The Helicos® Genetic Analysis Platform provides a unique DirectGene^TM  Sequencing route for simplified and cost-effective targeted sequencing applications. Instead of the standard Helicos® poly(dT)-coated flow cells, the use of GeneSelect^TM flow cells that are coated with primers complementary to the desired target sequences enable target regions to be captured and sequenced from DNA, cDNA and RNA samples in a single step without separate target enrichment and sample preparation steps such as ligation or amplification. Flexibility and easiness in the GeneSelect^TM flow cell production make the DirectGene^TM sequencing low-cost, highly scalable and amenable to automation to maximize sample throughput.

The application of the Helicos® DirectGene^TM  Sequencing to human BRCA1 gene sequencing has been described in the following publication:

Single-step capture and sequencing of natural DNA for detection of BRCA1 mutations. Genome Research. 2011 Jul 15. [Epub ahead of print]

Figure: Unlike the standard Helicos® poly(dT)-coated flow cells, GeneSelect^TM flow cells are coated with primers complementary to the desired target sequences. These surfaces enable target regions to be captured and sequenced from both DNA and RNA molecules in a single step without separate target enrichment and sample preparation steps such as ligation or amplification.