Narcolepsy Genetic Testing — HLA-DQB1*06:02 is present in >98% of narcolepsy type 1 cases, making it the strongest HLA-disease association known and a powerful tool for diagnostic evaluation and exclusion.
Whole genome sequencing determines HLA-DQB1*06:02 status and evaluates additional narcolepsy susceptibility genes — providing the genetic component of narcolepsy diagnostic workup.
Narcolepsy — Genetic Testing
Narcolepsy type 1 (with cataplexy) is caused by autoimmune destruction of orexin/hypocretin-producing neurons in the hypothalamus. HLA-DQB1*06:02 is present in >98% of narcolepsy type 1 patients versus ~25% of the general population — the strongest known HLA-disease association. While carrying DQB1*06:02 is necessary but not sufficient (only ~1 in 500-1,000 carriers develops narcolepsy), its absence virtually excludes narcolepsy type 1.
The clinical utility of HLA-DQB1*06:02 testing is primarily diagnostic: in a patient with excessive daytime sleepiness, the ABSENCE of DQB1*06:02 makes narcolepsy type 1 extremely unlikely, redirecting the workup toward sleep apnea, idiopathic hypersomnia, or other causes. Its PRESENCE supports pursuing confirmatory testing (multiple sleep latency test, CSF orexin measurement).
Additional narcolepsy susceptibility genes include T-cell receptor alpha locus (TRA), TNFSF4 (OX40L), IL10RB, ZNF365, and P2RY11 — supporting the autoimmune model. Orexin receptor gene variants (HCRTR2) rarely cause familial narcolepsy in a non-HLA-dependent pattern.
HLA-DQB1*06:02 absence virtually EXCLUDES narcolepsy type 1. In a patient with sleepiness, negative DQB1*06:02 means the workup should focus on sleep apnea or idiopathic hypersomnia rather than narcolepsy.
HLA-DQB1*06:02 is the strongest HLA-disease association known. WGS provides definitive HLA typing — both for narcolepsy diagnostic support and for the many other HLA-disease associations across autoimmune conditions.
DQB1*06:02 absence redirects the diagnostic workup — saving patients from unnecessary sleep studies
If HLA-DQB1*06:02 is absent, narcolepsy type 1 is virtually excluded. This can prevent unnecessary multiple sleep latency tests, lumbar punctures for CSF orexin, and years of diagnostic uncertainty. The workup is redirected toward idiopathic hypersomnia or other sleep-wake disorders.
Narcolepsy diagnosis opens targeted treatment options — pitolisant, solriamfetol, and sodium oxybate
Confirmed narcolepsy type 1 opens access to targeted treatments: sodium oxybate (Xyrem, both sleepiness and cataplexy), pitolisant (histamine H3 inverse agonist), solriamfetol (DNRI for sleepiness), and methylphenidate/modafinil. Genetic confirmation supporting the diagnosis ensures appropriate treatment rather than empirical stimulant therapy.
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Traditional genetic testing looks at narrow sets of genes, missing most parts of your genome. We sequence your full genome — every gene and every region between genes.
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Forty years of uncertainty. One test.
A patient had spent decades in the UK healthcare system without a diagnosis. Dante data, accepted by NHS clinical teams at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow, identified Noonan Syndrome and a RUNX1 leukemia-associated variant that had gone undetected. After 40 years, they finally had an answer.
A complete read delivers a complete picture.
A patient came to Dante to investigate periodic paralysis. Reading the complete genome identified a concurrent hereditary cardiac finding — Brugada syndrome — that their doctor confirmed with an ECG. The result also explained a family member's unresolved cardiac history. One test. Every answer in it.
Sequenced in 2019. The data worked in 2021.
Jennifer sequenced her genome with Dante two years before her breast cancer diagnosis. When treatment began, Dante's pharmacogenomics data showed her prescribed chemotherapy would cause serious adverse effects. Her doctor selected an alternative — and she started effective treatment from day one.
