Intermountain Healthcare is asking adults who have purchased direct-to-consumer DNA tests like AncestryDNA, MyHeritage or 23andMe to upload their genetic results data or genotypes to build a global DNA registry.
Researchers developing the global DNA registry, called the GeneRosity Registry, hope the genetic data could be used in future studies to determine which patients are at risk for developing genetic health problems.
“Our project is creating a resource for future studies,” said Stacey Knight, PhD, MStat, a cardiovascular and genetic epidemiologist at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute. “A person’s DNA is made up of more than three billion individual pairs of genetic codes but finding specific genes that contribute to health problems isn’t easy. That’s why we’re asking people to submit their DNA results, along with as much personal and family medical history as they know.”
Intermountain hopes to reach those who have previously purchased genetic tests to gain data on genes, environment and lifestyle.
“A family medical history can identify people with a higher-than-usual chance of having common disorders such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers and diabetes,” Knight said. “These complex disorders are influenced by a combination of genetic factors, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices. We’ll be able to use the information people submit to validate new genetic and disease findings, discover new genetic mutation and genetic profiles, and drive future studies. If the GeneRosity Registry’s researchers are successful in future research using these data, others will benefit greatly.”
Cara joined TriMed Media in 2016 and is currently a Senior Writer for Clinical Innovation & Technology. Originating from Detroit, Michigan, she holds a Bachelors in Health Communications from Grand Valley State University.