Editor&#8217;s note: This post has been edited slightly since it first appeared in 2020.



A <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-020-00956-y">new study</a> that uncovered dozens of genetic associations for why some people are left-handed or ambidextrous offers potential new insight into the human brain&#8217;s structure and function. 



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="724" height="483" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1251025203.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30112" style="width:362px;height:242px" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1251025203.jpg 724w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GettyImages-1251025203-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px" /></figure>



In the largest study of its kind, researchers in Australia uncovered almost 50 genetic variants associated with being left-handed or ambidextrous. 



Using data from 1.7 million individuals, including more than 1.1 million 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research, scientists at the University of Queensland&#8217;s <a href="https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/">QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute</a>, found that many different genetic variants — each with a small effect — influence a person&#8217;s &#8220;handedness.&#8221;&nbsp; But the study also showed that while genetics plays an important role, environmental influences have a more significant impact on which hand a person favors. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-right-and-left-brain">Right and Left Brain</h2>



 Studying what researchers call &#8220;handedness&#8221; is significant because it offers insight into the brain&#8217;s lateralization. Lateralization refers to the tendency for different cognitive and neural functions — language, for instance — to be located on one side of the brain and not the other. In this study, the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/genetic-science/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">genetic associations</a> with left-handedness may also point to influences on the development of brain tissue that is important for generating new neurons and other functions that regulate brain development. 



&#8220;Although there is an enduring fascination with why some people are left or right-handed or both, understanding why some people are left-handed and others right-handed is also an important research question because handedness can influence brain structure and the way different functions are located within the brain,&#8221; said <a href="https://www.qimrberghofer.edu.au/people/sarah-medland/">Professor Sarah Medland</a>, co-senior author of the paper and head of QIMR Berghofer&#8217;s Psychiatric Genetics Group. 



The researchers also found genetic correlations with being left-handed and schizophrenia and having bipolar disorder. This raises questions about whether this is related to the influence on brain structure and function found in this research. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-large-study-size">Large Study Size</h2>



 For this study, the researchers combined data from many different research cohorts.&nbsp; The study included data not only from 23andMe customers, but also data from the UK Biobank, and 32 other researcher institutions from around the globe. 



All together it included data from about 1.5 million people who are right-handers, about 194,000 who are left-handers, and 37,000 who are ambidextrous. The study identified 41 genetic variants associated with being left-handed and seven associated with being ambidextrous. There is very little genetic correlation between being left-handed and being ambidextrous, according to the researchers. 



The study appears in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-020-00956-y" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Nature Human Behaviour</a>.

23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

The Genetics of Being Left-Handed or Right-Handed

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Harvard, the Broad Institute, the National Cancer Institute, and 23andMe have developed a method that significantly improves the performance of polygenic risk score models for people of non-European ancestry.



This new method holds promises that future clinical use of new polygenic models will be less likely to exacerbate health inequities.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="155" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Polygenic-Risk-score-1024x155.png" alt="An illustration of polygenic risk score models
" class="wp-image-29420" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Polygenic-Risk-score-1024x155.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Polygenic-Risk-score-300x45.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Polygenic-Risk-score-768x116.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Polygenic-Risk-score-880x133.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Polygenic-Risk-score.png 1026w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-polygenic-risk-scores">What Are Polygenic Risk Scores?</h2>



Over the last several years, these kinds of risk models, also known as <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/nilanjan-chatterjee">polygenic risk scores, or PRS</a>, have begun to offer up meaningful risk information on many diseases like <a href="https://www.23andme.com/brca/">breast cancer</a>, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/screening-for-t2d">type 2 diabetes</a>, or <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/coronary-artery-disease/">heart disease.</a> But the performance of these models — which rely on very large genome wide association studies and are based on hundreds or thousands or even many thousands of variants to calculate risk — perform poorly for non-Europeans. That’s in part because of the lack of genetic research that includes data from non-Europeans.



Outlined in a paper published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-023-01501-z">Nature Genetics,</a> this new method addresses that problem, improving both the performance and training and building speed of these risk models. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-is-the-new-polygenic-risk-model-changing-the-game">How Is the New Polygenic Risk Model Changing the Game?</h2>



Dubbed CT-SLEB, this new approach substantially improved the performance of polygenic risk models in diverse populations, especially among people with African ancestry. And these CT-SLEB models can be modeled much faster than other polygenic risk modeling methods.



“At 23andMe, we are committed to providing health value to everyone. With this collaborative study, we helped improve a method to make polygenic risk models perform better for underrepresented populations so that everyone can have a better understanding of their future health,” said Jianan Zhan, a senior scientist with 23andMe’s Product R&amp;D. “There’s great potential for using these models in clinical care too, but to make that a reality we need to make sure they work for people of all ancestries.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-prs-model-works">How the PRS Model Works</h2>



The scientists used three distinct steps in their approach. First, they used something they called “clumping and thresholding.” This allowed them to select risk variants relevant to different populations — European, African, East Asian, South Asian and Latino. Then, they used a statistical method called “Empirical-Bayes.” This statistical method uses the risk averages from the whole dataset to adjust the risk averages of each specific population. Finally, the team applied a third layer that involved a machine learning approach. Calling it “super learning,” this machine learning approach adjusts and improves the predictive accuracy of the polygenic risk model.



