Despite the remarkable throughput of next-generation sequencing technologies, standard techniques are limited by the difficulty in distinguishing sequencing errors from genuine low-frequency DNA variants within heterogeneous cellular or molecular populations. This Review discusses sequencing methodologies and bioinformatic strategies that have been devised for the reliable detection of rare mutations and describes various important applications in diverse fields including cancer, ageing and metagenomics.
- Jesse J. Salk
- Michael W. Schmitt
- Lawrence A. Loeb
