Two recently published studies of Providence’s Geno4Me program highlight how our whole genome sequencing research is advancing the promise of genomic medicine for all.
Read on for a summary or view the full papers at the links below.
- Geno4ME Study: implementation of whole genome sequencing for population screening in a large healthcare system - NPJ Genomic Medicine
- Design and validation of a clinical whole genome sequencing-based assay for patient screening in a large healthcare system - Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences
What is Geno4Me?
Providence launched Geno4ME in 2020 as a pilot research program exploring how genomics—the study of all of a person's genes—can help personalize healthcare.
The program enrolled thousands of patient volunteers who underwent whole-genome sequencing (DNA testing). Participants learned what their genes could tell them about their risk for certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases and other inherited medical conditions, and whether certain medications may not be as safe or effective because of their genes.
Now, research into Geno4Me is helping illustrate genomic medicine’s potential.
Whole genome sequencing program shows transformative potential for population health
A study published in the journal Nature NPJ Genomic Medicine highlights how whole genome sequencing can transform health care by enabling earlier disease detection, tailored prevention strategies and more precise treatment decisions.
As a pilot program for whole genome sequencing within a large U.S. community health system (Providence), the Geno4ME study underscores the growing role of genomics in everyday medical care, particularly for communities that have historically lacked access.
Geno4Me returned clinically actionable genetic results to more than 2,000 participants—nearly half from racial or ethnic minority groups. With over 21 percent of participants receiving care recommendations based on their genetic findings, Geno4ME demonstrates how population-scale genomics can advance equitable, personalized healthcare.
Read the Geno4Me study at nature.com
How Whole Genome Sequencing Could Transform Routine Genetic Screening
Population genetic screening is an increasingly important tool for finding genetic conditions that can be treated or managed, even before symptoms appear. Most genetic tests examine only a limited set of genes. However, advancing next-generation sequencing technologies and rapidly decreasing costs could make whole genome sequencing available to more patients and clinics, according to another Geno4Me paper published in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences.
Unlike limited gene tests, whole-genome sequencing captures an individual’s genetic code in one analysis, creating a genomic health record that healthcare providers can revisit over time as new discoveries are made about genes and health.
This leap positions whole genome sequencing as a cornerstone of proactive, personalized medicine in the years ahead.
Read more in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences.
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