HostSeq: first-of-its-kind Canadian genomic and clinical databank

Introductory text:

This vertically oriented infographic describes the HostSeq databank. Led by CGEn, Canada’s national platform for genome sequencing and analysis, HostSeq was established in 2020 with the federal government's support, as part of Genome Canada's Canadian COVID-19 Genomics Network (CanCOGeN). HostSeq brought together 15 COVID-19 research studies to sequence the genomes and gather clinical information for more than 10,000 Canadians to understand host genetic contributions to COVID-19, and other health issues.

Beneath the introductory text is a map of Canada covered with blue dots representing participants from across the country. Three circles identify the CGEn nodes located in Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

To the right of the map is a summary of HostSeq's structure and accomplishments. The following information is presented:

• 15 studies: Diverse COVID-19 contributing studies from 10 Canadian institutions.
• 10,000+ participants: Participants from across Canada.
• 50 staff: Staff engaged across the three CGEn nodes.
• More than 1,000 terabytes of data: Data produced across the three CGEn nodes.
• 18 publications: Research publications enabled by HostSeq (to date).

Lines connect the three CGEn nodes to a larger central circle titled "HostSeq Databank." Inside the circle are two stacked columns labelled "Clinical Data" and "Whole Genome Sequences." Surrounding the columns is the text: "10,000+ records, broad consent, and a diverse Canadian dataset."

The central circle is connected by lines to five smaller circles describing how the databank is being used:

• 24 COVID-19 research projects using HostSeq data, to date.
• International collaboration through the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative (HGI).
• Inaugural cohort for the Pan-Canadian Human Genome Library.
• 12 research projects in other health areas using HostSeq data.
• 125+ researchers and trainees analyzing HostSeq data, to date.

On the right side of the infographic are three blue text boxes.

The first box is titled "Canada's first accessible genomic health resource." It states that HostSeq's consent model enables future data enrichment through data linkage and participant re-contact.

The second box is titled "A blueprint for a Canadian large-scale genomics program." It explains that CGEn has demonstrated the capacity and capability, and developed the data governance, consent and study enrollment frameworks, to deliver population-level genomics initiatives.

The third box is titled "Impacts." It highlights three areas:

• Precision Medicine: Using Canadian data for the discovery of new genetic markers to inform personalized treatments and therapies.
• Preparing for the Next Pandemic: A data infrastructure that can be re-used for identifying genetic markers influencing susceptibility, severity, and outcomes.
• International Positioning: Enabling Canadian contributions to global genomics initiatives.

At the bottom of the infographic is the statement: "Learn more: CGEn’s HostSeq Databank"