{"id":1820,"date":"2023-10-23T14:11:41","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T14:11:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.idtdna.com\/page\/targeted-sequencing-handbook"},"modified":"2025-08-22T16:23:03","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T16:23:03","slug":"targeted-sequencing-handbook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.idtdna.com\/page\/support-and-education\/decoded-plus\/targeted-sequencing-handbook\/","title":{"rendered":"Targeted sequencing handbook"},"content":{"rendered":"

The takeaway: <\/strong>Are you getting the most from your targeted sequencing efforts? Our new Targeted sequencing guide<\/a> runs down what you need to know about hybridization capture and amplicon sequencing as you seek to streamline your NGS research.<\/p>\n

Targeted sequencing, also sometimes called target amplicon sequencing, is a sequencing technique used in next generation sequencing that focuses on amplicons and specific genes. Gene targeted sequencing has a wide array of uses but is particularly helpful in population genetics as it can target a broad range of organisms. It is also useful in DNA studies since it permits the application of a specific gene area by polymerase chain reaction, or PCR<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Besides its applications, targeted RNA sequencing<\/a> is gaining popularity because it uses shorter reads—usually 50 to 400 base pairs—which permit faster screening of multiple specimens and less expensive overall operations when compared to whole genome sequencing. Plus, since the method tends to produce less data than whole genome sequencing, both the sequencing and analysis operations are easier to conduct.<\/p>\n

Targeted NGS has two main methods—hybridization capture and amplicon sequencing. Each method has its benefits, and these should be carefully considered by researchers. Looking for more help? IDT’s Targeted sequencing guide<\/a> provides an introduction to hybridization capture and amplicon sequencing and can guide researchers as they seek more information on how to put these tools to use.<\/p>\n

Using the Targeted sequencing guide, let’s look at these two NGS methods in more detail. <\/p>\n

Hybridization capture: Ideal for multigene panels<\/h2>\n

Hybridization capture<\/a> is a targeted NGS method that uses long, biotinylated oligo probes to hybridize target regions. Its top uses are in genotyping, exome sequencing, and investigating rare variants.<\/p>\n

Researchers using this method will first convert DNA samples into sequencing libraries, with regions of interest in the library captures using the long probes. After bait hybridization, a magnet is used to separate the streptavidin-biotin bind. The baits can be arranged in different ways to sequence the region of interest. <\/p>\n

Features of hybridization capture include:<\/p>\n