4 million newly discovered variants in the genetic code are located in regions that may be linked to disease risk (Shutterstock)
Researchers said on Monday that a study conducted to analyze the genetic code of a quarter of a million American volunteers concluded that there are more than 275 million completely new genetic variants, which may help explain why some individuals are more susceptible to disease than others.
Whole genome sequencing data from a broad range of Americans aim to address the historical lack of diversity in current CGS data by focusing on underrepresented groups.
The study, which was funded by the National Institutes of Health in the United States, revealed that there are one billion genetic variants in total.
“Sequencing diverse populations may lead to new drugs that can treat everyone,” said study author Dr. Josh Denny.
"It could also help uncover disparities that lead to specific medications for people with more severe levels of disease or different diseases," he added.
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In a series of research papers published in Nature and other scientific journals, the researchers said that 4 million newly discovered variants in the genetic code are located in areas that may be linked to the risk of disease.
"That's a huge (number)," Denny said.
The study aims to collect DNA and other vital data on one million people in order to better understand genetic influences on health and disease.
About 90% of genomic studies to date have been conducted in people of European descent, leading to limited understanding of disease development and slow development of effective drugs and prevention strategies in diverse populations, the heads of several NIH departments wrote.
"It's clearly a big gap, because most of the world's population is not of European descent," Denny said.
Source: Reuters