NanoSim: nanopore sequence read simulator based on statistical characterization

Abstract

MotivationIn 2014, Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) announced a new sequencing platform called MinION. The particular features of MinION reads - longer read lengths and single-molecule sequencing in particular - show potential for genome characterization. As of yet, the pre-commercial technology is exclusively available through early-access, and only a few datasets are publically available for testing. Further, no software exists that simulates MinION platform reads with genuine ONT characteristics.\n\nResultsIn this article, we introduce NanoSim, a fast and scalable read simulator that captures the technology-specific features of ONT data, and allows for adjustments upon improvement of nanopore sequencing technology.