They then compared their model to nine other modeling methods across <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/">five different ancestry groups</a>. They did this to test the predictive value for seven complex traits using data from more than 3.7 million 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research. These research participants were also of different ancestries. The 3.7 million includes more than 413,000 Latinos, 117,000 African Americans, 96,000 people of East Asian descent, and another 26,000 people of South Asian descent.  



It proved to be much faster, highly scalable and one of the most powerful methods for generating risk predictions in non-European populations, particularly among African Americans.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-you-need-to-know-about-polygenic-risk-scores">What You Need to Know About Polygenic Risk Scores</h2>



While this new approach offers promise, the study authors noted some of the limitations. This new method substantially improved the performance of polygenic risk models in many settings, but there is still room to improve results for non-Europeans. 



In addition, the authors noted that the best approach for risk prediction might involve using multiple methods and combining the results. Even with best methods, the disparity in polygenic risk model performance may remain. That is unless there are larger sample sizes from understudied populations.



<a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-reports-list/">23andMe offers more than 30 reports</a> based on polygenic risk models. The model is trained with a different method but includes some of the approaches outlined in this paper that were adjusted to account for the uniqueness of our database. You can learn more about our<a href="https://permalinks.23andme.com/pdf/23_21-PRSMethodology_May2020.pdf"> methods for creating these polygenic scores</a>.



With its large size and scale, 23andMe offers a unique opportunity to develop and improve upon these types of models with unmatched power.

Understanding Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS)

By Keaton Stagaman*



 It’s been noted at least since James Parkinson’s original essay describing the “shaking palsy” that some of the earliest symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) involve the gut. So, 23andMe researchers, working in collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, are studying the microbiome of individuals with Parkinson’s disease to learn more about this “gut-brain axis” and what it can tell us about the disease.



This is the first time a single study with hundreds of people reporting Parkinson’s disease diagnosis who’ve consented to participate in this research have also included samples of both the gut and oral microbiomes.



The human body plays host to trillions of microbes—such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi— collectively called the microbiome. Over the past few decades, it has become abundantly clear to the scientific community that the microbiome plays an essential role in our development, physical health, and mental well-being. [1]&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="861" height="916" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/PD-Research.png" alt="" class="wp-image-29642" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/PD-Research.png 861w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/PD-Research-282x300.png 282w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/PD-Research-768x817.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/PD-Research-827x880.png 827w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 861px) 100vw, 861px" /></figure>



This latter connection, between our minds and our microbes, particularly in our digestive tracts, is part of our “gut-brain axis.” Many neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease that affect our brain and behavior — often begin with digestive tract issues as the first sign.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23andme-parkinson-s-research">23andMe Parkinson&#8217;s Research</h6>



23andMe has focused research efforts on Parkinson’s disease since 2009. Just under half of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease suffer from intestinal problems, such as constipation, and other more classical symptoms associated with the disease, such as tremors and slow movement.



While researchers have identified genes and environmental factors that may contribute to the risk, for those with Parkinson’s, the cause of their disease remains unknown. For several years, it has been thought that Parkinson’s might start in the gut. The hallmark of the disease is the buildup of misfolded protein (alpha-synuclein) deposits in nerve cells in the brain. One intriguing hypothesis is that this misfolding might start in the gastrointestinal tissue, and travel through the nervous system up to the brain. This, of course, opens the possibility that the gut microbiome might play a key role in the pathological onset of Parkinson’s disease.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-microbiome">The Microbiome</h6>



Most studies of the microbiome in people with Parkinson’s disease have been in small populations and so far have led to more questions than answers. In order to investigate what role the microbiome might play in the development of Parkinson’s disease, 23andMe embarked on a large microbiome study in collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). Back in 2021, we invited over 650 23andMe customers, about two thirds of whom had reported being diagnosed with PD, to participate in the study by providing stool and saliva microbiome samples. To our knowledge, this is the largest single study to test the relationships between both the oral and gut microbiomes and Parkinson’s disease, providing us with the statistical power to uncover potentially important associations.&nbsp;



Participants’ samples were sequenced using a high-tech method called shotgun metagenomics, which allows us to identify not only which microbes are present in the microbiome, but genes that these microbes harbor. This gives us information of “who” is in the microbiome, and “what” they’re capable of doing. Additionally, the participants completed a deep dive survey of microbiome-related questions, such as their age, dietary habits, and biological sex. Customers with Parkinson’s also provided detailed information about their symptoms, treatment, disease milestone, and daily functioning.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-first">A First</h6>



The primary goal is to identify signatures of Parkinson’s disease in the microbiome. That is, are there specific microbes or specific microbial genes that are more likely to be present in people with Parkinson’s disease regardless of their age, biological sex, diet, or symptoms? Furthermore, we can identify microbes or microbial genes that are associated with specific Parkinson’s symptoms, how fast their disease has progressed, and how severe their symptoms are.



This is the first time a single study of this size has sampled both the gut and oral microbiomes. In doing so, we can identify links between the microbes in our mouth and gut and how this might contribute to Parkinson’s disease. As sampling saliva is much less cumbersome than sampling stool, spit-based microbiome sampling could provide us with a much easier way to test for the presence of microbial Parkinson’s disease indicators in the future.



