We'll guide you through the basics of NGS, with tutorials and tips for planning your first experiment.
Get startedNext-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 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:
Illumina NGS technology utilizes a fundamentally different approach from the classic Sanger chain-termination method. It leverages sequencing by synthesis (SBS) chemistry – tracking the addition of labeled nucleotides as the DNA chain is copied – in a massively parallel fashion.
Next-generation sequencing technology generates masses of DNA sequencing data, and is both less expensive and less time-consuming than traditional Sanger sequencing.1,2 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.
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 introductionThe next-generation sequencing workflow includes three basic steps: library preparation, sequencing, and data analysis.
Learn how the library preparation process works and explore breakthrough technologies to help you get answers quickly.
Find kits that support a large range of throughput needs and sample types while boosting workflow efficiency.
Explore benchtop and production-scale instruments designed to help you choose the right platform for your needs.
User-friendly, intuitive tools simplify sequencing data analysis, allowing you to focus on research and spend less time configuring workflows.
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 guideUsing 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-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-generation sequencing quantifies discrete, digital sequencing read counts, offering a broader dynamic range.3,4,5
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:
Recent Illumina next-generation sequencing technology breakthroughs include:
The Illumina R&D team showcases the work that went into building XLEAP-SBS chemistry in this on-demand webinar.
Watch webinarSee how researchers in different fields utilize next-generation sequencing to make breakthrough discoveries.
NGS-based whole-genome shotgun sequencing and transcriptomics provide researchers and pharmaceutical companies with data to refine drug discovery and development.
Scientists use single-cell NGS techniques to study cancer microenvironments, elucidate gene expression patterns, and gain insights into drug resistance and metastasis.
This research highlights the broad potential of circulating cell-free RNA sequencing for biomarker discovery and noninvasive health monitoring.
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Combine data from genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, and/or proteomics to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of molecular changes contributing to disease, cellular response, and development. Perform multiomic experiments using NGS to identify biomarkers, connect genotype to phenotype, and more.
Learn more about multiomicsThe resources below offer valuable guidance to scientists who are considering purchasing a next-generation sequencing instrument.
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.
Illumina offers a proven track record of benchtop sequencing solutions that empower scientists to advance and accelerate their research.
Learn moreDr. Michael Kelly from the National Cancer Institute discusses use of single-cell and spatial technologies across both basic science and translational research.
Experts highlight the benefits and challenges of NGS in advancing cancer research, and discuss how an integrated multiomics approach could be used in future cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Arryn Craney discusses NGS implementation options for microbiology clinical research labs and hands-on experience with respiratory pathogen sequencing.
How Illumina’s Erin Imsand and her team helped develop reagents that can be stored at room temperature
Read articleResearchers at Okayama University in Japan use Illumina Connected Analytics with DRAGEN pipelines for analyzing whole-genome, exome, transcriptome, and metagenome data
Read InterviewThe comprehensive method provides improved detection and greater insight on the complex disease that impacts millions of people worldwide
Read articleRNA-Seq uses next-generation sequencing to analyze expression across the transcriptome, enabling scientists to detect known or novel features and quantify RNA.
Access fast, reliable next-generation sequencing services that provide high-quality data and offer extensive scientific expertise.
Work with expert Illumina instructors and get hands-on training. We also offer online courses, webinars, videos, and podcasts.