From Genome to Multi-ome
Why scientists should rethink rare disease investigation methods
Rare diseases, affecting over 300 million people globally, often remain undiagnosed despite extensive genetic testing. Conventional methods struggle with complex structural variations, but long-read whole-genome sequencing offers a breakthrough. By capturing more genetic information, this technology enhances diagnostic yield, identifying conditions previously deemed unresolvable. To deepen understanding, a multi-omic approach—integrating the genome, transcriptome, methylome, and chromatin epigenome—is crucial, as it addresses the interplay of genetic regulation and expression in disease outcomes, promising new insights for research and clinical practice.
1. Rare diseases affect over 300 million people globally. 2. Long-read sequencing offers improved diagnostic yield. 3. Four 'omes': genome, transcriptome, methylome, chromatin. 4. Multi-omics provide a holistic view of disease mechanisms. 5. Integrated testing can reveal unseen disease pathways. 6. Advances in technology support streamlined testing approaches. 7. Understanding genetic regulation is key to advancing rare disease research.