At the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting in March 2024, Dr. Christine Eng, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer at Baylor Genetics, delivered a presentation titled, “Preparing for a Genome World: AI and Informatics Automation at the Core.” In her presentation, Dr. Eng discussed Baylor Genetics’ collaboration with Illumina, a biotechnology company, focusing on leveraging artificial intelligence and automation for expediting clinical genome sequencing, ensuring rapid answers to healthcare providers and patients.
Analyzing sequencing data for the diagnosis of rare diseases can be challenging and time-consuming.1 Dr. Eng highlighted Baylor Genetics’ laboratory’s approach to addressing this challenge by leveraging explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) and Illumina Connected Software, which streamlines variant prioritization across diverse types and improves the accessibility and transparency of testing, while optimizing diagnostic efficiency. Dr. Eng added that this collaboration with Illumina allows us to establish a “fully integrated ecosystem,” which optimizes setup and support processes.
Overall, Dr. Eng’s vision highlights the promising role of genome sequencing in shaping the future of precision medicine, with the potential to significantly improve patient care and outcomes across various healthcare settings. Efforts are also underway to enhance diagnostic yield through complementary modalities like RNA-sequencing.
Read the full article by GenomeWeb here.
References:
- Meng L, Attali R, Talmy T, Regev Y, Mizrahi N, Smirin-Yosef P, Vossaert L, Taborda C, Santana M, Machol I, Xiao R, Dai H, Eng C, Xia F, Tzur S. Evaluation of an automated genome interpretation model for rare disease routinely used in a clinical genetic laboratory. Genet Med. 2023 Jun. PMID: 36939041.
About Baylor Genetics
A pioneer of precision diagnostics for over 45 years, Baylor Genetics is a leading diagnostic genomics partner offering a full spectrum of clinically relevant genetic testing, including Whole Genome Sequencing, Whole Exome Sequencing, and focused panels. A joint venture of H.U. Group Holdings, Inc. and Baylor College of Medicine, which has the #1 NIH-funded Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor Genetics couples the fastest and most comprehensive precision diagnostics options with the support of genetic counselors to help clinicians and their patients avoid a lengthy diagnostic odyssey, guide medical management, and make sure no patient with a genetic disorder gets left behind. Its test menu spans from family planning, pregnancy, neonatal and pediatric testing, oncology, and specialized test options. Baylor Genetics is located in Houston’s Texas Medical Center and serves clients in 50 states and 16 countries.
