Improving Long-read Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

During recent years, long-read, single-molecule DNA sequencing has ascended to become a foundational technology in genomic research. With the ability to provide a more comprehensive view of the genome, the technology has been applied to resolve some of the most challenging areas of human genetics. It also has been effective identifying complex structural variants and analyzing among the first telomere-to-telomere assemblies of whole chromosomes.

While long-read sequencing is becoming common in genetic research, it introduces new requirements for sample and DNA library preparation. This scientific brief describes the workflows that ensure long-read sequencing projects will generate accurate results. It explores the major problems that can arise when samples are improperly processed. In addition, the results of two long-read sequencing applications are reviewed that demonstrate best-practice in library preparation.