The study included 427 customers with Parkinson’s and 226 customers without PD between the ages of 50 and 69. The customers with Parkinson’s were diagnosed, on average, at the age of 59 years old. They reported typical motor symptoms of PD including shaking tremor (67%), slowness of movement (47%), stiffness (40%). Around one-third also reported suffering from constipation. Our microbiome can differ substantially according to where we live. The samples collected in the study were collected across all 50 states in the US, which will make the findings widely geographically applicable.



With such a large cohort that has been willing to provide us with so much helpful information, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to study the relationship between the microbiome and Parkinson’s disease. More than 6 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease. For 23andMe, this is an opportunity to move the needle on what role gut microbes may play in Parkinson’s disease, which could open up new opportunities for customers with PD in the future. We are grateful to our 23andMe customers that were willing to provide their samples. We hope this will raise awareness that Parkinson’s disease goes beyond problems with movement, such as tremor and slow movement, and actually affects many other organ systems, like the gut.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/WmsPZ80pcYGHlMBpAga-YYvESjRvNWovWYD9aIheviUfEbvkX_IXnc8XEYUqfKK87pc_VBSFXbFS3mwKg3Rua2siq2iGiOFwJ30_yrn0z68oJGmQmhZqg4Nyp2nQ7G4fkBxrznOMgQHK0bbJL0ypgQ" alt=""/></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-microbiome-research">Future microbiome research</h6>



Beyond advancing Parkinson&#8217;s disease research, studying associations between the microbiome, human genetics, and disease could lead to greater insights into human health more broadly. 



Because of this, 23andMe has recently expanded its ability to study the microbiome by adding oral microbiome data from stored saliva samples to the data types that 23andMe researchers may analyze under our <a href="https://www.23andme.com/about/consent/">Research Consent Document</a>. By expanding the data types we can analyze to include the microbiome, we hope to power greater insights into human health and wellness. 



You can read more about these updates <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/212195708-Research-Participation-and-Consent">here</a>.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-citations">Citations</h6>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Cho, I., Blaser, M. The human microbiome: at the interface of health and disease. Nat Rev Genet 13, 260–270 (2012). <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg3182">https://doi.org/10.1038/nrg3182</a></li>
</ol>



*Keaton Stagaman is a postdoctoral fellow at 23andMe, whose position is funded by MJFF. He has authored numerous original research papers and reviews on the microbiomes of vertebrates, including zebrafish, mice, and humans. In his previous position as a postdoc at Oregon State University, he focused his research on the gut-brain axis. In particular, he studied what role the gut microbiome plays in how environmental toxicants and neurodegenerative diseases affect animal behavior.

Keaton Stagaman

Parkinson’s Disease and the Microbiome

Although nine out of 10 parents in the US agree that knowing family health history is important for knowing their own health risks, fewer than half, 38 percent, actually know that history, according to a new survey.



That’s according to a recent poll of 2,000 U.S. respondents from a nationally representative sample for age, gender, region and ethnicity, about 90 percent of whom self-identified as parents.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-duotone-unset-1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="379" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-1024x379.jpg" alt="An image showing that 9 in 10 parents agreed that knowing family health history is important for knowing your own health risks." class="wp-image-32166" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-1024x379.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-300x111.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-768x284.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-880x326.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important-1180x437.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/9-in-10-family-history-important.jpg 1413w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unsure-about-family-health-history">Unsure about Family health history</h6>



Eighty-two percent of parents surveyed were concerned about the risk of unknown hereditary conditions because they don&#8217;t know more of their family’s health history.



Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of <a href="https://www.23andme.com/">23andMe</a>, the survey also suggests that American parents are as likely to have complete medical information for their father as their mother (67 percent and 64 percent respectively). However, by the next generation, those numbers drop.



Parents surveyed were less likely to have records for their paternal grandparents than they are for maternal grandparents, for instance.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finding-answers">Finding Answers</h6>



For those who can’t connect with their biological relatives, or who are looking for further, more in-depth<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/learn-your-health-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> information about their health history</a>, there are other options. Half of parents polled have researched historical and medical records to learn more about their family.&nbsp;



And 52 percent of parents polled have taken a DNA test for health information —&nbsp;something 81 percent said is important in helping fill gaps they have about their biological family’s health history.



“If you have the ability to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/family-health-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">discuss your family’s health history </a>with an actual living family member, don’t squander that opportunity,” said Noura Abul-Husn, VP, Genomic Health at 23andMe. “It can be a difficult conversation, and maybe they won’t have complete information to share, but every little bit can help bring you closer — and healthier — together.



“As beneficial as those conversations can be, DNA tests can also fill in the gaps, providing information even your relatives might not be aware of.”



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-testing">DNA Testing</h6>



Of those who have taken a DNA test, 76 percent said they’ve adopted healthier behaviors as a result.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="658" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-1024x658.jpg" alt="An image illustrating that 76 of those surveyed who've taken a DNA test said they have adopted healthier behaviors as a result." class="wp-image-32168" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-1024x658.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-300x193.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-768x493.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-880x565.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior-1180x758.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/76-Adopted-Health-Behavior.jpg 1406w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Common DNA-inspired habits —&nbsp;for parents who have made healthy changed after taking a DNA test —&nbsp;included eating healthier (70 percent), improving stress and mindfulness (67 percent), and getting more exercise (67 percent).



