
<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>


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


<p><em>By Bertram Koelsch, Ph.D.</em></p>



<p>The more we learn about genetics, the more we realize how beautifully complex the story of human variation truly is. For many of us, our first introduction to genetics is in the classroom. As genomic science leaps forward, it is vital that science education keeps pace. A <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/S9WVJXKE2DBYWHZGBIFV/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently published paper</a> in the <em>Journal of Science Teacher Education</em> highlights both the challenges and the exciting opportunities in updating how science is taught in order to reflect the complexity of modern genetics.</p>



<p>The 23andMe Research Institute is committed to more than just internal discovery; we aim to support and collaborate with professional educators in developing their own expertise in these complex principles. We were honored to have played a supporting role for these educators, and would like to share their work.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-challenge-teaching-complexity">The Challenge: Teaching Complexity</h2>



<p>The paper explores a fundamental shift in genetics education: moving from a &#8220;one-gene, one-trait&#8221; <a href="https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Mendelian-Inheritance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mendelian model</a> to an understanding of complex traits that are influenced by hundreds or thousands of genetic variants working in tandem with environmental factors.</p>



<p>Teaching this complexity isn&#8217;t easy. This case study followed a &#8220;co-design process&#8221; involving a middle school science teacher and educators from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the <a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exploratorium</a> Museum in San Francisco working together to create professional activities for other science teachers to update how they teach more complex genetics.</p>



<p>Throughout this process the middle school teacher identified several challenges to teaching these complex topics, including:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A lack of real-world examples tailored to hook students’ interest.</li>



<li>Nuanced word choices that can be confusing when describing the relationship between genes and a trait.</li>



<li>How and when to introduce core ideas and activities to help students build their understanding step-by-step.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-collaborative-solution">A Collaborative Solution</h2>



<p>In order to find interesting examples to capture students&#8217; interest and to support further understanding of complex genetics, the co-design team was able to call on 23andMe Research Institute scientists to share data and real-world examples from research studies of complex traits. In the end the co-design team developed a <a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/file/inheritance-its-more-complicated" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">classroom activity</a>, using height as a relevant example, to demonstrate the impact of multiple genetic variants on a trait.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="578" src="/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Figure2-Principles-of-a-polygenic-score-1024x578.png" alt="" class="wp-image-35182" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Figure2-Principles-of-a-polygenic-score-1024x578.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Figure2-Principles-of-a-polygenic-score-300x169.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Figure2-Principles-of-a-polygenic-score-768x434.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Figure2-Principles-of-a-polygenic-score-880x497.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Figure2-Principles-of-a-polygenic-score-1180x666.png 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><em>Example of materials shared by 23andMe with the co-design team.</em></figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>&#8220;By providing a space for teachers to work directly with scientists, we create opportunities for them to engage with authentic data and nuanced examples of complex inheritance,&#8221;</strong> said Hilleary Osheroff, of the Teacher Institute at the Exploratorium, one of the authors of this study.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Co-author Sara Porter, from the Teacher Education and Higher Education Department at University of North Carolina at Greensboro added, <strong>&#8220;This collaboration allows educators to bridge the gap between abstract theory and classroom practice without the need for extensive time in the laboratory, ultimately empowering them to bring the most current genomic science to their students.&#8221;</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why It Matters</h2>



<p>The importance of robust science education throughout the K-12 years cannot be overstated. By providing students with a more accurate framework for how genetics works, we empower the next generation to better understand their own health and the diversity of the human experience.</p>



<p><strong>“At the 23andMe Research Institute, we believe that genetic literacy is a fundamental tool,”</strong> says Anne Greb, Director of Genomics Education at 23andMe. <strong>“Engaging in community projects like this that support early science education is a priority for us. By supporting teachers today, we are ensuring that the scientists, healthcare providers, and informed citizens of tomorrow have a clear-eyed understanding of the science that connects us all, from understanding their own traits and disease risks to recognizing the genetic relatedness that connects people.”</strong></p>



<p>The responsive nature of the co-design process described in the paper shows that when scientists and teachers work together, they create a &#8220;resource-rich&#8221; environment. We are proud to have played a role in this research and remain dedicated to helping bridge the gap between the lab and the classroom.</p>



<p><strong>Interested in helping a young person in your life learn more about genetics? Check out more educational activities from the </strong><a href="https://www.exploratorium.edu/education/teacher-institute/phenomenal-genome-project" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Exploratorium</strong></a><strong> and the 23andMe </strong><a href="https://education.23andme.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Genetics Learning Hub</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>