Every genetic question deserves a complete answer.
Whether you are searching for answers today or protecting your health for tomorrow, a complete read of your entire genome is the only place to start.
It runs in your family. Now you can know if it runs in your genes.
Your genome contains inherited variants associated with medical conditions like cardiac, cancer, and neurological. We read all of them — with the clinical depth to give the result meaning.
Learn more →When traditional lab tests say you're fine. And you know you're not.
Standard diagnostic tests check for a pre-selected set of answers. We sequence your full DNA — including parts that no test was designed to check. If the answer is in your genome, we will help you find it.
Learn more →Your diagnosis may be right. Your treatment plan may be incomplete.
Your genes determine which treatments are most likely to work — and which are not. We give your doctor the tools and insights to inform your treatment plan.
Learn more →You want to know before something forces the question.
Some people don't wait for a diagnosis or a family history to act. Whole genome sequencing gives you the complete genetic picture now — so you and your doctor can make informed decisions before anything becomes urgent.
Learn more →You already took a DNA test. Here's what it couldn't tell you.
Most consumer DNA tests read less than 0.1% of your genome. We read all of it.
Learn more →Clinical-grade results. Chosen by individuals, trusted by doctors for their most complex cases.
Dante Genome Test helped specialists at a UK national acute hospital in the identification of Noonan Syndrome and a rare leukemia-associated genetic variant that had gone undetected. That result changed the medical care of the patient.
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Common questions about whole genome sequencing.
What is the difference between whole genome sequencing and a targeted genetic test?
Targeted genetic tests — including standard hereditary cancer panels — read a pre-defined list of known variants in a specific set of genes. They are designed to find what they already know to look for. Whole genome sequencing reads your entire genome: all 6 billion base pairs, every gene, every region between genes. A Mayo Clinic study published in JAMA Oncology found that standard testing guidelines missed more than half of patients with inherited cancer mutations. Genome Test does not have a fixed list.
What will I receive when my results are ready?
Your Dante Genome delivers 200+ physician-ready reports organized by clinical category — hereditary cancer, cardiac conditions, rare diseases, pharmacogenomics, carrier status, and more. Reports are delivered to your secure Genome Manager and are formatted for direct clinical use. Your genome data is permanently retained and re-analyzed automatically as science advances.
What happens if a clinically significant variant is found?
If a pathogenic or likely-pathogenic variant is identified, it will be clearly flagged in your physician-ready report with clinical context, published evidence, and recommended next steps. We recommend sharing any clinically significant finding with your physician or a genetic counselor, who can guide decisions about surveillance, risk reduction, or cascade testing for family members.
How is this different from a consumer DNA test like 23andMe or AncestryDNA?
Consumer DNA tests use genotyping chips that read less than 0.1% of your genome — a tiny pre-selected set of common variants. They are optimized for ancestry and population-level traits, not clinical genetic findings. The Dante Genome Test sequences 100% of your genome at 30X coverage, the same standard used in clinical diagnostic settings. The two tests are not comparable in scope, methodology, or clinical utility.
How long does it take to get results, and how are they delivered?
Your collection kit ships within 48 hours of ordering. Once your sample arrives at our CLIA-certified laboratory, sequencing and analysis takes 6–8 weeks. Results are delivered securely to your Genome Manager, where you can access your reports, share them with your physician, and receive automatic updates as new findings are validated against your genome.
We work with patient advocacy groups worldwide.
Dante Labs works with patient advocacy groups of any size — for Narcolepsy — Genetic Testing and other conditions, rare and common. We support groups in any country, including virtual patient advocacy groups.
We can provide customized reports, group discounts, and packages tailored for your members. Please reach out using the form and we'll be in touch within two business days.
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One test.
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One kit, sent to your home. Your entire genome sequenced at the clinical standard used for diagnostic decisions. 200+ physician-ready reports delivered to your Genome Manager in 6–8 weeks — permanent and updated as science advances.
Ships within 48 hours · Results in 6–8 weeks
