MiniSeq does not read STRs

Summary of this article

There are several reasons why it is difficult to read short tandem repeats (STRs) on the MiniSeq: STRs are repetitive sequences, especially used in forensics and paternity testing, that usually consist of two to six base pair repeats and are found at specific locations on the genome. Several factors affect the accuracy of this analysis, and the MiSeq can take reads up to 600 bps. This makes it ideal for STR analysis. There are different types of next generation sequencers.

Other companies do not support STR because they are MiniSeq (small sequencers).

Main reason:

Read length limitations:
MiniSeq supports relatively short read lengths (the length of the DNA fragments read during sequencing).Short reads can make it difficult to analyze the exact number and order of repetitive sequences. In particular, if the STR region is long, short reads may not be able to read the sequence accurately.
Error rate:
STRs are highly repetitive sequences and NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) technology can be particularly error prone for repetitive sequences. MiniSeq is designed for targeted sequencing and may be error-prone in STR analyses that require very high sequence accuracy.
Special library preparation for analysis is required:
STR analysis usually requires specialized library preparation and analysis tools. Preparation and analysis software required for STR analysis.
Data output limitations:
MiniSeq has lower data throughput than other models such as MiSeq, so it can be difficult to generate enough data to cover large amounts of repeat sequences or complex STR regions. STR analysis requires large amounts of sequence data and high coverage is often required, the performance of the MiniSeq may not be sufficient.

Substitute case:

For accurate STR reads, the MiSeq or more capable sequencers are better suited. These models have longer read lengths and better error correction capabilities, allowing you to obtain the highly accurate data needed for STR analysis. The MiSeq provides read lengths of up to 600 bps, while the MiniSeq only provides up to 300 bps and can only calculate SNPs. Many laboratories use MiniSeq and are not able to use STR. Only Tokyo Hygienic Laboratory can do this.

In short, the MiniSeq is a suitable instrument for relatively small-scale targeted sequencing and may not be adequate for advanced requirements such as STR analysis.