Thromb Haemost 2015; 114(05): 920-932
DOI: 10.1160/TH15-05-0411
Theme Issue Article
Schattauer GmbH

Introduction to the analysis of next generation sequencing data and its application to venous thromboembolism

Marisa L. R. Cunha
1   Department of Experimental Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
2   Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
,
Joost C. M. Meijers
1   Department of Experimental Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
3   Department of Plasma Proteins, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
,
Saskia Middeldorp
2   Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 15 May 2015

Accepted after major revision: 26 August 2015

Publication Date:
06 December 2017 (online)

Summary

Despite knowledge of various inherited risk factors associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE), no definite cause can be found in about 50% of patients. The application of data-driven searches such as GWAS has not been able to identify genetic variants with implications for clinical care, and unexplained heritability remains. In the past years, the development of several so-called next generation sequencing (NGS) platforms is offering the possibility of generating fast, inexpensive and accurate genomic information. However, so far their application to VTE has been very limited. Here we review basic concepts of NGS data analysis and explore the application of NGS technology to VTE. We provide both computational and biological viewpoints to discuss potentials and challenges of NGS-based studies.