Targeted gene sequencing panels are useful tools for analyzing specific mutations in a given sample. Focused panels contain a select set of genes or gene regions that have known or suspected associations with the disease or phenotype under study. Gene panels can be purchased with preselected content or custom designed to include genomic regions of interest.
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers the scalability, speed, and resolution to evaluate targeted genes of interest. Multiple genes can be assessed across many samples in parallel, saving time and reducing costs associated with running multiple separate assays. Targeted gene sequencing also produces a smaller, more manageable data set compared to broader approaches such as whole-genome sequencing, making analysis easier.
Benchtop sequencing systems enable novice users to perform targeted sequencing across a range of applications.
With custom designs, researchers can target regions of the genome relevant to their specific research interests. Custom targeted sequencing is ideal for examining genes in specific pathways, or for follow-up experiments from genome-wide association studies or whole-genome sequencing.
Illumina supports two methods for custom targeted gene sequencing: target enrichment and amplicon sequencing.
Featured solutions:
Illumina DNA Prep with Enrichment: A rapid, flexible targeted sequencing library prep solution for genomic DNA, tissue, blood, saliva, and FFPE samples.
Illumina Cell-Free DNA Prep with Enrichment: Fast, scalable library prep for highly sensitive mutation detection from cfDNA samples.
Illumina Custom Enrichment Panel v2: Custom targeted enrichment sequencing panels enabling a fully customized enrichment solution.
DesignStudio Software: An easy-to-use online software tool that provides dynamic feedback to optimize probe designs.
AmpliSeq for Illumina Custom Panels: Create custom targeted sequencing panels optimized for content of interest.
Target Enrichment |
Amplicon Sequencing |
Larger gene content, typically > 50 genes | Smaller gene content, typically < 50 genes |
More comprehensive profiling for all variant types | Ideal for analyzing single nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions (indels) |
More comprehensive method, but with longer hands-on time and turnaround time* | More affordable, easier workflow |
* the turnaround time is for library prep assay time (DNA to finished library).
Predesigned panels contain important genes or gene regions associated with a disease or phenotype, selected from publications and expert guidance. By focusing on the genes most likely to be involved, these panels conserve resources and minimize data analysis considerations. Predesigned panels are available for research on various diseases, such as cancer, inherited disorders, cardiac conditions, and autism.
Our fastest, simplest benchtop sequencing system for targeted gene sequencing.
An easy-to-use online software tool that provides dynamic feedback to optimize probe designs.
Targeted custom enrichment panels, providing simple and efficient solutions for multiple targeted sequencing applications.
A fast, flexible targeted sequencing library preparation solution for DNA.
Switching from Sanger to targeted sequencing using NGS helped researchers in Milan unlock data about variants tied to neurological and metabolic disorders
Read InterviewTargeted cancer panels focus on a select set of genes or gene regions that have known associations with cancer. The deep coverage offered by targeted resequencing studies enables high sensitivity for rare variant calling. Learn more about targeted cancer panels.
NGS can help scientists uncover variants linked to rare and undiagnosed disorders and investigate disease mechanisms. Learn more about rare disease genomics.
As a hypothesis-free method, NGS can distinguish between infectious disease strains that differ by as little as one SNP and replace multiple tests. Learn more about using NGS for infectious diseases.
This approach determines the chromosomal status of an embryo by screening all 23 chromosome pairs, providing valuable insights for IVF research. Learn more about PGS.
Illumina Custom Enrichment Panel v2 enables the creation of complete custom or spike-in panels. Enjoy rapid delivery, high on-target enrichment, and a streamlined workflow for efficient and reliable results.
Dr Ravindra Kolhe discusses how a targeted NGS panel enables his lab to study many tumor-associated variants in a single assay.
Dr. Jonathan Pevsner discusses how his lab contributed to developing a gene panel for autism research.
Researchers use arrays and a gene panel to assess chromosomal abnormalities.
Study the expression effects of variants identified with targeted gene sequencing.
Dr. Samuel Myllykangas, discusses how current and future NGS innovations may impact genetic testing. bp read lengths.
Targeted NGS can identify myeloid-related genes with greater sensitivity than Sanger sequencing or cytogenetic methods.
In this interview, Dr. Irina Iordanescu, the coordinator of the Regina Maria Genetic Center Laboratory, explains how NGS enhanced assays such as whole-exome sequencing and targeted sequencing panels for pediatric genetic disease testing and oncology. Read more to discover how she used NGS to speed up and expand sample processing while reducing costs.