
<p><em>By James Ashenhurst, PhD.</em></p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout" style="border:1px solid #000; border-collapse:collapse;"><tbody><tr><td>
<h2>Key Takeaways</h2>
<ul><li>New work from the 23andMe Research Institute has identified specific variants in the <i>GLP1R</i> and <i>GIPR</i> genes that influence how individuals respond to GLP-1 medications, affecting weight loss outcomes and the risk of side effects like nausea.</li>
<li>Utilizing data from over 27,000 consented research participants, 23andMe conducted a landmark genome-wide association study (GWAS) to uncover the genetics behind why these medications impact people in such distinct ways.</li>
<li>23andMe Total Health™ members can now access an exclusive interactive tool that combines an individual’s genetic results with their medical history to help doctors and patients move toward data-driven, personalized weight management decisions.</li></ul>
</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p>GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®), have transformed the clinical approach to weight management. In fact, an estimated 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. have used a GLP-1 medication in recent years.<sup>[1]</sup>&nbsp;</p>



<p>Yet, if you or someone you know has taken one, you might have noticed that not everyone has the same experience on these drugs. While GLP-1 medications are commonly prescribed to help control blood sugar and to assist in weight loss, there is substantial variation in how well they work for different people. Some individuals lose as little as 5% of their body weight, whereas others lose more than 20%.<sup>[2][3]</sup> Similarly, while gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting are common, some people experience moderate to severe forms, whereas others report no nausea at all.<sup>[4]</sup>&nbsp;</p>



<p>While lifestyle characteristics like diet patterns and exercise may certainly explain some of these differences, potential genetic causes of this variation have been unclear, until today. <strong>Scientists at the 23andMe Research Institute published a study in </strong><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-026-10330-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>Nature</em></strong></a><strong> that has identified genetic variants associated with weight loss and side effects among those who have taken GLP-1 medications.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mystery-of-medication-response">The Mystery of Medication Response</h2>



<p>When people begin a GLP-1 journey, they may start with uncertainty about efficacy and possible side effects. While the market is crowded with weight loss support and medications, few resources offer personalized insight into the simple question: “What can I expect?”.</p>



<p>To find answers, we turned to our incredible community of 23andMe research participants. Over 27,000 consented participants made this research possible by sharing their experiences with GLP-1 medications through an ongoing research survey. Using 23andMe’s unique crowdsourced approach to research, we were able to conduct the first large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) just seven months after starting the study, a very rapid rate for a study of this kind. In simple terms, a GWAS is like scanning a massive library of DNA to find specific &#8220;spelling differences&#8221; (genetic variants) that are more common in people who share a specific trait. In this case, scientists wanted to understand if there were genetic differences that were associated with how participants&#8217; bodies responded to GLP-1 medications.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-the-genetic-links">Discovering the Genetic Links</h2>



<p>23andMe Research Institute scientists uncovered fascinating genetic associations for response to GLP-1 medications, including a person&#8217;s potential for weight loss and their risk of experiencing nausea or vomiting.</p>



<p>First, the study identified a genetic variant that is associated with both weight loss and nausea for the two major classes of GLP1 medications: semaglutide and tirzepatide. This variant is located in the <em>GLP1R</em> gene, which codes for the receptor protein that is the target of GLP-1 medications.</p>



<p>Second, the study identified another genetic variant that is associated with side-effects, specifically nausea and vomiting, while using tirzepatide (Mounjaro® or Zepbound®). You might wonder why this second variant only affects tirzepatide users. It comes down to how the drugs are designed: while semaglutide acts only on GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide is a dual-target drug that also acts on GIP receptors (GIP, or gastric inhibitory polypeptide, is another hormone like GLP-1 that helps regulate insulin and blood sugar). Our team discovered that this second variant is located in the <em>GIPR</em> gene, which explains why it impacts tirzepatide response but not semaglutide.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="649" height="1024" src="/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-649x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-35199" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-649x1024.png 649w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-190x300.png 190w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-768x1212.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-558x880.png 558w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image.png 1014w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 649px) 100vw, 649px" /></figure>



<p>Describing the impact of the study, Dr. Adam Auton, Vice President of Human Genetics at the 23andMe Research Institute said, <strong><em>&#8220;Identifying these variants in the GLP1R and GIPR genes provides an important new insight into why these medications impact people in distinct ways. It’s a great example of how our large-scale, participant-engaged research program can clarify the biological mechanisms behind drug response, and moves us closer to a future where &#8216;precision medicine&#8217; isn&#8217;t just an aspiration.&#8221;</em></strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Translating Emerging Science into Personalized Insights</h2>



<p>Discovering these variants is a massive step forward, but our ultimate goal is to meet the need for more personalized insight into GLP-1 medication responses.</p>



<p>That is why a new report and interactive tool related to GLP-1 medications is now available exclusively through the 23andMe+ <a href="https://www.23andme.com/total-health/wl-mrr?utm_source=23andme&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=wlmrr_april_2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Total Health</a>™ service. This interactive tool combines an individual’s genetic results for these two variants with demographics and medical history to estimate both weight loss and nausea likelihood based on data from 23andMe research participants. All these factors combined can result in significant variability in the likelihood of weight loss or side effects. In fact, the estimates for weight loss can vary between -6% to -20% of baseline weight after one year. Likewise, the estimated risk of nausea and vomiting can range between 5% to 78% risk for experiencing these side effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What You Need to Know About the New Report</h2>



