Advancements in sequencing technology have revolutionized the field of agriculture, enabling scientists to gain a deeper understanding of species genomes, gene regulation, and molecular breeding. MGI, a leading life science innovation company, has played a pivotal role in facilitating breakthroughs in agrigenomics research and molecular breeding with its cutting-edge sequencing platforms and technology. In this article, we will explore how MGI's DNBSEQ™ sequencing technology is contributing to the progress of basic scientific research in agriculture and revolutionizing the field of molecular breeding.

Advances in Basic Scientific Research in Agriculture

To expand our knowledge of organisms and unlock new insights, de novo sequencing is crucial in the field of agriculture. However, traditional sequencing technologies have limitations in terms of accuracy and integrity. MGI recognized this challenge and developed a groundbreaking solution called stLFR (single-tube long fragment sequencing). stLFR combines the high-precision short-read sequencing with long-fragment DNA information acquisition, enabling the sequencing of fragments as long as 10k to 300k.

The use of MGI's stLFR technology has proven to be superior in terms of accuracy and efficiency compared to other long-read sequencing methods. For instance, stLFR required significantly lower amounts of DNA input, resulting in more cost-effective de novo assembly of plant genomes with fewer mismatches and indels. Moreover, MGI's innovation has supported resource census screening, genetic evolution analysis, and the identification of candidate genes for important traits through whole-genome resequencing and RNA sequencing.

Advances in Molecular Breeding

Molecular breeding plays a crucial role in improving crop and livestock production. MGI is committed to facilitating breakthroughs in molecular breeding applications by continuously expanding the capabilities of its sequencing platforms. One such innovation is the ATOPlex platform, based on MGI's self-developed multiplex PCR technology. The ATOPlex platform offers targeted genome sequencing with specific multiplex PCR primers, saving time and cost while providing more information from even small samples. It demonstrates scalable genotyping technology and reproducible results.

In a research project focusing on grouper, the ATOPlex platform showcased exceptional performance with high prediction accuracy for grouper body weight and ammonia tolerance. Additionally, it achieved a high detection rate for different grouper species. MGI's sequencers have also enabled simplified genome sequencing for population analysis and low coverage whole-genome sequencing (lcWGS) of large cohorts, streamlining the breeding process for livestock and poultry.

Contributions of DNBSEQ™ Sequencing Platforms

MGI's DNBSEQ™ sequencing platforms are designed to accelerate the molecular breeding process, from sample pre-processing to library preparation, sequencing, and bioinformation analysis. The company offers automated sample processing systems that significantly speed up pre-processing efficiency, such as the MGISTP-7000 High-Throughput Automated Sample Transfer Processing System and the MGISP-960 High-Throughput Automated Sample Preparation System. These systems eliminate manual operations, improve stability, reduce costs, and enhance overall work efficiency in molecular breeding applications.

MGI's proprietary DNBSEQ™ sequencing technology delivers high accuracy, decreased duplicates, and extremely low index hopping rates compared to other sequencing technologies. With different sequencer models available, ranging from DNBSEQ-G50 to DNBSEQ-G400 and DNBSEQ-T7, MGI caters to diverse sample sizes and detection speeds required by companies, research institutes, and government agencies involved in molecular breeding applications.

To complete the workflow, MGI offers the Molecular Breeding Analysis System, an all-in-one computing workstation for data storage and processing. This system, combined with MGI's technology, enables efficient and cost-effective molecular breeding applications.

MGI's sequencing technology and platforms have revolutionized agrigenomics research and molecular breeding, contributing to advancements in basic scientific research and the development of improved breeding strategies. Through innovations like stLFR and the ATOPlex platform, MGI has addressed the limitations of traditional sequencing methods, enabling more accurate and cost-effective de novo sequencing and targeted genome sequencing. The company's automated sample processing systems and DNBSEQ™ sequencing platforms have streamlined the molecular breeding workflow, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

As MGI continues to drive agrigenomics research and development, the company's commitment to life science innovation is evident through initiatives like the Agriculture Genome Grant, which collaborates with and supports researchers and breeders in the APAC and Middle East regions. By leveraging the power of MGI's sequencing technology, scientists and practitioners in the field of agriculture are empowered to make groundbreaking discoveries and contribute to the improvement of crop and livestock breeding.

To learn more about how MGI's sequencing technology empowers agrigenomics development, visit here. For detailed information about MGI's Agriculture Genome Grant, register for the upcoming webinar on May 24th, 2022, by clicking here.