Next-generation DNA sequencing platforms including 4D4 life sciences (Roche), illumina 1G genome analysis system, applied biosystems SOLiD sequencing, and Helicos GSS sequencing can effectively detect the entire spectrum of genomic variation and provide a powerful tool for systematic exploration of the universe of variants and interactions in the entire genome. Next-generation DNA sequencing will revolutionize research in biotechnology and medicine.

This special issue will mainly focus on application of next-generation DNA sequencing to biomedical research. We invite authors to present original research articles as well as reviews and opinions, on the following, but not limited to, topics:

• Next-generation sequencing methods: comparisons of costs, accuracy, and productivity of next-generation sequencing machines including 454, Solexa, SOLiD, and their selection in the project
• Next-generation sequencing or SNP association mapping? Balancing costs and benefits
• Pattern and causes of sequencing errors, error rates of three major sequencing machines: 454, Solexa, and SOLiD, and impact of sequencing accuracy on genetic variant discovery, population genetics, and association studies of complex diseases
• Methods for sequencing error correction
• SNP and structural variation (e.g., CNV, Indel) discovery by next-generation sequencing
• Gene expression and miRNA expression with next-generation sequencing
• Next-generation sequencing for personal medicine, for example, diagnosis and treatment
• Bioinformatics for next-generation sequencing including alignment, assembly, and base calling
• Methods and algorithms for dealing massive datasets generated by next-generation sequencing: reduction methods for high-dimensional genomic data
• Statistical methods for testing association of full spectrum of genetic variants discovered by next-generation sequencing with complex diseases