<p>The science of genetics is always evolving and the 23andMe Research Institute strives to be on the forefront of genetics research, powered by the participation of our members. Our mission is also to help people benefit from genetics research, which is why we are thrilled to provide this new report to our Total Health members. This report is designed to be reviewed in consultation with a clinician and is intended for use in a supervised clinical context, which is why it is exclusively available through the physician-supervised Total Health service.</p>



<p>The shift toward personalized care enabled by this report is echoed by Dr. Noura Abul-Husn, Chief Medical Officer of the 23andMe Research Institute, who views the data as a catalyst for better patient-doctor relationships: <strong><em>&#8220;For healthcare professionals, the true value of this data lies in its potential to transform weight loss discussions from a trial-and-error approach into data-driven, shared decision-making with patients. Integrating genetic markers, such as those we’ve identified in the GLP1R and GIPR genes, with clinical factors provides a clearer picture of how a patient’s unique biology may interact with a specific therapy, allowing both patients and their doctors to proactively manage expectations and tailor care with greater precision from day one.&#8221;</em></strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Sincere Thank You to Our Participants</h2>



<p>The GLP-1 Study is ongoing, and our survey is designed to allow participants to share their journey over time so we can continue to investigate how these medications are associated with genetics and health. Discoveries like this simply would not exist without our research participants. Current 23andMe members can choose to contribute answers and to fuel new discoveries.</p>



<p><a href="https://you.23andme.com/research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Participate in the next discovery</a></p>



<div style="width: 100%; margin: 0 auto; text-align: justify; background-color: #eee; padding: 15px;">
<h4>About the Author</h4>
<p><strong>James Ashenhurst</strong>, Ph.D. — Sr. Scientist I, Product R&#038;D
</p>
<p>Dr. Ashenhurst is a Senior Scientist at the 23andMe Research Institute who studies how health history, lifestyle, and genetics combine to predict risk for health conditions and differences in medication response.</p>
</div>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>References</strong></h6>



<p>1. Montero, A., Sparks, G., Presiado, M. &amp; Hamel, L. <a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/kff-health-tracking-poll-may-2024-the-publics-use-and-views-of-glp-1-drugs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">KFF Health Tracking Poll May 2024: The Public’s Use and Views of GLP-1 Drugs</a> | KFF. </p>



<p>2. Wilding, J. P. H. <em>et al.</em> Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. <em>New Engl J Med</em> <strong>384</strong>, 989–1002 (2021). <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/</a></p>



<p>3. Ryan, D. H. <em>et al.</em> Long-term weight loss effects of semaglutide in obesity without diabetes in the SELECT trial. <em>Nat Med</em> <strong>30</strong>, 2049–2057 (2024). <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38740993/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38740993/</a></p>



<p>4. Joy, Bethany, et al. Exploring the rates of Gastrointestinal adverse effects among five GLP-1 receptor agonists: A systematic review and Meta-Analysis of randomized controlled trials. <em>Endocrine</em> <strong>91</strong>(1), 23 (2026). <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41489846/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41489846/</a></p>



<p></p>


Sr. Scientist I, Product R&D

James Ashenhurst

Unlocking the Genetics of GLP-1 Medications: Why Your DNA Matters


<p><em>By Stacey Detweiler, MS, </em>CGC</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout" style="border:1px solid #000; border-collapse:collapse;"><tbody><tr><td><h2>Key Takeaways</h2>
<ul><li>Proactive Risk Detection: 82% of participants were unaware of their genetic risks prior to testing, showing that direct-to-consumer genetic testing identifies high-impact health risks often missed by traditional clinical screening.</li>
<li>High Medical Follow-Through: When members shared results with healthcare professionals, it led to 86% of them receiving at least one medical recommendation, ranging from screenings all the way up to preventive surgeries, with an impressive 88% patient adherence rate.</li>
<li>Bridging the Gap: There is a significant opportunity to better educate healthcare professionals, particularly primary care providers, and encourage the 54% of members who haven&#8217;t yet shared their results to do so.</li></ul>
</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p>Every day, people turn to 23andMe to better understand how their genetics can impact their health. While our DNA kits offer a wealth of information, for many, the most critical discovery is a high-impact health result that can be addressed through personalized medical action.</p>



<p>To understand how these insights translate into real-world care, researchers at 23andMe recently studied over 1,000 consenting participants who received results for medically actionable conditions, such as hereditary cancers and cardiovascular diseases. We wanted to know: are people turning this data into action? The short answer is yes.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949774426009003" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Our results</a>, recently published in <em><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/genetics-in-medicine-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Genetics in Medicine Open</a></em>, demonstrate that these high-impact findings are serving as a catalyst for proactive health management. Here are the key takeaways from the study.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-people-are-finding-unknown-health-risks">People are finding unknown health risks</h2>



<p>This study found that most individuals who had a medically actionable genetic variant identified through 23andMe were unaware of their genetic risk beforehand. In fact, 82% of them had no prior clinical genetic testing for that variant, even though most (68%) reported a personal or family history of a related health condition.</p>



<p>These findings are a reminder that most genetic testing is only ordered to help diagnose those who are already sick or those with a strong family history of a condition. And even then, people who do qualify for genetic testing are often missed by the healthcare system<sup>[1][2]</sup>. The findings of this study are important because it shows that direct-to-consumer genetic testing can identify people who might otherwise go undetected through traditional healthcare channels.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-results-drive-real-medical-action">Genetic results drive real medical action</h2>



