Maize genome mapped in 34 hours

Genomic analysis company NRGene has mapped the maize W22’s genome in 34 hours. The milestone marks the successful mapping of five species of corn, four of which have been enabled by NRGene technology.

NRGene’s DeNovoMAGIC built the W22 genome by assembling 2 billion short DNA sequences into 367 very long and perfectly ordered sequences to create a maize reference genome. The company claims DeNovoMAGIC creates complex genome analysis at speeds never before seen, with rates that make it affordable for academia, non-profit and the private sector.

The system used raw data from x180 short Illumina reads of the plant itself. The gene was assembled to an accuracy level of N50>8.2 million bp and N90>590 kbp, with unfilled gaps of less than 5%. An N50 greater than 1 million translates into highly accurate, useable data.

The genome’s accuracy was analysed by world-renowned agricultural genetics professors across multiple labs. Researchers can further analyse the W22 information using NRGene’s GenoMAGIC, which integrates, analyses and stores all genomic data, allowing for data synchronisation and sharing among molecular breeders, bioinformaticians and the breeding team.

NRGene says the speed and accuracy of its big data genomic analysis meant the entire mapping process was done very cost effectively. According to NRGene CEO Dr Gil Ronen, this will enable researchers and commercial seed and animal breeders to “accelerate development of the most necessary key traits to achieve global food targets”.