A cost effective alternative method to ddRADseq library construction during size selection

Abstract

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies constitute the most powerful scientific advance of 21st century with a promise of fast and cost effective data generation in biology. Yet, up to date NGS studies remain often limited to laboratories with established resources. In the present study, we employed construction of ddRADseq library by using routine lab consumables (agarose gel electrophoresis: AGE thereafter) compared to high-tech NGS consumables (paramagnetic beads) during size selection. The ddRADseq library was constructed for sequencing size selected based on universally used paramagnetic beads, while remaining aliquot was used as a template to assess the feasibility of ddRADseq library construction using AGE for labs with limited resources. Both libraries were optimised for 15 PCR cycles indicating similarity in template intensity. Post-PCR quantification of the libraries was comparable (~10 ng.µL-1). Size distribution assessment revealed a cleaner pick at the ddRADseq library size selected manually based on AGE. Similarly, intercalating agent of Qubit confirmed the quantity of libraries was similar (>3 ng.µL-1). Although being more time consuming due to pre-electrophoresis preparations, serial wash and staining steps, ddRADseq library construction is achievable using routine lab consumables provided to supply the adaptors and PCR primers for the initial wet-lab work. These results manifest the feasibility of ddRADseq library generation for labs with limited resources.