Welcome to Gene Gazer

Gene Gazer is a platform committed to providing personalized recommendations based on consumer genetic testing. By leveraging specific genetic information, we aim to help provide personalized treatments and insights into depression and boost your mood. As genetics enthusiasts, we understand the importance of privacy and data security. Thus, we only use the minimal necessary data for our reports, and we do not store or sell your data. For more detailed information, please find our Frequently Asked Questions below.
We all experience periods of sadness. Unfortunately, for many of us the sadness persists and interferes with daily functioning. Feelings of being stressed out and overwhelmed are present for weeks. Irritability, inability to focus, depressed mood, and changes in sleep are common during these episodes. The CDC estimates that about 20% of adults in the US are currently experiencing significant anxious and depressive symptoms. While antidepressant medications are helpful for a fraction of these individuals, many more have not responded to trials of two or more antidepressant medications. Others receive a cocktail of medications that are only partially effective.

Genetics plays an important role in depression and including the impact of of genetics is important for effective treatment. Recent advancements in genetics are astounding and the cost of genetic testing is now accessible for many individuals. The human genome is frighteningly complex. It is estimated that there are roughly 25,000 human genes, with each gene consisting of several thousand base pairs of DNA. In addition, there are an even larger number of genes that are involved in regulating this complexity, but science knows even less about this segment of the human genome. Commercial services such as 23andMe and Nebula Genomics have served to revolutionize genetics through technological advances in sample processing and computational power. Many commercial services now offer health-related information based on an individual’s genetics. This health information is carefully offered so as not to be perceived as medical advice, according to FDA regulations.

What are you looking for in my genetics?

We're looking at some genetic risk factors for both mental health issues and metabolism of common nutrients. Broadly, we're looking at the COMT, MTHFR, MTRR, and VDR single nucleotide polymorphisms and how your body could (maybe) use more of these nutrients.

Why does this help me?

Your brain makes dopamine and serotonin from a bunch of proteins. You need specific things to make it work, like vitamin B9 (folate) and the amino acids tyrosine and tryptophan. Research suggests that being defficient in these makes it harder for your brain to produce these neurotransmitters. We also look at the pharmacogenomics in your 23andMe report, which provides information about how your body processes drugs. We get that information from a group called PharmGKB. Together this data can help build personalized recomendations for consumer supplements, which could (hopefully) improve your brain!

What data do you keep?

The only thing that we use is the 100ish genes that make up our report. We have to put that on the server to generate the report, and we keep anonymized data on the relative frequencies of these genes. We don't store your (orignal) data or keep any identifying cookies or trackers. So, we use about a ten-thousandth of the data to generate the genetic report and toss the rest.

Are you selling my data?

Nope!

How long have you been doing this?

This all started about 5 years ago with a consumer genetics test. We've been working on it since then, including a few grants and pitching competitions. AWS (Amazon Web Services) has given us a generous grant through their health equity initiative, which keeps the servers running.

Is this medical advice?

Nope. Gene Gazer is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please listen to your doctor.

Who are you?

Just your friendly neighborhood genetics ethusiasts. You can read more in the 'team' section of our website.

What are you looking for in my genetics?

How accurate are the genetic tests and results?

We just look at the data, our report is as accurate as 23andMe's testing of your genes. If we're talking in general, 'how accurate is one genetic data point in a commercial test?' Each data point (two genetic letters for one known SNP) is sequenced at least 4 times mininum, and possibly up to 30 times in most commercial testing machines. Medical tests can sequence something hundreds of times to ensure higher accuracy, but are much more focused on a few genes.

How does genetic testing work?

Genetic testing is a process that involves analyzing an individual's DNA to gather information about their genetic makeup. Commercial genetic testing companies typically use advanced sequencing machines and follow several steps, including DNA extraction, amplification, and reading, to perform these tests. Let's explore each of these steps in more detail:

DNA Extraction: The first step in genetic testing is obtaining the DNA sample from the individual. This sample can come from various sources, such as saliva, blood, cheek swabs, or even hair follicles. Most commercial genetic testing companies provide customers with a collection kit containing specific instructions for obtaining the DNA sample. Once the sample is collected and sent back to the company, the DNA extraction process begins. During DNA extraction, the genetic testing company's laboratory technicians isolate the DNA from the rest of the sample. This typically involves breaking open the cells and separating the DNA molecules from other cellular components. Different techniques can be used for DNA extraction, including chemical methods, such as organic extraction or precipitation, and mechanical methods.