<p>The most exciting finding? Genetic results don’t just provide new insights, they spur real-world change. When people took their genetic results to a healthcare professional, it often led to important, personalized health actions. Almost 1,500 medical recommendations, including follow-up blood testing, cancer screenings, starting medications and preventive surgery, were made by healthcare professionals based on individuals’ genetic results.</p>



<p>And once those recommendations were given, people followed them! The overall adherence to medical recommendations was high at 88%. Whether it was a recommendation for earlier screenings, medication, or even prophylactic surgery, people followed their doctor’s medical advice and took action based on their genetic results.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-there-are-opportunities-for-an-even-greater-benefit">There are opportunities for an even greater benefit</h2>



<p>While the findings are overwhelmingly positive, the study also identified a few specific ways we can help more people turn high-impact results into meaningful health actions.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Sharing results with doctors:</strong> Less than half of the research participants (46%) in this study reported sharing their results with a healthcare professional. The good news is that for those who did share, 86% received at least one medical recommendation. This means there is a big opportunity to encourage more people to share genetic results with their doctors and for us to make it easier to do so.</li>



<li><strong>Educating healthcare professionals on genetic testing:</strong> We found a gap in how participants felt about their interactions with different types of healthcare professionals. Those who shared results with a specialist were more likely to say that specialists (such as oncologists or cardiologists) were knowledgeable about their results compared to those who shared results with their primary care provider. This highlights a need for more education about genetic testing, especially for frontline primary care providers. Good news, this is exactly what we plan to do. Building on years of engagement with healthcare professionals, the 23andMe Research Institute plans to continue to develop and expand our education and clinical support resources to empower healthcare professionals to turn genetic data into better patient care.</li>



<li><strong>Addressing health inequity:</strong> This study also uncovered a potential disparity. Individuals with variants in the <em>TTR</em> gene, which were more common in non-White individuals, had the lowest rates of prior genetic testing and were less likely to receive medical recommendations after sharing their results with a healthcare professional. This is a critical insight that informs how direct-to-consumer genetic testing could help uncover and address health inequities, especially for conditions that are more common in historically underserved communities.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-takeaway">The takeaway</h2>



<p>This study provides powerful evidence that direct-to-consumer genetic testing can make meaningful differences in the healthcare actions taken by individuals and their doctors. High-impact genetic results that are easily accessible and understandable can empower individuals with critical health insights, which, when shared with a healthcare professional, can personalize their care and lead to life-changing preventive actions!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-references">References:</h3>



<p>[1] Childers CP et al. (2017). “National Estimates of Genetic Testing in Women With a History of Breast or Ovarian Cancer.” J Clin Oncol. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28820644/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28820644/</a>&nbsp;</p>



<p>[2] Manickam K et al. (2018). “Exome Sequencing-Based Screening for BRCA1/2 Expected Pathogenic Variants Among Adult Biobank Participants.” JAMA Netw Open. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30646163/">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30646163/</a></p>



<div style="max-width: 750px; width: 100%; margin: 0 auto; text-align: justify; background-color: #eee; padding: 15px;">
<h4>About the Author</h4>
<p><strong>Stacey Detweiler</strong>, M.S. CGC — Manager, Genomic Health Programs &#038; Medical Affairs
</p>
<p> 
Stacey Detweiler is a licensed genetic counselor and an expert in consumer genomics and precision medicine. As 23andMe Research Institute’s Manager of Genomic Health Programs &#038; Medical Affairs, Stacey leverages her clinical background to ensure genetic insights are medically accurate and deeply impactful for 23andMe members. She began her career in clinical practice at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and has held leadership roles within the National Society of Genetic Counselors’ Precision Medicine group. Her current research focuses on &#8220;closing the loop&#8221; between genetic discovery and clinical action, specifically investigating how individuals and healthcare providers use genomic data to personalize preventive care. She is a firm believer in the promise of personalized medicine and is passionate about expanding access to proactive genetic testing.</p>
</div>



<p></p>


A photo of a doctor showing a patient information on a digital tablet.

Stacey Detweiler

New Research Demonstrates: 23andMe Members are Taking Action on Their Health




<p>Fear and anxiety are part of a threat-response system that is essential for survival. But for up to one in three people this system can become dysregulated, leading to anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias.</p>



<p>Researchers have known these conditions have a genetic component and can run in families, but the exact genetic underpinnings have been hard to identify. Now, <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02485-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a new study</a>, led by researchers from the Anxiety Disorders Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC-ANX), has identified dozens of new genetic variants linked to anxiety disorders, and data from millions of consented 23andMe research participants was used to confirm their findings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-hunt-for-anxiety-associated-genetic-variants">The Hunt for Anxiety-Associated Genetic Variants</h2>



<p>To find the genetic variants involved in complex traits like anxiety disorders, scientists need a lot of study participants. To get this large group, the researchers combined data from 36 different studies of people from Europe, the United States, and Australia. In total they had 122,225 people diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and 729,960 unaffected controls.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Then the researchers performed a genome-wide association meta-analysis, which scans the entire genome looking for genetic variants that are more common in people with anxiety disorders. By comparing the genomes of those with anxiety disorders to those without, the team identified 58 significant genetic variants associated with anxiety disorders.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-confirmation-the-critical-role-of-replication">Confirmation: The Critical Role of Replication</h2>



