QIAGEN (NYSE: QGEN; Frankfurt Prime Standard: QIA) today announced the launch of its QIAseq Multimodal DNA/RNA Lib Kit. The new kit enables seamless preparation of DNA and RNA libraries for next-generation sequencing (NGS), such as whole genome sequencing (WGS) and whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS), as well as downstream target enrichment based on hybrid-capture from a single sample.
The QIAseq Multimodal DNA/RNA Lib Kit facilitates multiomics, the studies of several omic fields like genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, aiming to gain a deeper understanding of biological processes and systems – something crucial for studying diseases like cancer. The kit offers a streamlined and rapid workflow to generate WGS and WTS libraries from a single sample by combining chemistry optimized for DNA and RNA simultaneously. Using traditional methods, separate workflows for DNA and RNA sequencing require a large amount of sample material, labor-intensive library preparation procedures, and long turn-around times.
“With the introduction of the QIAseq Multimodal DNA/RNA Lib Kit, we are addressing a direct need in the scientific community for a more efficient way to conduct multiomic studies,” said Nitin Sood, Senior Vice President, Head of the Life Sciences Business Area at QIAGEN. “Studying and understanding the complexity of biological systems better will facilitate identifying potential biomarkers for diseases or therapeutic targets for drug development and finally advance precision medicine and healthcare.”
Researchers can also use the QIAseq Multimodal DNA/RNA Lib Kit for generating DNA-only or RNA-only libraries. It is the first NGS multimodal kit on the market that is compatible with a wide range of input samples, including blood, Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) samples, and cell-free DNA (cfDNA). This is particularly relevant in translational research, such as in the study of cancers, where different types of samples may be available. The kit is highly sensitive, enabling detection of both DNA and RNA rare variants. The DNA and RNA libraries generated using the QIAseq Multimodal DNA/RNA Lib Kit are directly compatible with different sequencing platforms such as Illumina instruments and Element Aviti and can be sequenced on other sequencers with an added conversion step (Complete Genomics/MGI, Singular Genomics, and Ultima Genomics).
Additionally, the flexibility of generating DNA only or RNA only libraries, as well as DNA and RNA libraries compatible with further target enrichment by hybrid capture, consolidates an NGS lab’s multiple workflows into a single kit, saving lab resources while enhancing efficiency. For target enrichment, the QIAseq xHYB Human panels can be used for WES (Whole Exome Sequencing), or targeted sequencing with custom designed content. The libraries are also compatible with hybrid capture panels from other providers.
The new kit adds to QIAGEN’s growing portfolio that harnesses the true potential of NGS in biological research by offering fast and efficient solutions that reduce turnaround times and maximize sequencing capacity. With a focus on front-end sample processing and downstream bioinformatics, QIAGEN provides innovative NGS technologies for genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and metagenomics applications.
QIAGEN’s QIAseq kits have processed over four million NGS samples, enabling biomarker research, gene expression studies, viral epidemiology, and disease surveillance. From DNA and RNA sequencing to multimodal sequencing and epigenomics, the comprehensive range of QIAseq kits delivers reliable data on any sequencing instruments.
More information about the QIAseq Multimodal DNA/RNA Lib Kit can be found here: https://www.qiagen.com/us/products/discovery-and-translational-research/next-generation-sequencing/multianalyte-sequencing-multimodal/custom-multimodal-panels/qiaseqmultimodal-dna-rna-lib-kit.