DNA Amplification: After extracting the DNA, the next step is to amplify it. Amplification is necessary because the amount of DNA obtained from the initial extraction might be insufficient for analysis. One common technique used for DNA amplification is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR allows the selective amplification of specific regions of the DNA. It involves heating the DNA sample to separate its double-stranded DNA into two separate strands, and then adding primers (short DNA sequences) that bind to the target regions. DNA polymerase, a heat-resistant enzyme, then synthesizes new DNA strands complementary to the target regions, effectively doubling the amount of DNA with each cycle. By repeating this process multiple times, the target DNA sequences are exponentially amplified.

Sequencing: Once the DNA has been amplified, it is ready for sequencing. There are different sequencing technologies available, but the most commonly used method in commercial genetic testing is known as next-generation sequencing (NGS), also referred to as massively parallel sequencing. NGS allows for the simultaneous sequencing of millions of DNA fragments. In this process, the amplified DNA is fragmented into smaller pieces, and each piece is attached to a surface, such as a glass slide or a microfluidic chip. The DNA fragments are then amplified within the sequencing machine, creating clusters of identical copies.

Next, the sequencing machine uses fluorescently labeled nucleotides (building blocks of DNA) and special enzymes to read the sequence of each DNA fragment. The machine detects the emitted light from each nucleotide incorporation, which corresponds to the DNA sequence. By repeatedly imaging and identifying the incorporated nucleotides, the machine generates vast amounts of data that represent the DNA sequence of the original sample.

Data Analysis: Once the sequencing is complete, the resulting data needs to be processed and analyzed. The generated sequences are typically compared to a reference genome to identify variations or mutations in the individual's DNA. Genetic testing companies employ sophisticated bioinformatics algorithms and databases to interpret the data accurately and provide meaningful results to the customer.

The analysis may include identifying specific genetic variants associated with certain traits, diseases, or conditions. The company's geneticists and bioinformatics experts use their knowledge and available scientific literature to interpret the variations found in the individual's DNA and provide a comprehensive genetic report.

It's important to note that this is a simplified overview of the genetic testing process, and different companies might use slightly different methodologies and technologies. However, the core principles of DNA extraction, amplification, sequencing, and data analysis remain consistent across most commercial genetic testing approaches.

What is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)?

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is a small change in our DNA. It happens when just one letter in our genetic code is switched with another letter. SNPs are common and can be found in different parts of our DNA. Some SNPs are linked to specific traits or diseases, while others don't have much impact. Scientists study SNPs to understand how our genes affect who we are and our risk for certain conditions. The human genome consists of approximately three billion base pairs, and SNPs occur when one specific base (adenine [A], thymine [T], cytosine [C], or guanine [G]) is replaced by another at a particular position. For example, a SNP might involve a change from an adenine (A) to a cytosine (C) at a specific location.

Is my genetic data safe with you?

Yes, you should probably worry more about the company which performed the testing...

How quickly will I receive my results?

It should take less than a minute to recieve your analysis.

What should I do if I don't understand my results?

A good place to start is with the basic science, Medline has a great series of primers. You can also use reference websites like SNPedia, BRENDA Enzyme Database, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A less conventional means to help understand your genes could be using a AI model, like chatGPT to answer questions. Do be aware that chatGPT sometimes gives incorrect information, but we have found it very helpful in understanding genetics. We also have a discord server, feel free to join the community and ask questions there!

Can my genetic data help in choosing the right treatment for my condition?

