The Science of Comprehensive Genomic Testing | Phenome Longevity

What Makes the Genome So Extraordinary

Every human body carries an entire biological instruction manual written in DNA. It is the most information-dense molecule known to science, containing more than three billion chemical letters. These letters form a sequence that determines how every cell in the body grows, functions, and repairs itself.

DNA is built from four chemical bases: adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine. Their specific order creates the genetic language that shapes every aspect of life.

A Look Inside the Human Genome

These numbers remind us that every cell carries a complete copy of the genome and that the smallest changes within this code can have far-reaching effects.

Fact	Insights
Total length of DNA in one cell	Approximately 2 metres
Total DNA in the body	Could reach the sun and back more than 300 times
Number of chromosomes	23 pairs (46 in total)
Number of genes	About 20,000 to 22,000
Coding DNA	Around 2 percent of the genome
Non-coding DNA	About 98 percent, regulating gene activity

Genes and Their Hidden Architecture

Genes occupy only a small fraction of DNA but have a powerful influence on every function of the body. They act as blueprints for proteins that build tissue, carry oxygen, transport nutrients and guide the immune system.

The rest of the genome, once called non-coding DNA, acts like a network of switches. It decides when, where and how each gene is expressed. These regions control growth, healing, and adaptation to stress.

The Language of the Genome

DNA can be imagined as a biological language. The four chemical bases form the alphabet, genes are paragraphs, and entire chromosomes are chapters. When scientists study the full text, they begin to see how the chapters connect to tell the story of human life.

Small variations in the genetic sequence, known as variants, can subtly change how these instructions are read. Some changes have no visible effect, while others can influence the body’s ability to regulate metabolism, manage toxins or respond to stress.

How Genes Work Together

Genes do not operate in isolation. Each one contributes to a larger network of systems that communicate continuously. The body functions like an orchestra where every instrument must play in tune.

For example, a gene that supports oxygen transport may depend on another that maintains the elasticity of blood vessels. Genes that regulate energy production in the mitochondria are linked to those that manage hormonal balance and immune defence.

This interconnected activity forms the foundation of what scientists call systems biology, the study of the body as one integrated organism.

The Living Genome

How DNA, Environment, and Systems Interact

Non-Coding DNA and Genetic Regulation

Only a fraction of DNA creates proteins, but the remaining non-coding regions determine how those proteins are used. These sections act like timing mechanisms that control which genes are active in which cells.

They play vital roles in development, ageing and adaptation to the environment. A change in a regulatory region can sometimes have more effect than a change in a protein-coding gene itself.

From Inheritance to Individuality

Each genome is unique. Half of your genetic material comes from your mother and half from your father, but the combination is never repeated. Even identical twins accumulate subtle differences in how their genes are expressed over time.

A complete genetic analysis captures both inherited information and individual variation. It shows how ancestry, biology and environment combine to create the distinctive signature of every person.

Genes, Environment and Epigenetics

Your genetic code is stable throughout life, but how it behaves is influenced by lifestyle and environment. Nutrition, sleep, physical activity and emotional wellbeing all leave chemical marks on DNA that can modify how genes are expressed. This field of study is called epigenetics.

Epigenetic patterns explain why identical twins, who share the same DNA, can develop different traits or health outcomes. They demonstrate that genes provide the foundation while environment shapes the outcome.

Understanding the Body as a System

We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, youWhen thousands of genes are studied together, connections emerge across all body systems. Metabolic genes communicate with immune pathways, and neurological networks link to cardiovascular function.

This holistic view helps explain how a single biological imbalance can influence multiple systems at once. It is also why modern genetics increasingly focuses on health maintenance, not just on identifying risk. will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.

In Summary

The genome is more than a sequence of data; it represents the foundation of how life functions. Studying it as a whole allows us to uncover the relationships between biology, individual characteristics, and the processes that shape overall health.

From Blueprint to Function

A complete genetic analysis examines how genes interact to shape the body’s physical and functional characteristics.

It provides insight into areas such as:

Health and Disease Susceptibility

Understanding how certain genetic variants may increase or decrease the likelihood of particular conditions or influence resilience and repair.

Metabolism and Energy Use

Learning how genes control the use of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, explaining why metabolism differs between individuals.

Immunity and Inflammation

Exploring how genes coordinate immune cell activity and how the body responds to infections or injury.

Hormonal Regulation

Understanding how genes influence fertility, reproductive health and hormonal cycles across life.

