Gene library deep sequencing for protein superfamily profiling

Unraveling protein function at scale remains challenging. Gain-of-function (GOF) screens harnessing open reading frame (ORF) libraries enable systematic annotation of proteins that drive cell behavior and drug action. However, non-uniform gene coverage and undesired coding sequence variations compromise ORF library integrity and constrain the obtainable biological insight. In contrast, sequencing methods for characterizing current and next-generation ORF libraries remain limited. Here, we developed the scalable library deep sequencing workflow PPLseq (pooled plasmid library sequencing) for cost-effective, barcode-free ORF sequencing with single-nucleotide resolution. In a prototypical superfamily library of >300 human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), PPLseq validated ORF identities and revealed sequence and coverage variation. Integration of PPLseq into high-throughput gene engineering facilitated assembly of a new GPCR fusion library. Systematic imaging-based phenotyping identified robustly expressed yet understudied receptors. Collectively, these results demonstrate broadly applicable, accessible, and accurate genetic library sequencing in library-to-phenotype profiling toward deeper insights into proteome function.