What is NGS?
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a massively parallel sequencing technology that offers ultra-high throughput, scalability, and speed. The technology is used to determine the order of nucleotides in entire genomes or targeted regions of DNA or RNA. NGS has revolutionized the biological sciences, allowing labs to perform a wide variety of applications and study biological systems at a level never before possible.
Today's complex genomics questions demand a depth of information beyond the capacity of traditional DNA sequencing technologies. NGS has filled that gap and become an everyday tool to address these questions.
Next-Generation Sequencing for Beginners
We'll guide you through the basics of NGS, with tutorials and tips for planning your first experiment.
Get StartedSee What NGS Can Do For You
NGS technology has fundamentally changed the kinds of questions scientists can ask and answer. Innovative sample preparation and data analysis options enable a broad range of applications. For example, NGS allows labs to:
- Rapidly sequence whole genomes
- Deeply sequence target regions
- Utilize RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to discover novel RNA variants and splice sites, or quantify mRNAs for gene expression analysis
- Analyze epigenetic factors such as genome-wide DNA methylation and DNA-protein interactions
- Sequence cancer samples to study rare somatic variants, tumor subclones, and more
- Study the human microbiome
- Identify novel pathogens
Accessible Whole-Genome Sequencing
Using capillary electrophoresis-based Sanger sequencing, the Human Genome Project took over 10 years and cost nearly $3 billion.
Next-generation sequencing, in contrast, makes large-scale whole-genome sequencing (WGS) accessible and practical for the average researcher. It enables scientists to analyze the entire human genome in a single sequencing experiment, or sequence thousands to tens of thousands of genomes in one year.
NGS Data Analysis Tools
Explore user-friendly tools designed to make data analysis accessible to any scientist, regardless of bioinformatics experience.
Broad Dynamic Range for Expression Profiling
NGS-based RNA-Seq is a powerful method that enables researchers to break through the inefficiency and expense of legacy technologies such as microarrays. Microarray gene expression measurement is limited by noise at the low end and signal saturation at the high end.
In contrast, next-gen sequencing quantifies discrete, digital sequencing read counts, offering a broader dynamic range.1,2,3
Tunable Resolution for Targeted NGS
Targeted sequencing allows you to sequence a subset of genes or specific genomic regions of interest, efficiently and cost-effectively focusing the power of NGS. NGS is highly scalable, allowing you to tune the level of resolution to meet experimental needs. Choose whether to do a shallow scan across multiple samples, or sequence at greater depth with fewer samples to find rare variants in a given region.
Learn more about:
NGS for COVID-19
Next-generation sequencing is uniquely positioned in an infectious disease surveillance and outbreak model. Learn which NGS methods are recommended for detecting and characterizing SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens, tracking transmission, studying co-infection, and investigating viral evolution.
Explore Coronavirus NGS Methods
How Does Illumina NGS Work?
Illumina sequencing utilizes a fundamentally different approach from the classic Sanger chain-termination method. It leverages sequencing by synthesis (SBS) technology – tracking the addition of labeled nucleotides as the DNA chain is copied – in a massively parallel fashion.
Next-generation sequencing generates masses of DNA sequencing data, and is both less expensive and less time-consuming than traditional Sanger sequencing.2 Illumina sequencing systems can deliver data output ranging from 300 kilobases up to multiple terabases in a single run, depending on instrument type and configuration.
Evolution of Illumina NGS
Recent Illumina next-generation sequencing technology breakthroughs include:
- Semiconductor sequencing with CMOS technology: The iSeq 100 System combines a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip with one-channel SBS to deliver high-accuracy data in a compact system.
- 2-channel SBS: This technology enables faster sequencing than the original 4-channel version of SBS technology, with the same high data accuracy.
- Patterned flow cell technology: This option offers an exceptional level of throughput for diverse sequencing applications.
- Up to 6 terabases (Tb): Learn how the NovaSeq 6000 System offers tunable output of up to 6 Tb in ~2 days.
- 75 breakthrough innovations: The NextSeq 1000 and 2000 Systems offer flexibility for emerging applications, our simplest workflow yet, and data analysis in as little as 2 hours.
History of Illumina Sequencing
Find out how Illumina SBS technology originated and evolved over time.
In-Depth NGS Introduction
This detailed overview of Illumina sequencing describes the evolution of genomic science, major advances in sequencing technology, key methods, the basics of Illumina sequencing chemistry, and more.
Read IntroductionWhat Can You Do with Next-Generation Sequencing?
See how scientists utilize NGS to make breakthrough discoveries.
Genetics of COVID-19 Susceptibility
This UK-wide study uses NGS to compare the genomes of severely and mildly ill COVID-19 patients, to help uncover genetic factors associated with susceptibility.
Read ArticleExploring the Tumor Microenvironment
Researchers use single-cell techniques to study cancer microenvironments, to elucidate gene expression patterns and gain insights into drug resistance and metastasis.
Read ArticleUsing NGS to Study Rare Diseases
Whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing prove beneficial in uncovering mutations and pathways associated with rare genetic diseases.
Read ArticleBring NGS to Your Lab
The resources below offer valuable guidance to scientists who are considering purchasing a next-generation sequencing system.
- View NGS platform comparison tables
- Use our interactive platform selection tool
- Read our NGS System Buyer's Guide to determine what factors to consider before making your purchase.
NGS Experimental Considerations
Learn about read length, coverage, quality scores, and other experimental considerations to help you plan your sequencing run.
Use our interactive tools to help you create a custom NGS protocol or select the right products and methods for your project.
Resources for High-Throughput NGS Labs
- High-Throughput Sequencing: Process more samples to improve statistical power. Cost-effectively run data-rich multiomics applications using the latest large-scale sequencers.
- Library Prep Automation: Explore automated liquid handling solutions designed to help labs prepare large quantities of NGS libraries.
- Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS): Automate workflows, integrate instruments, and manage samples.
- NGS Data Storage: Securely store vast quantities of NGS and other genomics data.
Methods Guide
Access the information you need—from BeadChips to library preparation for genome, transcriptome, or epigenome studies to sequencer selection, analysis, and support—all in one place. Select the best tools for your lab with our comprehensive guide designed specifically for research applications.
Access Guide
Genomics News
Veterans Find New Rewards at Illumina
How two US Navy retirees transitioned into the private sector—and discovered meaningful work in the life sciences
Read Article
Using Analytics to Improve Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy Selection
Developing and automating best-practice workflows that make analyzing, processing, and disseminating genomic data accessible to researchers and clinicians.
Read Interview
Opening Doors for Students and the Possibilities of a STEM Career
Future Kings’ biomedical sciences program is cultivating the next generation of STEM leaders
Read ArticleInterested in receiving newsletters, case studies, and information from Illumina based on your area of interest? Sign up now.
References
- Wang Z, Gerstein M, Snyder M. RNA-Seq: a revolutionary tool for transcriptomics. Nat Rev Genet. 2009;10:57–63.
- Wilhelm BT, Landry JR. RNA-Seq—quantitative measurement of expression through massively parallel RNA sequencing. Methods. 2009;48:249–57.
- Zhao S, Fung-Leung WP, Bittner A, and Ngo K, Liu X. Comparison of RNA-Seq and microarray in transcriptome profiling of activated T cells. PLoS One. 2014;16;9(1):e78644.