DNA test or not, 46 percent of parents rate their overall health as “very healthy,” but only 39 percent strongly agree they’re in control of their health.



Roughly three in four, or 78 percent, were confident that they have the information they need to be proactive about their future health.&nbsp; 



“Genetic testing is an underutilized tool available for people to uncover important health info about their family and themselves,” added Abul-Husn. “Genetic testing can’t tell you the future, of course, but it can help you determine potential risk factors that you might not have known about, so you’re able to make better-informed choices for yourself and your family.”

Family Health History Check

23andMe and the non-profit Sickle Cell 101 have joined forces to expand our efforts in raising<a href="https://www.23andme.com/sickle-cell-awareness-program/"> awareness about people’s sickle cell carrier status</a>.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-sickle-cell-awareness-program">The Sickle Cell Awareness Program</h6>



We are launching this program just as we commemorate Sickle Cell Awareness Month in September. The project will include offering the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service for free to a limited number of individuals.* In addition, participants will have access to<a href="https://www.sc101.org/sicklecelltrait/"> Sickle Cell 101’s</a> online education tools and genetic counselors.



23andMe’s Health + Ancestry Service includes a<a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/sickle-cell-anemia/"> Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status report.*</a>* This allows participants to learn their carrier status. 23andMe’s report includes extensive information about what it means to be a carrier of the sickle cell trait. But this collaboration also gives those with additional questions a place to go for answers. For instance, if a person has questions about the differences between having sickle cell trait — a carrier of sickle cell anemia with one copy of the HbS variant — versus having sickle cell disease, they can discuss this with a Sickle Cell 101 genetic counselor. Sickle Cell 101 is the largest global online platform for sickle cell education, awareness, and research.&nbsp;



“This project builds on what we’re already doing at 23andMe,” said Joyce Tung, PhD, 23andMe’s Vice President of Research. “We have research projects underway and an ongoing awareness campaign focused on sickle cell. Partnering with Sickle Cell 101 will allow us to expand that effort to more people. 23andMe is about empowering people through access to their genetic data to make more informed health decisions, which is exactly what this program offers.”



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-sickle-cell-trait-and-sickle-cell-disease">More about Sickle Cell Trait and Sickle Cell Disease</h6>



But much work is needed to raise awareness more broadly about these conditions.



The most commonly known form of sickle cell disease is sickle cell anemia. To have sickle cell anemia, one must inherit two copies of the HbS variant. This would be one copy of the HbS variant from each biological parent. People with just one copy of the HbS variant are called carriers; they’re also said to have <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/traits.html">sickle cell trait</a>. They’re not expected to have sickle cell anemia themselves. They typically do not experience any health complications. However, in rare cases, people with the sickle cell trait may experience some health impacts. You can learn more about sickle cell trait from the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/traits.html">CDC</a> and the <a href="https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/sickle-cell-trait">American Society of Hematology</a>. You can also speak to your healthcare provider or experts at Sickle Cell 101 by contacting <a href="mailto:ask@sc101.org">ask@sc101.org</a>.&nbsp;



Importantly, carriers can pass their variant on to their future children. If their partner has the HbS variant or another variant in the HBB gene, there’s a 25 percent chance that each child may have sickle cell anemia or a related blood disorder.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Other forms of sickle cell disease are also caused by variants in the HBB gene. Instead of having two copies of the HbS variant, like people with sickle cell anemia, people with other types of sickle cell disease have one copy of the HbS variant and another variant elsewhere in the HBB gene. Examples of other types of sickle cell disease include hemoglobin sickle cell disease and sickle beta thalassemia disease.



<div style="float: right; text-align: justified; width: 400px; background-color: #eee; padding: 15px; margin-left: 10px;">Sickle Cell Facts You Need to Know


• A person must have two copies of the HbS variant in the HBB gene to have sickle cell anemia. 

• Typical signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia include episodes of pain, and frequent infections. 

• People with one copy of the HbS variant are carriers of sickle cell disease (sickle cell trait) who can pass the variant on to their future children. 

• About 1 in 13 African Americans have the HbS variant but the variant can also be found in people from the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and part of Central and South America. </div>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-awareness-expanding-research">Building Awareness, Expanding Research</h6>



This project builds on <a href="https://www.23andme.com/sickle-cell/">23andMe’s ongoing awareness program</a> with the<a href="https://www.msm.edu/"> Morehouse School of Medicine</a> and the <a href="https://www.sicklecellga.org/">Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (SCFG)</a>.&nbsp; The foundation also created a dedicated webpage for program participants. In addition, anyone who is participating in the 23andMe program to access the site and <a href="https://www.livingwellresources.org/geneticcounseling">connect with genetic counselors at SCFG via the following link: Genetic Counseling | Mysite</a>. From those efforts, we learned participants wanted to be able to ask questions about their status. Along with raising awareness about the importance of sickle cell carrier status testing and improving access to testing, this effort will offer additional online resources for people who may have sickle cell trait or have sickle cell disease.



