From Genetic Mechanisms Discovery to Patient-Centered Care: The Expanse of Genomics Research

A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Genetic Diagnosis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 November 2025 | Viewed by 1057

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Interests: continuing education; professional development; coping and resiliency; standardized patient education; financing genetic counseling education

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Guest Editor
Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60208, USA
Interests: public health genomics; precision public health; access to genetic counseling services; genetic counseling education; population genetic screening; health disparities related to genetic services

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Genomic medicine is rapidly advancing, driven by breakthroughs in understanding genetic mechanisms, technological innovations, and the growing clinical applicability of genomic research. As our knowledge of disease-associated variants, functional genomics, and molecular pathways expands, these discoveries are increasingly translated into patient-centered care, enabling precise diagnostics, targeted therapies, and personalized risk assessment.

This progress relies on interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating foundational genetic research with clinical implementation. From elucidating pathogenic variants to developing therapeutic interventions, genomics research now spans diverse medical specialties, reshaping how we diagnose, treat, and prevent genetic conditions. At the same time, advances in genomic technologies—such as multi-omics integration, CRISPR-based editing, and AI-driven variant interpretation—are accelerating the translation of mechanistic discoveries into real-world applications.

However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access, optimizing clinical utility, and bridging gaps between research and practice. Efforts to diversify genomic datasets, refine functional assays, and improve variant classification are critical to delivering inclusive, evidence-based care.

This Special Issue invites original research, reviews, and perspectives that explore the full spectrum of genomics research, from fundamental genetic discoveries to their clinical and therapeutic implementation. We welcome submissions on novel disease mechanisms, genotype–phenotype analysis, functional genomics, translational bioinformatics, implementation science, and strategies for advancing precision medicine. By highlighting these themes, we aim to foster discussions on how genomic research can evolve to better serve patient needs worldwide.

Dr. Kathleen D. Valverde
Prof. Deb A. Duquette
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • Genomic Medicine
  • Precision Medicine
  • Functional Genomics
  • Variant Interpretation
  • Genetic Mechanisms

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

20 pages, 1389 KiB  
Review
Psychosocial Factors Involved in Genetic Testing for Rare Diseases: A Scoping Review
by Samantha Strasser, Isabella R. McDonald, Melissa K. Uveges, Sharlene Hesse-Biber, Jordan Keels, Neil Smith and Andrew A. Dwyer
Genes 2025, 16(6), 614; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16060614 - 22 May 2025
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: Rare diseases are predominantly genetic in etiology and characterized by a prolonged ‘diagnostic odyssey’. Advances in genetic testing (GT) have helped shorten the time to diagnosis for rare/undiagnosed conditions. We aimed to synthesize the evidence on psychosocial factors related to GT [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Rare diseases are predominantly genetic in etiology and characterized by a prolonged ‘diagnostic odyssey’. Advances in genetic testing (GT) have helped shorten the time to diagnosis for rare/undiagnosed conditions. We aimed to synthesize the evidence on psychosocial factors related to GT for rare diseases to inform more person-centered approaches to care. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in six databases using structured terms (September 2024). Retrieved articles underwent independent dual review. Data were extracted and collated in tables for analysis. Thematic analysis was used to identify promoters/barriers to GT for patients and families. Findings were validated by a patient advocate and were reported using PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Synthesized findings were mapped to the Theory of Planned Behavior to inform intervention development. Results: Of 1730 retrieved articles, 32 were included for data extraction/synthesis. Studies employed qualitative (n = 19), quantitative (n = 10), and mixed-methods (n = 3) approaches. Nearly all (29/32, 91%) were non-interventional, reporting on decision-making cognitions/processes (19/32, 59%), attitudes/preferences (15/32, 47%), psychosocial impact (6/32, 19%), and knowledge/awareness (4/32, 8%) of pre-conception/prenatal/diagnostic GT and carrier screening. Promoters included understanding GT, ending the diagnostic odyssey, actionable outcomes, personal/family history, altruism, and reproductive decision-making. Barriers included logistical (e.g., distance, cost), psychological burden, perceived lack of benefit, and discrimination/social stigma concerns. Conclusions: Some psychosocial factors related to GT for rare diseases overlap with those in literature on GT for common conditions. Identified factors represent targets for theory-informed, person-centered interventions to support high-quality GT decisions that are informed and aligned with patient/family values and preferences. Full article
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