The whole-exome sequencing (WES) is a less expensive but still effective alternative to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Creative Biolabs offers a fast, one-stop exome sequencing solution from gut microbiota samples through data analysis.

WES

WES covers more than 95% of the exons (the expressed or the protein-coding regions of the genome), which harbor the majority of the large genetic variants and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with human disease phenotypes. Only 1% of bases are represented by coding sequences of the ~3 billion bases that comprise the human genome. WES offers the ability to use sequencing and analysis resources more efficiently by focusing on this most relevant portion of the genome.

Fig.1 Whole-exome-wide analysis of different microbial features. (Hu, 2021)

Applications of WES

• Find the specific variants of the causative gene is known for a particular disease (monogenic)
• Find the causative gene
• Find multiple genes are suspected to be involved in a particular disease (polygenic)

Workflow of WES

Fig.2 Workflow of WES. (Creative Biolabs)

During library preparation, genomic DNA is fragmented and targeted regions are captured by hybridization using biotinylated oligonucleotide probes in solution. The captured target sequences are isolated using streptavidin beads, and after washing and elution steps, are used for subsequent amplification and sequencing.

Our Services

• Sample Requirements and Preparation
• DNA amount ≥ 2 μg, DNA concentration ≥ 20 ng/μl, OD260/280=1.8~2.0.
• Except for gut microbes, cultivated cells, blood, tissues, and FFPE samples are available.
• All samples are validated for DNA purity and quantity.
• Cost-effective library preparation and exome enrichment solution.
• Sequencing
• Standard sequencing coverage ≥ 50X; cancer sample ≥ 100X.
• Bioinformatics Analysis
  Creative Biolabs provides customized bioinformatics analysis including:
• Raw data quality control
• Alignment with the reference genome
• SNP/InDel calling and statistics
• Somatic SNP/InDel calling and statistics
• Annotation

Advantages of WES

• Comprehensive coverage of exons to target medically relevant genomic regions, including known disease-associated sites and untranslated regions (UTRs).
• Increasing variant discovery potential, including rare and low-frequency mutations.

The goal of whole-exome sequencing is to identify genetic variants that alter protein sequences and to do this at a much lower cost than whole-genome sequencing. Creative Biolabs provides full-scale and high-quality whole-exome sequencing service to meet all the needs of our customers. If you are interested in our whole-exome sequencing service, please contact us for further discussion about your microbiome project.

Reference

1. Hu, S.; et al. Whole-exome sequencing analyses reveal gene-microbiota interactions in the context of IBD. Gut. 2021, 70(2): 285-296.

For Research Use Only | Not For Clinical Use