Beyond raising awareness, 23andMe is also committed to learning more about sickle cell through our research. Our scientists are working on sickle cell research, most recently collaborating with scientists at the <a href="https://www.nih.gov/">National Institutes of Health</a> and <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/">Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine</a>. The study’s <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-research-on-sickle-cell-trait">initial findings</a> were presented at the American Society of Hematology’s annual meeting in 2022, but have not yet been published. It is now the largest and most diverse genetic study of sickle cell trait.&nbsp;



More broadly, this effort will help with 23andMe’s efforts to improve the diversity of our research, as participants in the program have the opportunity to consent to participate in research if they choose, which will enable other studies like the Sickle Cell trait research above.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="538" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-1024x538.png" alt="An illustration for 23andMe's Sickle Cell Carrier Statues Awareness Program." class="wp-image-31918" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-1024x538.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-300x158.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-768x403.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-880x462.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image-1180x620.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Open-Graph-Image.png 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23andme-s-sickle-cell-anemia-carrier-status-report">23andMe’s Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status Report**</h6>



23andMe’s<a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/sickle-cell-anemia/"> Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status Report</a>, which meets FDA requirements for clinical and analytical validity, looks at the HbS variant in the HBB gene, which is linked to sickle cell anemia.



Sickle cell anemia is the most severe form of sickle cell disease. Three-hundred-million people worldwide and one in 13 Black and or African Americans in the United States have sickle cell trait, making them carriers for sickle cell anemia.



In addition to informing people if they have one copy of the HbS variant and are carriers for sickle cell anemia, 23andMe&#8217;s report can also tell individuals if they have two copies of the tested variant and if they are at risk of developing symptoms of the condition. But the report does not describe one’s overall risk of developing symptoms.&nbsp;



Because the HbS variant is more common in certain populations, the Sickle Cell Anemia report is most relevant for people of African descent, as well as people of Middle Eastern and South Asian descent, as well as people from the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and parts of Central and South America.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eligibility">*Eligibility:</h6>



· You live in the United States



· You are at least 18 years old



· You have African ancestry; identify as Black, African American, or of African descent; or you have ancestry from a region where sickle cell disease is common†



· You are willing to provide a saliva sample for DNA testing



· You are willing to agree to 23andMe’s<a href="https://www.23andme.com/legal/terms-of-service/"> Terms of Service</a> and<a href="https://www.23andme.com/legal/privacy/"> Privacy Statement</a>



· Research consent is optional and not required for participation in the program



†Regions include Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, the Caribbean, Mediterranean Europe/Asia, Central and South America.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-note">Note:</h6>



**The 23andMe PGS test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults for the purpose of reporting carrier status and reporting and interpreting genetic health risks. The relevance of each report may vary based on ethnicity. Our carrier status reports can be used to determine carrier status, but cannot determine if you have two copies of any genetic variant. These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for developing a disease in the future or anything about the health of your fetus, or your newborn child’s risk of developing a particular disease later in life. For certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk. For important information and limitations regarding other genetic health risk reports and carrier status reports, click <a href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/">here</a>.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>

Allied in Raising Sickle Cell Awareness

Kayla Milligan has always wanted a brother or sister. As a little kid, she&#8217;d pester her parents.&nbsp;



About a year ago, the 24-year-old got what she wanted and a lot more — not one sibling but more than 70.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-dna-surprise">A DNA Surprise</h6>



&#8220;It was a big surprise, but at the same time, it turned out to be really cool,&#8221; said Kayla. &#8220;So, there are 77 half siblings in total, so far. The craziest part is that so many of us get along.&#8221;



Kayla, it turned out, was donor-conceived. Her parents hadn&#8217;t told her and never intended to tell her. In the summer of 2022, Kayla used 23andMe to learn about her ancestry. Her dad had said the family had some Dutch roots, and she was curious.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="761" height="1024" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-761x1024.jpeg" alt="A photo of Kayla" class="wp-image-32151" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-761x1024.jpeg 761w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-223x300.jpeg 223w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-768x1033.jpeg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-654x880.jpeg 654w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-877x1180.jpeg 877w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-scaled.jpeg 1903w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 761px) 100vw, 761px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kayla used 23andMe to learn about her ancestry and discovered she was donor conceived and had dozens of half siblings.</figcaption></figure>



When Kayla got her reports, she looked at her ancestry, but also, after opting into the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/">DNA Relatives feature</a>, she looked at who she shared DNA with. She matched with about two dozen individuals, none of whom she recognized.



DNA Relatives predicted that these matches were half-siblings. She also matched with someone predicted to be her biological father, a man by the name of Willis, who is not her father. 



Her story is not too uncommon as <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/29-siblings-and-counting">more and more people who were donor conceived</a>, use genetic testing to learn more about themselves including potential health information that they might not learn otherwise.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-donor-conceived">Donor Conceived</h6>



When she saw this, her first thought was that it was a mix-up. But after talking to her mom, she learned the predicted relationship was correct. The news didn&#8217;t so much change her feelings of love toward her parents but changed how she looked at herself. Although her mom had kept this a secret for all these years, Kayla remembered a few things her mom had said over the years, alluding to the difficulty of getting pregnant.&nbsp;



&#8220;My mom had told me multiple times that I was almost a &#8216;petri dish baby,'&#8221; Kayla said.&nbsp;



But she&#8217;d never been told that her mom and dad, desperate to have a child, had turned to a clinic.



&#8220;I don&#8217;t know, but I think back in the day, there was a stigma about using a donor,&#8221; Kayla said.