<p>Finding genetic variants associated with anxiety disorders is just the first step. To be confident it&#8217;s a <em>real</em> association and not a statistical fluke, results must be replicated in a completely independent group of people.</p>



<p>This is where the <a href="https://www.23andmeresearchinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">23andMe Research Institute</a> came in. The researchers tested their 58 variants in a massive cohort of consented 23andMe research participants, which included 1,175,012 participants who self-reported having anxiety and 1,956,379 participants who reported they did not.</p>



<p>Of the 55 variants they could test, all showed the same direction effect as in the discovery study, and 51 were significantly replicated. This gives researchers high confidence that these genetic variants are genuinely associated with anxiety in this population.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-critical-reminder-about-ancestry-groups-and-diversity">A Critical Reminder About Ancestry Groups and Diversity</h2>



<p>The study&#8217;s next step is an important lesson for the future of genetic research. The team attempted to replicate their findings using data from over 30,000 African American participants in the Million Veteran Program.</p>



<p>The result? Of the 53 variants tested in this cohort, only 27 (about 51%) showed the same effect, a rate no better than random chance.</p>



<p>This is not a flaw in the study; it is a crucial finding. It demonstrates that genetic discoveries made in one group (in this case, people of European descent) do not always reliably apply to other groups. This underscores the urgent need for diverse populations to participate in future genetic studies to ensure that the scientific and medical benefits of this research can be shared by everyone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-these-genes-do">What Do These Genes Do?</h2>



<p>Identifying the 58 genetic variants and replicating the finding was just the first step. Researchers also wanted to know what these variants do. Functional analysis provided a major clue.</p>



<p>The variants were found to be active in all major brain regions. More specifically, the results highlighted GABAergic signaling as a potential biological mechanism underlying anxiety disorders. GABA is the brain&#8217;s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it is a chemical messenger that calms down brain activity.</p>



<p>This is particularly exciting because many current anti-anxiety medications (like benzodiazepines) work by targeting this exact system. And there are also other genes in the GABAergic signaling pathway that could be good targets for future drugs to treat anxiety disorders.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="481" height="208" src="/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/anxiety-Img.png" alt="" class="wp-image-34814" style="width:230px;height:auto" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/anxiety-Img.png 481w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/anxiety-Img-300x130.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 481px) 100vw, 481px" /></figure>



<p>This study represents a major leap in our understanding of the genetic basis of anxiety. These 58 variants provide a foundational genetic basis that can guide scientists in future investigations into the biological pathways that lead to anxiety, with the ultimate hope of developing new and better treatments.</p>



<p><em>Learn more about 23andMe Research <a href="https://www.23andme.com/research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. Research participants provided informed consent and volunteered to participate in the research online, under a protocol approved by the external, independent review board AAHRPP-accredited <a href="https://www.versiticlinicaltrials.org/salusirb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salus IRB</a>.</em></p>



Sr. Manager, Product Science

Alisa Lehman

Major New Finding on Genetics and Anxiety


<p>Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects up to three percent of people, but the biological basis of the disorder has remained largely elusive. While we’ve known that genetics play a role, previous genetic studies have been limited by their relatively small sample size and have only identified a few of the specific genetic variants involved.</p>



<p>But that is now changing.</p>



<p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40360802/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">In a recent study</a>, the largest of its kind ever conducted for OCD, researchers identified dozens of genetic variants associated with the disorder, offering unprecedented insight into its underlying biology.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-numbers">The Power of Numbers</h2>



<p>For complex conditions like OCD, genetic discovery is a numbers game. To find the subtle genetic variations that contribute to risk, scientists need to compare the DNA of vast numbers of people with and without the condition. This is where the research model of the 23andMe Research Institute makes a world of difference.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="600" height="600" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/your_dna_family.png" alt="" class="wp-image-25345" style="width:141px;height:auto" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/your_dna_family.png 600w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/your_dna_family-150x150.png 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/your_dna_family-300x300.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/your_dna_family-271x271.png 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/your_dna_family-372x372.png 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/your_dna_family-574x574.png 574w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px" /></figure>



<p>This study combined data from 28 different cohorts. The result was a dataset of incredible scale, including 53,660 individuals with OCD and more than 2 million controls. Consented 23andMe research participants made up about half of the entire cohort in this study. This immense contribution, made possible by those who choose to participate in research, was critical to achieving the statistical power needed to make these new discoveries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-the-study-found">What the Study Found</h2>



<p>By scanning the genomes of millions of individuals, the researchers identified 30 independent genetic variants that were significantly associated with OCD. Of these 30 genetic variants, half are entirely new discoveries, while the others confirm and strengthen findings from previous, smaller studies. Researchers mapped these genetic variants to 25 genes that are likely impacted by those variants.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-zeroing-in-on-the-brain">Zeroing In on the Brain</h3>



<p>Identifying the genes is just the first step. The next question is: where in the body do these genes do their work?</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="438" height="458" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Brain-Logo.jpg" alt="Brain Logo" class="wp-image-22635" style="width:157px;height:auto" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Brain-Logo.jpg 438w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Brain-Logo-287x300.jpg 287w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 438px) 100vw, 438px" /></figure>



