cfDNA Whole Genome Methylation Sequencing White Paper

Although cell-free DNA (cDNA) has massive potential as a powerful genetic and epigenetic biomarker of disease, cDNA methylation-based liquid biopsies have yet to meaningfully enter clinical testing due to limitations in cDNA biology and available methods to detect and analyze methylation. cfDNA is highly fragmented and nicked, and occurs in low concentrations in circulation. Available methods to detect and analyze DNA methylation introduce significant DNA damage, errors, and biases.

Here, Renew Biotechnologies (Renew) presents a whole genome cDNA application of NESSI-Seq, a novel library preparation technology that enhances specificity, sensitivity, and data quality and leverages Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) to capture the advantages of native sequencing and long reads. NESSI-Seq preserves DNA in its native state, eliminating the need for bisulfite conversion and PCR amplification and enabling accurate methylation and hydroxymethylation analysis. NESSI-Seq technology improves the specificity, sensitivity, and clinical viability of cDNA methylation assays to facilitate clinical applications of cDNA assays across diverse therapeutic areas.

This innovative approach holds promise for advancing personalized medicine and cDNA-based liquid biopsies by providing more reliable and comprehensive genomic and epigenomic data. The potential for tissue-of-origin and copy number variation analyses using wgNESSI-Seq are demonstrated in this white paper, showcasing its broad applicability and impact.

Download the White Paper