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.
The impact of normal variation in testosterone levels on health is smaller than commonly assumed
A big crowd of people and the molecular structure of testosterone.
According to a large Finnish biobank study, normal variation in baseline testosterone levels in adulthood is an individual characteristic among others and should not be considered the main…
Family history is not sufficient for assessing inherited disease risk
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A new study from the University of Helsinki demonstrates the added value of genetic information in measuring inherited disease risk, alongside the widely used assessment of family history.
Autoimmunity as a component in dementia
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An international research group led by Finnish scientists has identified several new risk factors for dementia-causing diseases. The group found strong evidence that mechanisms related to autoimmune…
Global biobank collaboration revealed new risk genes for a devastating rare lung disease
Lungs made of small colorful human figures.
A Finnish-led international research team has discovered novel gene variants that increase the risk of a rare but severe lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The results also demonstrate…
New research estimates the overall disease burden of genetic risk factors
An old-fashioned watch with autumn leaves in the background.
Researchers have, for the first time, systematically estimated the impact of a range of different disease-associated genetic risk factors on the loss of healthy life years. Knowing the contribution…
New gene variant that protects against coronary heart disease uncovered
A human holding a green leaf, with a shape of a heart,
A variant typical of the Finnish population that protects against heart diseases was identified in the FinnGen genomic study coordinated by the University of Helsinki. The risk of developing heart…
Novel genomic tools increase the accuracy of breast cancer risk assessment
Woman holding a reb ribbon in her hand.
Findings from the FinnGen study encompassing 120,000 women indicate that inherited breast cancer risk should be assessed in an increasingly comprehensive manner. Currently, only individual gene…
Gene variants that protect against glaucoma identified, opening therapeutic possibilities
Genetic variants in a gene called ANGPTL7 reduce the risk of glaucoma
An international research collaboration led by researchers from the University of Helsinki and Stanford University has identified rare changes in a gene called ANGPTL7 that lower intraocular pressure…
Common disease prevention and cancer screening would benefit from genomic risk assessment
blood cells dna
A new Finnish study demonstrated the benefits of large-scale genomic information in estimating the risk of onset for cardiac diseases, diabetes and common cancers. The findings, based on the FinnGen…