Computer-aided DNA base calling from forward and reverse electropherograms

Abstract

In order to improve the accuracy of DNA sequencing, forward and reverse experiments are usually performed on the same sample. Base calling is then performed to decode the chromatographic traces (electropherograms) produced by each experiment and the resulting sequences are aligned and compared to obtain a unique consensus sequence representative of the original sample. In case of mismatch, manual editing need to be performed by an experienced biologist looking back at the original traces. In this work we propose computer-aided approaches to base calling from forward and reverse electropherograms aimed at minimizing the need for human intervention during consensus generation. Comparative experimental results are provided to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.