Genome Analysis Toolkit
The Genome Analysis Toolkit (GATK) is a software package developed by the Broad Institute for analyzing high-throughput sequencing data. It is widely used in genomics to identify variants such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions or deletions (indels) in DNA sequences. GATK provides a set of tools that streamline the process of variant discovery and genotyping, making it easier for researchers to interpret genomic data.
GATK is particularly known for its best practices workflow, which guides users through the steps of data processing, including alignment, recalibration, and variant calling. This toolkit is compatible with various sequencing technologies and is often used in studies related to human genetics, cancer genomics, and population genomics, contributing significantly to the field of bioinformatics.