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DNAtix, an innovative company in the genetic testing space, has announced that it has completed transferring a DNA sequence on the Ethereum blockchain. It is the first time a Proof Of Concept (POC) has been completed in genetics testing space.
DNAtix achieved this landmark through a custom built direct-to-consumer genetic platform for whole genome sequencing. The ability to transfer large amounts of DNA data on a blockchain in a secure and anonymous way will enable the creation of personalized and preventive medicine in the future.
The Los Angeles-based company transferred the complete genome sequence of a virus – Enterobacteria phage phiX174 sensu lato – over the Ethereum Blockchain. The bacteria phage is a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus and the first DNA-based genome to be sequenced. DNAtix’s team has developed a Python script based proprietary DNA compression algorithm that reduces the size of DNA sequence by as much as 75%. The team is continuing its efforts to bring down the DNA sequence size by as much as 99%.
DNAtix is planning to offer a range of services to users of its platform.
Ofer Lidsky, DNAtix’s CEO and co-founder said
“This is only the beginning of unlocking humanity’s biggest mysteries. Our Genetic ecosystem will enable better genetic understanding by allowing players in the market to use our open source technology, and introduce new developments for the benefit of human kind.”
The genome of humans is comprised of about 3 billion base pairs (letters) which equals approx 700 megabytes (processed and compressed genome) to ~100 gigabytes (raw genome read out). Even after applying DNA compression methods and focusing on the differences (E.g. mutations/SNPs) between the sequenced DNA and a reference sequence, the size of the data is still too large to be efficiently supported by current blockchain technologies.
Lidsky further stated
“For the purpose of the POC we uploaded the virus sequence which is ~5400 ‘letters’ that equals about 1348 bytes.”
DNAtix has already developed a working prototype, an innovative one-stop-shop direct-to-consumer platform that will allow users to perform partial or full DNA sequence analysis and choose add-on tests, all digitized, from a wide selection of services.
Dr. Tal Sines, the company’s CSO & Co-founder, a Weizmann Institute’s graduate with a Ph.D in molecular biology, said
“Transferring the sequence of a virus, which in terms of size of genetic data of a living organisms is considered small, is just the first step. Your DNA is the key to improve your life style and healthcare.”
DNA sequencing
DNA is the molecule that hold the genetic information of living organisms. DNA could be extracted and isolated from blood, saliva or buccal sampling. The two DNA strands are composed of simpler monomer units called nucleotides which include one of four nucleobases: Adenine(A),Thymine(T),Cytosine(C) or Guanine (G). Once the precise ordering of the nucleobases (A, T, G, C) in a DNA strand is sequenced, many features could be deduced such as the risk of developing a certain genetic condition. The precise order of a DNA nucleobase is known as a DNA sequence and the process of determining the order of nucleobasesis called Sequencing.
About DNAtix
The company has successfully integrated two cutting edge technologies – Digitized genetics and Blockchain and provides web-based anonymous and secured genetic services including digitized DNA storage, transfer and testing. DNAtix allows end users to store their genetic information (complete genetic sequence or parts of it) for different periods of time.
DNAtix platform features
DNAtix platform is based on advanced blockchain technologies enabling anonymous and secured digitized genetic services. The platform
• enables uploading partial and/or full genome sequences as well as storing, transferring and testing of these sequences.
• brings together potential clients and solution providers.
• makes raw data of DNA sequence accessible to end users, enabling them to take active actions towards preventive medicine.
• allows uploading of partial and/or full genome sequences as well as storing, transferring and testing of these sequences.
Areas covered
Health – Identification of the risk for developing a genetic condition or disease and determination of genetically tailored medical treatment (“Personalized medicine”); Phramacogenomics and Pharmacogenetics – the determination of the proper medical treatment or dosing for patients.
Lifestyle – Determination of costumed dietary (referred to as “Neutrogeneomics or Neutrogenetics), Hair loss management, sports performance improvement and more;
Forensic Science–Application of science to criminal and civil laws, such as Investigation of crime scenes.
Ancestry- Paternity tests and Genealogy.
End user facilities
The platform allows end users to
– manage their genetic information
– make smarter decisions regarding future health – Today!
– easily connect with solution providers.
DNTX coin
DNAtix coin (DNTX) is an encrypted and anonymous currency for storage, transfer and analysis of partial or full human genome sequences. The coin enables to receive digitize genetic services from DNAtix as well as from other genetic vendors in a manner that maintains user anonymity and data integrity.
