Blog – MyAfroDNA

Jul

July 7, 2025

Admin african biobank, genomics research, molecular testing, myafrodna, paternity testing

Invasive Malaria Mosquito An. stephensi Detected in Niger Raising Alarm for Sahel-wide Spread

For the first time, researchers have detected the invasive Anopheles stephensi mosquito in Gayi, a rural area in southern Niger Republic — a country already grappling with one of the world’s highest malaria mortality rates.
Genetic analysis confirmed its presence alongside native malaria vectors such as An. gambiae s.s., An. coluzzii, and An. arabiensis. The coexistence of these species has resulted in elevated biting and transmission rates, aligning with the surge in malaria cases reported in 2024.

Experts warn that without immediate investment in robust surveillance, targeted vector control, and regional collaboration, An. stephensi could spread rapidly across the Sahel and beyond. Its presence poses a serious threat to malaria control efforts, especially in vulnerable regions bordering Niger. Urgent action is needed to contain its spread and mitigate its public health impact across Africa.

Learn more: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-07389-5

Jul

July 5, 2025

Admin african biobank, Gene editing, genomics research

New Hope in The Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance

After years of stalled progress, the fight against antibiotic resistance is gaining momentum. Scientists are now exploring new ways to treat infections without relying solely on traditional antibiotics, a major shift that could reshape how we manage bacterial diseases worldwide.

Thanks to support from organizations like CARB-X and GARDP, researchers are pushing forward alternatives that were once considered too risky or radical. These include therapies like bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria), enzymes called lysins that break down bacterial walls, and even treatments that adjust the body’s natural microbiome.

Some scientists are testing immune-based approaches and CRISPR technology to target bacteria more precisely. These ideas are still early in development, but the growing investment and interest show a renewed belief that we don’t have to stay trapped in the old cycle of resistance.
The hope is that these innovative treatments, along with better diagnostic tools and smarter trial designs, could one day offer safer, more sustainable ways to fight deadly infections, especially as antibiotic resistance continues to rise.

This shift marks a new chapter in global health, where innovation may finally help turn the tide against superbugs.
Learn more here.

Jun

June 9, 2025

Admin african biobank, genomics research

New Study Uncovers a Reversible Mechanism in TB Bacteria

New research from the University of Surrey and the University of Oxford has uncovered a reversible mechanism in TB bacteria that may explain why the disease is so hard to treat.

The study shows that Mycobacterium tuberculosis uses a process called ADP-ribosylation to tag its DNA, allowing it to pause or resume growth—a possible survival tactic against antibiotics and immune attacks. The enzymes DarT and DarG act like a molecular switch: DarT adds the tag and halts replication, while DarG removes it to restart bacterial growth.

This discovery marks the first time DNA modification has been shown to control gene expression and replication in any organism.

By manipulating this system using CRISPRi and ADPr-Seq, scientists were able to track how these tags affect gene activity and cell division, offering a new target for drug development, especially against dormant or slow-growing TB cells. With over 1.25 million deaths annually, breakthroughs like this could reshape how we treat one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. Learn more here.

May

May 25, 2025

Admin african biobank, African genetics, dna, Genome sequencing

Revealing Morocco’s Genetic Diversity for Better Healthcare

The Moroccan Genome Project (MGP) sequenced 109 Moroccan genomes, uncovering over 27 million genetic variants, including 1.4 million new ones. This research introduces the Moroccan Major Allele Reference Genome (MMARG), providing a more accurate representation of Moroccan genetic diversity compared to global references.

By identifying unique genetic variants, MGP aims to improve precision medicine, addressing healthcare disparities for Moroccans and North Africans, especially in diseases like kidney disease, heart conditions, and diabetes.

This initiative builds on Morocco's rich genetic history and aims to create a more comprehensive genomic reference for North Africa, paving the way for better healthcare and research in the region.

Learn more here

May

May 19, 2025

Admin

New Insights Into Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in African Patients

A groundbreaking study on patients from Angola and Cape Verde has significantly expanded our understanding of TNBC in Sub-Saharan Africa. By sequencing both coding and regulatory regions, researchers found a higher somatic mutation burden compared to other global cohorts, with 86% of variants previously unreported.

Key findings include:

17% of mutations likely have damaging effects at the protein level.

20% overlap with gene regulatory regions.

TP53 remains the top driver gene, but novel candidates like TTN, EACAM7, DEFB132, COPZ2, and GAS1 were also identified.

These discoveries highlight the urgent need for more inclusive cancer genomics research, especially across the highly diverse African continent.

Learn more: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-94707-6

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

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