Recently, companies that analyze DNA have become more popular. Companies like 23andMe, Genos, and Veritas Genetics have created profit from collecting samples of DNA and genotyping them. These companies start by collecting a salivary sample, which contains dead cheek cells, which carry DNA (Genos, 23andMe). These companies then isolate the DNA and analyze it. They then send the DNA results to a third-party organization for interpretation (Genos). The results from the analysis of your DNA allows these companies to analyze your risk for certain diseases as well as one’s ancestry (23andMe, Genos). 23andMe looks at the 185delAG and 5382insC variants in the BRCA1 gene, and the 6174delT variant in the BRCA2 gene to determines one’s risk for breast cancer in both men and women, ovarian cancer in women, and prostate cancer in men.
These companies look at the risks of developing diseases, such as Type 2 Diabetes, and provide the patient with methods to help reduce the risk of developing diseases through nutrition, exercise, medical intervention, and lifestyle (23andMe, Veritas Genetics). Companies such as Veritas Genetics and 23andMe can determine the carrier status of a particular gene. Veritas informs people if they are carriers for autosomal recessive conditions. 23andMe is a company that does not determine if one processes 2 copies of genetic variants. Veritas is one organization that sequences the whole genome of a person, whereas Genos performs an exome analysis and 23andMe genotypes individuals.
While these tests can reveal new information about one’s health and ancestry, they can also reveal information that may cause anxiety or be upsetting to an individual. These companies also have an option where users can opt to be part of scientific research (Genos and 23andMe). Being part of this research, the DNA of these individuals is sent to other organizations where their DNA is analyzed for the purpose of research. These groups that offer DNA testing store the DNA and results in their company while one’s account is active. The information is kept confidential, unless it requested by court order, subpoena, or search warrant (23andMe). Genos requires physician authorization for the process, and the results can be shared with a physician if requested (Genos). Veritas believes that by knowing the genotype of individuals, personalized drug selections and dosage profiling can be applied to each patient (Veritas).
After submitting the form allowing the company to test your DNA, that company has a database of you DNA and its analysis results while the account is active (Genos). I have mixed feelings about this process. While I think it is very interesting and neat to know your genotype and learn more about your genes as it relates to lifestyle and health risks, I also fear that I may find out information that I never knew about myself. I feel that finding out information about myself may cause me to live my life differently. If I found out that I have a gene variant for cancer, I would become more cautious in my activities and would worry that any illness or variation from my normal health may be cancer presenting itself. I feel that this aspect would hinder my life, and I would not be able to live how I normally live. It also worries me that these companies have a database of all their clients’ DNA samples. I understand the necessity of having this database for accounts so that clients can access their information at any time and look at the results (Genos). However, it worries me that if there were a security breach or someone were to access the companies’ servers that they could access my DNA and have that information (23andMe). This could lead to identity theft, and it worries me that someone could access this personal information about myself so easily.
23andMe. (n.d.). DNA Genetic Testing & Analysis. Retrieved from: https://www.23andme.com/?new=true.
Genos. (n.d.). Crowdsourcing Cures on your terms. Retrieved from: https://genos.co/.
Kaur, J et al. (2017). Chapter 15-Trends in Precision Medicine. Progress and Challenges in Precision Medicine. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B97801280941122000155.
Veritas. (n.d.) Whole Genome Sequencing Company. Retrieved from: https://www.veritasgenetics.com/.