Title:The Promise of Whole-exome Sequencing for Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Author(s): Jiun Kang*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Korea Nazarene University, Cheonan,Korea
Keywords:
Prenatal genetic diagnosis, next-generation sequencing, whole-genome sequencing, whole-exome
sequencing, cytogenetic testing, genomic defects.
Abstract: Prenatal genetic diagnosis provides information for pregnancy and perinatal decision-
making and management. Cytogenetic testing methods, including chromosomal
microarray analysis and gene panels, have evolved to become a part of routine laboratory
testing, providing valuable diagnostic and prognostic information for prenatal diagnoses.
Despite this progress, however, cytogenetic analyses are limited by their resolution and
diagnosis is only possible in around 40% of the dysmorphic fetuses. The advent of nextgeneration
sequencing (NGS), whole-genome sequencing or whole-exome sequencing has
revolutionized prenatal diagnosis and fetal medicine. These technologies have improved
the identification of genetic disorders in fetuses with structural abnormalities and provide
valuable diagnostic and prognostic information for the detection of genomic defects. Here,
the potential future of prenatal genetic diagnosis, including a move toward NGS technologies,
is discussed.