Transposase Random Priming for Short Fragment DNA Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transposase-based tagging methods struggle with sequencing small, fragmented, or chemically modified DNA samples, such as FFPE solid tumor samples and cell-free DNA, due to the requirement of two adjacent transposase insertions, which are often not feasible for short DNA fragments.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a single transposase adapter per DNA fragment, combined with adapter-tagging and primer extension reactions, followed by PCR amplification, to generate adapter-tagged and amplified DNA fragments suitable for sequencing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hybridization and PCR are used for DNA sample preparation, then amplification of target sequences is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDNA sample preparation speedVSAvoidhybridization and PCR time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the time-consuming hybridization and PCR steps from the DNA sample preparation process by using transposase-random priming, which directly amplifies target sequences without requiring these intermediate steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The transposase-random priming method performs preliminary fragmentation and tagging of DNA sequences during the initial setup, eliminating the need for subsequent hybridization and PCR amplification steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If transposase-random priming is used, then DNA sample preparation time is reduced, but uniform coverage of the genome may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDNA sample preparation speedVSAvoidgenome coverage uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the parameters of transposase activity and priming conditions to optimize both speed and coverage uniformity, achieving rapid DNA sample preparation while maintaining acceptable genome coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The method uses multiple transposase-random priming reactions with different conditions to ensure comprehensive genome coverage, compensating for any individual reaction's non-uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If extensive DNA fragmentation and enrichment are performed, then target sequences are isolated, but DNA loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget sequence isolation accuracyVSAvoidDNA loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses transposase-random priming as an intermediary method that directly tags and amplifies target sequences without requiring extensive fragmentation and enrichment steps, thereby reducing DNA loss while maintaining isolation accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances the capture and sequencing efficiency of short DNA fragments by allowing recovery of genomic DNA sequences on either side of the tagmentation site, overcoming limitations of conventional methods that require two transposase adapters.

Implementation Method 1

Transposase-random priming DNA sample preparation methods and compositions are disclosed herein.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTransposase catalysis: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

amplification by PCR, RPA, or other methods known in the art

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPCR amplification: Enzyme

Implementation Method 3

hybridization and PCR

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDNA hybridization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3464575B1Transposase-random priming DNA sample preparation
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP3464575B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3464575B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3464575B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided herein, among other things, are a variety of methods for transposase-5 mediated tagging and amplification of short DNA fragments, e.g., between about 150 bp and 1.5 Kb in length. In some aspects, the method includes tagging the DNA fragments with a first primer sequence using barcoded transposases followed by a primer extension reaction to introduce a second primer sequence, e.g., using random or gene-specific primers. Kits for performing this method are also provided.