New System Breaks Technology and Cost Barriers for High-Throughput Large-Genome Sequencing

A new DNA sequencing system utilizes advanced design features to generate massive throughput and enable the world's first USD 1000 human genome sequence.

This achievement has been reached with the new HiSeq X Ten Sequencing System from Illumina (San Diego, CA, USA). The platform includes technology breakthroughs that enable researchers to undertake population and disease studies of unprecedented scale by providing the throughput to sequence tens of thousands of human whole genomes in a single year in a single lab. The HiSeq X Ten is the world’s first platform to deliver high quality, high-coverage human genome sequences for less than USD 1,000—inclusive of typical instrument depreciation, DNA extraction, library preparation, and estimated labor.


Purpose-built for population-scale human whole genome sequencing, the HiSeq X Ten is a platform especially suitable for scientists and institutions focused on the discovery of genotypic variation to enable a deeper understanding of biology and disease. It can deliver a comprehensive catalog of human variation within and outside of coding regions. “The ability to explore the human genome on this scale will bring the study of cancer and complex diseases to a new level. Breaking the ‘sound barrier’ of human genetics not only pushes us through a psychological milestone, it enables projects of unprecedented scale. We are excited to see what lies on the other side,” said Jay Flatley, CEO, Illumina.

Building on the proven performance of Illumina sequencing-by-synthesis (SBS) technology, HiSeq X Ten utilizes a number of advanced design features to generate massive throughput. Patterned flow cells (which contain billions of nanowells at fixed locations) combined with a new clustering chemistry deliver a significant increase in data density (6 billion clusters per run). Using state-of-the art optics and faster chemistry, HiSeq X Ten can process sequencing flow cells more quickly than ever before – generating a 10x increase in daily throughput when compared to current HiSeq 2500 performance. The HiSeq X Ten is sold as a set of 10 or more ultra-high throughput sequencing systems, each generating up to 1.8 terabases (Tb) of sequencing data in less than 3 days or up to 600 gigabases (Gb) per day, per system.

Initial users of the transformative HiSeq X Ten System include Macrogen (Seoul, Republic of Korea) and its CLIA laboratory (Rockville, MD, USA), the Broad Institute (Cambridge, MA, USA), and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Sydney, Australia).

“The sequencing capacity and economies of scale of the HiSeq X Ten facility will also allow Garvan to accelerate the introduction of clinical genomics and next-generation medicine in Australia,” said Prof. John Mattick, Executive Director of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

Eric Lander, founding director of the Broad Institute and professor of biology at MIT, said, “The HiSeq X Ten should give us the ability to analyze complete genomic information from huge sample populations. Over the next few years, we have an opportunity to learn as much about the genetics of human disease as we have learned in the history of medicine.”

“Macrogen will deploy this groundbreaking technology to open a new era of large-scale, whole genome sequencing in our certified CLIA laboratory,” said Dr. Jeong-Sun Seo, Chairman of Macrogen; “Additionally, we will use the HiSeq X Ten to continue our collaboration with the Genomic Medicine Institute of Seoul National University focused on sequencing Asian populations in order to build a genomics database for use in medical research and healthcare applications.”

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