What is Next-Generation Sequencing?

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a DNA sequencing technology that has revolutionized genomic research. All human genomes can be sorted in one day using this technology. Before this technology was known, Sanger's sequencing technology was used to decipher the human genome, but it took more than a decade to produce the final design. NGS can capture a broader spectrum of mutations than Sanger sequencing. The spectrum of DNA variation in the human genome consists of base changes (substitution), insertion and deletion of DNA, removal of large genomes (exons) or entire genes and rearrangements such as inversions and translocations. Traditional Sanger sequencing is limited to the discovery of substitution and small insertions and deletions. NGS sequencing provides a much more sensitive reading so that it can be used to identify variants that are only in a few per cent of cells, including mosaic variations. Also, the sensitivity of the NGS sequence can be increased further by increasing the depth of the sequence. NGS in microbiology can replace conventional pathogenic characterization with morphology, the colouration of metabolic traits and criteria as well as pathogenic genomes which provide information about drug sensitivity and inform different pathogenic relationships that can be used to track the source of infection of an outbreak [1]. NGS is a sorting method in parallel with amplified clonal DNA. This method provides quantitative information, each sequence being read shows a sample of clonal DNA or a single DNA molecule. The advantage of this method is the length of time for processing, sorting, and interpreting data can be done faster. The drawbacks, namely the price for expensive ordering, reaches $ 700-1000/sample [2]. NGS is a term used to refer to a combination of sequencing methods and genome profiles to obtain comprehensive data [3].

 References: 

[1] Behjati, S., & Tarpey, P. S. (2013). What is Next-Generation Sequencing?. Archives of Disease in Childhood-Education and Practice, 98 (6), 236-238. DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2013-304340

[2] Irwanto. 2019. A-Z Down's Syndrome. Airlangga University Press. Surabaya

[3] ForMIND. 2017. Indonesian Young Researcher Forum Rampai 2017. ITB. Bandung.