Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) have developed a groundbreaking technology called TEQUILA-seq that could revolutionize the field of RNA sequencing. This low-cost and versatile method allows for targeted sequencing of full-length RNA molecules, which could accelerate the discovery of new diagnostics and treatments.
One of the main challenges in studying RNA molecules is alternative splicing, a process where RNA molecules are cut and joined together in different ways. This process plays a significant role in diseases such as cancer, making it crucial to accurately account for all the RNA molecules that come from a single gene.
TEQUILA-seq overcomes this challenge by enabling “long-read” RNA sequencing, capturing the entirety of transcript isoforms. This is important for understanding how alternative splicing contributes to disease. While traditional long-read platforms have limited sequencing yield, TEQUILA-seq is highly cost-effective and adaptable for different research and clinical purposes.
The technology uses a method called hybridization capture-based enrichment, which utilizes biotinylated capture probes to isolate target sequences from biological samples. The researchers at CHOP have developed a new strategy for synthesizing capture probes, making TEQUILA-seq much cheaper and scalable for large target panels and multiple biological samples.
In tests using breast cancer cell lines, TEQUILA-seq discovered previously unknown transcript isoforms in extensively studied cancer genes. This breakthrough provides new insights into how these genes are inactivated in individual tumors.
TEQUILA-seq has a wide range of medical applications, including RNA-guided genetic diagnosis and therapy development. It can be used for targeted sequencing of both RNA and DNA molecules on long-read and short-read sequencing platforms.
The ability to generate large quantities of biotinylated capture probes at a low cost could facilitate large-scale studies for various applications in basic, translational, and clinical research.
Overall, TEQUILA-seq is a game-changing technology that opens up new possibilities in the field of RNA sequencing. Its low cost, versatility, and ability to capture the entirety of transcript isoforms make it a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians alike. With its potential to accelerate the discovery of new diagnostics and treatments, TEQUILA-seq holds great promise for improving patient outcomes and advancing medical knowledge.
“Social media scholar. Reader. Zombieaholic. Hardcore music maven. Web fanatic. Coffee practitioner. Explorer.”