Targeted sequencing to detect exonic variants

Analyze the protein-coding regions of the genome using whole-exome sequencing to uncover genetic influences on disease and population health

Exome Sequencing

Whole-exome sequencing is a widely used next-generation sequencing (NGS) method that involves sequencing the protein-coding regions of the genome. The human exome represents less than 2% of the genome, but contains ~85% of known disease-related variants,1 making this method a cost-effective alternative to whole-genome sequencing.

Exome sequencing using exome enrichment can efficiently identify coding variants across a broad range of applications, including population genetics, genetic disease, and cancer studies.

Whole-Exome Sequencing in 3 Simple Steps

Investigate the protein-coding regions of the genome with this comprehensive workflow solution.

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  • Identifies variants across a wide range of applications
  • Achieves comprehensive coverage of coding regions
  • Provides a cost-effective alternative to whole-genome sequencing (4–5 Gb of sequencing per exome compared to ~90 Gb per whole human genome)
  • Produces a smaller, more manageable data set for faster, easier data analysis compared to whole-genome approaches
Whole-Exome vs. Whole-Genome Sequencing

Explore the benefits of both approaches to understand which method is best for your research.

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Whole-exome solutions

Explore comprehensive workflow solutions for whole-exome sequencing including world-class support from Illumina.​

In addition, learn more about whole-exome sequencing for rare diseases.

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Exome sequencing is a cost-effective approach when whole-genome sequencing is not practical or necessary. Sequencing only the coding regions of the genome enables researchers to focus their resources on the genes most likely to affect phenotype, and offers an accessible combination of turnaround time and price.

Exome sequencing detects variants in coding exons, with the capability to expand targeted content to include untranslated regions (UTRs) and microRNA for a more comprehensive view of gene regulation. DNA libraries can be prepared in as little as 1 day and require only 4–5 Gb of sequencing per exome.

Scientist Looking up at HiSeq

Featured Exome Sequencing Research

DNA helix
Sequencing Thousands of Samples to Gain Insights into Novel Variants

Regeneron Genetics Center researchers perform exome sequencing analysis on patient-consented data sets to identify relevant genetic associations.

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Scientist Using Sequencing Instrument
Using Exome and RNA-Seq to Study Rare Genetic Diseases

Whole-exome and RNA sequencing prove beneficial in uncovering mutations and pathways associated with rare disease.

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Breast Cancer
Tumor Exomes Reveal New Insights into Cancer Biology

Read how researchers perform cancer WES from tumor biopsy samples to better understand the tumor onset and progression, identify biomarkers, and predict response to therapeutic interventions.

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Library Prep and Array Kit Selector

Determine the best kit for your needs based on project type, starting material, and method or application.

Learn more about the Library Prep and Array Kit Selector​

Illumina DRAGEN secondary analysis was developed to address important challenges associated with analyzing NGS data for a range of applications, including exome as well as genome, transcriptome, methylome studies, and more. This software suite rapidly processes NGS data and enables tertiary analysis to drive insights. The available tools make up a highly accurate, comprehensive, and efficient solution that enables labs of all sizes and disciplines to do more with their genomic data.

Learn More About DRAGEN
Efficient Exome and Multiomics Data Analysis for COPD Study

Scientists discuss how DRAGEN pipelines and Illumina Connected Analytics helped them analyze exome sequencing data as well as whole-genome, transcriptome, and metagenome data for a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) research project.

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Empowering access for groundbreaking genomic discoveries

Illumina benchtop sequencing systems are making NGS technology more accessible to laboratories worldwide. Learn how these systems provide the speed, power, and flexibility to make breakthroughs in microbiology, cancer research, and more. The MiSeq i100 Series or NextSeq 1000 and NextSeq 2000 Systems can help make your NGS research goals within reach.

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NextSeq 1000 & 2000 Systems

Groundbreaking benchtop sequencers allow you to explore new discoveries across a variety of current and emerging applications, with higher efficiency and fewer restraints.

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Illumina DNA Prep with Exome 2.0 Plus Enrichment
Illumina DNA Prep with Exome 2.0 Plus Enrichment

A high-performance, fast, and complete whole-exome sequencing kit.

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BaseSpace Sequence Hub
BaseSpace Sequence Hub

Data management and simplified bioinformatics for labs getting started and for rapidly scaling next-generation sequencing (NGS) operations.

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Choosing an NGS Company
Choosing an NGS Company

Seek out a best-in-class next-generation sequencing company with user-friendly bioinformatics tools and industry-leading support and service. See the evidence.

Cancer Exome Analysis
Cancer Exome Sequencing

This method provides useful information about coding mutations associated with tumor progression. By sequencing less than 2% of the genome, it is possible to sequence to higher depth more economically. Learn more about cancer exome sequencing.

Complex Disease Genomics
Complex disease studies

Whole-exome sequencing is a common approach to finding causal variants in cases of complex disorders. Learn more about complex disease research.

RNA Exome Capture Sequencing
Scientist in lab with HiSeq X

Achieve cost-effective, accurate, and sensitive RNA exome analysis of even difficult samples without sacrificing gene fusion discovery power. Learn more about RNA exome capture sequencing.

Rare Disease Variant Analysis
Rare disease researchers pipetting

NGS-based exome analysis can help scientists uncover variants linked to rare and undiagnosed disorders. Learn more about rare disease genomics.

 
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Brain neural network
Genetic Contributions of Cognitive Control

Exome sequencing helps researchers identify variants for an array designed for ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia studies.

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DNA Sequencing Data Analysis
DNA Sequencing Data Analysis

Explore user-friendly tools for intuitive analysis of DNA sequencing data.

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NGS to Study Genetics of Brain Development
Genetics of Neurological Disorders

Researchers use exome sequencing, arrays, and other methods to identify gene variants linked to intellectual disability.

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Germline CNV Analysis App Note
Germline CNV Analysis

Download this Application Note to see a streamlined exome sequencing workflow for germline CNV analysis, from library preparation to insights using Illumina DNA Prep with Exome 2.5 Enrichment.

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Germline CNV Analysis App Note
NGS is more accessible than ever with the NextSeq 2000 System

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.

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Reference
  1. van Dijk EL, Auger H, Jaszczyszyn Y, Thermes C. Ten years of next-generation sequencing technology. Trends Genet. 2014;30:418-426.

*Data calculations on file. Illumina, Inc., 2015