Abstract: For a long time, genetic research has mostly focused on people of European descent, leaving a massive gap in our understanding of global health. The UCLA ATLAS Biobank is bridging this divide by studying one of the world’s most diverse populations in Los Angeles. By analyzing the DNA of nearly 94,000 participants from 36 different ancestry groups, researchers have moved beyond small lab findings to real-world medical insights. This diversity allows scientists to see genetic links to diseases that were previously invisible, ensuring that the future of personalized healthcare includes everyone, regardless of their background.
One of the most exciting breakthroughs from this study is the ability to predict how a patient will respond to weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. Researchers identified a specific gene, PTPRU, that influences how effective these treatments are based on a person’s genetic makeup. This means that instead of a trial-and-error approach to prescribing medicine, doctors may soon use biobank data to choose the right drug for the right patient from day one. By connecting electronic health records with diverse genetic data, the ATLAS project is turning biobanking into a roadmap for more accurate and fair medical treatments.
Read the full article here: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1121412
