:

Data Source

PatentEP4722381A15'-ligation-based single-stranded DNA-specific high-throughput sequencing method
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 INSTITUTE OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES CHINESE ACADEMY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES
  • EP4722381A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4722381A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4722381A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a 5'-end ligation-based single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-specific high-throughput sequencing method, relating to the technical field of biology. The present disclosure specifically comprises a method for preparing a 5'-end ligation-based ssDNA-specific sequencing (Liss-seq) library. The method comprises the following steps of treating a sample to be tested: 1) using a DNA polymerase without exonuclease activity to fill in 5' ends of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA); 2) adding a tail to the 3' end; (3) ligating a renatured 5' hairpin adaptor; a structure of the 5' hairpin adaptor being: overhang-random base region-first stem region-loop region-second stem region, and the first stem region and the second stem region forming a double strand by means of renaturation; and 4) carrying out amplification on a ligated product. The amplified product constitutes a ssDNA sequencing library.