St. Jude scientists develop new tool to identify genetic predispositions for rare diseases

Researching genetic predisposition to rare diseases comes with challenges as unique as those illnesses.

Data on individuals with such diseases is limited, and so is comparable data from similar healthy individuals. While it is possible to utilize public data sets and create synthetic control groups, several challenges make such methods hard to use.

However, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has found a way to circumvent those problems, according to the findings published Wednesday, May 11, in Nature Communications.

A group of scientists at St. Jude created a computational tool called CoCoRV — consistent summary counts-based rare variant burden test — that controls for confounding factors and helps identify genes and genetic variants behind rare diseases.

You might also be interested in: Why visit Memphis: Best reasons why Memphis is worth visiting

You Might Also Be Interested In…

 

WAMM in Rotation: 5 Songs for March ’24

Memphis music is truly unstoppable. Each month welcomes more and more incredible new projects. Here are just 5 we’re highlighting […]

 

Femme Fatales of Memphis: Women-Owned Businesses Redefining Entrepreneurship in the Bluff City

Many women around the 901 are making a positive difference in the city. From unique stores to helpful organizations, there’s […]

 

On New Album “Temple Needs Water. Village Needs Peace,” Memphis Rapper Lukah Finds Peace Through Nature and Community

Story by Ezra Wheeler Photos by Shane Smith Lukah, the South Memphis rapper with a rapidly growing profile, seems to […]