The Broad Institute Joins the Illumina Genome Network

Illumina, Inc. has announced that the Broad Institute has joined the Illumina Genome Network (IGN) to offer its proprietary sample preparation processes for whole human genome sequencing.

The Broad’s pioneering approach enables high-quality sequencing of challenging low input DNA (<500 ng) and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples.

There are millions of biological samples within the global research community either embedded in paraffin blocks or of very low genomic representation making them largely inaccessible by standard sample prep approaches.

This new offering through IGN and the Broad allows researchers to interrogate these valuable samples that had previously been unable to be sequenced, with the objective to accelerate discovery in critical fields such as oncology.

“The IGN is the leader in whole human genome sequencing services. We are excited to add a world leading institution such as the Broad Institute to our prestigious list of IGN partners,” said Christian Henry, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of Illumina’s Genomic Solutions Business Unit.

Henry continued, “The Broad Institute’s innovative sample preparation methods provide researchers with the ability to sequence samples that were previously inaccessible with existing techniques.”

“Partnering with Illumina allows us to extend our mission by providing researchers worldwide with our capability of processing low input and FFPE samples that are essential to their research,” said Robert Nicol, Ph.D., Director of Operations and Technology Development in the Genome Sequencing Platform at the Broad Institute.

Suitability of projects for these specialized services will be evaluated jointly by the Broad and Illumina. Interested researchers should contact Illumina directly.

IGN is designed to link researchers needing large-scale whole human genome sequencing with world class institutions that provide this application as a service, using industry-leading Illumina sequencing technology.