How is sequencing data analyzed in cancer research?
The analysis of sequencing data involves several steps:
1. Data Quality Control: Ensuring the raw sequencing data meets quality standards. 2. Alignment: Mapping the sequence reads to a reference genome. 3. Variant Calling: Identifying differences between the sequenced sample and the reference genome, such as single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions, deletions, and structural variations. 4. Annotation: Linking identified variants to known genetic databases to determine their potential impact. 5. Functional Analysis: Understanding the biological significance of the variants, including their role in cancer pathways and potential as therapeutic targets.