RNA
In addition to sequencing DNA, the GridION™ system is designed for the direct analysis of RNA strands. By customising the processive enzyme to be specific for RNA, and adapting the nanopore to distinguish RNA-specific bases, this RNA analysis system can be integrated into the GridION platform.
This system is designed to analyse the original sample RNA strand directly, rather than by undergoing conversion to cDNA. The simplification of workflow, and direct - rather than surrogate - analysis, is unique to nanopore sensing.
Oxford Nanopore has ongoing R&D projects in this area.