Next generation sequencing (NGS) has quickly become the standard for research and genomic analysis. The number of sequencers that can handle NGS data and the sheer volume of information that can be processed have made this new advancement more accessible than ever. In addition to increasing accessibility, next generation sequencing offers several other key benefits for researchers. These include: faster sample analysis, increased precision in identifying variants, and access to higher-quality sequence data. This blog post covers everything you need to know about next generation sequencing services, including what they are, how they work, and why you should use them in your research.

What is Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)?

Next generation sequencing, also referred to as next generation sequencing is the process of determining an individual’s genotype by sequencing their DNA. A genotype is a collection of genetic information a person has, which includes the information that makes up their genome such as gene sequences, inherited variants and chromosomal makeup. NGS can be used for a variety of purposes and applications, including but not limited to: mapping genes or chromosomes, and identifying variations in genes or individual nucleotides or transcript variants. Next generation sequencing can also be used in clinical settings to identify genetic markers linked with disease risk.

The Benefits of NGS for Research

The benefits of next generation sequencing are not limited to the various improvements that can be made for your research project. NGS has also become a popular choice for large-scale projects and projects that require a lot of samples, because it can produce a high-quality dataset with great precision in a fraction of the time. With large datasets, it is easier to find the genes and variants that are associated with certain diseases or traits. This, in turn, leads to more accurate results and better treatment options. For example, scientists at Emory University used next generation sequencing methods to identify genetic variants associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their study revealed certain genetic variants that were previously unknown and other mutations that have been found to be related to ASD. The result was an increased understanding of the genetic causes of ASD and a greater ability to develop treatments for those with ASD.

Types of NGS Technologies

Next generation sequencing can be broken down into three main types: DNA-sequencing, RNA-sequencing, and proteomics. DNA sequencing is the most common type of NGS service. It analyses DNA sequences to identify mutations and other genetic variants in a population of samples. RNA sequencing is an alternative that looks at RNA molecules in a sample to obtain information about gene expression. Proteomics is applied to protein synthesis and analysis as well as sequence identification. This type of NGS service helps identify proteins, their functions, and how they are regulated by the body.

Key Factors to Consider when Choosing an NGS Service Provider

The first and most important factor to consider when choosing an NGS service provider is the cost. The type of data generated by a sequencer will determine what the cost will be. For example, next generation sequencing can generate data that are used in bioinformatics, which is a multi-faceted process involving gene expression, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and more. This means that there are many different types of DNA sequences that may be used in different applications. If you’re not sure which type of sequencing you need, it’s best to just ask the company what they’re capable of generating so you can decide if it’s worth the time and money to work with them or not. Another key factor to consider when choosing an NGS service provider is experience. You should seek out companies with experience in offering these services because they have a better chance of understanding your needs and catering to them than a newbie. In addition to experience, you should also look for companies who make use of advanced technologies in their research that are currently available today. Finally, make sure you pick a company whose prices reflect their expertise and quality work. Some companies offer multiple services at discounted rates but those discounts don’t always reflect the true value from their work or even accurately convey how much they charge for each service individually.

Questions to Ask Potential Providers

Before you choose a next generation sequencing service, it is important to ask the provider some questions about their services. These questions will help you understand the specifics of what the provider is offering and if they can meet your needs in relation to your research. Questions to consider asking include:

* What size or volume of data do they offer?

* How are their analysis methods?

* What are their capabilities for de novo assembly?

* How do they manage computational resources?

* Do they provide access to software tools?

* Are they able to offer sequencing data in a different format than FASTQ files?

Comparing Prices and Turnaround Times

One of the most important factors in choosing a next generation sequencing service is cost. A major advantage of NGS services is that they have the ability to provide information quickly and at a low cost. With next generation sequencing, you can input your project, choose your analysis, and have your results within hours. This fast turnaround time allows researchers to test multiple hypotheses with one experiment or analyze more samples in less time. When looking for a next generation sequencing service, it’s best to compare prices among compatible vendors before making any decisions. You can also use other non-price considerations when assessing a vendor’s turn around time. Researchers who want reliable results without breaking the bank should consider factors such as turnaround times for sample prep and delivery. Next generation sequencing services are constantly updating their equipment and software so you can rest assured that your data is getting the best treatment possible. You should also look for services that offer open access to their data so you can use them again in the future if necessary.

