In Iceland’s DNA, New Clues to Disease-Causing Genes

Genetic Variation Program at the National Human Genome Research Institute in Bethesda, Md., said the Icelandic genome project is particularly valuable for its ability to detect uncommon genetic variations that contribute – sometimes in conjunction with better known mutations – to diseases or help protect against them.” These findings “will further the goals of the Obama administration’s precision medicine initiative, said Brooks, who was not involved in the deCODE initiative.” investigators at deCODE found mutations tied to “Alzheimer’s disease, liver disease, thyroid disorders and atrial fibrillation.” In addition, they “identified almost 8% of the population who have lost function of at least one of their genes and calculated the rate of mutations in the Y-chromosome among men.” http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-icelandic-genome-disease-20150325-story.html#page=1