"); o.document.close(); setTimeout(function() { window.frames.printArticleFrame.focus(); window.frames.printArticleFrame.print(); document.body.removeChild(a); }, 1000); } jQuery(document).bind("keyup keydown", function(e) { if ((e.ctrlKey || e.metaKey) && (e.key == "p" || e.charCode == 16 || e.charCode == 112 || e.keyCode == 80)) { e.preventDefault(); printArticle(); } });
Mental illness is a growing public health problem. In 2019, an estimated 1 in 8 people around the world were affected by mental disorders like depression, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
While scientists have long known that many of these disorders run in families, their genetic basis isnt entirely clear. One reason why is that the majority of existing genetic data used in research is overwhelmingly from white people.
In 2003, the Human Genome Project generated the first reference genome of human DNA from a combination of samples donated by upstate New Yorkers, all of whom were of European ancestry.
Researchers across many biomedical fields still use this reference genome in their work. But it doesnt provide a complete picture of human genetics. Someone with a different genetic ancestry will have a number of variations in their DNA that arent captured by the reference sequence.
When most of the worlds ancestries are not represented in genomic data sets, studies wont be able to provide a true representation of how diseases manifest across all of humanity.
Despite this, ancestral diversity in genetic analyses hasnt improved in the two decades since the Human Genome Project announced its first results. As of June 2021, over 80 per centof genetic studies have been conducted on people of European descent. Less than two per cent have included people of African descent, even though these individuals have the most genetic variation of all human populations.
To uncover the genetic factors driving mental illness, I, Sinad Chapman and our colleagues at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have partnered with collaborators around the world to launch Stanley Global, an initiative that seeks to collect a more diverse range of genetic samples from beyond the US and Northern Europe and train the next generation of researchers around the world.
Not only does the genetic data lack diversity, but so do the tools and techniques scientists use to sequence and analyse human genomes. So we are implementing a new sequencing technology that addresses the inadequacies of previous approaches that dont account for the genetic diversity of global populations.
To study the genetics of psychiatric conditions, researchers use data from genome-wide association studies that compare the genetic variations between people with and without a particular disease.
However, these data sets are mostly based on people of European ancestry, largely because research infrastructure and funding for large-scale genetics studies, and the scientists conducting these studies, have historically been concentrated in Europe and the United States.
One way to close this gap is to sequence genetic data from diverse populations. My colleagues and I are working in close partnership with geneticists, statisticians and epidemiologists in 14 countries across four continents to study the DNA of tens of thousands of people of African, Asian and Latino ancestries who are affected by mental illness.
We work together to recruit participants and collect DNA samples that are sequenced at the Broad Institute in Massachusetts and shared with all partners for analysis.
Prioritising the voices and priorities of local communities and scientists is foundational to our work. All partners have joint ownership of the project, including decision-making and sample and data ownership and control.
To do this, we build relationships and trust with the local communities we are studying and the local university leaders and scientists with whom we are partnering. We work to understand local cultures and practices, and adapt our collection methods to ensure study participants are comfortable.
For example, because there are different cultural sensitivities around providing saliva and blood samples, we have adapted our practices by location to ensure study participants are comfortable.
We also freely share knowledge and materials with our partners. There is a two-way exchange of information between the Broad Institute and local teams on study progress and results, enabling continual learning, teaching and unity between teams.
We strive to meet each other where we are by exchanging practices and training scientists to support the development of locally grown and locally led research programmes.
Our collaboration with African research groups provides a prime example of our model. For example, our African research colleagues are co-leaders on the grants that fund the lab equipment, scientists and other staff for projects based at their study sites. And we help to support the next generation of African geneticists and bioinformaticians through a dedicated training programme.
Analysing variation
Collecting samples from more diverse populations is only half of the challenge.
Existing genomic sequencing and analysis technologies do not adequately capture genetic variation across populations from around the world. Thats because these technologies were designed to detect genetic variations based on reference DNA from people of European ancestry, and they reduce accuracy when analysing sequences that arent derived from the reference genome.
When these tools are applied to genetic data from other populations, they fail to detect much of the rich variation in their genomes. This can lead researchers to miss out on important biomedical discoveries.
To address this issue, we developed an approach to genome sequencing that can detect more genetic variation from populations around the world. It works by sequencing the exome the less thantwo per cent of the genome that codes for proteins in high detail, as well as sequencing the 98 per cent of the genome that does not code for proteins in less detail.
This combined approach reduces the trade-offs geneticists often have to make in sequencing projects. High-depth whole genome sequencing, which reads through the entire genome multiple times to get detailed data, is too costly to do on a large number of DNA samples.
While low-coverage sequencing reduces costs by reading smaller segments of the genome, it may miss some important genetic variation. With our new technology, geneticists can get the best of both worlds: sequencing the exome in depth maximises the likelihood of pinpointing specific genes that play a role in mental illness, while sequencing the whole genome less in depth allows researchers to process large numbers of whole genomes more cost-effectively.
Personalising medicine
Our hope is that this new technology will allow researchers to sequence large sample sizes from a diverse range of ancestries to capture the full breadth of genetic variation. With a better understanding of the genetics of mental illness, clinicians and researchers will be better equipped to develop new treatments that work for everyone.
