Opportunities and challenges of whole-genome and -exome sequencing

Abstract

Recent advances in the development of sequencing technologies provide researchers with unprecedented possibilities for genetic analyses. In this review, we will discuss the history of genetic studies and the progress driven by next-generation sequencing (NGS), using complex inflammatory bowel diseases as an example. We focus on the opportunities, but also challenges that researchers are facing when working with NGS data to unravel the genetic causes underlying diseases.