Tn5 transposase and tagmentation procedures for massively scaled sequencing projects.

Massively parallel DNA sequencing of thousands of samples in a single machine-run is now possible, but the preparation of the individual sequencing libraries is expensive and time-consuming. Tagmentation-based library construction, using the Tn5 transposase, is efficient for generating sequencing libraries but currently relies on undisclosed reagents, which severely limits development of novel applications and the execution of large-scale projects. Here, we present simple and robust procedures for Tn5 transposase production and optimized reaction conditions for tagmentation-based sequencing library construction.

Smart-seq2 for sensitive full-length transcriptome profiling in single cells.

Single-cell gene expression analyses hold promise for characterizing cellular heterogeneity, but current methods compromise on either the coverage, the sensitivity or the throughput. Here, we introduce Smart-seq2 with improved reverse transcription, template switching and preamplification to increase both yield and length of cDNA libraries generated from individual cells. Smart-seq2 transcriptome libraries have improved detection, coverage, bias and accuracy compared to Smart-seq libraries and are generated with off-the-shelf reagents at lower cost.

An update on viral association of human cancers.

Up to now, seven viruses that infect humans have been identified as oncogenic and are closely associated with different human cancers. Most of them encode oncogenes whose products play important roles in the development of cancers in the context of environmental and genetic factors; others may act via indirect mechanisms. The transforming activities of the human oncogenic viruses have much in common with the well-studied tumorigenic processes elicited by the acutely transforming murine retroviruses.

Expression, purification and functional analysis of an odorant binding protein AaegOBP22 from Aedes aegypti.

Mosquitoes that act as disease vectors rely upon olfactory cues for host-seeking, mating, blood feeding and oviposition. To reduce the risk of infection in humans, one of the approaches focuses on mosquitoes' semiochemical system in the effort to disrupt undesirable host-insect interaction. Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) play a key role in mosquitoes' semiochemical system.