Next Generation Sequencing

Abstract

Since the completion of first human genome sequencing project, there has been an ever increasing demand for revolutionary sequencing technologies capable of generating high quality sequencing data. These pursuits lead to the invention of a series of rapidly evolving next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies capable of generating enormous amounts of data at a cheaper and faster rate. These technologies fundamentally lead to a paradigm shift in sequencing capabilities of researchers, compared to their first generation predecessor, the Sanger method. Here, in this article, we attempt to highlight the applications of NGS technologies that aid toxicologists to address toxicological issues that arise during nonclinical and clinical stages of drug discovery and development. NGS technologies are powerful tools that enable researchers to study genome-wide studies. However, NGS technologies are currently faced with challenges in terms of storage, transfer, and analysis of large sets of data generated from these very technologies. Although a few challenges are yet to be addressed in association with NGS technologies, the advantages provided by these technologies certainly outweigh their disadvantages/challenges.