<p>To find out, the researchers performed tissue and single-cell enrichment analyses. The results were striking. The genetic signals for OCD were highly enriched in six different types of human brain tissue. In contrast, there was no enrichment found in tissues outside the brain.</p>



<p>The study drilled down even further, pinpointing specific cell types and found that these genes are at work in the same cells identified by neuroimaging and deep brain stimulation studies of OCD. By independently identifying these precise brain regions and cell types through genetics, this study provides additional supporting evidence that these genes and neurons play a direct role in the biology of OCD.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shared-genetics">Shared Genetics</h3>



<p>The study also investigated the genetic relationship between OCD and other psychiatric and behavioral conditions. The researchers found statistically significant positive genetic correlations between OCD and a range of other disorders, including anxiety, depression, anorexia nervosa, and Tourette syndrome</p>



<p>This finding reinforces a growing body of evidence that many psychiatric conditions, while appearing different on the surface, are likely to share some underlying genetic susceptibility factors. Understanding this genetic overlap may be key to understanding mental health as a whole.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-foundation-for-the-future">A Foundation for the Future</h2>



<p>This study represents a pivotal moment for OCD research. By dramatically expanding the list of known genetic variants associated with OCD and grounding them in the specific biology of the brain, this work opens doors for researchers to explore the precise mechanisms by which these genes influence brain circuits and contribute to OCD symptoms.</p>



<p>Ultimately, these findings may be a critical step toward developing novel and more effective treatments for a disorder that has long been misunderstood.</p>



<p>And once again, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to 23andMe research participants. Your contribution to this landmark study has advanced our understanding of OCD and paved the way for a healthier future.</p>



<p></p>


23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

A Major Leap Forward in Understanding the Genetics of OCD


<p>Have you ever wondered why some people stutter? You’re not alone. Developmental stuttering—disruptions in the normal flow of speech, like repeating sounds or involuntary pausing on words— affects more than 400 million people worldwide. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40721530/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">A new genetic study</a>, powered in part by data from more than one million consented 23andMe research participants, offers exciting insights into the genetics behind stuttering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stuttering-often-starts-young-and-many-kids-recover">Stuttering Often Starts Young—And Many Kids Recover</h2>



<p>Most people who stutter begin showing signs between ages 2 and 5. For many, it’s temporary—about 80% of children who stutter will recover, often naturally and sometimes with the help of speech therapy. Interestingly, boys and girls are about equally likely to start stuttering, but by the time they reach adulthood, men are four times more likely to continue stuttering compared to women.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-genetics-of-stuttering-a-new-look">The Genetics of Stuttering: A New Look</h2>



<p>Until recently, research into the genetics of stuttering has been limited to a handful of rare genetic variants identified in families. But a new large-scale study is changing that. By combining genetic data from over a million individuals, researchers identified 57 genetic variants (in or near 48 unique genes) linked to self-reported stuttering.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="616" height="378" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Visualize-GWAS.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30872" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Visualize-GWAS.jpg 616w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Visualize-GWAS-300x184.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px" /></figure>



<p>Some of these genetic signals were ancestry- or sex-specific, meaning they were only significant associations in certain populations. Others were shared across groups, highlighting the complex nature of the genetics behind stuttering.</p>



<p>And there’s more: while most previously reported variants were too rare or not included in the dataset, this study still found strong genetic signals in three of the six candidate genes previously linked to stuttering—GNPTAB, GNPTG, and AP4E1—adding new weight to past findings.</p>



<p>Some of the genetic findings in this study also overlap with traits like depression, autism, and even beat synchronization (your ability to accurately synchronize your movements with a musical beat). These overlaps suggest that stuttering might share some genetic similarity with these other traits.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-value-of-diversity-in-genetic-research">The Value of Diversity in Genetic Research</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="406" height="444" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CRC-Group.jpg" alt="An image to represent African Americans participating in 23andMe's colorectal cancer research." class="wp-image-32581" style="width:240px;height:auto" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CRC-Group.jpg 406w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CRC-Group-274x300.jpg 274w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 406px) 100vw, 406px" /></figure>



<p>One important takeaway from this study is the value—and the current limits—of genetic diversity in research. Researchers were able to create a polygenic risk score (PRS) for stuttering using data from people of European descent and found that it predicted stuttering risk well in both independent clinical and self-reported datasets. However, a lack of large, diverse datasets meant that the team couldn’t validate similar scores for people from other ancestry groups.</p>



<p>That’s why increasing diversity in genetic studies is so important. It helps ensure that the insights we gain are applicable to everyone.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-this-means-for-the-future">What This Means for the Future</h2>



<p>This study marks a major step forward in understanding the genetic contribution to stuttering. It confirms that stuttering, like many other traits, is influenced by a complex mix of genetic factors. And it highlights the importance of building inclusive, diverse research databases to ensure that discoveries can benefit as many people as possible.</p>



<p>Whether you’ve experienced stuttering yourself, know someone who has, or are just curious about the science of speech, studies like this help us better understand the fascinating interplay between genetics and communication.</p>



<p><em>Learn more about this study from our collaborators at </em><a href="https://news.vumc.org/2025/07/28/large-scale-study-defines-genetic-architecture-of-stuttering/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Vanderbilt University Medical Center</em></a><em> and learn more about </em><a href="https://www.23andme.com/research/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>research at 23andMe</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p></p>


