As we prepare for the start of a new semester, I decided to watch a Masterclass from London Calling 2024. Akelia Wauchope-Odumbo, Associate Director Technical Applications—Americas with Oxford Nanopore Technologies, presented on experimental design. The session title was “How to get started with nanopore sequencing and plan your experiment.” The masterclass series guides users from “sample to answer.” The preparation sessions address nucleic acid extraction and experiment planning. Wauchope-Odumbo started with an introduction to nanopore sequencing. They defined nanopores as “gateways between two systems.” A DNA/RNA strand with an adapter is then passed through a nanopore. This action causes a distinct disruption in the flow of ions. The electrical signal is interpreted and analyzed. Wauchope-Odumbo emphasized that nanopore sequencing does not require PCR and can identify modified nucleic acids. The sequencing workflow is broken down by ONT into four steps: sample extraction, library preparation, real-time sequencing, and data analysis. The goal of workflows is to start with raw sample and end with an answer. The experimental goals are important to identify. In the planning stage, the user must reflect on selecting the right approach for the desired goals. The user may select appropriate kits based on the input material, number of samples, and output requirements. ONT provides a range of platforms and options for data analysis for all levels of expertise. An example of a workflow to identify methylation sites and variants was described. For this, they recommended the QIAGEN Puregene extraction kit, the Ligation Sequencing Kit, and the EPI2ME Human Variation workflow. The TurBOT robot provides an automation option for extraction and sequencing, which I am interested in. This session provided a concise summary of options available with Oxford Nanopore Technologies for experimental planning. They also emphasized how the Nanopore Community shares specific suggestions and protocols and hosts a repository of resources.
