Building a Global DNA Database for Future Genetic Discoveries

Intermountain Healthcare Building New Global DNA Database for Future Genetic Discoveries

Researchers from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute hosted a booth last week at RootsTech, a global family history event where people use technology to discover and share their family connections across generations. The Heart Institute team shared information about Intermountain's new global DNA registry called the GeneRosity Registry. Intermountain Research and Medical Foundation, a part of Intermountain Foundation, provided the initial funding for the GeneRosity Registry. 

To populate the registry, Intermountain Researchers are asking adults from all over the world who have purchased direct-to-consumer DNA testing from commercial sites like AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or 23andMe to voluntarily upload their raw and unprocessed genetic results, or genotypes to the GeneRosity Registry. 

"We'll be able to use the information people submit to validate new genetic and disease findings, discover new genetic mutation and genetic profiles, and drive future studies," says Stacey Knight, PhD, MStat, a cardiovascular and genetic epidemiologist at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute. “If the GeneRosity Registry’s researchers are successful in future research using these data, others will benefit greatly.”

All of the information will be stored in a secure database accessed only by researchers involved in the GeneRosity Registry. Contributors to the registry don’t have to submit lab samples, take medications, or complete any procedures in order to participate. The project is conducted completely online and doesn’t require any study-related visits or phone calls.

If you are interested in participating in the Registry, you can sign up on the project’s website at GeneRosityRegistry.org. To learn more about how you can support other innovative research projects lilke the GeneRosity Registry, contact Intermountain Research and Medical Foundation, a part of Intermountain Foundation, by visiting their website at ImedicalFoundation.org or, (801) 507-2040.