Whole Genome Sequencing
Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is a comprehensive method for analyzing entire genomes. Genomic information has been instrumental in identifying inherited disorders, characterizing the mutations that drive cancer progression, and tracking disease outbreaks. Rapidly dropping sequencing costs and the ability to produce large volumes of data with today’s sequencers make whole-genome sequencing a powerful tool for genomics research.
How is a Whole Genome Sequencing test done?
Whole Genome Sequencing uses a massively parallel DNA sequencing technology called Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). In contrast to earlier sequencing technologies (e.g. Sanger sequencing), it enables large scale sequencing of many short DNA molecules at the same time. This is much faster than sequencing the full length of the entire genome base-by-base. To determine the order of the short DNA fragments that are output by the sequencing machines, the fragments are computationally mapped to a reference genome and the full-length DNA strands of the newly sequenced genome are reconstructed. When comparing Whole Genome Sequencing with other DNA tests, it is important to note that DNA testing based on sequencing technology is much more advanced.
Advantages of Whole Genome Sequencing
Provides a high-resolution, base-by-base view of the genome
Captures both large and small variants that might be missed with targeted approaches
Identifies potential causative variants for further follow-up studies of gene expression and regulation mechanisms
Delivers large volumes of data in a short amount of time to support assembly of novel genomes
An Uncompromised View of the Genome
SZA Longevity Whole-genome sequencing based tests can detect single nucleotide variants, insertions,deletions, copy number changes, and large structural variants.
Due to recent technological innovations, the latest genome sequencers can perform whole-genome sequencing more efficiently than ever.
As SZA Longevity, we are commited to use latest technology for out tests and analysis.
What can Whole Genome Sequencing based testing reveal about health?
Whole Genome Sequencing identifies all genetic variation in the genome (e.g. single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), indels, and copy number variations) and it is not limited to single-gene sequencing for specific diseases.
For this reason, it is the best DNA test to discover genetic health risks and for diagnosis of genetic conditions. For example, WGS can determine if there is an increased risk of developing diseases like hereditary cancers (e.g. a high risk for breast and ovarian cancer) and genetic predispositions to many other health conditions.
Shotgun Metagenomic Sequencing
Shotgun metagenomic sequencing using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques provides a way for researchers to survey all genes in all organisms present in a given complex sample.
This method goes beyond bacteria, a limitation of 16S rRNA sequencing, and reveals taxonomic (“Who is there?”) and functional (“what are they doing?”) profiles of microbial communities without the need to culture the microbes in a laboratory, enabling the study of un-culturable microorganisms that are otherwise difficult or impossible to analyze.
Using this method, researchers may be able to characterize the entire microbial community and produce draft genomes of individual community members.
Highly Accurate Data
Data accuracy is paramount to uncovering the complexity of the microbial population within a given sample. In certain instances, a single sequencing read is used to identify taxa or specific genes, making data specificity and sensitivity critical when discovering genetic variants in a sample.
SZA Longevity laboratories we use Illumina sequencing by synthesis (SBS) chemistry, which is used to generate more than 90% of the world’s sequencing data.
For high-powered data analysis, we use in-house developed SZA Longevity Metagenomics analysis pipeline and Illumina DRAGEN (Dynamic Read Analysis for GENomics) Bio- IT Platform which provides accurate, ultra-rapid secondary analysis of NGS data.