Why Do People Stutter? Genetics Holds Some Clues


<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-driven-by-a-fascination-with-his-pet-fish-named-calvin-high-school-student-indeever-madireddy-became-the-first-person-to-sequence-the-genome-of-a-freshwater-angelfish"><em>Driven by a fascination with his pet fish named Calvin, high school student Indeever Madireddy became the first person to sequence the genome of a freshwater angelfish.</em></h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-full"><img decoding="async" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/20220731_173349-1-scaled-e1667861703712.jpg" alt="Indeever head shot" class="wp-image-30672"/></figure>



<p>Several weeks ago, Rich Abdell, Ph.D., a bioinformatician at the University of Pennsylvania, sent out a<a href="https://twitter.com/richabdill/status/1582483998554525697?s=20&amp;t=KEw3XM8667HYr8gXrLuo7g">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://twitter.com/richabdill/status/1582483998554525697?s=20&amp;t=KEw3XM8667HYr8gXrLuo7g" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tweet&nbsp;</a>to his 2,100 followers: “From what I can tell, the first freshwater angelfish genome was just&nbsp;<a href="https://www.micropublication.org/journals/biology/micropub-biology-000654" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published by a high schooler</a>&nbsp;using a MinION to sequence&nbsp;<strong><em>the DNA of his dead pet</em></strong>.”</p>



<p>Within a day, the post had amassed thousands of likes and over 500 retweets, as scientists from all over the country chimed in to express their support.</p>



<p>“I literally love everything about this, full stop,” replied an assistant professor. “What an incredible example of what can be achieved with early access to molecular biology resources,” a neuroscientist also tweeted in response.</p>



<p>As the tweet continued circulating online, a friend alerted 17-year-old Indeever that he was going viral.</p>



<p>“My first thought,” Indeever said, “was, ‘oh gosh, what did I do?’”</p>



<p>Indeever is a senior at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley in San Jose, California. He’s an avid fishkeeper, which he layers on top of his other interests: riding his bike, conducting research projects, competing in science competitions, and helping with his two younger brothers, who, he quipped, are “quite a lot of work.”</p>



<p>We recently spoke with him about his approach to work, how crowdfunding and community labs can help democratize science, and why young researchers “just need to get started.” The conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.&nbsp;</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-did-you-get-interested-in-genetics"><strong>How did you get interested in genetics?</strong></h6>



<p>It was kind of spontaneous. I’ve always really been into fishkeeping and raising fish. I had a pair of angelfish that would always lay eggs, but they’d never hatch. So, I decided that the next time my angelfish laid eggs, I would raise the baby fish to ensure they would survive, which is exactly what I did in August 2020. I used a pipette, moved the eggs to a new aquarium, and raised the fish until they were fully grown.</p>



<p>Unfortunately, one of the angelfish that I raised died in March 2022.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignwide size-large"><img decoding="async" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/6-1-1-scaled-e1667861806388-1024x722.jpg" alt="Indeever lab" class="wp-image-30670"/></figure>



<p>I do my research at&nbsp;<a href="https://biocurious.org/">BioCurious</a>&nbsp;which is a local biohacker space for DIY biologists. There I always saw many biologists doing sequencing work. This made me curious about what sequencing had been done with fish. Weeks before my fish died I learned that no one had sequenced the genome of a freshwater angelfish. At the time, no reference genome was available through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/">NCBI</a>&nbsp;(National Center for Biotechnology Information).</p>



<p>So when my pet fish died, I decided to sequence its genome. And that’s where this all took off.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-before-we-continue-what-was-your-fish-s-name"><strong>Before we continue, what was your fish’s name?</strong></h6>



<p>&nbsp;His name was Calvin.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-talk-us-through-your-sequencing-work-and-your-research-process"><strong>Talk us through your sequencing work and your research process.</strong></h6>



<p>When Calvin died, I rushed him to the BioCurious lab so I could freeze him in the -80°C freezer to keep his DNA stable.</p>



<p>Then I needed to figure out how to sequence. I spent the next month doing background research and learning genomics from scratch.</p>



<p><em>(<strong>Editor’s note:</strong>&nbsp;Reader in case you forgot, Indeever is a high school senior.)</em></p>



<p>I’ve had prior research experience in molecular biology and I’m familiar with the lab equipment available in my local lab. I came across nanopore technology and its long-read sequencing ability. This technology would allow me to&nbsp;<em>de novo</em>assemble the genome. So, I purchased a new nanopore sequencer and flow cell.</p>



<p>I used a New England Biolabs Genomic DNA extraction kit to extract DNA from Calvin’s muscle tissue. I did have to do some trial and error and experiment with the standard protocol to figure out what would give me the best DNA yield.</p>



<p>After I extracted the DNA, I had to prepare the genomic library and the DNA so that the nanopore device could properly sequence it.&nbsp;</p>



<p>I worked for two weekends in the lab to obtain the raw sequencing data.&nbsp;The bioinformatics work that came after that took a lot more time—around two months.</p>



<p>And then, I had to screen the genome to ensure there weren&#8217;t any contaminants.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-did-you-learn-or-find-anything-else-during-your-sequencing-work"><strong>Did you learn or find anything else during your sequencing work?&nbsp;</strong></h6>



<p>Interestingly, there was a bacterial contaminant in my sequencing reads.</p>



<h6 class="has-text-align-left wp-block-heading" id="h-could-that-have-been-the-cause-of-calvin-s-death"><strong>Could that have been the cause of Calvin’s death?</strong></h6>



