Skinny Genes
Plus Whole Genome Testing options.
New Genetic Lifehacks article:
Skinny Genes: Weight Loss from Aerobic Exercise
Have you ever wondered why you don't seem to lose much weight when you start jogging (for a New Year's resolution)? This new (short) article is about a study a member sent me this week. The study was looking at who is more likely to lose weight through aerobic exercise. Genetic variants related to fat and energy metabolism were the main finding. This is more of a fun article to check your genes for rather than a highly applicable article for most people.
Looking to fill in the blanks?
Whole Genome Sequencing: Pros and Cons
A question that I'm often asked by members is whether whole genome sequencing is worth doing and whether the data can be used on Genetic Lifehacks.
23andMe and AncestryDNA cover less than 1% of your genome, but they do cover many of the well-researched and interesting SNPs. While >1% sounds low, only about 2% of your DNA codes for proteins. The rest of the DNA is made up of regulatory elements, non-coding RNA, human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), etc. A whole genome sequencing covers, well, everything.
One reason to do whole genome sequencing is to find out about rare mutations, which can be helpful if you have a chronic condition. The other reason is that you can fill in all the blanks on Genetic Lifehacks.
The data from a whole genome test will not work with Genetic Lifehacks, but there is a workaround. You can convert the whole genome file (.BAM or .CRAM) with a free software called WGS Extract. The software creates a file that includes all the SNPs from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, etc. It's in the same format as a 23andMe data file, and it will work perfectly on Genetic Lifehacks.
Before you go this route, you need to understand the whole conversion process. Whole genome files are huge - 30GB or more. So downloading that much data requires a good Internet connection, and working with a file that size requires a fairly robust computer. Also, the WGSExtract software is not intuitive to use -- you have to download it from GitHub and read the instructions on how to install and use it. I do have an article on how to do the conversion. If you are a tech person, you'll have no problem doing all this. If you only have a phone, tablet, or older computer, this likely isn't a good option for you...
Please do your due diligence if you decide to order from any of these companies. Check out reviews, read their privacy policy, and know what you're getting. Reddit is a great place to find out whether a company has good customer service or not.
Here's a quick overview of some of the companies offering whole genome sequencing. They all offer a rare mutation report. Keep in mind that they will likely all go on sale for Black Friday. I've seen them drop as low as $199.
Sequencing.com - currently $399 for their basic sequencing product. They now have a membership fee of $19/month in order to purchase and see additional reports.
Nebula Genomics - currently $544 for the test kit and 3-year membership.
Dante Labs - currently $499 for the testing and basic report. There's a subscription fee for getting new reports or updates for your old reports. Be sure to download your BAM file within a few months of getting your data.
MyNucleus - $438 (includes one year of membership). Important to read their privacy policy and note that they may use your genetic data and personal data that is anonymized in a bunch of ways. They also may disclose personal data to business partners, marketers, and other affiliates.
Want to know more? I have an updated article on DNA Testing Companies with more details.
23andMe in the news:
I've seen a number of articles recently, all with similar wording, suggesting that users should delete their data from 23andMe.
Quick background: 23andMe became a public company in 2021 with a bunch of investor money and high evaluation. Its stock price has since tanked, and the CEO announced in April that she wants to take the company back private.
The headlines making the rounds right now say "23andMe is on the brink" and "What happens to all the DNA data of 15 million people?" I'm honestly not sure why there's a spate of negative articles right now, since the CEO announced the plan to take the company private in April and the board resignations happened a month ago after drawn out negotiations on the stock buyback. I also find it odd that the articles all have very similar wording and the same speculative angle.
Even if the company is acquired in a buyout, the terms of service and privacy policy aren't going to change overnight. Plus, they have to notify users of any material changes to the terms of service.
My advice - If 23andMe is acquired by another company, be sure to read through any changes to their privacy policy or terms of service carefully. (This is also my advice before you buy a genetic test, upload your genetic data anywhere, or upload your health information anywhere...)
If you're no longer actively using 23andMe (or any other genetic data company), you can download your data and then delete your account. Just be sure to save a copy of your downloaded data somewhere safe, like on a backup drive, so that if your computer hard drive fails, you won't lose your genetic data.
I also have an article on Keeping Your Genetic Data Private.
What I've been reading:
1) Higher DHA levels correlate to lower prediabetes risk.
A large study in the UK showed that higher plasma levels of DHA are associated with a lower risk of prediabetes.
DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid found abundantly in fish and seafood. Most of us don't get enough of it in our modern diets. DHA is one of the precursors used to synthesize specialized pro-resolving mediators that are an essential part of the active process of resolving inflammation.
Genetic Lifehacks article on DHA, SPMs, and the resolution of inflammation
This meta-analysis used data from 50 studies of non-sugar-sweetened beverages. They found that drinking one 12-ounce artificially sweetened beverage per day was associated with a 6% increase in all-cause mortality, a 9% increase in the relative risk of stroke, a 14% increase in hypertension, and a 16% increase in type 2 diabetes (high vs. low intake). Although none of these relative risk increases are very large, the statistical significance is surprising. Non-sugar sweeteners may not be the safer, healthier option we've been sold.
3) Prevalent and persistent new-onset autoantibodies in mild to severe COVID-19
This study involved 545 Covid patients or healthcare workers in 2020-2021. The researchers looked at new-onset autoantibodies at five different time points over that period. They found that there was an increased prevalence of new-onset autoantibodies and neuropsychiatric symptoms after a covid infection. The researchers isolated 22 autoantibodies that were common amongst multiple participants. Interestingly, they also looked at the formation of autoantibodies after vaccination and found an overlap with autoantibodies from Covid. One interesting part was that a common new-onset autoantibody after Covid was anti-TPO, which disrupts thyroid function. Another notable new autoantibody was anti-TRIM63, which is a protein involved in regulating skeletal muscle mitochondrial activity and involved in cardiomyopathy.
Some background context: Autoantibodies are produced by the immune system and cause the immune system to attack different proteins or cells in the body. Some autoimmune diseases are caused by autoantibodies, such as autoimmune thyroid diseases with anti-TPO antibodies. Autoantibodies are often formed after a respiratory infection or other types of infection (not unique to Covid) and can bind to multiple, similar proteins.
Genetic Lifehacks article on thyroid hormones and TPO
Graphical overviews for the new article (for all the visual learners):
