deCODE genetics assembles first Icelandic pangenome

deCODE genetics has assembled the first Icelandic pangenome, a comprehensive genetic map composed of 788 chromosome sequences, including 698 Icelandic sequences. This resource contains over 50 million genetic variants.

Scientists Guillaume Holley and Hannes Pétur Eggertsson state that pangenomes are more effective for genetic research than traditional single genomes, as a single sequence cannot adequately describe a nation's genetic material. The project aims to improve the understanding of biological causes of diseases and identify individuals at higher risk. For example, researchers used the Icelandic pangenome to identify a GBA1 gene variant in British populations that had not been previously found, noting that Icelandic carriers of this variant are seven times more likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease before age 60.