<div style="width: 100%; margin: 0 auto; text-align: justify; background-color: #eee; padding: 15px;">
<h4>About the Author</h4>
<p><strong>Bertram Koelsch</strong>, Ph.D. — Director, Product Research &#038; Development
</p>
<p> 
Dr. Bertram Koelsch leads a team of R&#038;D scientists at 23andMe whose work spans the full breadth of the 23andMe experience — from genetic ancestry and relative matching to consumer health insights. Drawing on machine learning and the insights unlocked by 23andMe&#8217;s vast base of research-consented participants, his team builds models that deepen what customers can learn about themselves. With a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley and UCSF, he brings a rigorous scientific foundation to the challenge of making genetics meaningful and actionable for everyone. At heart, Dr. Koelsch thinks of himself as an engineer — someone driven not just by scientific discovery, but by the desire to build things that tangibly improve people&#8217;s lives. That ethos runs through everything his team does, for example, ensuring polygenic risk scores can empower consumers to take a more proactive role in their own health.</p>
</div>


Teaching Complex Genetics to Kids: What a New Study Says Works


<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>Since 2014, a powerful collaboration between <a href="https://palmerlab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abraham Palmer, Ph.D.</a> and <a href="https://www.sanchezroigelab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sandra Sanchez-Roige, Ph.D.</a> at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) and 23andMe has been at the forefront of understanding how our DNA influences complex human behaviors. This enduring partnership has yielded groundbreaking insights published in high-impact journals such as <em>Nature Neuroscience</em>, the <em>American Journal of Psychiatry</em>, and others. Some of these studies include the <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/wait-new-genetic-research-impulsivity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-ever genome-wide association study of delay discounting</a> (the tendency to devalue larger future rewards in favor of smaller more immediate rewards), identification of more than a <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/the-genetics-of-alcoholism" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dozen variants associated with alcohol use disorder</a>, the discovery of the shared genetic associations between <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/the-genetics-of-loneliness-and-its-impact-on-health" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">loneliness and other health conditions</a>, and one of the <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-genetic-insights-into-cannabis-use" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">largest genetic studies on cannabis use</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="761" src="/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Palmer-and-Sanchez-Roige-1024x761.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34870" style="width:533px;height:auto" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Palmer-and-Sanchez-Roige-1024x761.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Palmer-and-Sanchez-Roige-300x223.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Palmer-and-Sanchez-Roige-768x571.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Palmer-and-Sanchez-Roige-880x654.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Palmer-and-Sanchez-Roige-1180x877.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Palmer-and-Sanchez-Roige.jpg 2018w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-shared-pursuit-of-knowledge">A Shared Pursuit of Knowledge</h2>



<p>At its core, this collaboration is driven by a shared vision: to identify the genetic underpinnings of behaviors that significantly impact human health. The goal is not just academic; it&#8217;s about identifying novel insights that can lead to better prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. By understanding the genetic factors that contribute to these complex traits, researchers can pave the way for more personalized and effective approaches.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-heart-of-the-research">The Heart of the Research</h2>



<p>These remarkable discoveries would be impossible without the generous contributions of 23andMe research participants. Millions of individuals have voluntarily consented to share their de-identified genetic and health data, providing the large sample sizes that are necessary to identify subtle yet significant genetic associations. This collective effort is the engine driving some of the largest behavioral genetic studies ever conducted.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-testament-to-enduring-science">A Testament to Enduring Science</h2>



<p>Science, by its very nature, takes time. New discoveries often lead to new questions, fueling further exploration. The 12-year span of this partnership is a testament to the dedication and long-term vision of both 23andMe and Drs. Palmer and Sanchez-Roige. It represents a sustained commitment to tackling some of the most challenging questions in human behavior, a commitment that continues to bear fruit.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proven-through-peer-reviewed-science">Proven Through Peer-Reviewed Science</h2>



<p>The collaboration’s journey began when the first of three surveys was developed and deployed to 23andMe research participants in 2014. Just three years later, in 2017, the first <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29058377/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">peer-reviewed publication</a> from this collaboration was published, showing that the online survey taken by 23andMe research participants can effectively be used to identify genetic factors underlying alcohol use disorder.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Since 2017, the momentum has only grown, with 16 additional papers already published and many more on the horizon. These papers represent a significant contribution to the global scientific community and stand as a direct result of the millions of research participants who have contributed their data and time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trusted Partners</h2>



