By Dr. Yu Choo Yee and Dr. Mazni Abu Zarin

Research Officer, Institute Of Bioscience

Next-generation Sequencing (NGS) is an umbrella term referring to high-throughput massive parallel sequencing technologies which allows high coverage sequencing of DNA or RNA fragments in a very rapid manner. NGS holds the potential to revolutionize avian research from diagnostics, epidemiological investigations and vaccine development. For instance, the conventional molecular method for the identification of avian pathogens involves PCR amplification of specific fragment(s) of target gene(s) without providing information on the genetic sequence(s). On the other hands, NGS has the advantages of providing information on all the genetic sequences within a pathogen (genome) which does not only allowing more accurate identification but at the same allows more information such as genetic variations, antimicrobial resistance and viral evolutions to be  tracked. Vaccine efficacy can also be analyzed in depth through transcriptomic sequencing by using NGS where the all the gene expression profile can be detected at the same time. The ability to detect minor population of viruses during virus propagation through quasispecies analysis could potentially used for monitoring live viral vaccines. Another approach called metagenomic sequencing also allows the sequencing of samples collected directly from the environments which could be used for disease surveillance of poultry farm. The various approaches in NGS can be used for diverse aspects of avian research. At the Laboratory of Vaccine and Biomolecules, Institute of Bioscience, we are at the forefront of NGS and committed to bridge the gap of NGS applications for avian research to improve flock health for sustainable food safety and security.

Tarikh Input: 28/02/2025 | Kemaskini: 28/02/2025 | azah