Ultra-High Sensitivity Viral Genome Sequencing

University of Arizona researchers have developed a novel process for rapid genome sequencing of RNA-DNA fragments, even those in archived or damaged biological samples. The process utilizes large panels of primers to amplify short RNA-DNA fragments into separate and off-set pools. These off-set pools of amplicons are used to reconstruct whole and near-whole genomic sequences in samples otherwise deemed non-useful.

Background:
When performing conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for genomic sequencing, some poor-quality biological samples are deemed "negative" or unusable. However, this result may be caused by RNA/DNA fragments which are simply too short and fragmented, or too unique, for conventional methods to identify. This material may currently be relegated to non-analysis. This invention enables analysis of samples comprising low concentrations or degraded nucleic acid, samples with sought-after rare mutations, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE), or generally, any poor-quality samples where conventional PCR methods have failed.

Applications:

• Amplification and genomic sequencing of material in biologic samples that are damaged or of poor quality
• Viral or infectious disease screening
• Full genomic sequencing in archive samples
• Clinical diagnostics
• Vaccine research
• COVID-19 viral screening, diagnostics, and vaccine research

Advantages:

• More sensitive than conventional RT-PCR sequencing
• Cheaper than next generation sequencing (NGS), which is expensive and limited in application
• Successful in low viral load samples

Status: issued U.S. patent #11,667,960

COVID, COVID-19, COVID19, Coronavirus