ClinGen's GenomeConnect registry enables patient-centered data sharing

Hum Mutat. 2018 Nov;39(11):1668-1676. doi: 10.1002/humu.23633.

Abstract

GenomeConnect, the NIH-funded Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) patient registry, engages patients in data sharing to support the goal of creating a genomic knowledge base to inform clinical care and research. Participant self-reported health information and genomic variants from genetic testing reports are curated and shared with public databases, such as ClinVar. There are four primary benefits of GenomeConnect: (1) sharing novel genomic data-47.9% of variants were new to ClinVar, highlighting patients as a genomic data source; (2) contributing additional phenotypic information-of the 52.1% of variants already in ClinVar, GenomeConnect provided enhanced case-level data; (3) providing a way for patients to receive variant classification updates if the reporting laboratory submits to ClinVar-97.3% of responding participants opted to receive such information and 13 updates have been identified; and (4) supporting connections with others, including other participants, clinicians, and researchers to enable the exchange of information and support-60.4% of participants have opted to partake in participant matching. Moving forward, ClinGen plans to increase patient-centric data sharing by partnering with other existing patient groups. By engaging patients, more information is contributed to the public knowledge base, benefiting both patients and the genomics community.

Keywords: ClinGen; ClinVar; genomic data sharing; matchmaking; patient registry; variant interpretation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Databases, Genetic
  • Genetic Testing / methods
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genome, Human / genetics*
  • Genomics / methods*
  • Humans
  • Information Dissemination / methods*