Yes, your genetic data can potentially be valuable in guiding the selection of the right treatment for your condition. The field of pharmacogenomics focuses on how individual genetic variations can influence a person's response to medications. By analyzing specific genetic markers, doctors and researchers can gain insights into how your body may metabolize and respond to different drugs. Understanding your genetic profile can help identify variations that affect drug metabolism, drug efficacy, and potential adverse reactions. This information can assist healthcare professionals in tailoring treatment plans and selecting medications that are more likely to be effective and safe for you as an individual.

Can I share my results with my doctor?

Yes! We encourage it.

Is genetic testing a one-time process or should it be repeated after some time?

It depends, our service is based on the current generation and last generation of 23andMe genetic tests. If you have gotten a 23andMe test in the last 7 or so years, there isn't any reason why you would need another test. If you're interested in genetics, you can absolutely get another test with another commrecial provider of genetics data.

How do you keep up-to-date with new genetic research and discoveries?

At Gene Gazer we employ multiple strategies to ensure we are up-to-date:

Scientific Journals: Our team regularly reviews peer-reviewed scientific journals that focus on genetics and genomics. This allows us to access the latest research findings and stay informed about emerging discoveries.

Online Resources and Databases: We leverage publicly available genetic databases, online resources, and scientific platforms to access updated genetic data, reference sequences, and published studies. These resources help us stay current with the latest genetic research.

Professional Development: Our team actively pursues continuous professional development, attending workshops, seminars, and webinars related to genetics and genomics. This ensures we are aware of new methodologies, technologies, and research trends.

Internal Research and Development: We conduct our own research and development activities, encouraging innovation within our team. By actively engaging in research, we contribute to the growing body of genetic knowledge and stay informed about the latest breakthroughs.

Can I benefit from this service even if I don't have depression?

Absolutely! The pharmacogenomics are probably less important, but the personalized supplement recommendations should still work with your brain's unique biochemestry to boost your mood.

Will my insurance cover this genetic testing?

Not really. Your medical insurance won't cover commercial genetic testing, but if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) it can be used to purchase a 23andMe Health+Ancestry kit. The HSA will (generally) reimburse you $117 of the $199 purchase.

Are there any potential risks or downsides to getting genetic testing?

One big one is loss of privacy. Companies like 23andMe report most or all their data to the US government and major drug manufactures. They will run it against potential criminal cases, and develop drugs from that data. There is also a risk of finding out information you don't want to know, be it suseptibility to cancer or stroke, or stirring up family drama from the past.

What is the science behind the link between genetics and depression?

The link between genetics and depression involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and biological factors. While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, research suggests that genetic variations contribute to an individual's susceptibility to developing depression. Here's an overview of the science behind this link:

Genetic Predisposition: Studies indicate that there is a heritable component to depression, meaning that it can run in families. Twin and family studies have found a higher concordance rate for depression among relatives of individuals with the disorder compared to the general population. This suggests that genetic factors play a role in predisposing individuals to depression.

Candidate Genes: Researchers have identified several candidate genes that may be associated with an increased risk of depression. These genes are involved in various biological processes, such as neurotransmitter regulation, stress response, and neural plasticity. Common candidate genes studied in relation to depression include SLC6A4, BDNF, COMT, and HPA-axis-related genes.

Polygenic Risk Scores: Depression is considered a polygenic disorder, meaning it is influenced by multiple genetic variations across different genes. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) combine information from multiple genetic variants to estimate an individual's genetic predisposition to depression. PRS analysis has shown promise in identifying individuals at higher risk for developing depression.

Gene-Environment Interactions: The relationship between genetics and depression is not solely determined by genes. Environmental factors, such as stressful life events, childhood adversity, and social support, also contribute significantly to depression risk. Moreover, gene-environment interactions play a role, where certain genetic variations may increase vulnerability to depression in the presence of specific environmental factors.

Neurobiological Pathways: Genetic variations associated with depression may impact neurobiological pathways implicated in the disorder. For example, alterations in neurotransmitter systems (e.g., serotonin, dopamine) and neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to adapt and change) have been linked to depression and influenced by genetic factors.

It's important to note that genetics is not the sole determinant of depression. Environmental factors, psychological factors, and individual experiences also contribute to its development. Understanding the influence of genetic polymorphisms may help alleviate the symptoms of depression.