Although she&#8217;s learned that he is not biologically related to her, how she sees her dad hasn&#8217;t changed.



&#8220;He&#8217;s still my dad,&#8221; she said.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-dna-and-shared-traits">Shared DNA and Shared Traits</h6>



After talking to her parents, Kayla reached out to her newfound siblings. Each had been on their journey of discovery. One of them created a spreadsheet to keep track of each new brother and sister. As new siblings discover the connection, they&#8217;re added to the list. In talking to her siblings, Kayla learned that it wasn&#8217;t just the 20 half-siblings she found using 23andMe but that she had at least 77. The siblings have a chat group for updates and news. With each new sibling, more information is added to the spreadsheet: names, ages, and contact information. They&#8217;ve also added details about allergies and personality and important health information. It is vital for those trying to correct their own family health history.&nbsp;



Her siblings range in age from about 16 to 29 years old, but the donor also has two kids with his wife, who are 8 and 11.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-and-her-half-siblings-Nashville-1024x768.jpeg" alt="A photo of Kayla and about 16 of her half siblings when they met in Nashville." class="wp-image-32152" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-and-her-half-siblings-Nashville-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-and-her-half-siblings-Nashville-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-and-her-half-siblings-Nashville-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-and-her-half-siblings-Nashville-880x660.jpeg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-and-her-half-siblings-Nashville-1180x885.jpeg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Kayla-and-her-half-siblings-Nashville.jpeg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kayla meeting some of her half siblings in Nashville. She is in the front row in the red dress.</figcaption></figure>



This past July, Kayla went to Nashville, where many of her siblings gathered so they could meet in person. Several siblings live in the Northeast, closer to where she calls home. Kayla has become particularly close with a half-sister who lives in Toronto and is drawn to several other siblings she&#8217;s met.



Coming together in Nashville also allowed Kayla to see many people with whom she shares the same cheekbones, blue eyes, long arms, and &#8220;free-spirited open mindedness.&#8221;



&#8220;It was very crazy to see everyone together like that,&#8221; she said of the meeting in Nashville. &#8220;You&#8217;re seeing all these people who don&#8217;t just look like you, but who share the same expressions, mannerisms, or ways of speaking or with similar personalities. It&#8217;s shocking. I mean the power of genetics over the environment to shape us.&#8221;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-birth-father">Birth Father</h6>



Along with getting to know several of her brothers and sisters, she also learned a bit more about her birth father. When she first saw a photo of him and the physical resemblance, she said there was no question that he was her biological father.&nbsp;



Kalya learned that as a college and graduate school student on the West Coast and East Coast, he&#8217;d donated to different sperm banks. Now a philosophy professor at a college in California, he has been open to meeting the donor kids who have contacted him, even having them over to dinner to meet his family.&nbsp;



&#8220;He won&#8217;t force a relationship with anyone, but if a sibling reaches out to him personally, he will make an effort to be part of their lives, too,&#8221; Kayla said.



Although he never expected to sire so many kids or that they would end up contacting him, he has tried to share information about himself and his family, particularly his health history.&nbsp;



That was important for Kayla; she was able to learn about the conditions in his family. But for her, it&#8217;s been the connections to her siblings that have been the most profound. Seeing others with an uncanny resemblance to her, who shared so much genetically but were strangers, was jarring. The experience has also required difficult conversations, and it has sometimes been challenging.



&#8220;My life will never be the same after this experience, in the best way, and it&#8217;s all thanks to this little test,&#8221; Kayla said. &#8220;I absolutely prefer the truth over anything falsified. Ultimately, I love learning more about myself and discovering new things, progressing to knowing who I am and where I come from.&#8221;

A photo of Kayla and about 16 of her half siblings when they met in Nashville.

An Only Child’s DNA Surprise

Building on our <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-brca-report">first FDA authorization</a> for a direct-to-consumer genetic health risk test for cancer, 23andMe received clearance this week to expand the number of genetic variants covered in our BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report.*&nbsp;



These additional variants are all known to be associated with higher risk for breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer. Adding these variants will increase the number of people who may benefit from the report.



The clearance allows 23andMe to include 41 more variants than the three already included in the BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report. Those three variants are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.&nbsp;



“23andMe is the first and only company with FDA clearance to provide information directly to consumers on genetic risk for cancer, without a prescription,” said Kathy Hibbs, 23andMe’s Chief Administrative officer. “This clearance also allows us to expand access to this important information to traditionally underserved populations.”&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-clearance">New Clearance</h6>



In total, the 44 genetic variants account for about 30-to-40 percent of cancer-related BRCA variants among people of African American, non-Ashkenazi European, and Hispanic/Latino descent, and also several variants found in people of East Asian and South Asian descent. Having any of these variants increases your cancer risk, regardless of your ancestry.



