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Updated: May 15, 2025

Rare Event Detection Using Error-corrected DNA and RNA Sequencing
Published on: August 3, 2018
Sequencing and health data resource of children of African ancestry
Leah C Kottyan1,2,3,4, Scott Richards3,4, Morgan E Tracy3,5
1Department of Pediatrics. College of Medicine. University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati, Ohio.
Insights
This study created a large DNA sequencing resource from 15,684 Black or African American individuals, enhancing genetic research for underrepresented populations and disease risk. The data supports genetic studies and identifies novel asthma severity loci.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Population Genetics
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Genome-wide studies historically underrepresent Black or African American individuals, particularly in pediatric disease research.
- This disparity limits understanding of genetic contributions to disease risk in diverse populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the underrepresentation of Black or African American individuals in genomic studies.
- To establish a comprehensive DNA sequencing resource and biorepository for pediatric disease research.
- To create a valuable data resource for future genetic research and analysis.
Main Methods:
- Established the CCHMC Discover Together Biobank, enrolling 15,684 individuals who self-identified as Black or African American.
- Sequenced participants' DNA and performed admixture analyses to confirm genetic ancestry.
- Linked genetic data with electronic medical records for comprehensive analysis.
Main Results:
- Developed a high-quality dataset of genome-wide genotypes and medical data available through the Genomic Information Commons.
- Successfully replicated known genetic associations for sickle cell disease, anxiety, and asthma.
- Identified novel genetic loci associated with asthma severity.
Conclusions:
- The presented dataset and analytical framework provide a valuable resource for genetic studies in underrepresented populations.
- Co-developed a data use and research framework in partnership with a community advisory council.
- This resource will advance understanding of genetic disease risk and inform precision medicine for Black or African American individuals.
Purpose:
Individuals who self-report as Black or African American are historically underrepresented in genome-wide studies of disease risk, a disparity particularly evident in pediatric disease research. To address this gap, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) established a biorepository and developed a comprehensive DNA sequencing resource including 15,684 individuals who self-identified as African American or Black and received care at CCHMC.
Methods:
Participants were enrolled through the CCHMC Discover Together Biobank and sequenced. Admixture analyses confirmed the genetic ancestry of the cohort, which was then linked to electronic medical records.
Results:
High-quality genome-wide genotypes from common variants accompanied by medical record-sourced data are available through the Genomic Information Commons. This dataset performs well in genetic studies. Specifically, we replicated known associations in sickle cell disease (HBB, HGNC:4827, p = 4.05 × 10-1 ), anxiety (PLAAT3, HGNC:17825, p = 6.93 × 10- ), and asthma (PCDH15, HGNC:14674, p = 5.6 × 10-1 ), while also identifying novel loci associated with anxiety, asthma, and asthma severity.
Conclusion:
We present the acquisition and quality of genetic and disease-associated data and present an analytical framework for using this resource. In partnership with a community advisory council, we have co-developed a valuable framework for data use and future research.
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