Whole genome sequencing (WGS) provides a comprehensive picture of your DNA. It's ideal for discovery applications, and has become faster and cheaper than ever before.
What is whole genome sequencing?
WGS is a technique used to determine the complete set of genes in a given species. It includes both protein-coding sequences and regulatory regions such as promoters, enhancers, and terminators. WGS allows researchers to identify mutations associated with disease and how genomes are organized. This information helps us understand the biology of life and learn about our place within it.
How does genome sequencing work?
The basic steps involved in genomic sequencing include the isolation of DNA from cells, amplification of DNA, preparation of sample libraries for the sequencing of next-generation sequencing and analysis of the sequences produced. For example, researchers can use WGS to analyze pathogenic genetic variants among other genetic markers.
Any human biological sample (saliva, hair, blood sample...) containing DNA can be used to obtain a complete genome sequence. Even if the sample is extremely small, it can be used to generate a complete genome sequence.
What are the benefits of whole genome?
Human WGS is starting to usher in a new era of personalized healthcare to improve public health. Genomic DNA is made up of millions of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA) arranged in a double helix. Using genomic DNA sequencing technology, scientists can sequence the entire genome in an individual. This allows them to study how genes interact with one another and what causes disease.
Benefits in health field
Whole-genome sequencing provides a high-resolution and comprehensive view of the human genome. This approach allows you to identify both large and small genetic variations that are difficult to detect with targeted approaches. Additionally, it captures both common and rare variations, including those that may affect disease risk. These advantages make whole-genome sequencing a powerful tool for identifying causal genetic factors underlying complex diseases such as cancer.
Whole genome sequencing provides a complete and high-resolution view of the human genome. This approach allows you to identify large and small genetic variations that are difficult to detect with other approaches. In addition, it captures both common and rare variations, including those that may increase the risk of disease. These advantages make whole genome sequencing is a powerful tool for identifying the causal genetic factors underlying complex diseases. such as cancer.
There are many potential benefits of whole genome sequencing. For example, it is possible to identify a child with a genetic disorder or a genetic condition early in life and allow parents to make decisions about whether to pursue prenatal or preimplantation genetic diagnosis.
If a person has a genetic condition, knowing that information can help doctors better understand how the disease progresses and develop more personalized treatments (health care services).
Complete genome price
WGS has allowed scientists to understand the role of specific genes in disease development. But there are still some challenges associated with WGS such as costs. When we talk about DNA, WGS is the most expensive genomic technology.
There are other techniques that allow us to sequentially analyze small parts of the genome at a lower price point such as whole exome and genotyping. These methods make it easier to obtain an understanding of our genetic code.
To sum up, WGS is a tool for visualizing the human genetic code (the entire genome) at an unprecedented level of detail that captures both large and small variations that might otherwise go unnoticed with targeted methods.
