In a significant step towards understanding health disparities among different racial and ethnic groups, researchers have conducted one of the largest genetic studies to date, analyzing data from over 635,000 U.S. veterans. The study, published in Science, highlights the critical need for diverse genetic data to improve healthcare for all populations.
The Million Veteran Program (MVP), which includes participants from various backgrounds, provided the foundation for this research. By examining 2,069 traits, scientists identified 26,049 associations between genetic variants and health conditions or physical characteristics.
Dr. Scott Damrauer, the study’s corresponding author, emphasized the importance of this research, stating, “Understanding the genetic factors underlying health disparities is crucial for developing targeted interventions and treatments that can benefit all people, regardless of their background.”
The study revealed population-specific genetic signals, such as a variant associated with prostate cancer risk predominantly observed in African-American men. Additionally, researchers discovered a novel gout risk variant in the African-American population.
While the genetics of most traits were found to be similar across diverse groups, certain populations exhibited distinct genetic features. This finding underscores the human cost of health disparities and the potential for personalized medicine to address these issues.
Dr. Anurag Verma (above), the study’s first author, noted, “The unique genetic variations identified in diverse populations provide critical insights into health disparities and have significant implications for precision medicine.”
By uncovering these genetic insights across diverse populations, researchers are paving the way for more inclusive and personalized healthcare approaches that could ultimately reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for all Americans.
See “Diverse genetic data illuminates health disparities across populations” (July 18, 2024)
