Direct Target Enrichment, a Hybridization-Based Capture Method for Selective Acquisition of NGS Data

High throughput sequencing is the method of choice for connecting genotype to phenotype in many organisms. However, sequencing an entire genome is not desirable if the focus of inquiry is limited to certain genomic areas. DIRECT target enrichment is a unique and highly specific method for hybridization-based-capture of regions of interest. Using this method, target genomic DNA sequences are isolated and converted into an Illumina-compatible library within seven hours. Unlike alternative approaches that convert the entire genome into a library and select the targets as a final step, DIRECT target enrichment enzymatically removes off-target sequences and converts only desirable and original DNA molecules into sequencing-ready libraries. DIRECT target enrichment can be applied to any organism with a reference genome sequence, including incomplete assemblies. Application of this method can streamline the production of target-enriched NGS libraries and make the acquisition of sequence data focused and cost-effective.