The contractual genome: how direct-to-consumer genomic services may help patients take ownership of their DNA

The sequencing and genotyping of personal genomes by commercial services outside traditional clinical settings may help to shape the expectations of research subjects and patients regarding control of and responsibility for the information contained in their DNA. A greater sense of individual ownership of personal genomic information could replace overly complex and paternalistic institutional proxies for the protection of personal genotype and sequence data, and also could encourage research participants and patients to become better educated regarding genetic contributors to disease.