<p>From the perspective of Drs. Palmer and Sanchez-Roige, the decision to work with, and crucially, <em>continue</em> working with 23andMe for over a decade speaks volumes about the company&#8217;s rigorous research standards and commitment to scientific excellence.</p>



<p>&#8220;23andMe offers an unparalleled resource for genetic research,&#8221; says <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/abraham-palmer-ucsd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Palmer</a>. &#8220;Their commitment to data privacy, ethical research, and the scale of their participant base makes them an ideal collaborator for tackling novel genetic questions that would be nearly impossible to answer elsewhere.&#8221;</p>



<p>&#8220;One of the reasons we’ve sustained this partnership for over a decade is 23andMe’s commitment to ethical oversight,&#8221; continues Dr. Palmer. &#8220;Every study we conduct is overseen by an independent Institutional Review Board (IRB), ensuring that participant privacy and informed consent are always the top priority. It allows us to focus on our research questions because we know 23andMe has systems in place to uphold the highest ethical standards.&#8221;</p>



<p>&#8220;What makes 23andMe a truly unique research environment is the strong engagement of the participants,&#8221; says Dr. Sanchez-Roige. &#8220;Unlike traditional studies that might take years to recruit a few hundred people, we can deploy a survey and receive thousands of thoughtful responses in a matter of days. This agility allows us to ask entirely new questions about behavior and environment, collecting the rich phenotypic data necessary to understand complex issues like aspects related to opioid use in ways we never could before.&#8221;</p>



<p>Dr. Sanchez-Roige continues, &#8220;working with the 23andMe Research Institute is more than just having access to a database; it has been a productive collaboration with outstanding colleagues. And the research participants are also devoted to contributing to science, meaning we aren&#8217;t just looking at static data; we are actively learning from millions of people who are as interested in these scientific answers as we are.&#8221;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead</h2>



<p>As this research moves into the next phase of this partnership, the focus is expanding beyond genetics alone. Dr. Palmer says, &#8220;our recent work has demonstrated that answers to survey questions — even without genetic data — are powerful predictors for identifying individuals at risk for opioid use disorder.&#8221; Dr. Sanchez-Roige adds, &#8220;The data we’ve collected argues strongly for using a few questions to flag a small subset of individuals who are at high risk for opioid addiction before it&#8217;s too late. This project is ongoing, our survey on opioid use is still available for 23andMe research participants as we seek to obtain 500,000 completed responses.&#8221;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Participants</h3>



<p>The true scale of this achievement is best measured in the time and dedication of research participants. &#8220;To put it in perspective, a single 15-minute survey that receives 500,000 responses represents the equivalent of 14.25 years of research participant time!&#8221; says Dr. Palmer. The ability to crowdsource data at this scale, in genotyped individuals, is what makes the 23andMe Research Institute a trusted research partner and a global leader in genetics and behavioral science.</p>



<p>The insights gained over the last 12 years are already reshaping how we understand the human experience. As we continue to ask new questions and uncover new associations, we move closer to a world where substance use disorders are met with better tools, deeper empathy, and more effective treatments.</p>



<p>Complete the <a href="https://you.23andme.com/research/surveys/opioid_pain_medication/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Opioid Pain Medication Survey</a> to help advance research efforts focused on the connection between genes and opioids.</p>



<p><em>Reference to UC San Diego does not imply endorsement or support of any product, service or company involved.</em></p>



<div style="max-width: 750px; width: 100%; margin: 0 auto; text-align: justify; background-color: #eee; padding: 15px;">
<h4>About the Collaborators</h4>
<p><strong>Abraham Palmer</strong>, Ph.D.
</p>
<p> 
Dr. Abraham Palmer is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego. His current research emphasizes leveraging large-scale human genetic datasets alongside powerful preclinical models to identify risk genes, map biological pathways, and translate genetic discoveries into a deeper mechanistic understanding of addiction and related psychiatric outcomes. He has been a member of 23andMe since 2012 and has completed more surveys than 99% of 23andMe research participants. He is an avid cyclist who lives in San Diego, California with his wife, two teenaged children, two cats and one dog.
<br><a href="https://palmerlab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.palmerlab.org</a></p>
<p><strong>Sandra Sanchez-Roige</strong>, Ph.D.
</p>
<p> 
Dr. Sandra Sanchez-Roige is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego. Her research focuses on identifying the biological drivers that place people at risk for substance use disorders using genetics, genomics, medical bioinformatics, and cross-species translational approaches. She has been a member of 23andMe since 2016, is “likely to prefer chocolate over vanilla ice cream” and has a variant in the ACTN3 gene that means her “muscle composition is common in elite power athletes”, according to 23andMe reports. She co-leads the Sanchez-Roige Lab with Lisa, a talented British Shorthair cat, and Margot, a curious six-year-old girl, and Victor, a partner, slide beta-tester, and conference travel companion.
<br><a href="https://www.sanchezroigelab.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.sanchezroigelab.org</a></p>
</div>



