The upgrade leverages technology by Ultima Genomics and processing at the Gene by Gene lab.
MyHeritage has upgraded its at-home DNA testing platform to use whole genome sequencing technology. The company is leveraging sequencing technology from Ultima Genomics with processing conducted at the Gene by Gene laboratory.
The upgrade represents a substantial increase in data collection compared to standard genotyping arrays. While traditional consumer DNA tests read approximately 700,000 base pairs, whole genome sequencing covers around 3 billion base pairs of the human genetic code.
The enhanced data collection will enable MyHeritage to provide more accurate ethnicity analysis and DNA matching capabilities. The technology is currently being applied to most new MyHeritage DNA kits in processing and will be standard for all new kits sold going forward. Previously processed kits using genotyping array technology will not be reprocessed.
Customers whose DNA kits are processed with whole genome sequencing will be able to download their genomic data at no cost in CRAM format. The data can also be uploaded to other genetic service providers that support such transfers.
Multi-Year Development Process
MyHeritage has been developing this capability since publishing a validation study in 2020 that confirmed whole genome sequencing’s reliability for relative matching at scale. The company has been collaborating with Ultima Genomics since mid-2022, later partnering with Gene by Gene to establish the scientific and logistical framework for the upgrade.
“This is a pivotal moment for genetic genealogy,” says Gilad Japhet, founder and CEO of MyHeritage, in a release. “We are proud to take this pioneering step into whole genome sequencing together with Ultima Genomics and with our longstanding partners at Gene by Gene.”
The transition maintains MyHeritage’s existing pricing structure, with no cost increase for consumers despite the enhanced technology.
Laboratory Infrastructure Expansion
Gene by Gene’s Houston laboratory will house a fleet of Ultima UG100 sequencing instruments to support the expanded processing requirements. The facility holds accreditation from multiple agencies, including CAP, CLIA, New York State Department of Health, California Department of Public Health, and AABB.
“The transition to whole genome sequencing represents the most ambitious project in our years-long partnership with MyHeritage,” says Dr Lior Rauchberger, CEO of Gene by Gene, in a release. “We are proud to help set a new standard in consumer genomics and support the growth of what will soon become the world’s largest database of whole genomes.”
Dr Gilad Almogy, founder and CEO of Ultima Genomics, says the implementation “demonstrates the scalability and maturity of Ultima’s innovative technology and accelerates the immense value that whole genome sequencing can bring to consumers,” in a release.
Data Security Measures
MyHeritage maintains that all genetic data is encrypted and stored securely, with no sales or licensing to third parties. The company prohibits law enforcement use of its platform and automatically destroys genetic samples after processing, except for customers enrolled in the MyHeritage DNA BioBank service.
The platform serves more than 62 million users globally and is available in 42 languages.
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