DNA Compass: a secure, client-side site for navigating personal genetic information

Abstract

MotivationMillions of individuals have access to raw genomic data using direct-to-consumer companies. The advent of large-scale sequencing projects, such as the Precision Medicine Initiative, will further increase the number of individuals with access to their own genomic information. However, querying genomic data requires a computer terminal - an impediment for the general public.\n\nResultsDNA Compass is a website designed to empower the public by enabling simple navigation of personal genomic data. Users can query the status of their genomic variants for over 400 conditions or tens of millions of documented SNPs. DNA Compass presents the relevant genotypes of the user side-by-side with explanatory scientific resources. The genotypes data never leaves the users computer, a feature that provides improved security and performance. Nearly 2500 unique users have used our tool, mainly from the general genetic genealogy community, demonstrating its utility.\n\nAvailabilityDNA Compass is freely available on https://compass.dna.land.\n\nContactyaniv@cs.columbia.edu