<p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout" style="border:1px solid #000; border-collapse:collapse;"><tbody><tr><td>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Publications:</h3>
<ol>
<li>Sanchez-Roige, S et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29058377/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Genome-wide association study of alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) scores in 20 328 research participants of European ancestry.”</a> <em>Addiction Biology</em> vol. 24,1 (2019): 121-131.</li>
<li>Sanchez-Roige, S et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29230059/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Genome-wide association study of delay discounting in 23,217 adult research participants of European ancestry.”</a> <em>Nature Neuroscience</em> vol. 21,1 (2018): 16-18.</li>
<li>Pasman, J A et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30150663/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“GWAS of lifetime cannabis use reveals new risk loci, genetic overlap with psychiatric traits, and a causal influence of schizophrenia.”</a> <em>Nature Neuroscience</em> vol. 21,9 (2018): 1161-1170.</li>
<li>Sanchez-Roige, S et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30336701/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Genome-Wide Association Study Meta-Analysis of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in Two Population-Based Cohorts.”</a> The <em>American Journal of Psychiatry</em> vol. 176,2 (2019): 107-118.</li>
<li>Sanchez-Roige, S et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30718321/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Genome-Wide Association Studies of Impulsive Personality Traits (BIS-11 and UPPS-P) and Drug Experimentation in up to 22,861 Adult Research Participants Identify Loci in the CACNA1I and CADM2 genes.”</a> <em>J Neurosci.</em> vol. 39,13 (2019): 2562-2572.</li>
<li>Karlsson Linnér, R et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30643258/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Genome-wide association analyses of risk tolerance and risky behaviors in over 1 million individuals identify hundreds of loci and shared genetic influences.”</a> <em>Nature Genetic</em>s vol. 51,2 (2019): 245-257.</li>
<li>Abdellaoui, A et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31518406/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Phenome-wide investigation of health outcomes associated with genetic predisposition to loneliness.”</a> <em>Human Molecular Genetics</em> vol. 28,22 (2019): 3853-3865.</li>
<li>Dennis, J et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31796895/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Genetic risk for major depressive disorder and loneliness in sex-specific associations with coronary artery disease.”</a> <em>Molecular Psychiatry</em> vol. 26,8 (2021): 4254-4264.</li>
<li>Gustavson, D E et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32716714/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“The Latent Genetic Structure of Impulsivity and Its Relation to Internalizing Psychopathology.”</a> <em>Psychological Science</em> vol. 31,8 (2020): 1025-1035.</li>
<li>Sanchez-Roige, S et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34728798/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Genome-wide association study of problematic opioid prescription use in 132,113 23andMe research participants of European ancestry.”</a> <em>Molecular Psychiatry</em> vol. 26,11 (2021): 6209-6217.</li>
<li>Sanchez-Roige, S et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37173343/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“CADM2 is implicated in impulsive personality and numerous other traits by genome- and phenome-wide association studies in humans and mice.”</a> <em>Translational Psychiatry</em> vol. 13,1 167 (2023).</li>
<li>Gustavson, D E et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39323941/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Executive Function and Impulsivity Predict Distinct Genetic Variance in Internalizing Problems, Externalizing Problems, Thought Disorders, and Compulsive Disorders: A Genomic Structural Equation Modeling Study.”</a> <em>Clin Psychol Sci.</em> vol. 12,5 (2024): 865-881.</li>
<li>Thorpe, H H A et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38858598/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Genome-wide association studies of coffee intake in UK/US participants of European ancestry uncover cohort-specific genetic associations.”</a> <em>Neuropsychopharmacology</em> vol. 49,10 (2024): 1609-1618.</li>
<li>Jennings, M V et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38580523/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“A phenome-wide association and Mendelian randomisation study of alcohol use variants in a diverse cohort comprising over 3 million individuals.”</a> <em>EBioMedicine</em> vol. 103 (2024): 105086.</li>
<li>Mallard, T T et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41152253/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Characterizing the Pleiotropic Architecture of Impulsivity and Its Links to Psychopathology and Neurodevelopment.”</a> <em>The American Journal of Psychiatry</em> vol. 183,1 (2026): 31-47.</li>
<li>Thorpe, H H A et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41077612/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Genome-wide association studies of lifetime and frequency of cannabis use in 131,895 individuals.”</a> <em>Molecular Psychiatry</em> vol. 31,2 (2026): 1061-1073.</li>
<li>Thorpe, H H A et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41286433/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">“Genome-wide association study of delay discounting identifies 11 loci and reveals transdiagnostic associations across mental and physical health.”</a> <em>Molecular Psychiatry</em>, 10.1038/s41380-025-03356-8. (2025).</li>
</ol>
</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>



