Processing
Next generation sequencing
Overview
Next generation sequencing (NGS), or high-throughput sequencing, enables sequence profiling of everything from genomes and transcriptomes to DNA-protein interactions. These technologies are an integral part of genetic research and discovery.
Benefits
The ability to generate large amounts of sequence data in a relatively short amount of time enables a wide range of genetic analysis applications and accelerates advances in research, clinical, and applied markets. The major advantage of next generation sequencing methods is the ability to sequence in parallel. Sequencing multiple reads simultaneously dramatically reduces time and cost associated with sequencing, and increases the coverage quality and data output.
Speed
Cost
Quality
How NGS works
NGS starts with genetic material. The sample can be either DNA or RNA that is extracted from cells or tissue. For short-read sequencing, the sample is fragmented into 100–300 base pair lengths called reads. In a process called sample indexing, adapters are added to the DNA, allowing the reads be sequenced and identified. The reads can be enriched, which means specific sequences are targeted for sequencing using hybridization or amplification. The reads are sequenced and pieced back together like a jigsaw puzzle to form the genomic sequence.
Extraction
- Beckman Coulter Life Sciences Genomics Reagents
Sequencing
- Illumina
- Pacific Biosciences
- Oxford Nanopore Technologies
NGS 101 application guide
This detailed overview walks you through major advances in sequencing technology, types of next generation sequencing, their applications and more.