Exploring Key Topics in Sample Quality Control for NGS Workflows

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies enable deeper insights into different areas of research. In this new webinar series, researchers from Psomagen, Decode Health, and Agilent Technologies discuss how quality control steps in PacBio Hi Fi long-read sequencing and RNA sequencing support the discovery of new biomarker candidates for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Webinar 1: Analyzing High Molecular Weight (HMW) DNA Size Distribution for PacBio HiFi Long Read Sequencing Services using Agilent Femto Pulse System

Assessing the quality of genomic DNA (gDNA) is of utmost importance in next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows. Recently, there has been a growing interest in long-read sequencing, as it offers researchers the capability to analyze genomes more comprehensively and accurately. Traditionally, agarose gel electrophoresis/pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) has been the preferred quality assessment method for long-read sequencing. However, these techniques have limitations regarding sample usage and longer run times. Conversely, recent technological advancements have introduced instruments like the Agilent Femto Pulse system. These instruments can accurately characterize the size distribution of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA and SMRTbell libraries with faster run times and minimal DNA requirements, typically only picogram amounts. This webinar aims to provide an overview of the applications and key benefits of the Femto Pulse system, particularly its use in PacBio long-read sequencing workflows.

Key learning objectives

• Explore how to effectively assess the quality of genomic DNA (gDNA) in NGS workflows
• Learn how the Agilent Femto Pulse system is used in PacBio long-read sequencing workflows
• Find out how to determine the number of moles of a sample to better predict long-read sequencing read length

Webinar 2: Garbage In, Garbage Out: The Importance of End-to-End Quality Control Processes for RNA Biomarker Discovery

Next-generation RNA sequencing unlocks the discovery of novel candidate biomarkers for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, but reproducibility is a key challenge in biomarker discovery programs. Integrating multifaceted quality control (QC) steps can improve design decisions and enhance the confidence and reliability of results. This webinar will demonstrate how a comprehensive QC framework using the Agilent TapeStation system supports a disease-agnostic biomarker discovery program to identify biologically relevant candidate biomarkers of complex disease. It will also highlight how this framework can be adapted for total RNA sequencing of whole blood, plasma, and serum samples.

Key learning objectives

• Learn how RNA sequencing enables the discovery of novel candidate biomarkers
• Discover how a comprehensive QC framework allows the confident identification of biologically relevant candidate biomarkers
• Understand how Agilent TapeStation systems enable reliable QC in RNA sequencing workflows

Certificate of attendance
All webinar participants can request a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary, for continuing education purposes.