<p></p>


23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

A Decade of Discovery: Unraveling the Genetics of Behavior with 23andMe and UCSD




<p>Black History Month is a time to honor the resilience and contributions of the Black community. At the 23andMe Research Institute, we recognize that our understanding of human health and genetics is deeply rooted in the participation of people of African descent, whose contributions are essential to shaping one of the most diverse genetic research cohorts in the world.</p>



<p>Despite decades of progress in genetics, people of African descent <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39694036/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remain vastly underrepresented in biomedical research</a>. That gap limits what science can uncover and who ultimately benefits from those discoveries. </p>



<p>Through member participation and programs aimed at <a href="https://www.23andme.com/global-genetics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">increasing research representation from certain global regions</a>, today, the 23andMe Research Institute is proud to host the world’s largest genetic research cohort of individuals with African ancestry reflecting the deep genetic diversity of African and African American communities and humanity as a whole. This diversity of research participants helps to drive discoveries that benefit all of us.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-participation-to-personal-insights">From Participation to Personal Insights</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s important that the new insights generated from our members&#8217; contributions to research are returned to you. The contributions of consented Black and African American research participants has led to significant enhancements in the member experience. For example:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Expanded Genetic Groups:</strong> Over 250 Genetic Groups in <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/a-new-era-for-african-genetic-groups-at-23andme" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Africa</a>, more than 200 <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-23andme-update-connects-many-african-american-customers-to-southern-roots" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">African American</a> Genetic Groups, and 19 <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-adds-more-detail-for-afro-caribbean-ancestry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Afro-Caribbean</a> Genetic Groups that have come as a direct result of more diverse data from 23andMe customers who have consented to participate in research.</li>



<li><strong>Targeted Health Reports:</strong> Through the years we have delivered insights into traits and conditions that disproportionately affect the Black and African American community, such as <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/sickle-cell-anemia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sickle cell anemia</a>, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/g6pd-deficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G6PD deficiency</a>, and <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/the-duffy-antigen-gene-a-clue-behind-white-blood-cell-differences" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Duffy antigen status</a>.</li>
</ul>



<p>But the impact of this research community extends far beyond individual reports and features for our members. It is fundamentally advancing what humanity knows about itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-impact-landmarks-in-research">Global Impact: Landmarks in Research</h2>



<p>By choosing to participate in our research program, our members are helping rewrite history books and shape the future of medicine. Here are a few ways our research cohort is making an impact:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-uncovering-lost-history">1. Uncovering Lost History</h3>



<p>23andMe researchers used DNA to connect living people to enslaved and free African Americans buried at the <a href="https://catoctinfurnace.org/ironworker/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Catoctin Furnace</a> historical site. This <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/historical-dna-connection-to-early-enslaved-and-free-african-americans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">landmark work</a> shows how DNA can be used to both restore some knowledge of the individuals buried at sites like this, as well as help bridge the gap left by missing historical records to living descendants, restoring stories that time and systemic erasure tried to hide.</p>



<p style="padding-left: 20pt">Harney, Éadaoin et al. “The genetic legacy of African Americans from Catoctin Furnace.” Science (New York, N.Y.) vol. 381,6657 (2023): eade4995. doi:10.1126/science.ade4995</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-mapping-the-transatlantic-legacy">2. Mapping the Transatlantic Legacy</h3>



<p>Our large-scale study on the <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/transatlantic-slave-trade" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transatlantic slave trade</a> provided a deeper look into the genetic impact of the Middle Passage. By analyzing the genomes of over 50,000 research participants, we’ve been able to better understand the regional origins and the complex history of the African diaspora in the Americas. Ultimately, this research may empower participants to reconnect to histories that were severed by the transatlantic slave trade.</p>