Genomic sequencing opened a new era of personalised medicine, which promises to deliver treatments tailored to each individual person. This can be done only if the genetic variations of all ancestries are represented in the data sets that researchers use to make new discoveries about disease and develop treatments.
Hailiang Huang, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
See the original post here:
Uncovering the genetic basis of mental illness requires data and tools that aren't just based on white people - Down To Earth Magazine
- Could Genetics Influence Cancer Risk From Red and Processed Meats? - Technology Networks - March 19th, 2024
- Genetics of environmental sensitivity and its association with variations in emotional problems, autistic traits, and ... - Nature.com - March 19th, 2024
- The Global Parkinson's Genetics Program and Psomagen Inc. Make Agreement with Goal to Transform Parkinson's ... - PR Newswire - March 19th, 2024
- SOPHiA GENETICS and The French Kidney Cancer Research Network (UroCCR) Publish Results from Multiyear ... - Yahoo Finance - March 19th, 2024
- Mindfulness in your DNA? Capacity to be present is partly a function of genetics, study finds - PsyPost - March 19th, 2024
- Are your cattle genetics protected from the lab-grown meat industry? - Agweek - January 23rd, 2024
- AI Harnesses Tumor Genetics to Predict Treatment Response - University of California San Diego - January 23rd, 2024
- The Role of Genetics in Cancer Care Continues to Expand - OncLive - January 23rd, 2024
- Jeremy Allen White's Plush Pout Is Thanks to Genetics and This $20 Lip Salve - InStyle - January 23rd, 2024
- Seed Experimentation and Genetics Videos Mother Earth News - Mother Earth News - January 23rd, 2024
- Kansas professor highlights role of genetics in the sustainable cow herd - Canadian Cattlemen - January 23rd, 2024
- Raha Kapoor's blue eyes remind fans of her great-grandfather, Raj Kapoor; here's what genetics says - IndiaTimes - December 29th, 2023
- Cell perturbation and lasers illuminate the genetics of latent blood cell traits - Nature.com - December 29th, 2023
- BASIC GENETICS INFORMATION - Understanding Genetics - NCBI Bookshelf - December 20th, 2023
- What is Genetics? | AMNH - American Museum of Natural History - December 20th, 2023
- Genetics of host plants determine what microorganisms they attract, finds study - Phys.org - December 20th, 2023
- Perception of genomic newborn screening among peripartum mothers | European Journal of Human Genetics - Nature.com - December 20th, 2023
- Growing Cotton in Space: How breakthroughs in plant genetics could lead to more resilient crops on Earth - RFD-TV - December 20th, 2023
- Study sheds light on the ancestry and genetics of Coast Salish woolly dogs | News | Vancouver Island University ... - Vancouver Island University News - December 20th, 2023
- Early bird, night owl behavior influenced by genetics, lead to varying levels of productivity - The Campanile - December 20th, 2023
- Psoriasis: Whats the Genetic Link? - Healthline - December 27th, 2022
- Healthline: Medical information and health advice you can trust. - December 27th, 2022
- Deep Dive Ties Together Dog Genetics, Brain Physiology and Behavior to Explain Why Collies Are Different from Terriers - Scientific American - December 10th, 2022
- Genetics - breast cancer - October 29th, 2022
- JK Agri Genetics reports standalone net loss of Rs 15.77 crore in the September 2022 quarter - Business Standard - October 21st, 2022
- Age Vs. Genetics: Which Is More Important For How You Age? - Patch - October 13th, 2022
- Global Animal Genetics Market is estimated to garner a revenue of ~USD 10067 Million by the end of 2033; Growing Prevalence of Animal Infectious... - October 13th, 2022
- Influence of the microbiome, diet and genetics on inter-individual variation in the human plasma metabolome - Nature.com - October 13th, 2022
- ASHG 2022 in Los Angeles brings together researchers from around the world to advance discoveries in genetics, genomics research - EurekAlert - October 13th, 2022
- Those who invested in Fulgent Genetics (NASDAQ:FLGT) five years ago are up 833% - Yahoo Finance - October 13th, 2022
- Global Biobank Meta-analysis Initiative making genome-wide association studies more diverse and representative - EurekAlert - October 13th, 2022
- Optimal for His Genetics Legendary Bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman Once Got His Genes Tested and Received Interesting Results - EssentiallySports - October 13th, 2022
- Breast Cancer Awareness | Surgeons see increase of genetic instances of disease - Meadville Tribune - October 13th, 2022
- About Bad Chest Genetics, and Whether You Can Fix Them - Healthline - October 4th, 2022
- Tissue-specific impacts of aging and genetics on gene expression patterns in humans - Nature.com - October 4th, 2022
- Genetics of human evolution wins 2022 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine - Science News Magazine - October 4th, 2022
- Stroke genetics informs drug discovery and risk prediction across ancestries - Nature.com - October 4th, 2022
- Illumina aims to push genetics beyond the lab with $200 genome - The Spokesman Review - October 4th, 2022