NGS Library Preparation: What is Library Preparation?

Next generation sequencing (NGS) library preparation is the process of processing DNA samples and preparing them for analysis. To prepare a sample, you must clean it and extract the genomic DNA, which is the main ingredient in next generation sequencing. Once your DNA has been collected, it can be fragmented into fragments that are small enough to be sequenced by an NGS machine with minimal error. The lab will then amplify this fragmented DNA before performing a sequence, which is how they read the DNA. After sequencing, the resulting sequences will require filtering to remove noise and unwanted sequences prior to analysis.

Different Types of Libraries

Different types of libraries can be used to sequence data. These include DNA libraries, RNA libraries, and protein libraries. Each type of library has a different purpose and is used for different types of samples. For example, DNA libraries are useful for sequencing small amounts of blood or tissue from an individual or livestock. RNA libraries are helpful if you’re sequencing RNA from whole cells or tissue. Protein libraries are usually used when you’re sequencing parts of a cell like a protein subunit or a transcriptome. However, these might not be the best option in some cases since they only allow certain sizes of sequencing reads that come out of the sequencer.

Factors Affecting Library Quality

The quality of a sequencing library is influenced by several factors, including the type of samples used, the length and complexity of the sequence of interest, and the amount of time spent on library preparation. Oftentimes, these factors are interrelated. For example, it’s more difficult to achieve high-quality results with short fragments because they are less complex. Conversely, longer fragments can be sequenced with higher-quality libraries due to their highly repetitive sequences. You might want to target shorter fragments for certain projects due to the ease in handling them or you might want to choose longer fragments for other projects that require greater precision.

NGS Data Analysis

NGS data is a high-quality sequence or assembly of DNA or RNA that comes from the sample being studied. The analysis of NGS data includes several processes. First, the sequencing reads need to be aligned and then assembled into a contiguous sequence. Next, the sequences are filtered for quality and short sequences are removed. Finally, variants identified by NGS data are curated for accuracy and significance before results are prepared for publication. The entire process starts with the sample being analyzed and is completed by assembling the sequences into an ordered list of complementary base pairs (called a reference genome). This order can be useful in many ways, like finding specific genes or identifying where in a gene there might be mutations in an individual’s genome. Another valuable output of NGS data is called a short read alignment map, which provides information about how often a particular base was found at each position on the genome. These maps can help you identify mutations across your study population to learn more about how certain genetic variations may contribute to disease risk.

Options for Data Analysis Services

Next generation sequencing produces a variety of data. You can use the raw sequence data to validate your results, as well as compare it with reference information. This type of analysis is known as de novo assembly. De novo assembly provides a quick and easy way to identify errors in your sample, which is critical for proper interpretation of your findings. Another option is to use transcriptome sequencing or RNA-Seq. Transcriptome sequencing provides insight into how transcripts are regulated in your samples, while RNA-Seq allows you to explore the effect of variations on gene expression levels. Finally, you have exon capture and targeted capture options available for investigating protein expression profiles. Exon capture can provide insight into protein-coding variants found through NGS data, while targeted capture allows you to analyse individual genes within a population by targeting specific regions of interest in the genome for analysis.

Tips for Working with an Analysis Provider

Working with an analysis provider is one of the most important steps in getting your NGS data analysed. This post provides a comprehensive list of tips for working with your analysis provider to maximize the benefits of this powerful technology. For example, you should provide your analysis provider with specific information about your project and set up a timeline for deliverables so that both parties are on the same page. Additionally, you should ask about their experience processing NGS data in order to find out what type of expertise they bring to the table. Finally, you should do research on how other institutions have used their services before committing to them. It’s important that you work closely with your analysis provider from start-to-finish to ensure that both parties are on the same page and sustain long-term partnerships. You can also take advantage and make use of these tips for working with your analysis provider.