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In 2007, the next-generation sequencing technologies have come into their own with an impressive array of successful applications. Kelly Rae Chi reports.
A new generation of non-Sanger-based sequencing technologies has delivered on its promise of sequencing DNA at unprecedented speed, thereby enabling impressive scientific achievements and novel biological applications. However, before stepping into the limelight, next-generation sequencing had to overcome the inertia of a field that relied on Sanger-sequencing for 30 years.
Next-generation sequencing technologies are beginning to facilitate genome sequencing. But in addition, new applications and new assay concepts have emerged that are vastly increasing our ability to understand genome function.
Top-down mass spectrometry offers the ability to sequence intact proteins—post-translational modifications and all—but is not yet a high-throughput method.
Methods that improve DNA synthesis with reduced error rate and those that facilitate cloning of large DNA segments will be valuable in rebuilding genomes and provide a stepping stone on the way to genome design.
The benefits of laboratory automation do not come without considerable effort and patience in setting up the systems. Nathan Blow talks with two groups at different stages on the road to automation.
Nature Methods' Method of the Year 2007 goes to next-generation sequencing. This series of articles showcase how these novel sequencing methods came into their own in 2007 and the incredible impact they promise to have in a variety of research applications. The Methods to Watch feature provide a glimpse and a wish list for future Methods of the Year.
