Welcome to NGS
The massively parallel sequencing technology known as next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized the biological sciences. With its ultra-high throughput, scalability, and speed, NGS enables researchers to perform a wide variety of applications and study biological systems at a level never before possible.
Today's complex genomic research questions demand a depth of information beyond the capacity of traditional DNA sequencing technologies. Next-generation sequencing has filled that gap and become an everyday research 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 researchers 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 researcher, regardless of bioinformatics experience.
Using NGS to Study Rare Undiagnosed Genetic Disease
Whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing prove beneficial in uncovering mutations and pathways associated with rare disease.
Learn MoreBroad 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.
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 ArticleBlood Pressure and Exercise
When qPCR provided “hit-and-miss” results, researchers switched to NGS and discovered exercise intensity-dependent variants linked to blood pressure.
Read ArticleEvolution 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.
Bring Next-Generation Sequencing to Your Lab
The resources below offer valuable guidance to researchers who are considering purchasing an NGS system.
- View NGS Platform Comparison Tables
- Read the Buyer's Guide to NGS Systems to determine what factors to consider before making your purchase.
Find the Right NGS Platform
Use our interactive platform selection tool to identify the right sequencer for your needs.
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
NGS Experimental Considerations
Learn about read length, coverage, quality scores, and other experimental considerations to help you plan your sequencing run. You can use our interactive tools to help you create an NGS protocol or select the right products and methods for your project.
Publication Reviews
These reviews highlight some of the key ways NGS technology is furthering scientific research, in areas ranging from gene editing to single-cell analysis, cell biology, microbiology, and more.
Recent News and Interviews
In Full Transparency: A Year of CSR at Illumina
Our 2021 CSR Report documents a year of positive impact
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
Calling for Policies to Support the Rare Disease Community in NZ
Health advocates highlight the urgent need to address challenges faced by people living with a rare disease
Read ArticleKey Terms in NGS
Use our next-generation sequencing glossary to clarify key terms and important concepts as you plan your sequencing project.
