Ribavirin Response: Genes That Predict Hepatitis C Outcomes
Response to hepatitis C treatment differs between people. IL28B variants rs12979860 and rs8099917, plus ITPA variants tied to anemia risk, are explained on this page.
Brandon Colby, MD
MD · MBA
Physician specializing in genetic analysis and personalized preventive medicine, and author of Outsmart Your Genes.
About Brandon
Brandon Colby is a physician-expert in the fields of genetic analysis and Personalized Preventive Medicine. He holds an MD from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, an MBA from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, and a degree in Genetics from the University of Michigan.
Dr. Colby is the author of the book Outsmart Your Genes and has developed numerous technologies that improve the analysis, interpretation, and actionability of genome sequencing data. He is an Affiliate Specialist of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), an Associate of the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM), and a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC).
Education
- BA in Genetics with Honors, University of Michigan · 2000
- MD, Mount Sinai School of Medicine · 2004
- MBA, Stanford University Graduate School of Business · 2007
Affiliations & Memberships
- Affiliate Specialist, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)
- Associate, American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM)
- Member, National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
Articles by Brandon Colby, MD are reviewed for accuracy by Sequencing's medical and scientific team. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.
Articles by Brandon
Rosuvastatin Response: SLCO1B1, CYP2C9 and ABCG2 Genes
Statin therapy does not lower LDL cholesterol equally in everyone. SLCO1B1, CYP2C9 and ABCG2 variants are described, with what testing can and cannot account for.
Salmeterol Response in Asthma and COPD: β2AR Variants
How well this long-acting bronchodilator works depends partly on the β2AR gene; the Arg16Gly variant has been linked to a weaker response in some populations.
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Benign Familial Infantile Seizures, Type 6
Children usually outgrow these brief seizures by about age four with normal development. A blood test for PRRT2 mutations confirms the diagnosis after EEG and history.
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Short QT Syndrome 4
Family screening, prenatal and preimplantation testing all follow from finding a KCNQ1 variant in SQT4, a subtype with an abnormally short QT interval on ECG.
Decoding Short QT Syndrome 5: A Comprehensive Guide
Faults in the hERG potassium channel, caused by KCNH2 variants, shorten the QT interval and can bring dizziness or fainting in people with SQT5.
Understanding, Diagnosing, and Using Genetic Testing for Spastic Paraplegia 70, Autosomal Recessive
Mutations in SLC25A46 inherited from both parents affect mitochondria and bring childhood-onset stiffness and weakness in the legs; a blood test confirms the diagnosis.
Decoding the Mystery: Understanding and Diagnosing Spermatogenic Failure, X-linked, 7
CLTRN gene mutations reduce or remove sperm production in SPGFY7; because it is X-linked, mothers can carry the variant without symptoms and pass it to their sons.