Long Read Sequencing for Biodiversity Conservation

High-quality long read sequencing and bioinformatics technologies can facilitate the sequencing and assembly of the genome of any species. The availability of these data can provide evidence for scientific management decisions that can greatly assist in biodiversity assessment, conservation, and restoration efforts. CD Genomics is committed to providing our global customers with long read sequencing solutions to unlock the full potential of genomics in conserving global biodiversity.

Introduction to Biodiversity Conservation

We are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction, a biodiversity crisis with devastating consequences for ecosystem function and health, evolutionary legacy, and the adaptive potential of species, ultimately posing a major threat to humanity. Genetic diversity has long been recognized as the basis of biological organization at all levels (individuals, populations, species, communities, and ecosystems). Genomics provides effective tools for characterizing biodiversity, but the full implementation of genomic technologies in practical conservation remains limited. High-throughput genome sequencing technologies have recently evolved from primarily generating short (50-300 bp) DNA sequencing reads to longer (> 10 000 bp) DNA sequencing reads. Genetic and genomic methods commonly used in biodiversity research include DNA barcoding/metabarcoding, simplified representative DNA techniques, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), and whole genome sequencing. The successful implementation of these methods depends on the quantity and quality of available biological material, laboratory and bioinformatics skills, feasibility and cost, and the quality and completeness of available reference genome databases.

Fig. 1. Images of case study species. (Theissinger et al., 2023)

Solutions Offering at CD Genomics

CD Genomics is a leading genomics company offering state-of-the-art long read sequencing solutions tailored specifically for biodiversity conservation. Our long read sequencing solutions utilize PacBio SMRT sequencing and ONT Nanopore sequencing platforms and bioinformatics tools to generate high-quality long read data with superior multi-omics insights to support biodiversity and conservation programs.

Our state-of-the-art technologies enable you to comprehensively document and delve into the hidden wonders of the biosphere and launch campaigns to protect them for future generations. Our goal is to protect and preserve the rich diversity of life on Earth. We offer the following long read sequencing solutions for biodiversity conservation.

• Long Read Sequencing for Animal Population Health

We offer long read sequencing solutions to assemble and phase reference-quality genomes of target species in an unprecedented way. We aim to help you correctly identify at-risk populations and develop action plans to protect endangered species and habitats from increased genetic drift, inbreeding depression, and reduced gene flow.

• Long Read Sequencing for Climate and Environment Change

Our long read sequencing solutions provide high-quality whole genome sequences, transcriptomes, and epigenomes to help you obtain the detailed information you need to assess the ability of species to adapt to ecological and environmental changes.

• Long Read Sequencing for Marine Organisms Evolution

We offer long read sequencing solutions to explore the genomes and transcriptomes of a wide range of marine species and ecosystems. With highly accurate genomic data, you can better understand how marine species have adapted and evolved and make informed decisions to help protect life in lakes, rivers, and oceans.

Advantages of Our Long Read Sequencing Solutions for Biodiversity Conservation

• Can be used to construct and finalize reference genomes in as much detail as possible, from blue whales to single cells.
• Applicable across disciplines from entomology and botany to evolutionary evolution, plant and animal genetics, marine biology, and more.
• Decipher complex structural variation and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in easy-to-assemble, fixed-phase reference-quality genomes, enabling you to better capture genetic diversity.
• Accurate long-reads enable characterization of entire biomes using long read metagenomics sequencing and metabarcoding technologies.
• 5mC methylation assays enable you to understand the genetic activity of any organism with amazing clarity, without any changes to library preparation.
• Iso-Seq methods bring the length and accuracy of long read sequencing for transcriptomics to enhance your understanding of gene expression and how organisms respond to their ecology.
• The combination of multiple technologies enables biodiversity experts to better understand the ecological and conservation needs of any species.

Related Services

PacBio SMRT Sequencing
Oxford Nanopore Sequencing
Transcriptomics with Long-Read Sequencing
Animal and Plant Genomics with Long-Read Sequencing
Animal/Plant Whole Genome De Novo Sequencing
Animal/Plant Whole Genome Sequencing
Whole-Genome Resequencing with Long-Read Sequencing