Dovetail Genomics Announces Opening of Beta Program for Metagenomic Genome Assembly

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Feb. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dovetail Genomics™ LLC today announced that it has begun accepting applications to its beta program for a planned metagenomic genome assembly service. Richard Green, Dovetail's co-founder, will present the company's metagenomic genome assembly method in a talk on Friday, February 12 at the 2016 Advances in Genome Biology & Technology conference in Orlando, Fla.

The human microbiome has been dubbed "the second genome" due to its essential role in human health. However, culture-free, high-quality de novo assembly of these highly complex datasets is difficult. Using its proprietary Chicago™ Method and a modified version of the HiRise™ Assembly Pipeline (see October 20, 2015 announcement), Green and colleagues have developed a fast and efficient method for scaffolding microbial genomes using short-read sequence data from complex, metagenomic datasets.

"Our results show clearly that we can quickly and accurately assemble whole microbial genomes using samples derived directly from complex metagenomic communities," said Green. "We are excited to move forward with a beta program so we can put our method to the test with a wide variety of human and environmental metagenomic samples."

"Expansion of our Chicago Method into the field of metagenomics is a significant milestone for Dovetail," said Dovetail CEO Todd Dickinson. "It is becoming increasingly clear that our microbiomes play a critical role in our health, but the tools for fully characterizing these microbiomes remain limited. The speed and precision of Dovetail's method for assembling full genomes from metagenomic samples facilitates a more complete understanding of these complex microbial communities. In collaboration with beta sites, we hope to demonstrate how our approach can provide clinicians and researchers a fundamental understanding of the human microbiome and its role in human health and disease."

Richard Green Presentation Details
Title: "A fast, efficient metagenomic assembly method"
Date: Friday, February 12, 2016
Time: 8:50-9:10PM
Location: 2016 Advances in Genome Biology and Technology Meeting, JW Marriott, Grand Lakes, Orlando
Room: Mediterranean Ballroom (Biology Session)

Dovetail anticipates broad commercial launch of its metagenomic assembly service around mid year. Researchers interested in applying for the beta program should contact Dovetail Genomics by emailing [email protected].

About Dovetail Genomics
Dovetail Genomics LLC is transforming genomics by making long-range information readily accessible to all. The company enables researchers and clinicians to solve complex problems involving de novo assembly, structural variation, microbiome analysis, cancer research, phasing analysis and more by providing them a more comprehensive view of the genome. Its proprietary in vitro proximity ligation approach simplifies genomic discovery by integrating the highest quality long-range genomic information with next-gen sequencing output. Dovetail is based in Santa Cruz, California. For more information on Dovetail, its technology and service offerings, visit dovetailgenomics.com. Follow Dovetail on Twitter @DTGenomics.

SOURCE Dovetail Genomics LLC