Cognition and Emotion

Identifying genetic patterns linked to focus, memory and emotional processing.

Longevity and Cellular Renewal

Studying genes involved in DNA repair, mitochondrial efficiency and antioxidant defence, all of which affect how the body maintains vitality over time.

How We Test

We use the most advanced technology in human history, Whole Genome Sequencing.

By decoding your complete genetic blueprint, we can uncover the keys to your health, vitality, and longevity.

Differences between Traditional Gene Analysis and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)

Why Phenome Longevity Testing Stands Apart

Scientific Rigor

Backed by state-of-the-art sequencing technology and our in-house systems biology expertise, ensuring accurate and reliable results.

Actionable Insights

We don't just provide data; we translate complex genetic information into clear, personalized recommendations for diet, lifestyle, and preventive measures.

Expert Genetic Counseling

Access to board-certified genetic counselors to help you understand your results and navigate sensitive health decisions with confidence.

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Integrated Platform

Your genetic data is seamlessly integrated with our multi-omics platform, providing a holistic view of your health and supporting your longevity journey.

What Do We Include in Your Comprehensive Genomic Test Report

Disease Risk Analysis

Your report identifies genetic variants associated with complex and monogenic conditions that may affect overall health. Each variant is classified according to its clinical relevance and inheritance pattern.
This section helps you understand which areas may require preventive monitoring, lifestyle adjustment, or professional medical advice.

Carrier Status

Shows whether you carry any genetic variants that could be passed to your children. This information supports informed family planning and helps relatives understand potential inherited risks.

Pharmacogenomics

Your genes influence how your body responds to medications. This panel helps healthcare professionals choose the most effective and safest treatment options based on your unique genetic profile.
It covers common drug categories including antidepressants, cardiovascular medications, anticoagulants, pain relief medicines, and metabolic agents.

Lifestyle and Wellness Genetics

Highlights genetic traits that influence diet, metabolism, and lifestyle response, offering insights into areas such as nutrient processing, exercise response, and sleep regulation.

Nutrigenomic and Metabolic Health

This panel explores how your body metabolises nutrients and responds to different diets.
It includes analysis of genes linked to vitamin absorption, caffeine and lactose metabolism, fat storage, weight regulation, and insulin response.

Sports and Exercise Genetics

Genetic traits affecting strength, endurance, muscle recovery, and injury susceptibility are analysed in this section.
Understanding these genes can help optimise exercise routines, recovery strategies, and long-term fitness performance.

Longevity and Ageing Pathways

This section examines genes involved in cellular repair, inflammation control, and antioxidant activity.
It helps identify biological pathways that influence ageing rate, metabolic health, and overall lifespan potential.

Mental and Cognitive Health

Analyses genes associated with neurological, cognitive, and psychological functions.

This includes genetic influences on mood regulation, memory, focus, and susceptibility to certain neuropsychiatric traits.

Detoxification and Environmental Response

Explores how your genes process and eliminate toxins from the environment, alcohol, and drugs.

This panel helps assess your sensitivity to pollutants, oxidative stress, and chemical exposures.

Hormonal and Reproductive Health

Provides insights into hormone metabolism, fertility, and reproductive well-being.
Genes related to polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian reserve, sperm quality, and hormonal balance are evaluated.

Cardiovascular and Lipid Metabolism

Examines genes associated with heart health, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure regulation.
This section helps identify hereditary risks for cardiovascular conditions and supports personalised prevention strategies.

Mitochondrial and Energy Function

The mitochondria are responsible for producing energy in your cells. This section evaluates genes involved in mitochondrial performance and energy efficiency, helping you understand potential causes of fatigue or low energy production.

Each finding in your report is accompanied by clear scientific details. Results include the gene name, chromosomal location, and zygosity to show whether one or both copies are affected. The variant’s classification, related condition, and inheritance type are also listed. All findings are supported by data from trusted genomic databases such as ClinVar, gnomAD, and ClinGen for precise and reliable interpretation.

Explore the Genes We Screen For

The table below includes 115 genes, representing the most common ones screened in our Carrier Test. These genes are grouped into key health categories for easier navigation.

If you’d like to explore the full list of +1,000 genes included in our panel, click below.