<p style="padding-left: 20pt">Micheletti, Steven J et al. “Genetic Consequences of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in the Americas.” American journal of human genetics vol. 107,2 (2020): 265-277. doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.06.012</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-refining-understanding-of-sickle-cell-trait">3. Refining Understanding of Sickle Cell Trait</h3>



<p>Our research study of <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-genetic-research-on-sickle-cell-trait" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sickle cell trait</a> was the largest and most diverse study of this trait, and included more than 4 million consented research participants. This important study showed that those with sickle cell trait (meaning people who carry one copy of the HbS variant in the HBB gene) do have a slightly increased likelihood of developing harmful blood clots. However, the magnitude of that risk is still below other genetic factors (such as Factor V Leiden) that are also known to increase the risk of harmful blood clots. While having sickle cell trait is typically considered being a carrier without any impact to your own health, this research shows that the estimated eight to 10 percent of African Americans who have sickle cell trait may benefit from knowing about potential risks (especially in other situations that may increase the chances of harmful blood clots, such as surgeries or hospitalizations). </p>



<p><strong>Learn more about <a href="https://www.23andme.com/sickle-cell-awareness-program/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Sickle Cell Carrier Status Awareness Program</a>.</strong></p>



<p style="padding-left: 20pt">Lin, Keng-Han et al. “Ancestry-independent risk of venous thromboembolism in individuals with sickle cell trait vs factor V Leiden.” Blood advances vol. 8,21 (2024): 5710-5718. doi:10.1182/bloodadvances.2024014252</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ongoing-need-for-research">Ongoing need for research</h2>



<p>Scientific progress must benefit everyone and to do that we must continue to engage diverse participants in research. We remain committed to ongoing research and collaboration with the Black and African American community to advance understanding of conditions that particularly impact them. One ongoing example is the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/genetic-insights-into-colorectal-cancer-black-community/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">genetic insights into colorectal cancer in the Black community</a> study. Launched in collaboration with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the study aims to shed light on the genetics of colorectal cancer, which Black and African Americans are <a href="https://colorectalcancer.org/basics/facts-and-statistics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">about 15% more likely to develop and 35% more likely to die</a> from compared to non-Hispanic white Americans. This study is one of many critical steps toward closing the health disparity gap. This data ensures that the next generation of treatments and preventative care is designed with <em>all</em> populations in mind.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-power-of-the-research-model">The Power of the Research Model</h2>



<p>This is the heart of the 23andMe Research Institute: a cycle of participation and discovery. Members contribute their data and their time to research. That research leads to new scientific insights. And those insights are then returned, through new reports, features, knowledge, and publications to the very people who made the discoveries possible.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If members choose to contribute to research, they aren&#8217;t just a participant; they are a collaborator. Their contribution fuels a cycle that makes the world’s largest genetic database of individuals with African ancestry even more representative and more useful for everyone.</p>



Sr. Manager, Product Science

Alisa Lehman

The Power of Representation in Genetic Research




<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>



Major New Finding on Genetics and Anxiety

Joyce Tung

A New Era of Discovery: Looking Ahead to the Future of Genetics


<p>The standard advice for breast cancer screening has been simple and uniform: start your annual mammograms at age 40. But what if the future of screening isn&#8217;t one-size-fits-all, but deeply personal, guided by your own unique risk profile?</p>



<p>Results from a major study, the WISDOM study, show that the one-size-fits-all approach is increasingly outdated. </p>



<p><strong>“<em>I am excited about a future where genetic information becomes the foundation of personalized health,</em>”</strong> says Dr. Noura Abul-Husn, 23andMe Research Institute VP of Genomic Health and Chief Medical Officer. <strong>“<em>Since the start, the 23andMe Research Institute has been focused on helping our members benefit from genetics-informed prevention and care.</em>”</strong></p>



<p>The WISDOM study, led by UCSF researchers and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41385349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">published in <em>JAMA</em></a> (<em>The Journal of the American Medical Association</em>), explored this very question. Following 28,000 women, the researchers randomized participants into two groups: one receiving traditional annual screening, and the other receiving screening tailored to their personalized risk.</p>



<p>The personalized risk group was divided into four levels. For the lowest-risk women, breast cancer screening was not recommended until age 50. For the highest-risk women, screening was often accelerated to twice a year and included an MRI, regardless of age.</p>