The new clearance also represents a continued commitment to pioneer this work with the FDA while expanding access to crucial genetic health information for people. 23andMe received the first <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-special-controls-direct-consumer-test-reports-three-mutations-brca-breast-cancer">FDA authorization for a direct-to-consumer genetic test for cancer in 2018</a>. The latest clearance marks 23andMe’s fourth FDA clearance for hereditary cancer risk, and the ninth clearance for direct-to-consumer genetic health risk reports offered by 23andMe.&nbsp;



Beyond this most recent 510(k) clearance, the FDA also granted 23andMe the first-ever Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP). This will allow 23andMe to add more validated BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants and associated cancer information to its BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report without additional premarket review if those variants meet the same rigorous analytical and clinical requirements demonstrated in the recent clearance. That decision is under a new regulatory policy adopted by FDA this spring focused on using <a href="https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/marketing-submission-recommendations-predetermined-change-control-plan-artificial">artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled software</a> for patient health.&nbsp;



“We are proud to continue pioneering a path for greater access to health information,” said Hibbs. “Becoming the first company to receive PCCP clearance from the FDA under this novel approach will enable us to increase the pace at which we improve and expand our BRCA report.”&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-health-risk-report">Genetic Health Risk Report</h6>



New and existing 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service customers tested on our <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/218392668-Upgrading-to-23andMe-s-Newest-Chip-Version">latest genotyping chip</a> will have access to the expanded BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report once it is updated. We plan to update this report with 41 additional variants later this year. Customers who have not already opted in to their BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report must opt in to receive the updated report. The report also includes an education module to ensure customers are fully informed on what they can learn from this report and how to use the results.



The 23andMe BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report utilizes the same informational concepts previously demonstrated in studies submitted to the FDA for its Genetic Health Risk reports. Those studies showed a 90 percent or greater overall user comprehension in a demographically diverse population. 23andMe also carried out robust analytical validation studies: Each variant tested demonstrated greater than 99 percent concordance with Sanger sequencing, and greater than 99 percent reproducibility when tested under different laboratory conditions. While the clearance expands the number of genetic variants covered in 23andMe’s BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk report,* it does not test for all BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants known to increase cancer risk. Anyone with a family history of cancer should talk to their doctor to learn whether comprehensive genetic testing is right for them.&nbsp;



Learn more about 23andMe’s Health+Ancestry Service and how your <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">DNA can influence your health here</a>.&nbsp;



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warnings-amp-limitations">*Warnings &amp; Limitations:</h6>



The 23andMe PGS test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks, including the 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants). Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. The test is not intended to diagnose any disease and does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing any type of cancer. It is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatments. 



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warnings-amp-limitations-0">Warnings &amp; Limitations: </h6>



The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of 44 variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The report describes if a person&#8217;s genetic result is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer and may be associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and potentially other cancers. The variants included in this report do not represent the majority of the BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in people of most ethnicities. This report does not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in this report does not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. This report is for over-the-counter use by adults over the age of 18, and provides genetic information to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forward-looking-statements">Forward-Looking Statements</h6>



This blog contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future performance of 23andMe’s businesses in consumer genetics and therapeutics and the growth and potential of its proprietary research platform. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated in this blog, including statements regarding 23andMe’s strategy, financial position, funding for continued operations, cash reserves, projected costs, plans, potential future collaborations, product development and launches, the successful commercialization and market acceptance of new products and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words &#8220;believes,&#8221; &#8220;anticipates,&#8221; &#8220;estimates,&#8221; &#8220;plans,&#8221; &#8220;expects,&#8221; &#8220;intends,&#8221; &#8220;may,&#8221; &#8220;could,&#8221; &#8220;should,&#8221; &#8220;potential,&#8221; &#8220;likely,&#8221; &#8220;projects,&#8221; &#8220;predicts,&#8221; &#8220;continue,&#8221; &#8220;will,&#8221; &#8220;schedule,&#8221; and &#8220;would&#8221; or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. 



These forward-looking statements are predictions based on 23andMe’s current expectations and projections about future events and various assumptions. 23andMe cannot guarantee that it will actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in its forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on 23andMe’s forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties (many of which are beyond the control of 23andMe), or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are also subject generally to other risks and uncertainties that are described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under Item 1A, &#8220;Risk Factors&#8221; in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as revised and updated by our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The statements made herein are made as of the date of this blog and, except as may be required by law, 23andMe undertakes no obligation to update them, whether as a result of new information, developments, or otherwise.

A image of double helix showing a variant

23andMe Improves BRCA Report for Communities Underrepresented in Genetic Testing

A new study led by scientists who are part of the <a href="https://gp2.org/">Global Parkinson’s Genetic Program</a> has revealed important insights into Parkinson&#8217;s disease among people of African and mixed African ancestry, which has been largely unexplored until now.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="625" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/World-Map-1024x625.png" alt="A multi-colored image of world map, showing countries." class="wp-image-26132" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/World-Map-1024x625.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/World-Map-300x183.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/World-Map-768x469.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/World-Map-880x537.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/World-Map-1180x721.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/World-Map.png 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-parkinson-s-research">Global Parkinson&#8217;s Research</h2>



The Global Parkinson’s Genetic Program includes scientists working at dozens of institutions worldwide. This includes researchers at 23andMe as well the Nigerian Parkinson Disease Research Network, which includes universities and hospitals across Nigeria. In addition, the Global Parkinson’s Genetic Program includes scientists who are part of the Black and African American Connections to Parkinson’s Disease Study (BLAAC PD) study group. Scientists at the NIH, the <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/">Michael J. Fox Foundation</a>, the University of Lagos in Nigeria, and University College London as well as a half dozen hospitals and universities in the United States are part of this group.



