Research highlights

This section showcases recent research findings enabled by FinnGen data and the Finnish biobank participants. Below you can find several examples of how FinnGen is helping to increase our understanding of the genetic drivers of human diseases, pinpointing possible therapeutic targets.
Immune genetics plays a significant role in lung cancer risk
Lungs made of puzzle pieces, with some pieces missing.
Genes regulating the immune response influence an individual's risk of lung cancer, according to a study published in the world's leading scientific journal. Having less diverse HLA…
Genetic study clarifies the link between birth weight and adult morbidity
A baby's hand holding a decorative red heart.
A unique Finnish study has investigated the link between growth conditions in the womb and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. The results highlight the importance of shared genetic factors between…
Genetic information can improve colorectal cancer screening
""
Hereditary risk of colorectal cancer should be assessed in a more comprehensive way, shows a study led by researchers at the University of Helsinki, Finland. Using comprehensive genetic information,…
A Leap Forward in Women's Health: Unlocking Genetic Clues to Gestational Diabetes
A pregnant woman stands in the kitchen drinking a green smoothie.
The largest genetic study of gestational diabetes to date has led to a discovery of nine novel genetic regions linked to this severe and common pregnancy complication. The results shed light on…
Genetic Study Unlocks New Connections between Sleep Problems and Mental Health
Young woman alone in the morning is lying in bed and hugging a pillow.
A massive genetic study involving almost 800,000 participants has uncovered genetic factors that contribute to the use of sleep medications, shedding new light on the intricate relationship between…
Sleep problems put individuals at risk of respiratory infections
Flu patient sitting on a bed sneezing.
A study based on more than 600 000 participants suggests that insomnia increases the risk of influenza and other respiratory infections. Sleep problems also increased the risk of COVID-19 infection…
New genetic research sheds light on the association of pre-eclampsia with cardiovascular diseases
Pregnant woman.
A new wide-ranging Finnish study on the hereditary risk factors of pre-eclampsia showed that the pregnancy disorder and hypertension share many of the same genetic risk factors. This means that women…
Genetic factors affect our susceptibility to infections
A sick girl sneezing in a tissue.
Extensive genetic study performed in Finland has provided further insights into the genetic risk factors that influence susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections. The results help to…
Genetic factors predict drug behaviour
Many different types of drug pills.
A study led by the University of Helsinki has identified more than 300 gene regions associated with the use of cholesterol drugs, antihypertensives or antidiabetic drugs. Genomic regions linked to…
Finnish study identifies disease genes for otosclerosis
A person trying to hear, with a hand over the ear.
The FinnGen research team has identified 27 hereditary risk factors for otosclerosis, a disease that disrupts the function of bones in the middle ear and causes hearing loss. Some of the identified…