Targeted Locus Amplification and Next-Generation Sequencing

Despite developments in targeted and whole-genome sequencing, the robust detection of all genetic variation, including structural variants, in and around genes of interest and in an allele-specific manner remains a challenge. Targeted locus amplification (TLA) is a cross-linking-based technique that generates complex DNA libraries covering >100 kb of contiguous sequence surrounding one primer pair complementary to a short locus-specific sequence. In combination with next-generation sequencing, TLA enables the complete sequencing and haplotyping of targeted regions of interest. Here we outline the basis of TLA, together with a detailed protocol of the technique.