LinkPrep™ Technology: A Giant Leap Forward For Hi-C Applications 

Introduction 

Dovetail^® LinkPrep™ Technology is a groundbreaking advancement revolutionizing how researchers perform Hi-C experiments. This novel approach significantly accelerates the creation of NGS libraries used in the study of 3D genomics, epigenetics, genetic variation, and genome assembly, offering unprecedented efficiency.  

Traditional Hi-C techniques are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring multiple days to complete with multiple steps that introduce variability and potential errors. Moreover, these methods result in uneven genomic coverage resulting from biased restriction enzyme-based fragmentation leading to incomplete data. This complex and lengthy sample preparation process is plagued by library artifacts further compromising the accuracy and reliability of results, while driving up sequencing costs. LinkPrep Technology offers a solution to these shortfalls all while enabling the user to proceed from sample to sequencing library in a single day. 

The Speed Advantage Of LinkPrep Technology 

Traditional Hi-C methods involve cumbersome steps that consume valuable time and introduce variability. LinkPrep Technology addresses these issues with a streamlined workflow that ensures uniform fragmentation irrespective of sequence composition or chromatin state and enriches for long-range contacts. At the core of LinkPrep Technology’s speed lies an innovative tagmentation process.  

• Streamlined Workflow 

The unique fragmentation method uses Tn5 transposase to simultaneously fragment DNA and integrate adaptors that streamline downstream library conversion. As an added benefit, any shearing and biotin enrichment steps are eliminated, reducing overall assay time and variability.  

• Biologically Relevant Data  

Access the 3D genome across all chromatin states (open and closed alike). From genome assembly to chromatin conformation, capture DNA-DNA links with the highest possible accuracy, from anywhere in the genome.   

• Enhanced Long-Range Information 

The use of dual crosslinking agents (DSG and formaldehyde ) enhances long-range signal detection producing a rich interaction map with minimal sample input. Additionally the removal of the DNA sheering decreases the amount of invalid Hi-C reads by 10-20% boosting signal while dampening noise.  

• Accommodates Broad Range of Samples 

The endpoint fragmentation reaction supports an accessible and forgiving workflow accommodating a wide range of sample types. As a single turn-over enzyme, Tn5 delivers its sequence tag only once where it remains attached, creating a 50 base pair footprint that prevents sample over-fragmentation.  

LinkPrep Technology Powers Our Next Generation Hi-C Assays 

The Dovetail^® AssemblyLink™ Assay simplifies genome assembly by quickly generating Hi-C libraries needed for genome scaffolding. Whether new to Hi-C or a long-time user, you will appreciate its user-friendliness (requiring only basic molecular biology skills), and the minimal tissue input required (as little as 5 mg). The assay supports high-throughput, empowering larger projects and core labs needing to process large numbers of samples. The high-quality, uniform sequence coverage data facilitates variant phasing enabling haplotype-resolved and polyploid genome assemblies for the truest representation of your genome of interest.  

The Dovetail^® TopoLink™ Assay offers the fastest end-to-end workflow for high resolution chromatin conformation mapping, including A/B compartments, TAD boundaries, and chromatin loops. This assay reduces your cost per datapoint by up to 12-fold compared to traditional Hi-C methods through improved signal-to-noise. Moreover, the uniform coverage benefit delivers the most accurate chromatin interaction maps, overcoming signal biases associated with traditional Hi-C methods. 

Early Access Now – The Dovetail^® VariLink^™ Assay delivers ultra-high sensitive detection for structural variants. Capture the complex diversity of large structural variants often missed by other WGS approaches through the boosted breakpoint signal inherent to proximity ligation data. Moreover, the uniform coverage provided by Tn5 also captures SNV and INDELs providing access to the full spectrum of genetic variation. If you are interested in the early access program please reach out. 

Conclusion 

Dovetail^® LinkPrep™ Technology revolutionizes Hi-C applications by addressing the limitations of traditional methods. Its streamlined workflow and innovative tagmentation process reduces preparation time to a single day, ensuring uniform genomic coverage and enhancing long-range interaction detection. LinkPrep™ Technology accommodates various sample types and minimizes variability, delivering high-quality data with maximal simplicity. 

LinkPrep™ Technology powers the AssemblyLink™ and TopoLink™ Assays (with more on the way!), providing efficient and accurate solutions for genome assembly, chromatin interaction mapping, and genetic variation. These user-friendly assays require minimal tissue input, support high-throughput projects, and reduce costs while delivering superior data quality. LinkPrep™ Technology thus enables researchers to gain comprehensive insights into genomic structures, driving advancements in 3D genomics, epigenetics, and genetic variation.