From Genome to Exome to RNA Sequencing – an Interview Regarding Our New MLLSEQ Sequencing Service

MLLSEQ is the name of the sequencing service and the affiliate company of MLL Münchner Leukämielabor that was relaunched around five months ago. With the slogan, “We are the next generation – Sequencing Service,” MLLSEQ is offering its extensive next generation sequencing (NGS) knowledge – from library preparation to sequencing only – along with detailed bioinformatic processing and visualization of the data generated. Along with the strategic reorientation on 6/1/2021 there have been a lot of changes: Ever since, MLLSEQ – formerly MLL Dx – has sported a new name and outfit, with the color deep purple dominating its new brand identity, the corporate design, and above all its new logo. The website https://mllseq.com/ has been completely overhauled as well.

So why the change from MLL Dx to MLLSEQ? What has changed since the reorientation of the label? And how exactly are the sequencing processes at MLLSEQ run? So, it’s high time for a talk with Dr. rer. nat. Manja Meggendorfer, head of the areas of “Molecular Genetics” and “Research and Development” at MLL.

Sarah Kurz (S): Manja, together with BLACKSPACE design studio, you have created the new brand and corporate identity plus a new website in an exciting process. What led you to do this?
Manja Meggendorfer (M): There is truly a demand for high-throughput sequencing services. We offer the sequencing capacity and corresponding know-how, coupled with the rapid processing times that we know and practice based on our everyday work with acute diseases. However, since these same qualifications are used in various fields besides leukemia diagnostics, it became clear to us that we had to make a fresh start with our sequencing service itself and become more independent. With the new label, logo, and associated website, we want to call attention to our sequencing service – even outside of routine leukemia diagnostics.

S: And how have things been for you since the strategic reorientation? What has changed since then?
M: With MLLSEQ, we are able to introduce ourselves and present what we offer in a whole new way that would not have been possible for us as a clinical diagnostics laboratory. Our new website and presence in social media alone has reaped a lot of positive feedback on our new label and its reception; its reach is very different, as we are able to support international scientists from a vast range of fields.

S: From genome to exome to RNA sequencing – the new MLLSEQ website provides detailed information on your sequencing offer and the different services. Can anyone interested in a specific sequencing service get in touch with you?
M: Yes, that’s right. We see ourselves as a partner in science, and we are glad to provide support right from the project planning phase by bringing our experience to bear with regard to what is possible from a sequencing perspective, where boldness or caution is advised, and which controls for clean bioinformatic processing are necessary. Naturally, there are plenty of scientists who have an extremely high level of expertise in the field themselves. For them, we are also happy to offer our sequencing-only service, where we sequence even completely prepared libraries precisely according to the desired requirements.

S: For example, let’s say that an international client wants to commission MLLSEQ to perform genome sequencing. What do the next steps look like? It would be great if you could give us a glimpse of what goes on at MLLSEQ on a normal day.
M: Our new website lists various ways of contacting us: either via a contact form or “Request a quote” along with specific information on the sequencing project. We put together a suitable offer based on that. And then the sample can be sent to us. After arriving at the laboratory, each sample is given a barcode for tracking and is entered into the database used to define the analysis being conducted. A single genome analysis takes ten days on average. Along with a list of the quality controls performed, our client receives either a data table or the links for downloading the fastq files. This depends entirely on the request.

S: Can you say which projects MLLSEQ will be working on in the future and how the service and brand will be developing further in the upcoming months and years?
M: Whole exome sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing are increasingly in demand. More and more, we are receiving single-cell RNA sequencing as a finished library for sequencing. Liquid biopsy is yet another promising area that is gaining in importance in solid oncology. We have learned that having important industrial partners at our side is extremely helpful. For example, we are working closely together with Illumina and are Propel-certified, which makes us stand out as a sequencing service provider. Likewise, we are striving with IDT – Integrated DNA Technologies, where we procure our panel samples – to develop quick service for custom panels. And I can think of other technology providers off the top of my head as well with whom we could work together on projects and further development.

S: Thank you very much for your time and the exciting interview.