Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) today announced that it has sequenced the
DNA of American actress Glenn Close, the first publicly named female to
have her DNA sequenced to full coverage. The service was
completed in Illumina’s CLIA certified and CAP accredited laboratory
utilizing Illumina’s Genome Analyzer technology and following the
established process shown at http://www.everygenome.com/.
Ms. Close’s DNA was sequenced to an average depth greater than 30 fold,
providing information on SNP variation and allowing for the analysis of
other structural characteristics of the genome such as insertions,
deletions and rearrangements. Specifically, over 95% of the known genome
was reported, including over 12 million genotype calls on previously
documented SNPs. In addition, 379,000 SNPs previously not reported in
any public database were found.
“We are very excited to work with Glenn Close to produce the first named
female sequence”
“We are very excited to work with Glenn Close to produce the first named
female sequence,” said Jay Flatley, president and CEO of Illumina. “We
are entering a new era in genomic health where information from an
individual’s genome will increasingly inform lifestyle decisions and
ultimately assist with health management. Ms. Close has been active in
health issues, and her participation helps bring attention to the
potential benefits of individuals gaining access to their genetic
information. With this information, physicians will be able to make
better healthcare decisions for their patients in the future.”
Glenn Close joins a small group of individuals who have had their
genomes sequenced. “There is bipolar disorder and schizophrenia in my
family, illnesses that, like other medical conditions, are thought to
have genetic underpinnings,” said Ms. Close. “As human sequencing
becomes increasingly routine, my hope is that researchers will unravel
the genetic aspects of mental illnesses to bring greater awareness about
the diseases, de-stigmatize them and pave the way for more effective
treatments.”