Target enrichment for NGS: Why, how and what's next?

In this episode, supported by Roche, we explore a vital aspect of many next-generation sequencing studies: target enrichment. Here, regions of interest are selectively amplified before sequencing takes place. More specifically we examine some of the new technologies improving this key step and their impact on oncology research. My guest for this episode is Brian Godwin, Director of Reagent and Assay Development at Roche sequencing. Brian reveals the myriad of ways that poor target enrichment can impact a study while highlighting its importance at the foundations of many research efforts. Discover the key limitations of some target enrichment techniques and the new technologies that are improving this step, leading to a new suite of applications in oncology research, where damaged or degraded DNA samples are common. Listen today for an overview of the target enrichment process, the most exciting applications of this technique future potential of this step. Contents:Intro: 00:00-01:30Why conduct target enrichment? 00:40-02:45Established technologies for target enrichment: 02:45-04:10Challenges of working with these technologies: 04:20-06:40The impact of these challenges on sequencing results: 06:40-07:35New technologies to address these challenges: 07:35-09:25Primer extension in PCR and target enrichment: 09:25-11:40Exciting applications of primer extension target enrichment: 11:40-13:25Improving target enrichment in oncology and its impact on the field: 13:25-16:15If you could ask for one thing to enable primer extension target enrichment to make the greatest possible impact on the NGS and oncology communities, what would it be? 16:15-18:00