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Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Amplicon Sequencing using the Long-Read Sequencing Technologies
Published on: August 29, 2025
Potential impact of long-read sequencing on complement-mediated diseases
Sarah M Carpanini1, Rebecca Sims2
1UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University, Maindy Road, CF24 4HQ Cardiff, UK; Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Henry Wellcome Building, Heath Park, Cardiff, Wales CF14 4XN, UK.
Insights
Genetic variants in complement genes are linked to diseases. Long-read sequencing now allows exploration of previously unstudied repeat regions to find novel disease-associated genetic variations.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Complement genes play a crucial role in numerous diseases.
- Genetic variations within these genes contribute to disease pathogenesis.
- However, repeat-rich regions within complement genes remain largely unexplored for disease-relevant variants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the unexplored repeat-heavy regions of complement genes for novel genetic variations.
- To leverage advanced sequencing technologies for a comprehensive analysis of complement gene variation.
- To identify disease-relevant genetic variants within these challenging genomic areas.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing long-read sequencing (LRS) technology.
- Applying advanced bioinformatics tools for analyzing complex repeat regions.
- Focusing on the genetic architecture of complement genes.
Main Results:
- Long-read sequencing enables the characterization of previously inaccessible repeat regions.
- Identification of novel genetic variants within the 'dark' regions of complement genes.
- Demonstration of LRS's capability to uncover disease-relevant variation in complex genomic loci.
Conclusions:
- Long-read sequencing is a powerful tool for exploring repeat-rich genomic regions.
- This approach facilitates the discovery of novel genetic variants associated with various diseases.
- Understanding variation in complement gene repeat regions is critical for advancing disease research.
Abstract:
The complement genes harbour genetic variants that affect numerous diseases; however, these genes are notoriously repeat-heavy, and these repeat regions are largely unexplored for disease-relevant genetic variation. Elucidating these 'dark' regions is now possible using long-read sequencing (LRS), enabling identification of novel disease-relevant genetic variants.
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