In this presentation from ASGCT 2026, Kathrin Breunig explains how Ascend is improving the accuracy of Oxford Nanopore sequencing for AAV vector characterization.
Long-read sequencing is becoming an increasingly important analytical tool in gene therapy development, offering detailed insight into vector genome integrity and packaged DNA impurities. However, Nanopore sequencing data can be affected by size-dependent bias, with shorter DNA fragments preferentially sequenced over longer molecules.
Kathrin presents a correction method that uses a co-sequenced lambda DNA spike-in and exponential modeling to normalize read frequencies across fragment sizes. By removing this technology-induced bias, the approach enables more reliable assessment of vector payload size, genome integrity, packaging efficiency, and fragment size distribution.
This work supports more accurate characterization of AAV products and strengthens process understanding throughout development and manufacturing.
Learn more about Ascend’s analytical development and sequencing capabilities for advanced therapies.
