Next generation sequencing: chemistry, technology and applications

Abstract

High-throughput next generation sequencing (NGS) has been quickly adapted into many aspects of biomedical research and begun to engage with the clinical practice. The latter aspect will enable the application of genomic knowledge into clinical practice in this and next decades and will profoundly change the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of many human diseases. It will further demand both philosophical and medical curriculum reforms in the training of our future physicians. However, significant huddles need to be overcome before an ultimate application of NGS in genomic medicine can be practical and fruitful.