Golden Helix Blog

Variant Calling and CNV Import in PGx Genes using VSPGx

Apr 18, 2024

In this blog post, we will explore the nuances of variant calling and import in the context of VSPGx. We will discuss the importance of integrating must-call variant definitions into the calling processes and provide guidance on incorporating copy number variants (CNVs) and structural variations (SVs) into your PGx analysis…

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VarSeq PGx inputs: Converting Microarray data to VCF format

Apr 3, 2024

The release of VarSeq version 2.6.0 provides many new features. Most notably is our support for tertiary analysis of Pharmacogenomic (PGx) data. VarSeq not only calls the necessary gene diplotypes for your PGx panels but also handles large batches of samples from the called diplotypes to final report on drug…

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Including QC Metrics in Report Templates

Apr 2, 2024

Our customers often ask if they can include quality control metrics in their final reports. While which metrics you actually need to report may be unique to your lab, there are a variety of metrics that we can immediately render into a report, and even more that can be rendered…

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Computed Fields in VarSeq: The Ultimate Customization Tool

Apr 2, 2024

Bioinformatic freedom is core to the user experience with Golden Helix software, a topic with which you will be well-versed if you’ve kept up on our recent blogs. We are constantly endeavoring to provide our users with powerful tools to tackle complex and impactful next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows while maintaining…

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Advancing Genetic Research: The Role of VarSeq and VS-CNV in Breakthrough Discoveries

Mar 31, 2024

In the rapidly evolving field of genomics, innovative technologies, and methodologies are constantly being developed to enhance our understanding and diagnosis of genetic disorders. Golden Helix’s VarSeq and VS-CNV software platforms stand at the forefront of this revolution, offering powerful tools for genetic data analysis and interpretation. This blog highlights…

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VarSeq 2.6.0 is Released!

Mar 26, 2024

We have been building up to the final release of VarSeq 2.6.0 for a couple of weeks now, but we are excited to announce that 2.6.0 is officially available! VarSeq 2.6.0 is an exciting release as this version of VarSeq features the introduction of VSPGx, offering a complete pharmacogenomic workflow,…

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Golden Helix VarSeq in Action – P715: Analyzing performance of the Twist exome with CNV backbone at various probe densities leveraging Golden Helix VS-CNV

Mar 22, 2024

Recently, at ACMG 2024, we unveiled a collaborative research project with Twist Biosciences. By utilizing Twist Bioscience enhanced Exome 2.0 Plus Comprehensive Exome Spike-In capture panel with added backbone probes, we developed a multi-modal CNV caller designed specifically for target-capture NGS data to detect single-exon to whole-chromosome aneuploid CNV events.…

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From the Inbox: Leveraging the Transparency and Flexibility of VSClinical for ACMG Guidelines

Mar 19, 2024

When a variant shows up as rare in the general “healthy” population, as indicated by low frequency or absence in one or more commonly referenced population catalogs such as GnomAD Exomes or 1000 Genomes, this indicates by proxy that the variant may be pathogenic. However, several factors determine the frequency…

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Webcast Recap and Q & A: Introducing VSPGx: Pharmacogenomics Testing in VarSeq

Mar 14, 2024

Thanks to all of you who were able to attend the live webcast introducing the newest genomic analysis tool within VarSeq, VSPGx! For those of you who could not make it to the live presentation and demonstration, I will fill you in on what we covered. If you would like…

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CIO Bulletin – Innovation Excellence Awards

Mar 12, 2024

Leading the Genomic Revolution with VarSeq Suite, Revolutionizing Precision Medicine, and Envisioning a Path for Healthier Tomorrow: Golden Helix Inc We recently were awarded by CIO Bulletin 2024, a winner of their Innovation Excellence Awards. Due to our groundbreaking contributions to the field of precision medicine, this recognition is greatly…

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Five Ways to Optimize Workflows with VarSeq

Mar 7, 2024

There are many ways to optimize an individual workflow, from increasing the granularity of a filter chain to automating certain multi-stepped tasks. Although the best way to optimize an individual workflow is to book a session with our FAS team to talk about your unique use case, we wanted to…

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eBook Release: Pharmacogenetics

Feb 27, 2024

Welcome to our engaging journey through the fascinating world of pharmacogenetics! In this friendly guide, we’re going to explore how our unique genetic makeup influences the way we respond to medications. It’s all about making medicine more personalized and effective for everyone. This eBook, Pharmacogenetics takes you into the world…

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Golden Helix is Launching VSPGx

Feb 27, 2024

VSPGx is a pharmacogenomics interpretation software based on CPIC recommendations. The field of pharmacogenetics bridges genetics and pharmacology, with the aim of optimizing drug therapies for individual patients based on their unique genetic makeup. It has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by improving drug efficacy, reducing adverse reactions, and advancing…

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We Are Heading to Toronto!

Feb 27, 2024

Join Golden Helix at the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) 2024 conference and discover the latest advances in genetic research. This premier event brings together leading researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to share their insights on cutting-edge topics in medical genetics. Stop by our booth for a…

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Analyzing Performance of the Twist Exome with CNV Backbone at Various Probe Densities Leveraging Golden Helix VS-CNV Recap

Feb 22, 2024

In our recent webcast, we unveiled the integration of the Twist Bioscience Exome 2.0 Plus Comprehensive Exome Spike-in capture panel with VS-CNV, marking a significant advancement in genetic diagnostics. By addressing the limitations of standard exome kits that miss vast genomic regions, our enhanced panel introduces ‘backbone’ probes for comprehensive…

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Incorporating gnomAD V4 into the ACMG Auto-Classifier

Feb 14, 2024

We at Golden Helix are thrilled with our recent release of gnomAD v4! The curation of this massive database was a huge undertaking for our development team, but with the addition of new features, we believe it was well worth the wait. This annotation track contains allele frequencies from a…

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GnomAD v4 Released: Enhanced Data and Golden Helix Curation for VarSeq Users

Feb 7, 2024

The Broad Institute’s release of gnomAD v4 needs no introduction as the data in this release is highly sought after by professionals in the genetics community, and the v4 release has a lot to boast about! The v4 release is roughly five times larger than the v2 and v3 releases…

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Golden Helix Received ISO 13485:2016 Certification

Feb 6, 2024

This month, we are excited to announce that we have received the certification for ISO 13485:2016 from TÜV SÜD. ISO 13485:2016 is an international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS) for organizations involved in the design, development, production, and servicing of medical devices. It is specifically…

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Exploring the Genetic Frontier: Advances in Understanding Eye Disorders

Jan 30, 2024

Welcome to the exploration of groundbreaking genetic research in ophthalmology. Recent studies have unveiled fascinating insights into the complex interplay between genetics and eye disorders, offering hope and new directions for understanding and treating these conditions. From novel genetic variants linked to microphthalmia and glaucoma to the long-term implications of…

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Using Liftover to Curate GnomAD v4 for GRCh37

Jan 25, 2024

We are excited to announce the release of our gnomAD v4 annotation tracks for VarSeq. This version of the GnomAD database represents a significant leap forward, including data from an impressive cohort of over 800,000 individuals — a remarkable 5x expansion compared to the previous releases. Notably, this dataset is…

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