US-based 10X Genomics has introduced a new GemCode Platform, which is designed to provide long-range information with short read sequencing, at the 16th annual Advances in Genome Biology and Technology (AGBT).
The new molecular barcoding and analysis platform comprises instrumentation, reagents and software, which provides long-range information, including haplotype phasing, structural variation and de novo assembly.
Stanford University School of Medicine Hanlee P. Ji said: "Sequencing of large DNA molecules in the size of tens of kilobases represents a major scientific milestone yet to be achieved.
"10X Genomics’ scalable solution will benefit genetic studies of all types."
The GemCode Platform generates a new data type, linked reads, through upgrading existing short read sequencers.
The GemCode Platform is said to divide arbitrarily long DNA molecules and prepares sequencing libraries in parallel, allowing to share a common barcode for all fragments produced within a partition.
10X Genomics president and co-founder Ben Hindson said: "The GemCode Platform will allow researchers to routinely access genomic information they can’t see today. With this product we will enable a deeper understanding of the human genome."
The company will commence the shipment of GemCode Instrument in the second quarter of this year, and is accepting purchase orders for the instrument at $75,000.
Image: 10X Genomics launches GemCode Platform. Photo: courtesy of Business Wire.