What are the applications of whole exome sequencing?

Whole exome sequencing has a wide range of applications including:

• Clinical Diagnostics: WES is used to identify disease-causing mutations, making it valuable for diagnosing genetic disorders and investigating symptoms with unclear causes.
• Research: It allows researchers to compare the exomes of individuals with the same disorder to discover common mutations.
• Prenatal Testing for Suspected Anomalies: WES can be used for prenatal diagnosis when ultrasound abnormalities are observed or known genetic conditions are present in the family.
• Personalized Medicine: Whole exome sequencing can guide treatment by helping researchers identify mutations in cancer cells, leading to tailored therapies. This is particularly useful in oncology for improving the efficacy and outcomes of treatments.
• Agriculture: WES is also used in agriculture to identify mutations in livestock or crops, aiding in the selection of desirable traits such as disease resistance.