The Mapping and Archive Sequencing Division at the Sanger Institute plans to begin Optical Mapping of bacteria and parasites in January 2011.
The Optical Map helps researchers to identify gaps in the sequence and target specific areas of the genome for additional sequencing, which reduces the need for thousands of cloning, PCR and sequencing reactions involved with traditional finishing techniques
In addition, Optical Mapping provides a sequence independent method for whole genome sequence assembly validation.
OpGen CEO Doug White said that they are excited to have the Sanger Institute as one of the first major genome centers to adopt Optical Mapping technology.
"We look forward to work with the Sanger team to continue to optimize their sequence assembly workflow and reduce the cost of sequence finishing," White said.
