What is whole genome sequencing (WGS) used for?
Posted February 16, 2022
Answer
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a comprehensive method for analyzing entire genomes in a single experiment. The high resolution, base-by-base view of the entire genome allows researchers to determine the complete DNA sequence including the coding and noncoding regions of an organism. WGS has a wide range of applications including but not limited to:
- Identifying inherited disorders in newborns
- Tracking disease outbreaks
- Tailoring disease treatments to an individual’s genetic makeup
- Identifying how genetic variation influences transcription
- Characterizing the mutations that drive cancer progression
- Studying the whole genomes of rare types of cancers
- Detecting variants contributing to disease in a family with segregating alleles
- Performing large-scale, longitudinal studies of complex traits, which are crucial for identifying underlying genetics
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