This webinar provides a comparison of several next-generation sequencing (NGS) approaches — including short-read 16S, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and synthetic long-read sequencing technology — for use in microbiome research studies.

NGS is a powerful method for characterizing complex microbial mixtures, but both short-read 16S and WGS methods have their shortcomings. While short-read 16S data is inexpensive, it only enables family- or genus-level identification, is not comparable across different variable regions, and provides poor relative abundance estimation. WGS, meanwhile, offers more accurate relative abundance estimation and greater specificity, but at increased cost and complexity.

Another approach, LoopSeq synthetic long-read sequencing technology from Loop Genomics, offers an intermediate solution by providing species-level identification and significantly improved relative abundance estimation over short-read 16S data. LoopSeq uses unique molecular identifiers to generate synthetic long reads on short-read Illumina sequencing instruments. 

In this webinar, Nick Greenfield of One Codex discusses a comparison study of short-read 16S, WGS, and LoopSeq data for four samples – two known composition-positive controls, including a 20-organism bacterial mixture from ATCC, and two complex microbiome samples.

He shares details from this comparison as well as demonstrate how to analyze these datasets on the One Codex software platform.

This webinar is the first Loop Genomics GenomeWebinar on the topic of long-read versus short-read sequencing approaches. Part 2 will provide a comparison of (NGS) approaches for human transcriptome sequencing, including short-read Illumina sequencing and synthetic long-read sequencing technology. Register Here - Part 2.