Richard Shen

High density DNA methylation array with single CpG site resolution

We have developed a new generation of genome-wide DNA methylation BeadChip which allows high-throughput methylation profiling of the human genome. The new high density BeadChip can assay over 480K CpG sites and analyze twelve samples in parallel. The innovative content includes coverage of 99% of RefSeq genes with multiple probes per gene, 96% of CpG islands from the UCSC database, CpG island shores and additional content selected from whole-genome bisulfite sequencing data and input from DNA methylation experts. The well-characterized Infinium® Assay is used for analysis of CpG methylation using bisulfite-converted genomic DNA. We applied this technology to analyze DNA methylation in normal and tumor DNA samples and compared results with whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data obtained for the same samples. Highly comparable DNA methylation profiles were generated by the array and sequencing methods (average R2 of 0.95). The ability to determine genome-wide methylation patterns will rapidly advance methylation research.

Whole-genome genotyping with the single-base extension assay.

We describe an efficient, accurate and robust whole-genome genotyping (WGG) assay based on a two-color, single-base extension (SBE), single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-scoring step. We report genotyping results for biallelic International HapMap quality control (QC) SNPs using a single probe per locus. We show scalability, throughput and accuracy of the system by resequencing homozygous loci from our 100k Human-1 Genotyping BeadChip.

Illumina universal bead arrays.

This chapter describes an accurate, scalable, and flexible microarray technology. It includes a miniaturized array platform where each individual feature is quality controlled and a versatile assay that can be adapted for various genetic analyses, such as single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping, DNA methylation detection, and gene expression profiling. This chapter describes the concept of the BeadArray technology, two different Array of Arrays formats, the assay scheme and protocol, the performance of the system, and its use in large-scale genetic, epigenetic, and expression studies.

Neuronal subtypes and diversity revealed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing of the human brain

Single-nucleus gene expression Identifying the genes expressed at the level of a single cell nucleus can better help us understand the human brain. Blue et al. developed a single-nuclei sequencing technique, which they applied to cells in classically defined Brodmann areas from a postmortem brain. Clustering of gene expression showed concordance with the area of origin and defining 16 neuronal subtypes. Both excitatory and inhibitory neuronal subtypes show regional variations that define distinct cortical areas and exhibit how gene expression clusters may distinguish between distinct cortical areas. This method opens the door to widespread sampling of the genes expressed in a diseased brain and other tissues of interest. Science, this issue p. 1586 Individual neurons have specific transcriptomic signatures and transcriptomic heterogeneity. The human brain has enormously complex cellular diversity and connectivities fundamental to our neural functions, yet difficulties in interrogating individual neurons has impeded understanding of the underlying transcriptional landscape. We developed a scalable approach to sequence and quantify RNA molecules in isolated neuronal nuclei from a postmortem brain, generating 3227 sets of single-neuron data from six distinct regions of the cerebral cortex. Using an iterative clustering and classification approach, we identified 16 neuronal subtypes that were further annotated on the basis of known markers and cortical cytoarchitecture. These data demonstrate a robust and scalable method for identifying and categorizing single nuclear transcriptomes, revealing shared genes sufficient to distinguish previously unknown and orthologous neuronal subtypes as well as regional identity and transcriptomic heterogeneity within the human brain.

Whole‐Genome Genotyping

We have developed an array-based whole-genome genotyping (WGG) assay (Infinium) using our BeadChip platform that effectively enables unlimited multiplexing and unconstrained single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) selection. A single tube whole-genome amplification reaction is used to amplify the genome, and loci of interest are captured by specific hybridization of amplified gDNA to 50-mer probe arrays. After target capture, SNPs are genotyped on the array by a primer extension reaction in the presence of hapten-labeled nucleotides. The resultant signal is amplified during staining and the array is read out on a high-resolution confocal scanner. We have employed our high-density BeadChips supporting up to 288,000 bead types to create an array that can query over 100,000 SNPs using the Infinium assay. In addition, we have developed an automated BeadChip processing platform using Tecans GenePaint slide processing system. Hybridization, washing, array-based primer extension, and staining are performed directly in Tecans capillary gap Te-Flow chambers. This automation process increases assay robustness and throughput greatly while enabling laboratory information management system control of sample tracking.

Whole-genome genotyping of haplotype tag single nucleotide polymorphisms

The International HapMap Consortium recently completed genotyping over 3.8 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in three major populations, and the results of studying patterns of linkage disequilibrium indicate that characterization of 300,000-500,000 tag SNPs is sufficient to provide good genomic coverage for linkage-disequilibrium-based association studies in many populations. These whole-genome association studies will be used to dissect the genetics of complex diseases and pharmacogenomic drug responses. As such, the development of a cost-effective genotyping platform that can assay hundred of thousands of SNPs across thousands of samples is essential. In this review, we describe the development of a whole-genome genotyping (WGG) assay that enables unconstrained SNP selection and effectively unlimited multiplexing from a single sample preparation. The development of WGG in concert with high-density BeadChips has enabled the creation of three different high-density SNP genotyping BeadChips: the Sentrix Human-1 Genotyping BeadChip containing over 109,000 exon-centric SNPs; the HumanHap300 BeadChip containing over 317,000 tag SNPs, and the HumanHap550 Beadchip containing over 550,000 tag SNPs.

Medium- to high-throughput SNP genotyping using VeraCode microbeads.

