ENRICHMENT OF TARGETED GENOMIC REGIONS FOR MULTIPLEXED PARALLEL ANALYSIS

The invention provides improved methods for enriching targeted genomic regions of interest to be analyzed by multiplexed parallel sequencing. The methods of the invention utilize a pool of TArget Capture Sequences (TACS), wherein the pool comprises a plurality of TACS families, each member of a family binding to the same target sequence but with different start and/or stop positions on the sequence (i.e., staggered binding of the family members to the target sequence) to thereby enrich for target sequences of interest, followed by massive parallel sequencing and statistical analysis of the enriched population. The methods of the invention can be used for a variety of clinical purposes, including non-invasive prenatal testing for chromosomal abnormalities, for example using a maternal blood sample or a sample of fetal cells, assessment of maternal and paternal carrier status for genetic disorders and detection of tumor biomarkers (e.g., liquid biopsy). Kits for carrying out the methods of the invention are also provided.