This week I collaborated with Dena DNA and Rachel Silva Smith, two other YouTubing genetic counselors. We are all dropping videos on polygenic risks scores (PRS) today.
Today, I am super excited to share my thoughts on preimplantation genetic testing for polygenic diseases (PGT-P) or how polygenic risk scores can be applied in reproductive medicine through embryo testing. Yes... these are a lot of big words, but it's not that complicated and this is a fascinating and controversial topic you will want to be aware of if you're interested in genetic counseling.
With PGT-P patients could screen their embryos for risks for certain polygenic diseases like schizophrenia, hypertension, prostate cancer, diabetes, and more. In this video I'll explain how it works.
Earlier this year, a company called Orchid, caused a big stir in the genetic counseling community. Orchid is offering PGT-P for 10 polygenic diseases utilizing PRS technology. Check out their website here: [ Ссылка ] I didn't see much/any participation in the debate from genetic counselors who practice in assisted reproductive technology. I think without a doubt, PRS will be applied to embryos more widely in the next decade, but it's a complicated topic- there are limitations to the testing, major ethical concerns, and it can look like a slippery slope. But ultimately the goal in assisted reproductive tech is to help people have healthy babies and if PRS can be harnessed to do so I believe it should be available. Of course, as a genetic counselor, I believe patients should be well-counseled on the limitations, risks, and benefits of the testing before they consider proceeding and as with all genetic tests, PGT-P should be optional. I also think there is quite a bit to unpack regarding social justice concerns and ethical concerns, but this video is skimming the surface! Please comment below with your thoughts and questions about PGT-P and the application of PRS scores on embryos. If you like this topic let me know, and I will dive deeper in with a future video- I could talk about this topic for DAYSS.
Also check out some of these resources for a deeper dive on the arguments against PGT-P:
[ Ссылка ]
[ Ссылка ]
Check out Dena DNA's video where she explains PRS using animations and be sure to subscribe and follow her on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Clubhouse: [ Ссылка ]
Check out Rachel Silva Smith's video where she explains how PRS can be applied in a cancer setting and be sure to subscribe and follow her on YouTube and Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
0:00 Intro
1:35 PGT
3:21 Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Polygenic Diseases (PGT-P) & Polygenic Disease
4:59 Polygenic Risks Scores (PRS)
5:30 For PGT-P
7:10 Against PGT-P
