2025 – Page 3 – MyAfroDNA

May

May 12, 2025

Admin african biobank, african genomes, cancer research, genomics research

New Study Sheds Light on Breast Cancer Risk Genes in South African Women

A new landmark genetic study has uncovered important insights into breast cancer risk among South African women. The research, led by a collaborative team of scientists and published in Nature, used genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) to explore genetic variants linked to breast cancer in this historically underrepresented population.

By analyzing over 3,500 participants (including 2,485 breast cancer cases), the study identified two significant risk loci—one between the UNC13C and RAB27A genes on chromosome 15, and another within the USP22 gene on chromosome 17. These findings mark the first time these regions have been linked to breast cancer in African populations.

Interestingly, the study also found that polygenic risk scores (PRS) developed from European ancestry datasets poorly predicted risk in this group—explaining less than 1% of the variance. This underlines a growing call in the genomics community: the need for African-specific data to create more accurate and equitable tools for disease prediction and prevention.

Ultimately, this research reinforces the importance of diversity in genomic studies and highlights how African biobanks and community-centered research can reshape global health outcomes.

Want to dive deeper into this research?
Read the full article here:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58789-0

Apr

April 29, 2025

Admin

MyAfroDNA Launches New Research and Biobanking Facility in Nigeria to Advance African Genomics and Clinical Research

MyAfroDNA, a pioneering African genomics and translational research company, officially launched its new facility in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, on April 25, 2025.

Located at No. 3 MyAfroDNA Close, Off Worgumati Street, Tombia Extension GRA, Port Harcourt, the newly inaugurated center will enhance access to ethically sourced African biospecimens, provide cutting-edge molecular and clinical diagnostic services, and offer comprehensive research collaboration support for scientists globally.

The opening ceremony was graced by key dignitaries, community leaders, academia, and healthcare professionals, including Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, Vice Chancellor, Rivers State University; His Royal Majesty Eze Noble Uwoh, King of Igbu Ehuda Kingdom IV; Professor Julian Osuji, Director Regional Centre for Biotechnology and Bioresources Research at the University of Port Harcourt and Co-Chair African BioGenome Project; Mr. Robert Robinson, President, Laboratory Equipment, Thermo Fisher Scientific; Mr. Romeo, State Representative, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN); Hon. Adaeze Oreh, Commission of Health Rivers State; Prof. Dike Alikor, CMD RSUTH; Prof Kinikanwo Green, Executive Secretary RSPHCMB.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University emphasized the importance of facilities like MyAfroDNA in global efforts to bridge representation gaps in clinical research. HRM Eze Noble Uwoh also commended MyAfroDNA’s commitment to scientific excellence and community development, especially for forensics research.

About MyAfroDNA:
MyAfroDNA provides access to diverse African biospecimens across several therapeutic areas and supports researchers in diversifying clinical, genomics, and translational research efforts. Our infrastructure houses molecular diagnostic labs, an African biobank, Diagnostics, Paternity & Forensics room, and a virtual Bioinformatics and Data Centre.

Our services include African biobanking, molecular and clinical testing, customized research support, and contract research organization services. By enabling equitable representation in biomedical studies, MyAfroDNA is helping unlock novel insights into public health, genetic medicine, and personalized care.

For more information, please visit www.myafrodna.com or contact us at info@myafrodna.com.

Apr

April 21, 2025

Admin african biobank, Gene editing, myafrodna

Next-Gen CRISPR Unlocked for Multi-Gene Editing

Yale researchers have developed an advanced CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing system that enables simultaneous modifications across multiple genes, a breakthrough that could transform disease research and treatment development.

Unlike traditional CRISPR methods, which target single genes at a time, this new approach allows scientists to study complex genetic interactions in diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions.

Using sophisticated mouse models, the research team demonstrated how this enhanced CRISPR system could map genetic pathways and identify potential therapeutic targets more effectively. The ability to edit multiple genes at once provides a deeper understanding of how different mutations contribute to disease, paving the way for more precise gene-based treatments. This advancement is expected to accelerate the development of personalized medicine and improve therapies for conditions with complex genetic underpinnings.

Funded by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Defense, this research represents a significant leap forward in biotechnology. By expanding the capabilities of CRISPR, Yale scientists have created a tool that could revolutionize genetic research, offering hope for new treatments in fields ranging from oncology to regenerative medicine.

