A Codon Frequency Obfuscation Heuristic for Raw Genomic Data Privacy

TL;DR

This paper introduces a heuristic method for obfuscating genomic data by redistributing codon frequencies within amino acid groups, aiming to protect sensitive information while maintaining data utility.

Contribution

It proposes a novel codon frequency obfuscation heuristic that preserves amino acid sequences while concealing sensitive genomic information.

Findings

Potential to publish obfuscated DNA with high similarity to original

Method maintains data utility while enhancing privacy

Preliminary results show promising privacy-preserving capabilities

Abstract

Genomic data provides clinical researchers with vast opportunities to study various patient ailments. Yet the same data contains revealing information, some of which a patient might want to remain concealed. The question then arises: how can an entity transact in full DNA data while concealing certain sensitive pieces of information in the genome sequence, and maintain DNA data utility? As a response to this question, we propose a codon frequency obfuscation heuristic, in which a redistribution of codon frequency values with highly expressed genes is done in the same amino acid group, generating an obfuscated DNA sequence. Our preliminary results show that it might be possible to publish an obfuscated DNA sequence with a desired level of similarity (utility) to the original DNA sequence.