DNA sequencing – spanning the generations

Nucleic acid sequencing is the mainstay of biological research. There are several generations of DNA sequencing technologies that can be well characterized through their nature and the kind of output they provide. Dideoxy terminator sequencing developed by Sanger dominated for 30 years and was the workhorse used for the Human Genome Project. In 2005 the first 2nd generation sequencer was presented with an output orders of magnitude higher than Sanger sequencing and dramatically decreased cost. We are now at the dawn of 3rd generation with nanopore systems that are being developed for DNA sequencing. Meanwhile the field is also broadening into applications that complement 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation sequencing systems to get high resolution genetic information. The REvolutionary Approaches and Devices for Nucleic Acid analysis (READNA) consortium funded by the European Commission under FP7 has made great contributions to the development of new nucleic acid analysis methodology.