Learn more about this research: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250320145239.htm

Apr

April 14, 2025

Admin african biobank, African genetics, Fulani people, myafrodna

The Fulani People: Genetic History of Africa’s Largest Pastoralist Community

A new study led by researchers at Uppsala University has shed light on the deep genetic history of the Fulani people, one of Africa’s largest nomadic pastoralist populations. With over 40 million individuals spread across the Sahel and West Africa, the Fulani have long fascinated historians, linguists, and geneticists. Yet, their ancestry remained largely underrepresented in genomic research until now.

Drawing on data from more than 460 participants across seven African countries, the study reveals that the Fulani's genetic profile is a unique mosaic shaped by ancient migrations and centuries of intermingling with neighboring populations. All Fulani groups studied share a common ancestry linked to the Green Sahara period (12,000–5,000 years ago), a time when now-arid regions of Africa were lush and fertile, supporting early human settlement and pastoralism.

What’s particularly compelling is how the Fulani have preserved a shared genetic signature across vast distances, despite cultural and geographic differences. These findings don’t just contribute to our understanding of African history, they also underscore the importance of including more African populations in genomic research, which has implications for medical science, anthropology, and the global understanding of human diversity.

You can read the full article on Science Daily here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/02/250211134303.htm

Apr

April 12, 2025

Admin genomics research

RNA Editing and the Future of Medicine

Could RNA Editing Be the Future of Medicine? New Study Reveals HowResearchers at Rice University have uncovered new insights into ADAR1, a crucial enzyme that modifies RNA to regulate immune responses.

Their study reveals how ADAR1 prevents unnecessary immune activation by converting adenosine to inosine in double-stranded RNA. By analyzing the enzyme’s biochemical and structural properties, scientists discovered that its editing activity depends on RNA sequence, duplex length, and nearby mismatches, shedding light on how mutations in ADAR1 contribute to autoimmune diseases and cancer.The findings suggest that defects in ADAR1’s function may lead to abnormal immune signaling, increasing the risk of inflammatory disorders and tumor development.

By studying disease-related mutations, researchers demonstrated that certain genetic changes impair the enzyme’s ability to edit short RNA sequences, potentially disrupting immune regulation. High-resolution structural models provided a clearer understanding of how ADAR1 interacts with RNA, paving the way for targeted drug development.This breakthrough could open new avenues for RNA-based therapies, including treatments for autoimmune diseases and cancer immunotherapy. By modulating ADAR1 activity, scientists hope to develop precision medicine approaches that fine-tune immune responses. While further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications, the study provides a strong foundation for designing therapies that harness RNA editing to treat complex diseases.

Learn more here: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/03/250317163518.htm

Feb

February 10, 2025

Admin dna, Genome sequencing, genomics research

DNA Damage,Mutation and Cancer

DNA Damages Found to Last Unrepaired for Years, Leading to Mutations that Cause Cancer

This research brings our minds back to the fact that cells in our body can develop somatic mutations as a result of accumulated genetic errors in the genome. This is mostly caused by environmental exposures and other chemical reactions that occur in our cells.

This reveals that wrong copies of a genetic sequence can occur because of DNA Damage. However, there are repair mechanisms within our cells that usually recognize and mend the DNA damage quickly. by repair mechanisms in our cells. The sad part is that these DNA Damages can last unrepaired for years which brings about permanent mutations that lead to the development of various kinds of cancers.

This research reveals a better way science can think about mutations, and understand the development of various cancers. With a proper understanding of mutations leading to cancer, researchers can invent better strategies to slow or completely eradicate them.

Read the full research here.

Jan

January 13, 2025

Admin genome screening, Genome sequencing

Newborn Genome Screening: A Transformative Healthcare Intervention Strategy

Over the years, genome sequencing has improved healthcare in no small way. In recent times, researchers have found possible ways to identify potential genetic risks for thousands of diseases by simply analyzing a baby's DNA at birth.

Here are some benefits of newborn genome screening:

Early Disease Detection: Genome sequencing can detect genetic disorders before the symptoms appear, preventing serious health complications.

Personalized Care: This technology can help streamline medical care to each child's unique genetic makeup.

However, there are some important ethical considerations to be made such as privacy, consent, and the potential for unintended consequences.

As research progresses, genome sequencing holds the potential to revolutionize newborn care and improve the health and well-being of future generations.

Read more about newborn genome screening here.

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Diversifying Translational and Genomics Research

Yearly Archives: 2025