&#8220;This is proof of principle for the Global Parkinson&#8217;s Genetics Program showing that increasing diversity and inclusivity in genetics studies can efficiently deliver novel insights,&#8221; said Dr. Sara Bandres Ciga, staff scientist at the NIH’s National Institute on Aging. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-african-research-institutions">African Research Institutions</h2>



Published in the journal <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1474442223002831?via%3Dihub">Lancet Neurology</a>, the research represents the first genome-wide association study of Parkinson&#8217;s disease in African and African admixed populations.&nbsp;



The Global Parkinson’s Genetic Program draws together data from existing research cohorts, then makes that data available for genetic research into Parkinson’s disease, making work like this possible.



“As researchers and clinicians, our shared responsibility is to make sure Parkinson’s science is representative of all communities around the world,” said Njideka Okubadejo, MD, Professor of Neurology at the University of Lagos, College of Medicine. “This GBA1 result is a step toward that future, where the research field is prioritizing, learning from, and treating all people with Parkinson’s disease.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-novel-variant-in-gba1">A Novel Variant in GBA1</h2>



 The research identified a novel signal at the GBA1 locus associated with a higher risk for Parkinson&#8217;s disease among people of African descent.



The top variant and potential functional variant is much rarer in people who do not have African ancestry. Although the gene GBA1 is known to be associated with Parkinson&#8217;s disease in other populations through coding variation, it is thought that this variant influences the expression of the gene and the production of glucocerebrosidase, an enzyme also known as GCase. A deficiency in this enzyme is characteristic of the rare genetic disorder Gaucher disease, which can lead to such things as an enlarged liver or spleen and bone abnormalities. In this case, it appears to impact how Parkinson&#8217;s develops in people with African ancestry. This single variant changes the expression of the gene GBA1, which results in decreasing levels of the GCase enzyme.



The study provides some critical insight into disease risk. This novel mechanism may hold promise for potential RNA-based therapeutic strategies, but researchers also believe the new study could inform future GBA1 clinical trials, improving patient stratification.&nbsp;



“Understanding the genetic landscape of diverse populations is not just a nod to inclusivity, but a scientific necessity,&#8221; said Mary B. Makarious, a predoctoral student working at the National Institute on Aging and a co-author of the study. &#8220;Unraveling these genetic factors, such as the variant in the GBA1 gene in people of African descent, offers us novel avenues to explore not just for disease prevention, but also for the development of targeted and potentially more effective treatments. Every discovery like this brings us closer to a more comprehensive understanding of this disease.&#8221;



According to researchers, African admixed populations offer unique opportunities for studying the genetics of both monogenic and complex diseases. This is because these populations contain the world&#8217;s largest portion of genetic variability.&nbsp;



Led by researchers at the Global Parkinson’s Genetic Program, work on the study included contributions from scientists at 23andMe and researchers across Africa. The work was supported by the Global Parkinson&#8217;s Genetics Program, funded by the Aligning Science Against Parkinson&#8217;s initiative, and implemented by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson&#8217;s Research.&nbsp;



The study included data from just under 196,000 23andMe customers with African admixed ancestry who consented to participate in research.

Study of Parkinson’s Genetic Risk in African Populations

Your genetics aren’t your destiny, but understanding your genetics will help you take control of your future when it comes to your health.



This week we’re introducing 23andMe+ Premium Health TracksSM, a new feature for subscribers. Health Tracks brings some your 23andMe reports to life by enabling you to visualize and interact with your data. The feature makes it easier to understand how lifestyle and genetics may influence your health over time. 



By synthesizing genetic data with data about your lifestyle, Health Tracks allows you to see how making healthy choices each day — eating healthier, walking more, or getting more sleep — can greatly impact your health over time.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="719" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-1024x719.png" alt="An image of the mobile display for health tracks looking at different trajectories of risk based on genetics, and a healthy lifestyle." class="wp-image-32105" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-1024x719.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-300x211.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-768x539.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-880x618.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM-1180x828.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Screenshot-2023-08-16-at-3.48.27-PM.png 1732w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay-on-track-nbsp">Stay on Track&nbsp;</h6>



Health Tracks uses data visualization to allow you to see how healthy lifestyle habits can directly impact your health. 23andMe+ Premium members can see how staying on a healthy track can reduce their likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or coronary artery disease. Health Tracks allows you to see how making healthy changes could significantly bend the risk curve. It will help steer you toward healthier outcomes, even for those with a higher genetic likelihood of developing one of those conditions.



23andMe+ Premium members should first update their recent lifestyle survey to optimize this feature. Updating this information will allow the feature to make more accurate projections. Health Tracks will initially be available for some of the most common conditions impacting people today. The feature looks at type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and coronary artery disease. We hope to add more conditions over time.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learn-more">Learn More</h6>



This new feature is meant to be a feature for you to optimize your health. And it is meant to help motivate you to reach your health goals over time. As they move forward on their health journey we hope people come back to Health Tracks to see how the positive changes they make every day can have a big impact on their health now and in the future.



23andMe+ Premium members can view their <a href="https://you.23andme.com/health/health-tracks/">Health Tracks here</a>.



Not yet a subscriber, take the first step to better health and <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">learn more about this feature and all that 23andMe+ Premium has to offer here</a>.

An illustration of a heart for heart health

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