This reference database will form the foundation for a national collaboration to share
human whole genome data for the benefit of all scientists.
The team hopes to expand their study to even more diseases and larger population data and to compare their predictions against
the whole genome data of a broad population.
In addition, the understanding gives the Lacks family a seat at the table in reviewing applications for controlled access to Henrietta Lacks»
whole genome data.
Access to
the whole genome data of these cells will be a valuable reference tool for researchers using HeLa cells in their research.
The National Institutes of Health today announced in Nature that it has reached an understanding with the family of the late Henrietta Lacks to allow biomedical researchers controlled access to
the whole genome data of cells derived from her tumor, commonly known as HeLa cells.
The simple aim being for users to turn up to the class with, in effect, an empty laptop and by the end of class having the basic knowledge and know how to deliver clinical called variants on a set of
whole genome data.
Reanalysis of patient exome or
whole genome data may be appropriate in the future.