<p>It could have been. I was hesitant to say that in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.micropublication.org/journals/biology/micropub-biology-000654">paper</a>. Bacteria is a common fish pathogen that&#8217;s just naturally present in aquariums and on fish. At the same time, it&#8217;s an opportunistic pathogen, and if a fish is already ill or injured, the bacteria will exacerbate the problem and kill it.</p>



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<p>So, unfortunately, I couldn&#8217;t say for sure. I wish I could, but I just pointed it out in my paper and left it at that. It would have been interesting to see if that was true.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-addition-to-performing-your-work-at-a-community-lab-you-also-relied-on-crowdfunding-can-you-tell-us-more-about-that"><strong>In addition to performing your work at a community lab, you also relied on crowdfunding. Can you tell us more about that?</strong></h6>



<p>I used a lot of my own funds for this research, but I also fundraised on<a href="https://experiment.com/">&nbsp;experiment.com</a>&nbsp;so that I could buy another flow cell for the nanopore sequencer to increase my sequencing yield.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-did-it-feel-like-to-open-twitter-and-discover-your-project-had-generated-a-lot-of-interest"><strong>What did it feel like to open Twitter and discover your project had generated a lot of interest?</strong></h6>



<p>It was crazy! I wasn’t on Twitter. In fact, the only time I tweeted was for the fundraising I was doing for this project.</p>



<p>A friend of mine reached out and said, &#8216;hey, do you know you&#8217;re going viral on Twitter?&#8217; And I thought, ‘oh gosh, what&#8217;s going on? What did I do?&#8217; And then it turns out it was the angelfish work!</p>



<p>It’s been a great experience. I’ve met so many new scientists and researchers; it’s surreal.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-do-you-think-it-resonated-with-people"><strong>Why do you think it resonated with people?</strong></h6>



<p>I’ve noticed that there&#8217;s a big movement in the scientific community toward democratizing science and making it accessible to all. And I think this project exemplified that.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-you-re-not-in-the-lab-sequencing-genomes-what-do-you-like-to-do-for-fun"><strong>When you’re not in the lab sequencing genomes, what do you like to do for fun?</strong></h6>



<p>I raise a lot of fish. I have over 100 fish—koi, angelfish, goldfish…I even have a bichir, which is a kind of an eel, but way cooler.</p>



<p>Outside of fishkeeping, I do a lot of other research work. One of my previous projects was about CRISPR and how we could use the CRISPR-Cas9 enzyme as a tool to augment the human immune system and similarly protect against viral infections. I competed in various science competitions with that research.</p>



<p>I also have two younger brothers, who are quite a lot of work! And I enjoy riding my bike. I really like electric bikes, actually, so that&#8217;s what I do in my free time.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-any-future-research-projects-on-the-horizon"><strong>Any future research projects on the horizon?</strong></h6>



<p>Right now, I&#8217;m applying to colleges, and that’s taking up most of my time. I’m interested in sequencing the transcriptome of the angelfish, so I think that&#8217;s next.</p>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-advice-do-you-have-for-young-researchers"><strong>What advice do you have for young researchers?</strong></h6>



<p>There is so much I want to say, but for starters, don’t be intimidated by the research world. It might be easy to see my research and wonder how I did it, but this was not my first research project. Throughout high school, I conducted independent research work.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Anyone can do research; you just have to get started. Find what you&#8217;re interested in and pursue it. Don’t be afraid of what other people think or even what the results will be.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Also, setbacks are expected. A setback simply means that you have reached a point where you are pushing the boundaries of science.&nbsp;It is a good sign and that must not deter you. You should definitely try to anticipate issues and find multiple pathways to work through or around them.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Finally, learn from the reviews, wisdom, and experiences of others while believing in and improving your own judgment and abilities. No one can learn everything by themselves, and it’s often other people who have interesting insights.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The nice thing about open science and the internet and computers and all that is that you can do research&nbsp;<em>anywhere</em>. From a lab, from home…anywhere!</p>



<p></p>


The High Schooler who Sequenced the Angelfish

<p>With the start of Lupus Awareness Month, we’re offering up a snapshot of our growing lupus research community and one <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-22794 size-medium" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/communityBadge_lupus-300x300.jpg" alt="communityBadge_lupus" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/communityBadge_lupus-300x300.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/communityBadge_lupus-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/communityBadge_lupus-271x271.jpg 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/communityBadge_lupus-372x372.jpg 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/communityBadge_lupus.jpg 400w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />of the many people who has joined to make the work possible.
</p>
<p>
Since we launched our<a href="https://www.23andme.com/lupus/"> Lupus Research Study</a> we’re already more than halfway to reaching our goal of enrolling 5,000 people living with lupus.</p>
<p>Launched last year in collaboration with Pfizer Inc, the study is meant to help better understand the genetics of this insidious autoimmune disease, which affects almost 1.5 million in the United States alone. Symptoms for lupus can range from joint inflammation to sores and skin rashes – often in the form of blotchy red marks on the face. The symptoms can progress to other issues including damage to the kidneys, heart or lungs.</p>
<p>While the cause of lupus is unknown, several studies indicate that a number of factors, including genetics, hormones and the environment all play a role. Lupus also impacts women more than men – 90 percent of the cases are women – and it often hits them between the ages of 15 and 44, although a significant percentage of cases hit people in childhood.
</p>
<p>
Lupus is a serious condition, but we are inspired by the positive attitude of many of those who are participating in this research. One of the several thousand people who’ve enrolled in 23andMe’s Lupus Study is Mary Frances, a California mother who was first diagnosed in college.</p>
<p>Despite the challenges she’s faced along the way, she remains positive.</p>
<p>&#8220;</p>
<p>You have to think &#8211; someone else has it worse than me and turn your attention to the challenge,&#8221; she said.</p>
<p>Learn more about <a href="https://www.23andme.com/lupus/">our study.</a><br />
<iframe loading="lazy" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NOoOoWH2BuU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>

