SAGCSep 23, 2026, 10:36:24 AM2 min read

TAPS+ Whole-Genome Methylation Sequencing Now Available at SAGC

TAPS+ on DNBSEQ: New Cost-Effective Approach to Whole Genome Methyl-seq

The South Australian Genomics Centre (SAGC) has expanded its epigenomics capabilities with the introduction of Watchmaker Genomics TAPS+ whole-genome methylation sequencing, now available on our MGI DNBSEQ-G400 and DNBSEQ-T7 platforms.

SUMMARY OF KEY BENEFITS

Genetic and epigenetic information from the same library

The Watchmaker DNA Library Prep Kit with TAPS+ enables positive-readout methylation sequencing by converting methylated cytosines to thymines while preserving unmethylated cytosines. It supports simultaneous detection of 5mC, genetic variants, and CNVs from low-input or degraded samples, offering high accuracy and compatibility with multiple sequencing platforms. Methyl-Seq TAPS Diagram

Combining the positive-readout chemistry of TAPS+ with MGI's DNBSEQ sequencing provides researchers with a high-quality and scalable approach to genome-wide DNA methylation analysis — at approximately 30% lower cost than comparable 5-base whole-genome methylation sequencing approaches.

For researchers considering larger cohorts, this combination of data quality and competitive pricing can make it practical to study DNA methylation across substantially more samples without proportionally increasing sequencing budgets.

Additional Resources

A different approach to whole-genome methylation

DNA methylation is an important layer of epigenetic regulation involved in gene expression, development, ageing and disease. Whole-genome methylation sequencing provides the opportunity to investigate these patterns without restricting analysis to a predetermined panel of CpG sites.

TAPS+ takes a different approach from conventional methylation sequencing. Rather than converting unmethylated cytosines, its positive-readout chemistry selectively converts methylated cytosines (5mC) while preserving unmethylated cytosines. This retains much more of the native four-base sequence complexity and avoids the DNA damage associated with traditional bisulfite conversion.

→ Visit the Watchmaker Genomics website (TrendBio - Australian Distributor)

→ News article: Two Omics, One Library - TAPS+ and DNBSEQ evaluation demonstrated dual-omics capability, with SNP calling performed alongside methylation analysis from the same TAPS+ libraries.

Resources

→ View SAGC & TrendBio TAPS+ Brochure overview of performance data and a summary of key features and benefits.

Applications across biomedical research

Whole-genome TAPS+ sequencing can support a broad range of epigenomics research, including:

- Cancer epigenomics and tumour profiling
- Ageing and epigenetic clock research
- Population-scale methylation studies
- Biomarker discovery
- FFPE and archival tissue cohorts
- Developmental biology
- Neuroscience
- Integrated genetic and epigenetic studies

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Interested in discussing our Methyl-seq services?

Contact the SAGC to learn more about our services or ask about pricing -SAGC can assist with project planning, experimental design, sequencing, bioinformatics, and downstream data analysis.

SAGC

COMMENTS