Recent breakthroughs in multiplexed SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genotyping technology have enabled global mapping of the relationships between genetic variation and disease. Discoveries made by such whole-genome association studies often spur further interest in surveying more focused subsets of SNPs for validation or research purposes. Here we describe a new SNP genotyping platform that is flexible in assay content and multiplexing (up to 384 analytes), and can serve medium- to high-throughput applications. The Illumina BeadXpress platform supports the GoldenGate Genotyping Assay on digitally inscribed VeraCode microbeads to allow streamlined workflow, rapid detection, unparalleled data reproducibility and consistency. Thus, it is a highly valuable tool for biomarker research and validation, pharmaceutical development, as well as the development of molecular diagnostic tests.

A highly informative SNP linkage panel for human genetic studies

We have developed a highly informative set of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays designed for linkage mapping of the human genome. These assays were developed on a robust multiplexed assay system to provide a combination of very high accuracy and data completeness with high throughput for linkage studies. The linkage panel is comprised of approximately 4,700 SNPs with 0.39 average minor allele frequency and 624-kb average spacing. Based on almost 2 million genotypes, data quality was shown to be extremely high, with a 99.94% call rate, >99.99% reproducibility and 99.995% genotypes consistent with mendelian inheritance. We constructed a genetic map with an average 1.5-cM resolution using series of 28 CEPH pedigrees. The relative information content of this panel was higher than those of commonly used STR marker panels. The potent combination of this SNP linkage panel with the multiplexed assay system provides a previously unattainable level of performance for linkage studies.

Self-assembled random arrays: high-performance imaging and genomics applications on a high-density microarray platform

Illumina is developing a BeadArrayTM technology that supports SNP genotyping, mRNA expression analysis and protein expression analysis on the same platform. We use fiber-optic bundles with a density of approximately 40,000 fibers/mm2. At hte end of each fiber, a derivatized silica bead forms an array element for reading out a genotyping or expression assay data point. Each bead contains oligonucleotide probes that hybridize with high specificity to complementary sequences in a complex nucleic acid mixture. We derivatize the beads in bulk, pool them to form a quality-controlled source of microarray elements, and allow them to assemble spontaneously into pits etched into the end of each optical fiber bundle. We load our fiber bundles, containing 49,777 fibers, with up to 1520 different bead types. The presence of many beads of each type greatly improves the accuracy of each assay. As the final step in our manufacturing process, we decode the identity of each bead by a series of rapid hybridizations with fluroescent oligos. Decoding accuracy and the number of beads of each type is recorded for each array. Decoding also serves as a quality control procedure for the performance of each element in the array. To facilitate high-throughput analysis of many samples, the fiber bundles are arranged in an array matrix (SentrixTM arrays). Using a 96-bundle array matrix, up to 1520 assays can be performed on each of 96 samples simultaneously for a total of 145,920 assays. Using a 384-bundle array matrix, up to 583,680 assays can be performed simultaneously. The BeadArray platform is the highest density microarray in commercial use, requiring development of a high-performance array scanner. To meet this need, we developed the SherlockTM system, a laser-scanning confocal imaging system that automatically scans all 96 bundles of an array matrix at variable resolution down to 0.8 micron. The system scans with both 532 and 635 nm lasers simultaneously, collecting two fluorescence images. The optical train is designed around a telecentric, flat field, macro scan lens with a field of view of 2 mm. Our BeadArray platform is adaptable to many different assays. In our genotyping services lab, we automated the development and production of highly multiplexed SNP genotyping assays. Each SNP call is made automatically and assigned a quality score based on objective measures of allele clustering across multiple samples. The quality score correlates directly with genotyping accuracy. With a small number of robots and thermal cyclers, and a team of 5 people, we have the capacity to perform over 1 million genotypes per day. The system is modular so that scale-up is limited only by demand. The system has the capacity, versatility, and cost structure to meet the needs of large-scale genomic analysis.

Development and Validation of an Ultradeep Next-Generation Sequencing Assay for Testing of Plasma Cell-Free DNA from Patients with Advanced Cancer

Purpose: Tumor-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma can be used for molecular testing and provide an attractive alternative to tumor tissue. Commonly used PCR-based technologies can test for limited number of alterations at the time. Therefore, novel ultrasensitive technologies capable of testing for a broad spectrum of molecular alterations are needed to further personalized cancer therapy. Experimental Design: We developed a highly sensitive ultradeep next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay using reagents from TruSeqNano library preparation and NexteraRapid Capture target enrichment kits to generate plasma cfDNA sequencing libraries for mutational analysis in 61 cancer-related genes using common bioinformatics tools. The results were retrospectively compared with molecular testing of archival primary or metastatic tumor tissue obtained at different points of clinical care. Results: In a study of 55 patients with advanced cancer, the ultradeep NGS assay detected 82% (complete detection) to 87% (complete and partial detection) of the aberrations identified in discordantly collected corresponding archival tumor tissue. Patients with a low variant allele frequency (VAF) of mutant cfDNA survived longer than those with a high VAF did (P = 0.018). In patients undergoing systemic therapy, radiological response was positively associated with changes in cfDNA VAF (P = 0.02), and compared with unchanged/increased mutant cfDNA VAF, decreased cfDNA VAF was associated with longer time to treatment failure (TTF; P = 0.03). Conclusions: Ultradeep NGS assay has good sensitivity compared with conventional clinical mutation testing of archival specimens. A high VAF in mutant cfDNA corresponded with shorter survival. Changes in VAF of mutated cfDNA were associated with TTF. Clin Cancer Res; 23(18); 5648–56. ©2017 AACR.