Sequencing-based ssDNA detection

Meiotic DNA double stranded breaks (DSBs) initiate genetic recombination in discrete areas of the genome called recombination hotspots. Although DSBs can be directly mapped using ChIP-Seq and antibody against ssDNA-associated proteins, genome-wide mapping of recombination hotspots in mammals is still a challenge due to the low frequency of recombination, high heterogeneity of the germ cell population and the relatively low efficiency of ChIP. To overcome these limitations we have developed a novel method, single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) sequencing (SSDS), that specifically detects protein-bound single-stranded DNA at DSB ends. SSDS consists of a computational framework for the specific detection of ssDNA-derived reads in a sequencing library and a new library preparation procedure for the enrichment of fragments originating from ssDNA. When applied to mapping meiotic DSBs, the use of SSDS reduces the non-specific dsDNA background more than ten-fold. Our method can be extended to other systems where the identification of ssDNA or DSBs is desired.