Anupama Chandramouli presented the NCM 2022 Oxford Nanopore Technologies masterclass entitled “How to get started with nanopore sequencing and plan your experiment.” Chandramouli is a Field Application Scientist for the North East Region, Americas with Oxford Nanopore Technologies. They described the process starting with extraction of nucleic acids. Chandramouli explained that the nanopores they use have been optimized for sequencing. They explained that the technology allows for basecalling of DNA and even RNA as well as detection of modified bases. Some of the applications of this technology include genome assembly, transcriptomics, and variant calling. Chandramouli shared that the portable MinION devices have been used for sequencing in extreme environments including space. The steps are typically the following: a raw sample is used for extraction, a library is prepared for sequencing, and then sequences and bioinformatics. Some questions Chandramouli asked are: what throughput is needed? Will the work be in the field? The library prep step has several options: rapid kits, PCR-based, multiplexing, and a combination of approaches. The different Nanopore sequencing approaches were quickly reviewed. Chandramouli noted that the GridION and MinION flow cells. They presented a data analysis and workflow flow chart that helps with the The ONT technologies allow learners to engage learners. Chandramouli recommended doing a test library for all experiments. Finally, Chandramouli shared the Nanopore Online Resources that include helpful videos for loading flow cells and examples. This masterclass provided an overview of the steps to conduct an experiment with ONT devices and technologies.
