DIYgenomics - the Citizen Genomes Project

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DIYgenomics citizen science experiments

• Direct-to-consumer genomics SNP/locus comparison by condition
• Replicate, extend and develop new studies linking genotype with phenotype/behavior in peer cohorts
  • MTHFR mutation, Vitamin B12 deficiency
  • Are you a bad driver? Examine BDNF genotypes and driving records
  • Scientists find first genes linked to stuttering Examine genotype and phenotype data for stuttering
  • Determine the SNP and genotype profile for Viagra metabolism
  • Athletic performance enhancement: sprinter/endurance genes
  • APOE4 genotyping together with mid-life cholesterol management programs
  • Novelty-seeking genotype together with behavioral data
  • Apply SNP values (example: 18 SNPs on the ADARB1 and ADARB2 genes for RNA editing) from the Boston University centenarian study to corresponding phenotypic markers of aging
  • Apply genotype/pharmacogenomic associations from the PharmGKB database to peer cohorts
  • Tie certain genotyping data to environmental data: toxins, stress, etc.
  • Apply genotyping data to personalized medicine prostate management (e.g., Soar Biodynamics)
• Apply traditonal economic/financial risk models to multigenic disease risk prediction
• Develop a list of core SNPs/loci that should be reviewed for conditions
• Self-genotyping: Even better than having low-cost DNA sequencing data would be being able to self-genotype in DIYbio labs. Example: Katherine Aull genotyped herself for hemochromatosis.

 

DIYgenomics citizen science ethics and standards

• Citizen science analog of an IRB (institutional review board)/ethics committee for human biomedical research
  • Informed consent statement
  • Citizen science ethics representative separate from the coordinating investigators on each study (?)
• Standards development for citizen science
  • Defined tiers of participation (e.g.; question posing forums)
    • Look up your SNPs and add them to the citizen science database
    • Add your genotyping or sequencing file to the citizen science database
    • Indicate degree of interest/willingness to participate in the phenotypic aspect of citizen science studies
    • Contribute questions, research, analysis, background literature review, results write-up, etc.
  • Particpant acknowledgement: Anonymous, Nonanonymous
  • Nomenclature
    • Coordinating Investigator
    • Citizen Science Ethics Officer

 

Personal Genome Analysis Startups

 

Open science resources