Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a comprehensive method for analyzing entire genomes. Genomic information has been instrumental in identifying inherited disorders, characterizing the mutations that drive cancer progression, and tracking disease outbreaks. Rapidly dropping sequencing costs and the ability to produce large volumes of data with today’s sequencers make whole-genome sequencing a powerful tool for genomics research.
While this method is commonly associated with sequencing human genomes, the scalable, flexible nature of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology makes it equally useful for sequencing any species, such as agriculturally important livestock, plants, or disease-related microbes.
Unlike focused approaches such as exome sequencing or targeted resequencing, which analyze a limited portion of the genome, whole-genome sequencing delivers a comprehensive view of the entire genome. It is ideal for discovery applications, such as identifying causative variants and novel genome assembly.
Whole-genome sequencing can detect single nucleotide variants, insertions/deletions, copy number changes, and large structural variants. Due to recent technological innovations, the latest genome sequencers can perform whole-genome sequencing more efficiently than ever.
Explore the benefits of each approach to determine which method is best for your research.
Learn MoreSequencing large genomes (> 5 Mb), such as human, plant, or animal genomes, can provide valuable information for disease research and population genetics.
Small genome sequencing (≤ 5 Mb) involves sequencing the entire genome of a bacterium, virus, or other microbe. Without requiring bacterial culture, researchers can sequence thousands of small organisms in parallel using NGS.
De novo sequencing refers to sequencing a novel genome where there is no reference sequence available. NGS enables fast, accurate characterization of any species.
Phased sequencing, or genome phasing, distinguishes between alleles on homologous chromosomes, resulting in whole-genome haplotypes. This information is often important for genetic disease studies.
Previously a challenging application, human whole-genome sequencing has never been simpler. It offers the most detailed view into our genetic code.
The DRAGEN Bio-IT Platform provides accurate, ultra-rapid analysis of NGS data, including WGS data. The platform can process data for an entire human genome at 30× coverage in about 25 minutes.
Learn More About DRAGENIllumina is providing whole-genome sequencing for a UK-wide study led by Genomics England, designed to compare the genomes of severely and mildly ill COVID-19 patients.
Whole-genome shotgun sequencing and transcriptomics provide researchers and pharmaceutical companies with data to refine drug discovery and development.
A New England Journal of Medicine study found that using WGS to assess leukemia samples produced more accurate results, in less time, than karyotyping or fluorescence in situ hybridization.
This user-friendly three-step WGS workflow provides a fully featured, rapid solution for labs and delivers high-quality insights across the entire genome for all variant classes.
Dr. Kristen Brennand discusses how integrating whole-genome sequencing data with transcriptome and epigenetic information in tissues of interest can help identify genes and pathways that have a role in particular diseases.
View WebinarWhole-genome sequencing of tumor samples provides a comprehensive view of the unique mutations in cancer tissue, informing analysis of oncogenes, tumor suppressors, and other risk factors.
This method can be utilized to generate accurate microbial reference genomes, identify novel bacteria and viruses, perform comparative genomic studies, and more.
This method allows researchers to identify the organisms present in a given complex sample, analyze bacterial diversity, and detect microbial abundance in various environments.
NGS-based WGS involves analysis of cell-free DNA fragments across the entire genome, which has proven advantages over other prenatal testing methodologies.
This method can detect multiple variant types in a single assay, and help clinical researchers identify causative genetic variants linked to rare disorders.
Researchers can utilize WGS and other methods to identify genetic variants associated with complex diseases and characterize disease mechanisms.
Understanding host genetic differences and individual immune responses to the SARS-CoV-2 virus increases understanding of disease susceptibility and severity. Read more about methods for studying these differences, from WGS to RNA-Seq, methylation arrays, and more.
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Learn HowThis library is derived from the small, well-characterized bacteriophage genome, PhiX. It is an ideal sequencing control for run quality monitoring.
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WGS offers a promising option for building accurate drug-metabolizing enzyme allele frequency databases for pharmacogenomics.
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