<p>The powerful finding? This personalized approach, including waiting until age 50 for mammograms for the lowest-risk group, did <strong>not</strong> result in more late-stage cancer diagnoses compared to the annual screening group. This suggests that tailoring screening to individual risk is a safe and potentially more efficient path forward.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-risk-your-genes-why-family-history-isn-t-enough">Your Risk, Your Genes: Why Family History Isn’t Enough</h2>



<p>The WISDOM study provided compelling evidence for the value of genetics. Researchers included genetic testing for all women in the personalized risk group. In a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41385723/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second crucial finding</a>, they discovered that approximately <strong>30% of women</strong> in the study who carried genetic variants that increased their risk had <strong>NO family history of breast or ovarian cancer</strong>.</p>



<p>This reinforces what other studies (<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30646163/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">1</a>,<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39669632/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2</a>) have shown to be a <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1902783" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">critical gap</a> in existing guidelines, which often rely heavily on family history or ancestry to determine who qualifies for extra screening. Without access to their genetic information, these women would have been overlooked, potentially delaying a necessary conversation about earlier or more intensive screening.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-single-genes-vs-polygenic-risk-the-complete-picture">Single Genes vs. Polygenic Risk: The Complete Picture</h2>



<p>Breast cancer is not one disease, and risk is not determined by one factor. At 23andMe, we know that truly understanding individual risk requires looking at genetics in different ways:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Single-Gene Risk:</strong> These are high-impact variants in genes like <em>BRCA1</em> and <em>BRCA2</em> that can significantly increase risk. They are rare but powerful indicators, often associated with hereditary cancer syndromes.</li>



<li><strong>Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS):</strong> These scores look across many genetic variants throughout the genome, measuring how the usually small genetic effect of many variants add up to impact your overall risk. No single variant has a major effect, but the cumulative effect can be highly informative.</li>
</ol>



<p><strong>Both are important.</strong> High-impact genetic variants tell you about a strong, specific hereditary risk, while PRS provides a broader measure of your general genetic predisposition. A comprehensive view, incorporating both, gives you the most complete picture of your inherited risk.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-23andme-can-help-inform-your-decisions">How 23andMe Can Help Inform Your Decisions</h2>



<p>Having access to this genetic information is the first step in creating a more informed starting point for conversations with your doctor about screening and prevention.</p>



<p>At the 23andMe Research Institute, we are committed to making personalized health information accessible:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>FDA-Authorized Reports on High-Impact Variants:</strong> Our health services include the only FDA-authorized direct-to-consumer test that screens for select high-impact variants in the <em>BRCA1</em> and <em>BRCA2</em> genes.</li>



<li><strong>Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS):</strong> For <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">23andMe+ Premium</a>™ members, we offer a Breast Cancer PRS Report that looks across the genome to evaluate risk.</li>



<li><strong>Comprehensive Screening:</strong> Our most comprehensive genetic test, the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/total-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">23andMe Total Health</a>™ service includes exome sequencing to identify additional high-impact genetic variants that may impact health.</li>
</ul>



<p>Genetic information is a powerful tool that can help guide decision making. The WISDOM study reinforces the message that personalized screening is the way forward. By bringing your risk profile, including your genetics, to a healthcare professional, you can have a tailored discussion about the screening frequency, age of initiation, and supplemental monitoring (such as ultrasound or MRI) that is right for <em>you </em>and your personalized breast cancer risk.</p>



<p>The future of cancer screening is increasingly personal, and your DNA should be an essential part of that story.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-references">References</h2>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Manickam K, Buchanan AH, Schwartz MLB, et al. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30646163/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exome Sequencing-Based Screening for BRCA1/2 Expected Pathogenic Variants Among Adult Biobank Participants.</a> JAMA Netw Open. 2018;1(5):e182140. Published 2018 Sep 7. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.2140</li>



<li>Llorin H, Tennen R, Laskey S, Zhan J, Detweiler S, Abul-Husn NS. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39669632/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shortcomings of ethnicity-based carrier screening for conditions associated with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.</a> Genet Med Open. 2024;2:101869. Published 2024 Jul 16. doi:10.1016/j.gimo.2024.101869</li>
</ol>



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The Future of Screening is Personal: What the WISDOM Study Says About Breast Cancer and Genetics


<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-examining-the-impact-of-genetic-test-results">Examining the Impact of Genetic Test Results</h5>



