Abstract

The recent development of next-generation sequencing has changed the way we carry out the molecular biology and genomic studies. It has allowed us to sequence a DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) sequence at a significantly increased base coverage, as well as at a much faster rate [1]. This facilitates building an excellent platform for a whole genome sequencing, and for a variety of sequencing-based analyses, including gene expressions, mapping DNA-protein interactions, whole-transcriptome sequencing, and RNA (Ribonucleic acid) splicing profiles. For example, the RNA-Seq protocol [2], in which processed mRNA is converted to cDNA and then sequenced, is enabling the identification of previously unknown genes and alternative splice variants. The whole-genome sequencing of tumour cells can uncover previously unidentified cancer-initiating mutations.