Computational Methods for Next Generation Sequencing Data Analysis

Introduces readers to core algorithmic techniques for next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis and discusses a wide range of computational techniques and applications 

This book provides an in-depth survey of some of the recent developments in NGS and discusses mathematical and computational challenges in various application areas of NGS technologies. The 18 chapters featured in this book have been authored by bioinformatics experts and represent the latest work in leading labs actively contributing to the fast-growing field of NGS. The book is divided into four parts: 

Part I focuses on computing and experimental infrastructure for NGS analysis, including chapters on cloud computing, modular pipelines for metabolic pathway reconstruction, pooling strategies for massive viral sequencing, and high-fidelity sequencing protocols.

Part II concentrates on analysis of DNA sequencing data, covering the classic scaffolding problem, detection of genomic variants, including insertions and deletions, and analysis of DNA methylation sequencing data. 

Part III is devoted to analysis of RNA-seq data. This part discusses algorithms and compares software tools for transcriptome assembly along with methods for detection of alternative splicing and tools for transcriptome quantification and differential expression analysis. 

Part IV explores computational tools for NGS applications in microbiomics, including a discussion on error correction of NGS reads from viral populations, methods for viral quasispecies reconstruction, and a survey of state-of-the-art methods and future trends in microbiome analysis.

Computational Methods for Next Generation Sequencing Data Analysis:

• Reviews computational techniques such as new combinatorial optimization methods, data structures, high performance computing, machine learning, and inference algorithms
• Discusses the mathematical and computational challenges in NGS technologies
• Covers NGS error correction, de novo genome transcriptome assembly, variant detection from NGS reads, and more

This text is a reference for biomedical professionals interested in expanding their knowledge of computational techniques for NGS data analysis. The book is also useful for graduate and post-graduate students in bioinformatics.

Ion Mandoiu, PhD, is an associate professor in the Computer Science and Engineering Department at the University of Connecticut, USA. His main research interests are in the design and analysis of approximation algorithms for NP-hard optimization problems, particularly in the area of bioinformatics. Dr. Mandoiu has authored over 100 refereed articles in journals and conference proceedings. He has also co-edited (with A. Zelikovsky) a book on Bioinformatics Algorithms: Techniques and Applications (Wiley 2008).

Alexander Zelikovsky, PhD, is a Distinguished University Professor with the Computer Science Department at the Georgia State University, USA. His research focuses on discrete algorithms and their applications in computational biotechnology and biology, bioinformatics, VLSI CAD, and wireless networks. Dr. Zelikovsky has authored more than 170 refereed publications. He served as the co-Chair of International Symposium on Bioinformatics Research and Applications (2005-2016) and the Workshop on Computational Advances in Next-Generation Sequencing (2011-2015).