Rapid Low-Cost Assembly of the Drosophila melanogaster Reference Genome Using Low-Coverage, Long-Read Sequencing

Oct 1, 2018·

Edwin Solares

Co-first author

Mahul Chakraborty

Danny E. Miller

Stefan Kalsow

Kate Hall

Anoja G. Perera

J.J. Emerson

· 1 min read

Paper Project

Abstract

We developed a rapid, low-cost approach to assemble the Drosophila melanogaster reference genome using low-coverage, long-read sequencing. This methodology reduces costs by approximately 90% while maintaining high assembly quality, democratizing genomics research for labs with limited resources.

Type

Journal article

Publication

G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics

This highly-cited paper in G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics enabled large-scale population genomics studies and made genome assembly accessible to smaller research groups worldwide.

Impact:

90% cost reduction compared to traditional methods
Methodology adopted by research groups globally
Foundational for subsequent comparative genomics work
Demonstrated feasibility of high-quality assemblies with minimal sequencing

Last updated on Oct 1, 2018

Genomics Methods Drosophila Bioinformatics Long-Read Sequencing

Authors

Edwin Solares (he/him)

Executive Director, ESB AI Lab Corporation

Executive Director of ESB AI Lab Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advancing research in AI, machine learning, computer vision, and genomics. Previously a Lecturer at UC San Diego. My research harnesses AI and bioinformatics for food security and species conservation. Published in Nature Plants, PNAS, Genome Research, and G3 (h-index: 7).