Learn About Our Lupus Research

<p><strong>By Anne Wojcicki</strong></p>
<p>
It is with great pleasure that we are announcing an addition to the 23andMe executive team and a new initiative for the company.</p>
<p><div id="attachment_22312" style="width: 305px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-22312" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Headshot-Richard-Scheller.jpg" alt="Dr. Richard Scheller" class="size-full wp-image-22312" width="295" height="197" /><p id="caption-attachment-22312" class="wp-caption-text">Dr. Richard Scheller</p></div></p>
<p>Renowned scientist, Dr. Richard Scheller, will be joining 23andMe as our Chief Science Officer and will lead the development of a new research and development group, 23andMe Therapeutics.
</p>
<p>
The same way we are transforming the way people access and understand their genomes, we hope to transform the way we discover and develop novel therapies. By starting with genetic information and understanding the basics of disease, we hope we can make discoveries that will have a meaningful impact on society.    </p>
<p>Dr. Scheller joining is a testament to the power of 23andMe and what our customers have come together to build. 23andMe is the largest database in the world of genetic information, with almost 900,000 customers.</p>
<p>Customers have contributed over 250 million datapoints of information. All that information powers research that helps us understand how to prevent and treat disease.</p>
<p>Our mission is to help people access, understand and benefit from the human genome. With Dr. Scheller joining the team, we believe we will be putting our best efforts into helping customers and society benefit from the human genome.</p>
<p>Participating in research is completely voluntary and customers can opt-in or out at any time.</p>
<p>Over 80 percent of customers chose to opt-in to research and answer questions. We believe we have the potential to be the source of new discoveries that transform the health and lives of our friends and family. Our customers should be proud that they make this research possible.</p>


Anne Wojcicki

23andMe Therapeutics

<p>There are grand visions about what genetic discoveries will be made in the distant future, but what about in the next five years.</p>
<p>That was the question Dr. Eric Green, the director of the National Genome Research Institute, asked of 23andMe&#8217;s CEO and co-founder Anne Wojcicki. Anne recently participated in a discussions with Green and Yale University genetics professor, Dr. Richard Lifton, as part of a symposium at the Smithsonian&#8217;s National Museum of Natural History. The talk revolved around the future of genomics, medicine and the impact genetic research will have globally on health care.</p>
<p>For Anne, what is happening right now is most interesting.</p>
<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s the most exciting time in science,&#8221; she said.</p>
<p>Check out their conversation.<br />
<iframe loading="lazy" width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/tVB81rjA3Vw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>


The Most Exciting Time in Science

<p style="float: right; text-align: right; width: 315px;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-16833 size-medium" title="23andMe-Uta-007" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/23andMe-Uta-007-210x300.jpg" alt="" width="210" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/23andMe-Uta-007-210x300.jpg 210w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/23andMe-Uta-007.jpg 508w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 210px) 100vw, 210px" /></p>
<p>A big congratulations from everybody here at 23andMe to our Senior Medical Director Uta Francke, who’ll be picking up the William Allan Award from the American Society of Human Genetics in San Francisco this morning.</p>
<p>A medical doctor and professor emeritus of Genetics and Pediatrics at Stanford University, Uta has never rested on her long record of achievement. She continues to break new ground in genetics research and inspire her fellow scientists here at 23andMe.</p>
<p>This award – one in a long string of accolades she’s received in her career – recognizes her singular scientific contributions in the field of genetics.</p>
<p>In making the announcement, Joann Boughman, the executive vice president of the American Society of Human Genetics noted the respect she commands among geneticists offering a “stellar example of a tireless scientist, always seeking answers to any question that she becomes interested in, and pursing a variety of research techniques that will advance the knowledge in that particular subject.”</p>
<p>We couldn’t agree more.</p>
<p>Uta has spent decades on the leading edge of genetic research particularly focusing on human genetic diseases. Among her many achievements were groundbreaking new insights into such genetic diseases as Charcot-Marie-Tooth, Marfan, Rett, Prader-Willi, Williams, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndromes. Her work opened new avenues for the study and treatment of these disorders.</p>
<p>Uta, who served as president of the ASHG in 1999, continues to make contributions on many levels. Beyond her work in basic research, Uta is helping 23andMe – and the direct-to-consumer genetics industry as a whole – move into a new era of personalized medicine.</p>
<p>As a testament to her forward-thinking one need only look back to her remarks more than a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1288184/">decade ago to the ASHG</a> when she noted that genetic information would increasingly influence primary medicine. She called for educating both physicians and the public about genetics. And, as if foreseeing her own role at 23andMe, she pointed to the potential that the Internet would be how people could get access to genetic information.</p>
<p>23andMe is extremely proud of her achievements and continues to draw inspiration from her work.</p>

Genetic Research