DNA sequencing
Definition
DNA sequencing is the process of determining the precise order of nucleotides (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine) within a DNA molecule. This fundamental genomics technique enables researchers to read genetic information, identify variations, mutations, and structural changes in genomes. Modern sequencing technologies range from Sanger sequencing for targeted regions to next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms capable of whole-genome analysis. DNA sequencing underpins personalized medicine, evolutionary biology, disease diagnostics, and functional genomics research. It provides the raw data for understanding gene function, regulatory elements, and genetic associations with phenotypes, making it essential for translating genomic information into biological insights.
Visualize DNA sequencing in Nodes Bio
Researchers can visualize DNA sequencing results as networks connecting genes, variants, and phenotypes. In Nodes Bio, sequencing data can be mapped to gene regulatory networks, showing how identified mutations affect downstream pathways. Users can create networks linking sequenced variants to protein interactions, disease associations, or drug targets, enabling causal inference analysis to identify key drivers of disease phenotypes from large-scale sequencing studies.
Visualization Ideas:
- Variant-to-gene-to-pathway networks showing functional impact of sequenced mutations
- Gene interaction networks colored by mutation frequency from sequencing cohorts
- Multi-omics integration networks combining DNA sequencing with transcriptomics and proteomics data
Example Use Case
A cancer genomics team performs whole-exome sequencing on tumor samples from 200 patients with treatment-resistant melanoma. They identify recurrent mutations in 15 genes including BRAF, NRAS, and TP53. To understand how these mutations drive resistance, researchers need to map the mutated genes to their protein interaction partners, downstream signaling pathways, and known drug targets. By integrating sequencing data with protein-protein interaction databases and clinical outcomes, they identify a novel combination therapy targeting interconnected pathway nodes that could overcome resistance mechanisms.