The Future of Genomics Is Plural: From a Single Reference Genome to the Pangenomic Paradigm

Abstract:

The use of a single reference genome introduces limitations in representing genetic diversity, particularly in complex genomic regions and in the detection of structural variants. Pangenomics offers a paradigm shift by leveraging graph-based representations to integrate genetic diversity across multiple individuals and improve genomic analyses.

Drawing on scientific evidence and real-world applications in human, plant, and microbial genomics, this seminar will explore the advantages of this approach and the computational challenges that still hinder its widespread adoption.

GenoGra was founded to address these challenges. As a deep tech startup, GenoGra develops a bioinformatics platform for the construction, analysis, and interpretation of pangenome graphs. The seminar will conclude by illustrating how the integration of bioinformatics pipelines and proprietary GPU-accelerated algorithms can help overcome computational and operational barriers, making pangenomics more efficient, scalable, and accessible.

Mirko Coggi is currently Chief Research Officer at GenoGra. He holds a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from Politecnico di Milano. His research has focused on the development and protection of innovative technologies, with particular emphasis on graph-based computational genomics.

A member of GenoGra's R&D team since its inception, he has approximately seven years of experience in developing, implementing, and accelerating algorithms and methodologies for pangenomic analysis. At GenoGra, he contributes to defining the company's research and development strategy and managing and protecting its intellectual property.

GenoGra is an Italian deep tech startup developing a bioinformatics platform for the construction, analysis, and interpretation of pangenome graphs. By combining proprietary GPU-accelerated algorithms with integrated bioinformatics pipelines, GenoGra makes genomic analyses more accurate, efficient, and accessible, with applications in biomedical research, agriculture, and biotechnology.