Category	Most Important Genes We Identify	Examples of Disorders Linked
Metabolic Disorders	ACADM, ACADVL, ACAT1, AGXT, ALDOB, ATP7B, CYP27A1, CYP27B1, DHCR7, DLD, FAH, FMO3, G6PC, GAA, GALT, GBA, GBE1, GNPTAB, IDUA, MCCC2, MCOLN1, MMACHC, MMUT, MVK, NAGA, OTC, PAH, PMM2, POLG, SCO2, SLC37A4, SMPD1	Gaucher disease, Galactosemia, Phenylketonuria, Wilson disease, Glycogen storage diseases, Tyrosinemia, Pompe disease, Mucopolysaccharidoses, Mitochondrial disorders, Niemann–Pick disease
Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Disorders	AFF2, AHI1, ANO10, ARSA, ARX, ASPA, DMD, DYNC2H1, ELP1, ERCC2, FXN, L1CAM, MCPH1, MID1, MLC1, RARS2, RNASEH2B, RPGR, TMEM216	Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy, Friedreich ataxia, Joubert syndrome, Metachromatic leukodystrophy, Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, Canavan disease, Pontocerebellar hypoplasia
Neuromuscular Disorders	CHRNE, CLCN1, FKRP, FKTN, NEB	Congenital myasthenic syndromes, Myotonia congenita, Walker–Warburg syndrome, Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies, Nemaline myopathy
Hematological Disorders	F8, F9, HBA1, HBA2, HBB, FANCC, TF, PRF1, HPS1, HPS3	Hemophilia A/B, α- and β-thalassemia, Sickle cell anemia, Fanconi anemia, Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome, Atransferrinemia
Endocrine and Reproductive Disorders	AIRE, CYP11A1, CYP21A2, NR0B1, ABCC8	Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Adrenal insufficiency, Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy, Neonatal diabetes
Skeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders	ALPL, EVC2, SLC26A2, TNXB	Hypophosphatasia, Chondroectodermal dysplasia (Ellis–van Creveld), Achondrogenesis Ib, Ehlers–Danlos-like syndrome
Sensory Disorders (Vision / Hearing)	BBS1, BBS2, CEP290, CNGB3, CLRN1, GJB2, OCA2, PCDH15, RS1, TYR, USH2A, XPC	Retinitis pigmentosa, Usher syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, Achromatopsia, Albinism, Non-syndromic deafness, Xeroderma pigmentosum
Renal Disorders	NPHS1, PKHD1, AGXT	Polycystic kidney disease, Finnish congenital nephrotic syndrome, Primary hyperoxaluria
Cardiovascular and Muscular Disorders	FKTN, FKRP, DMD, GLA	Dilated cardiomyopathy, Fabry disease, Muscular dystrophies
Immune and Inflammatory Disorders	AIRE, MVK, PRF1, RNASEH2B	Hyper-IgD syndrome, Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy, Familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, Aicardi-Goutières syndrome
Dermatological and DNA-Repair Disorders	COL7A1, ERCC2, XPC	Epidermolysis bullosa, Trichothiodystrophy, Xeroderma pigmentosum
Developmental and Multisystem Syndromes	BBS1, BBS2, CC2D2A, CEP290, DYNC2H1, GRIP1, LRP2, TMEM216	Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Meckel syndrome, Joubert syndrome, Donnai–Barrow syndrome, Ciliopathies
Respiratory Disorders	ABCA3, CFTR	Surfactant metabolism dysfunction, Cystic fibrosis

How Our Test Kits Work

Step 01

Order a test and activate your kit

Step 02

Collect your sample

Step 03

Send your samples to our labs

Step 04

Get your results & consult a genetic counsellor

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November 10, 2025
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We are grateful to everyone who shared their journey with us. Their honesty reminds us why understanding our biology matters, because behind every test result there is a story of someone finally getting the answers they have been looking for.

Heart issues have always been common in my family, and I just wanted to understand my own risk without guessing. The report helped me see the patterns clearly and made me more aware of what I can control.
— James P, 44

I’ve always had bad reactions to painkillers with codeine. They either made me nauseous or didn’t work at all, and I never knew why. This test finally explained it. It felt good to understand that it wasn’t in my head and that my body just processes things differently.
— Hannah W, 37

My partner and I did this before planning for a baby. It gave us so much clarity. Knowing we both had healthy profiles felt like a quiet relief we didn’t know we needed.
— Daniel and Maya L, 33

Reading through my results felt like reading a detailed version of myself. The parts about sleep, stress, and focus were so accurate it made me laugh. It’s strange but comforting to understand yourself like that.
— Olivia R, 29