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Integrating Massively Parallel Sequencing into Diagnostic Workflows and Managing the Annotation and Clinical Interpretation Challenge
Author(s) -
Kassahn Karin S.,
Scott Hamish S.,
Caramins Melody C.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
human mutation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 162
eISSN - 1098-1004
pISSN - 1059-7794
DOI - 10.1002/humu.22525
Subject(s) - annotation , workflow , massive parallel sequencing , genomics , scope (computer science) , pipeline (software) , biology , data science , genomic sequencing , computer science , computational biology , prioritization , software , dna sequencing , bioinformatics , genome , genetics , database , management science , dna , gene , economics , programming language
Massively parallel sequencing has become a powerful tool for the clinical management of patients with applications in diagnosis, guidance of treatment, prediction of drug response, and carrier screening. A considerable challenge for the clinical implementation of these technologies is the management of the vast amount of sequence data generated, in particular the annotation and clinical interpretation of genomic variants. Here, we describe annotation steps that can be automated and common strategies employed for variant prioritization. The definition of best practice standards for variant annotation and prioritization is still ongoing; at present, there is limited consensus regarding an optimal clinical sequencing pipeline. We provide considerations to help define these. For the first time, clinical genetics and genomics is not limited by our ability to sequence, but our ability to clinically interpret and use genomic information in health management. We argue that the development of standardized variant annotation and interpretation approaches and software tools implementing these warrants further support. As we gain a better understanding of the significance of genomic variation through research, patients will be able to benefit from the full scope that these technologies offer.