- $2.6M DOE Grant Supports UMD-led Study on Genetics of Plant Growth - Maryland Today - October 4th, 2022
- Are Kinks Hereditary? What Science Says About the Genetics of Desire - Glamour - October 4th, 2022
- Study on rare genetic diseases among diverse demographics in India - The Hindu - October 4th, 2022
- Howard University's Office of Research Awarded $11.5 Million From Chan Zuckerberg Initiative To Advance Genomics And Genetics Research - The Dig - October 4th, 2022
- CENTOGENE Reaches 12,500 Patient Milestone in Worlds Largest Observational Study on Parkinsons Disease Genetics - Yahoo Finance - October 4th, 2022
- The real power ofimproved genetics - Farming Life - October 4th, 2022
- CIA Just Invested In Woolly Mammoth Resurrection Tech - The Intercept - October 4th, 2022
- Fighting the Monkeypox Virus: Genetics as a Predictor of Vaccinia Vaccine Effectiveness - Medical News Bulletin - October 4th, 2022
- Improved pea reference genome and pan-genome highlight genomic features and evolutionary characteristics - Nature.com - September 25th, 2022
- SOPHiA GENETICS Unveils Strategy to Drive Health Care Innovations at Inaugural Investor Day Event - GlobeNewswire - September 25th, 2022
- TU Researchers connect genetic ancestry with prostate tumors - Tuskegee University - September 25th, 2022
- Large-scale and small-scale population genetic structure of the medically important gastropod species Bulinus truncatus (Gastropoda, Heterobranchia) -... - September 25th, 2022
- Purrsonalised health: The startups and VCs betting on pet genetics - Sifted - September 16th, 2022
- Solving medical mysteries with genetics: The Penn Neurogenetics Therapy Center | Penn Today - Penn Today - September 16th, 2022
- CHOPs new bird-proofed skyscraper will focus on vaccine and genetics research - The Philadelphia Inquirer - September 16th, 2022
- Leading Clinical Experts Across the U.S. Unite to Support Universal Genetic Testing for all Patients with Cancer - PR Newswire - September 16th, 2022
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing Market: Growing Demand for Genetically Testing and Rising Knowledge of Genetics to Drive the Market - BioSpace - September 16th, 2022
- People with ME invited to take part in major genetic study - The Independent - September 16th, 2022
- Can genetics breathe new life into giant river prawn production? - The Fish Site - September 16th, 2022
- Hybrid genetics is the future of UK beef, legendary US rancher says - FarmingUK - September 16th, 2022
- How geneticists can gain greater buy-in from the autistic community - Spectrum - September 16th, 2022
- Ancient Viking poop helped scientists map the genetics of a 5000-year-old parasite - Interesting Engineering - September 8th, 2022
- Project Uses OpenCDS, Chatbots to Broaden Genetic Testing's Reach - Healthcare Innovation - September 8th, 2022
- The power of genetics to unleash the potential of indoor farming - Vertical Farm Daily - September 8th, 2022
- Social Determinants and Genetics Work in Tandem to Drive Disparities in Breast Cancer Care - OncLive - September 8th, 2022
- Ticking away in the back of my mind: what does it mean to know the risk embedded in your DNA? - The Guardian - September 8th, 2022
- How are genetic technologies being applied to combat infectious diseases in aquaculture? - The Fish Site - September 8th, 2022
- CCMB zeroes in on major genetic causes of male infertility - The Hans India - September 8th, 2022
- In Brief This Week: Illumina, Interpace, Genetic Signatures, Guardant Health, More - GenomeWeb - September 8th, 2022
- Atossa Genetics (ATOS) Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. to Attend the 24th Annual H.C. Wainwright Global Inves - Benzinga - September 8th, 2022
- Genetics - National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) - August 30th, 2022
- The genetics behind why some people get sicker with COVID-19 than others - ABC News - August 30th, 2022
- Ambry Genetics Publishes 43,000 Patient Study Showing Combined RNA and DNA Analysis Identifies Patients Who Are High-Risk for Cancer but Would Have... - August 30th, 2022
- Is COVID-19 Loss of Smell Genetic? What Research Shows - Healthline - August 30th, 2022
- Principal Component Analyses (PCA)-based findings in population genetic studies are highly biased and must be reevaluated | Scientific Reports -... - August 30th, 2022
- You're in control: Exercise outweighs genetics when it comes to longer life - Study Finds - August 30th, 2022
- An international team sets out to cure genetic heart diseases with one shot - Freethink - August 30th, 2022
- Olufunmilayo I. Olopade, MD: Cutting Into Breast Cancer Disparities With Genetic Testing - Everyday Health - August 30th, 2022
- Yale Study Suggests That Evolution Can Be Predicted - SciTechDaily - August 30th, 2022
- Could Genetics Be the Key to Never Getting the Coronavirus? - The Atlantic - July 27th, 2022
- Noonan appointed Kent Professor of Genetics and Professor of Neuroscience - Yale News - July 27th, 2022
- Happy 200th birthday, Gregor Mendel: 5 ways the father of modern genetics impacted your life today - Clemson News - July 27th, 2022