What can I do with my raw AncestryDNA file?

You can head to Promethease if you want to know what other genes you have."

Gregor Johann Mendel (1822 – 1884) was a scientist whose seminal work on breeding pea plants (Pisum sativum) underpins our modern understanding of genetic inheritance.

What can I do with my raw AncestryDNA file?

I’ve noticed that one of the benefits of undertaking an AncestryDNA test is the ability to download the raw data. I’ve used this feature several times including uploading it to MyHeritage DNA, DNA.Land and to Promethease. You can expect over time for all of these consumer DNA companies to offer more and more analysis of your DNA sample. (I previously compared AncestryDNA and DNA.Land here, and my view on MyHeritageDNA is here. My review of Gene Heritage is also here.)

It is the age of individualised precision medicine, which is becoming more affordable and facilitated by direct-to-consumer services like 23andMe.

Genome.One offers a whole genome sequencing in Australia
​
If you're looking for more than just these 10 diseases and conditions, the Genome.One in Australia offers whole genome sequencing. Inherited conditions that cause 31 cancers, 13 heart conditions and 5 other conditions are tested for, including the body’s response to over 220 medications. It includes a multi-disciplinary panel of doctors and exercise physiologists costing $6400 AUD (roughly $4848 USD) excluding tax. However, this may not be affordable for everyone. By 2025, Genome.One intends its technology to be used to inform healthcare and lifestyle decisions worldwide.

Gene Heritage says that its reports help to document the legacy of your genetic genealogy.

You can learn about the traits you inherited at Gene Heritage

I recently uploaded my AncestryDNA data to Gene Heritage and they produced a report showing what genes I inherited. What sets Gene Heritage apart from other genetic testing services  is its practical intergenerational report function. Gene Heritage allows you to see what particular genes you have inherited from a parent or a grandparent.

​For example, say you had lactose intolerance. Gene Heritage's report could help you to identify who you inherited that trait from, and the particular genes (i.e. LCT and MCM6 genes) that are involved in the loss of the ability to digest lactose (the primary carbohydrate found in milk) in adulthood. I wrote about my experience with Gene Heritage and explained some of the features of the relationship reports here. 

23andMe has US FDA approval to officially test for genetic disorders
​
If you’re simply curious about your genes, you could look to another testing company 23andMe. In April 2017 23andMe received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) to market its Personal Genome Service Genetic Health Risk (GHR) tests for 10 ailments including some blood disorders.

23andMe's Genetic Health Risk reports tell you whether you carry certain genetic markers associated with risks for certain conditions.

You can head to Promethease if you want to know what other genes you have

With constantly improving databases of publicly-available research, these direct-to-consumer DNA testing services will give you precise information about your health. Genetic health services are a proliferating industry as the technology improves and access to consumers increases.

I recently received an email from Promethease, a literature retrieval system that uses your raw AncestryDNA file and compiles a personal report drawing on all available scientific and medical literature within SNPedia, a bioinformatics website.
​
Promethease allows users to upload their raw DNA files from AncestryDNA (or any other DNA testing company). I uploaded my data to Promethease to generate update reports. This feature takes account of constantly improving health genetics databases. Any report you generate on Promethease can regularly be regenerated in your online Promethease account.

A 2016 study published in the British Medical Journal confirmed that most people cannot smell asparagus metabolites in their urine, and there is a genetic ability in those who can.

Interesting finds on Promethease

I proceeded to my report where they found:

Bad genes...

• I have genes that increase my propensity to develop gout.
• I have genes that increase my risk of Crohn's disease.
• I have genes that increase my risk of type-2 diabetes, heart disease and alzheimer’s.
• I have 2 genes that slow down my metabolism of certain drugs.

And the good genes…

• I also have genes that reduce my risk of type-2 diabetes and alzheimer’s disease (!)
• I have genes that extend my longevity. One gene increases my likelihood of living to 100 years of age by 150-270%.
• I have genes that increase HDL (good cholesterol) and decrease LDL (bad cholesterol).

The interesting genes...

• I have a gene that makes me metabolise caffeine faster, and as such is less stimulated by it.
• I have two working copies of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH2) meaning I won't turn bright red when I drink alcohol.
• I have a gene that confers an ability to smell methanethiol in urine after eating asparagus.

This is only indicative, and not a true indicator of health risks

Promethease strongly encourages you to discuss your report with doctors, genetic counselors and health providers prior to making any medical or reproductive decisions and significant findings should be separately confirmed by independent and clinically validated tests. However, having certain genes and expression of those genes are not mutually exclusive and other factors can affect any risk or likelihood of any inherited traits or disease.

For keen novice geneticists Promethease is one fun way to explore (if you didn’t already) what their genes can tell about you, and whether you can drink more coffee than the average person.

I discovered my ethnic origins with AncestryDNA. Now you can too! Save 10%, learn your ethnic mix, and maybe even find new relatives. Use the link below and save 10% on your own DNA kit: https://refer.dna.ancestry.com/s/i2t6k ​