We continue to make significant contributions to the field of genomic analysis through collaborative studies, innovative software solutions, and robust data interpretation methodologies. This blog highlights four recent contributions from our team and collaborators, showcasing the breadth of our research and its implications for clinical practice. Analyzing Performance of Twist Bioscience Exome Enrichment with Spike-in CNV Backbone Panels at Various… Read more »
This last Wednesday we introduced VarSeq Dx Mode which enables customers to use VarSeq as a CE marked in vitro diagnostic medical device! If you missed our live webcast, no problem! You can watch the recording here. In brief, we started out discussing IVDR and that it establishes standardization for medical devices and their manufacturers that market and sell these… Read more »
The Leiden Open Variation Database (LOVD) is an online database designed to facilitate the collection and display of clinically classified variants. Since its initial release in 2004, LOVD has evolved significantly, with the latest version, LOVD 3.0, greatly expanding the number of annotated variants. Golden Helix is excited to announce the release of two new annotation tracks containing data from… Read more »
We are excited to participate in the European Human Genetics (ESHG) 2024 conference, where we will showcase our latest advancements in genetic analysis software. Attendees can visit Booth #428 to explore tools like VarSeq, VS-CNV, VSClinical, VSPipeline, and VSWarehouse. These solutions, aligned with ACMG and AMP Guidelines, offer powerful options for genomic analysis. Live demos will highlight our newest pharmacogenomics… Read more »
VarSeq enables users to import structural variants for annotation, filtration, and subsequent clinical or other analyses. Structural variants are often called during secondary analysis as belonging to two broad categories – Copy Number Variants (CNVs) with the file suffix “…_CNV.vcf” and Breakends with the file suffix “…_SV.vcf”. This blog will give some insight into how structural variants are triaged when… Read more »
We are pleased to announce that Golden Helix has received CE mark approval for its genetic analysis platform VarSeq Suite. This significant regulatory milestone paves the way for the expansion of our advanced genetic analytics products to the European market, ensuring compliance with the European Union’s health, safety, and environmental protection standards. Receiving the CE mark certifies that our VarSeq… Read more »
The recent release of VarSeq 2.6.0 was filled with so many customer-requested features (for example, our long-awaited PGx workflow!) that some of our other new features have not yet had their time in the spotlight. For this blog, we are thrilled to announce that with the release of VarSeq 2.6.0, we have made WGS CNV calling more user-friendly than ever… Read more »
Precision tools are paramount for unlocking groundbreaking discoveries in the rapidly evolving field of genetic research. We have consistently paved the way with VarSeq—an all-encompassing solution tailored for genomics professionals. This sophisticated tool not only simplifies the complexity of genomic data but also amplifies its potential to drive significant advancements in medical research and personalized care. From aiding pediatric nephrology… Read more »
We are pleased to announce new training materials are available for multi-sample workflows in VarSeq! Specifically, we have a New Carrier Screening Tutorial and New Onboarding and Training guides for Carrier Screening Analysis in VarSeq, and Clinical Evaluation and Carrier Status Reporting in VSClinical. This blog gives an overview of what the user can expect to encounter when working through… Read more »
Variant curation is one of the most important aspects of a next-generation sequencing workflow. The routine application of previously rendered interpretations, paired with the ability to take into account evolving knowledge bases, allows clinical practices to rapidly and accurately provide life-saving results to patients. Hence, assessment catalogs, versatile databases that store variant interpretations for rapid access, form one of the… Read more »
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 workflow. Must Call Variant Files To ensure the optimal performance… Read more »
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 recommendations. Here is a link to a recent webcast demonstrating… Read more »
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 with a few customizations. For help with any report modifications,… Read more »
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 transparency and the ability to customize and augment each component… Read more »
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 recent research endeavors where these tools have been instrumental. From… Read more »
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, including data import, variant analysis, and report generation. We have… Read more »
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. We are proud to say that from Golden Helix, Andreas… Read more »
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 threshold below which a variant is considered rare enough to… Read more »
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 to watch or re-watch the webcast, you can access the… Read more »
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 appreciated. Here’s a summary of the key highlights: In conclusion,… Read more »