<p>As genetic testing has become more common, a lingering question for researchers and patients alike is: Are there psychological risks of receiving personalized genetic information? Past studies on this question have typically focused on physical illnesses like heart disease and cancer, finding that receiving risk results caused <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40355674/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">no significant psychological harm</a>. However, the impact of these genetic results on mental health—specifically, psychiatric conditions—remained underexplored, fueling apprehension. </p>



<p>A new study by scientists at the 23andMe Research Institute is helping to answer that question, finding that receiving a genetic report indicating a higher predisposition for depression <strong>is not</strong> associated with increased feelings of depression or anxiety, even among people who were previously diagnosed with depression or anxiety.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-findings-no-increased-anxiety-or-depression">Key Findings: No Increased Anxiety or Depression</h2>



<p>Published today in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/hgg-advances/fulltext/S2666-2477(25)00156-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Human Genetics and Genomics Advances</em></a>, the study examined how over 900 individuals responded to viewing the <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andmes-new-depression-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">23andMe Depression Polygenic Risk Score report</a>. The scientists surveyed consented research participants before the report was available and then again up to six months after they viewed their report. </p>



<p>The researchers used well-validated surveys to measure levels of anxiety and depression, and looked for any change in relative levels of depression or anxiety during the period of the study among those who viewed the report and those who did not.</p>



<p>The scientists found no clinically meaningful differences between those who viewed their reports and those who didn’t.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>&#8220;We found good news that receiving depression risk information was not associated with clinically meaningful changes in depression or anxiety symptoms,&#8221;</em>said Rebecca Berns, PhD, Sr. Product Scientist and lead author of the study. <em>&#8220;Our study suggests that people can receive this information without negative effects.&#8221;</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-decade-of-research-on-direct-to-consumer-genetic-testing">A Decade of Research on Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing</h2>



<p>The study is part of a long line of similar studies and findings that have examined the impact of direct-to-consumer genetic testing over more than a decade and a half.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some of the most intensive work on this includes the seminal research by scientists at Broad Institute and Harvard known as the <a href="https://www.genomes2people.org/research/pgen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Impact of Personal Genomics (PGen) Study</a>. </p>



<p>That study examined a range of issues, not just whether testing created undue anxiety, but also whether people understood their results, what they did with those results, and even whether they <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/the-bad-news-on-good-news" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">found value in them.</a> </p>



<p>This new 23andMe Research Institute study adds to the evidence that receiving genetic information is well-tolerated and something individuals may find valuable. Many 23andMe members express a high level of interest in receiving genetic information about mental health conditions, and this study arose directly from our goal of helping members benefit from their genetic results.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-embracing-knowledge-without-fear-nbsp">Embracing Knowledge Without Fear&nbsp;</h2>



<p>This latest study helps alleviate the concern that receiving genetic risk information for mental health conditions might cause psychological harm. This research suggests that genetic risk scores for psychiatric conditions can be delivered responsibly, empowering individuals with valuable knowledge without unnecessarily fueling anxiety or depression.</p>


Does Knowing You Have a Genetic Risk for Depression Impact Your Mental Health?


<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23andme-research-institute-attending-neurips-2025"><a href="https://neurips.cc/virtual/2025/loc/san-diego/poster/116171" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">23andMe Research Institute Attending NeurIPS 2025</a></h5>



<p>This week the 23andMe Research Institute will be presenting work at <a href="https://neurips.cc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NeurIPS 2025</a> (The 39th Annual Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems). This conference gives researchers a chance to learn about and share advances in machine learning and AI that can be critical for creating the complex predictive models that can assess a person&#8217;s susceptibility to diseases based on their DNA.</p>



<p>Current and former 23andMe Research Institute scientists will be presenting their work:</p>



<p><a href="https://neurips.cc/virtual/2025/loc/san-diego/poster/116171" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PRSformer: Disease Prediction from Million-Scale Individual Genotypes</a> on Wed December 3rd between 11 a.m. and&nbsp; 2 p.m. PST.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This paper describes the development of an advanced model that predicts 18 autoimmune and inflammatory conditions using nearly 140,000 genetic variants. The model was trained and validated on data from almost 5 million consented 23andMe research participants, and outperforms state-of-the-art methods when trained on the same data. These results highlight the power of 23andMe’s research platform and the scientists who transform that data into cutting-edge techniques and insights.</p>



<p>If you are attending NeurIPS 2025 stop by the session on December 3rd. Or if you want to dig into the details, you can read the <a href="https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.26.684578v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preprint here</a>.</p>



<p></p>


Research