Targeted sequencing: Hybridization capture or amplicon sequencing?

Features and benefits of targeted next generation sequencing

When choosing an appropriate targeted sequencing method, there are several important factors you must consider. Learn about these factors, as well as different types of targeted sequencing and their applications.

What is targeted sequencing?

Next generation sequencing (NGS) is a revolutionary technique that has found wide applicability, including determining and characterizing unknown sequences, assessing changes and variability in known sequences, and quantifying gene expression. High-throughput sequencing enables sequence profiling of DNA and RNA and can run samples in parallel, resulting in massive time savings. The ability to generate large amounts of sequencing data in a relatively short amount of time supports a wide range of genetic analysis applications and accelerates advances in fundamental and applied research.

To even further decrease time and cost associated with sequencing, targeted NGS gives users the opportunity to sequence only specific areas of interest of the genome while omitting regions irrelevant to the user for more in-depth analyses, instead of sequencing the whole genome (WGS). Targeted sequencing can identify known and novel variants within your region of interest. The method generally requires less sample input, produces only relevant data as opposed to WGS that covers the entire genome, and makes downstream analyses more manageable.

Hybridization capture vs amplicon sequencing

There are several types of targeted sequencing, each appropriate for specific applications. The most popular methods are hybridization capture and amplicon sequencing. The technologies behind these methods are all different and come with their own benefits and challenges (Table 1).

Table 1. Comparison of hybridization capture and amplicon sequencing.

Feature Hybridization capture Amplicon sequencing
Number of steps More steps Fewer steps
Number of targets per panel Virtually unlimited by panel size Flexible, usually fewer than 10,000 amplicons
Total time More time Less time
Cost per sample Varies  Generally lower cost per sample

 

Considerations when choosing a targeted sequencing method

The method chosen for performing targeted sequencing can be determined by considering several factors:

  • Number of targets—hybridization capture results in more sequenced targets per panel.
  • Total time and number of steps—amplicon sequencing provides a shorter and more streamlined workflow.
  • On-target rate and uniformity—amplicon sequencing has naturally higher on-target rates than hybridization capture due to the resolution of primer design. That being said, hybridization capture results in greater uniformity.
  • Noise and false positives—hybridization capture results in lower noise levels and fewer false positives

Targeted sequencing applications

Targeted sequencing can be used for a variety of applications. Generally, hybridization capture works well for larger targets and for rare variant identification. It is the method of choice for exome sequencing and is commonly used in oncology research. Amplicon sequencing is recommended to be used for smaller targets, as well as for identification of germline SNPs, indels, and known fusions. These approaches are also suitable verifying CRISPR on- and off-target edits after genome editing. 

Learn more about targeted sequencing

All these points are examined in detail with recommendations and rationale provided in the Targeted sequencing guide. This extensive application guide provides chapters on experiment selection and application, time requirements, and throughput. Target rate and uniformity are also discussed. The guide is written by IDT scientists and is free—simply download it here.

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Targeted Sequencing Handbook

Targeted NGS focuses on specific regions of the genome, and the variety of available approaches means you have some decisions to make. We've got you covered. This free guide should help you choose the optimal method for your application.

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Targeted Sequencing guide

Published Nov 21, 2019
Revised/updated May 1, 2024