Amplicon Sequencing and Analysis

Amplicon Sequencing is a targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) approach that utilizes PCR primers to amplify specific genomic regions (such as 16S rRNA, ITS, 18S, or targeted gene panels) for ultra-deep sequencing. Compared to whole-genome or exome approaches, focusing on specific sequences of interest yields exceptionally high coverage depth, high sensitivity, and a cost-effective workflow.

Key Features & Advantages

1. Ultra-Deep Read Coverage: Focusing on narrow target regions allows read depth to reach 1,000x to 10,000x+, enabling the detection of rare mutations (<1%) and low-abundance microorganisms.
2. Cost and Time Efficiency: Sequenced target enrichment minimizes data size, significantly accelerating turnaround times and lowering operational costs.
3. High Sensitivity in Complex Samples: Delivers clear, unambiguous target profiling even in environmental, clinical, or food samples with complex background host DNA.
4. Flexible Panel Design: Easily customizable for marker-gene surveys (16S/ITS) as well as targeted clinical cancer, carrier screening, or pathogen panels.
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Amplicon Sequencing vs. Shotgun Metagenomics

Key Applications

1. Microbiome & Microbiota Surveys: Profiling bacteria via 16S rRNA and fungal communities via ITS / 18S rRNA in gut, skin, soil, and water samples.
2. Targeted Oncology Panels: Ultra-sensitive detection of hotspot mutations in key oncogenes (e.g., EGFR, KRAS, BRAF) from tissue biopsies or liquid biopsies.
3. Pathogen Identification & Surveillance: Rapid detection and strain typing during viral or bacterial outbreaks.
4. Food Safety & Authenticity Testing: Species authentication, adulteration detection, and microbial contamination tracing across production chains.
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The Nucleus Genetics Advantage: Combining optimized PCR amplification protocols, robust NGS library preparation, and custom bioinformatics pipelines (QIIME2, DADA2), we convert amplicon data into precise taxonomic and variant reports.