PromethION

PromethION is a high-throughput DNA sequencing platform developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies. It is designed for large-scale genomic projects, offering the ability to sequence an entire genome or transcriptome in a single run. The technology utilizes nanopore sequencing, where DNA or RNA molecules are passed through a biological nanopore, and changes in the electrical current are measured as the molecule translocates. These changes are then decoded to determine the base sequence.

The PromethION system is characterized by its high output, capable of generating petabases of data per year. This makes it suitable for applications such as population genomics, large-scale disease research, and metagenomics. It also offers the advantage of producing long reads, which can span entire genes or even chromosomes, aiding in the assembly of complex genomes and the detection of structural variations. The platform is known for its real-time data analysis capabilities, allowing researchers to monitor sequencing progress and identify results as they are generated. While it requires significant upfront investment and specialized infrastructure, PromethION has become a valuable tool for organizations undertaking massive sequencing initiatives.