If you’re considering using Promethease to compare DNA data between two people, you’re likely exploring its capabilities beyond individual health reports. While Promethease primarily focuses on analyzing individual genetic raw data for potential health implications, it doesn’t directly offer a comparison feature between two individuals. However, there are workarounds and alternative approaches you can utilize to gain insights from comparing data.
Understanding Promethease
Promethease is a literature retrieval system that analyzes your raw DNA data from services like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or FamilyTreeDNA. It cross-references your genetic variants with SNPedia, a wiki-style database of research on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The resulting report highlights potential health risks, traits, and other information associated with your specific genetic makeup.
Comparing Two People’s Data
Promethease itself doesn’t offer a side-by-side comparison feature. You can’t upload two raw data files simultaneously and receive a comparative analysis. However, you can analyze each person’s data separately and then manually compare the reports.
Manual Comparison:
- Generate Individual Reports: Upload each person’s raw DNA data to Promethease separately. You’ll receive individual reports for each person.
- Focus on Specific SNPs: If you’re interested in specific genes or conditions, search for those within each report. Compare the genotypes and associated magnitudes and replications for each person.
- Utilize Filtering and Sorting: Promethease allows you to filter and sort results based on various criteria. This can help you narrow down your comparison to specific areas of interest, like magnitude or clinical significance.
Limitations of Manual Comparison:
- Time-Consuming: Manually comparing reports can be tedious, especially if you’re looking at a large number of SNPs.
- Requires Knowledge: Interpreting the results requires a basic understanding of genetics and the information presented in the reports.
- Prone to Errors: Manual comparison increases the risk of overlooking subtle differences or misinterpreting data.
Alternative Approaches
For a more direct comparison, consider these alternatives:
- GEDmatch: This free service allows you to upload raw DNA data from various testing companies and compare it with other users. It offers tools specifically for comparing DNA segments and identifying shared ancestry.
- DNA Painter: While not a direct comparison tool, DNA Painter allows you to visualize shared DNA segments between individuals. By manually entering segment data from chromosome browsers, you can create visual representations of shared DNA and infer relationships.
Conclusion
While Promethease doesn’t directly support comparing two people’s DNA data, you can achieve a comparison through manual analysis or by using alternative platforms like GEDmatch or DNA Painter. Remember that interpreting genetic data can be complex. Consult with a genetic counselor or healthcare professional for personalized guidance. Choosing the right approach depends on your specific goals and your level of comfort with interpreting genetic information.
