Deep Phenotyping

One Brave Idea   →  Approach   →  Deep Phenotyping

Approach Overview

A phenotype is a measurable biological property or trait. Common examples of phenotypes include height, blood pressure, and blood profiles revealed by diagnostic tests. Phenotypes for CHD have remained largely unchanged for decades, despite our increasing understanding of the genes and biology that contribute to CHD. This limits our ability to make new scientific discoveries, classify individuals according to their CHD risk, and diagnose CHD in its early stages before someone has their first heart attack.

One Brave Idea is making a major investment in new phenotypes for CHD:

Taking a “Google Maps” approach to phenotypes:
  • Just as Google Maps integrates data at different resolutions (e.g., from street level to satellite images), we need more phenotypes measured at different resolutions from molecules to cells to holistic views of physiology and behaviors.
Expanding our view of what constitutes a “useful” phenotype:
  • We are incorporating measurements that are not traditionally measured for CHD but still shed light on relevant aspects of biology.
Harnessing state-of-the-art sensor technology and metadata:
  • By gathering digital phenotypes from portable or wearable sensors in a setting away from hospitals or clinics, we will be able to focus on measurements of individuals as they lead their daily lives. This will provide new and more granular insights on how behavioral and environmental factors contribute to the development and progression of CHD.
Approach