RNA sequencing steps toward the first line.

DNA is the sequence that codes for proteins. Messenger RNA is transcribed from the DNA sequence of genes and translated into protein. It can be difficult to predict how a change in the DNA sequence will affect messenger RNA and protein quantity and quality. DNA translocation changes can cause the joining of sequences from two different genes or different parts of the same gene. DNA sequencing is often used clinically to predict how DNA changes might affect proteins. Alternatively, RNA sequencing can be used as a more direct measure of the effect of DNA changes on the protein products. This sequencing is important for identifying changes in cancer that may indicate response to targeted therapy, prognosis, or diagnosis.