In this follow-up to our practical overview of the genomic space, we take a closer look at layer III and the considerations that impel its genomic analysis strategies.

The genomic space is currently teeming with a lot of welcomed activity. But there can also be confusion as to which player is doing what. To help provide clarity to more stakeholders, we synthesized a practical overview of the space.

Most genome analysis efforts are pursuing the “more data, bigger GWAS” strategy to solve the herculean causal gene discovery challenge. But this approach is infeasible on many levels. Rather, actionable disease genes can be identified using a small number of well-structured, well-defined samples.

The genomic industry has favored whole exome (WES) due to cost and analysis difficulties, but the secrets of the genome reside in the whole genome (WGS). Those who can innovate to solve the herculean WGS analysis challenge will unlock tremendous value for their stakeholders and society.