Intermountain Healthcare and deCode Genetics, a subsidiary of biopharmaceutical company, Amgen, based in Reykjavik, Iceland, are collecting and studying DNA of Utahns and Idahoans as part of the HerediGene: Population Study, the world’s largest DNA mapping initiative.
Thus far, nearly 150,000 people have enrolled in the innovative study. One of those was Madison “Madi” Certonio of St. George, Utah. Madi just learned that her decision to participate in the study may have saved her life.
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The goal of this massive genomic mapping initiative is to discover new connections between genetics and human disease. For participants in the HerediGene study, it’s also providing vital genetic screening information so they know about their risks of disease development, and what actions they can take to protect their health.
Thanks to her participation in the HerediGene study, it was discovered that Certonio carries the BRCA2 gene, which means that she is genetically predisposed and at high-risk to develop breast cancer.
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Researchers are hoping the study yields new understanding about who’s at risk for what conditions, which medications may work in some patients and not others, and contribute to a greater understanding in overall human biology.
“We know enough to do good, but we don’t know enough to be great,” said Dr. [Howard] McLeod. “The HerediGene study is a research study that gives back. People’s contribution to HerediGene is going to help them know their risks, but it’s also going to help a lot of other people.”
