Phasing of de novo mutations using a scaled-up multiple amplicon long-read sequencing approach

Abstract

De novo mutations (DNMs) play an important role in severe genetic disorders that reduce fitness. To better understand the role of DNMs in disease, it is important to determine the parent-of-origin and timing of the mutational events that give rise to the mutations, especially in sex-specific developmental disorders such as male infertility. However, currently available short-read sequencing approaches are not ideally suited for phasing as this requires long continuous DNA strands that span both the DNM and one or more informative SNPs. To overcome these challenges, we optimised and implemented a multiplexed long-read sequencing approach using the Oxford Nanopore technologies MinION platform. We specifically focused on improving target amplification, integrating long-read sequenced data with high-quality short-read sequence data, and developing an anchored phasing computational method. This approach was able to handle the inherent phasing challenges that arise from long-range target amplification and the normal accumulation of sequencing error associated with long-read sequencing. In total, 77 out of 109 DNMs (71%) were successfully phased and parent-of-origin identified. The majority of phased DNMs were prezygotic (90%), the accuracy of which is highlighted by the average mutant allele frequency of 49.6% and a standard error margin of 0.84%. This study demonstrates the benefits of using an integrated short-read and long-read sequencing approach for large-scale DNM phasing.