Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 at 5:00PM-6:00PM (CET)
Long-read sequencing (LRS) has become a powerful approach for resolving complex genomic and transcriptomic variation, but its success depends on tight integration between experimental design and data analysis. In this talk, we present an end-to-end perspective on Oxford Nanopore–based long-read sequencing, combining best-practice wet-lab workflows with downstream analytical strategies. The first part focuses on practical considerations in sample preparation, quality control, library construction, and sequencing, highlighting how decisions made at the bench directly impact data yield, accuracy, and interpretability. The second part addresses the analysis of long-read sequencing data, demonstrating where LRS provides unique biological insight—particularly for the detection and interpretation of structural variants, repeat expansions, and complex genomic regions.
Neuromics Support Facility (NSF) is the central research-embedded technology platform of the VIB Center for Molecular Neurology (CMN). Next to other omics and imaging expertise, NSF also includes Long-Read Sequencing (LRS) Expertise Unit that delivers advanced Oxford Nanopore–based genomic and transcriptomic workflows, with a focus on complex genetic variation, full-length transcript resolution, and emerging single-cell and single-nucleus applications. The unit combines wet-lab innovation with tailored data analysis to enable discovery-driven and translational research within CMN and through external collaborations.
Dr. Wouter De Coster
Senior Postdoctoral Researcher and Bioinformatician at the VIB–University of Antwerp Center for Molecular Neurology (CMN). His research centers on long-read sequencing data analysis to identify genomic variation—especially structural variants and tandem repeat expansions—relevant to neurodegenerative disease genetics. He has developed widely used computational tools (e.g., NanoPlot, Cramino) for processing and visualizing long-read datasets and supports large cohort and complex genomic analyses.
Dr. Mojca Stražišar
Leads the Neuromics Support Facility (NSF) within the CMN, where she guides development and delivery of advanced support and services. Her role spans methodological evaluation, experimental design consultation, sequencing, and data interpretation in genomics, transcriptomics, and microscopy to support neurodegeneration research.
Tim De Pooter
Sequencing Specialist at the NSF oversees wet lab workflows for high-throughput and long-read sequencing, including protocol development, benchmarking, optimisation, and troubleshooting for Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms, ensuring robust sample preparation and data generation for diverse genomic projects.
Geert Joris
Expert Technician at the NSF, provides operational expertise across sequencing platforms and nucleic acid quality control and preparation, contributing to reliable genomic data generation for disease-focused research studies.
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