genomics research – MyAfroDNA

Nov

November 9, 2025

Admin african news, africanbiobank, genomics research, globalhealth

The Launch of the African Medicines Agency and What It Means for Africa’s Biotech Future

The official launch of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) marks a historic turning point for health innovation and pharmaceutical regulation across the continent. Established to streamline the approval and monitoring of medical products, the AMA aims to unify Africa’s fragmented regulatory systems and strengthen the fight against counterfeit or substandard medicines.

According to a recent Nature article, the creation of this central regulatory body promises to improve access to safe, effective, and affordable healthcare solutions. It also paves the way for biotech growth, ensuring that diagnostic tools, vaccines, and molecular testing technologies meet shared standards across African nations. For biotech companies, researchers, and laboratories like MyAfroDNA, this move signals greater collaboration and credibility within global scientific frameworks.

However, the article also points out the challenges ahead. Differences in national policies, limited funding, and uneven political commitment could slow the pace of implementation. To truly succeed, the AMA will require consistent investment in local expertise, capacity building, and transparent governance.

At MyAfroDNA, we see this milestone as an invitation to deepen our role in Africa’s biotechnology ecosystem. As a molecular testing, DNA diagnostics, and biobanking company, our work depends on strong regulatory systems that protect patients and ensure scientific integrity. The AMA’s commitment to standardized, ethical practices aligns perfectly with our mission to make accurate, reliable testing accessible across Africa.

Further reading: What the launch of the African Medicines Agency means for drug and health regulation – Nature (2025)

Explore how MyAfroDNA’s molecular testing and DNA diagnostic services are setting new standards for biospecimen quality and public health in Africa. Visit www.myafrodna.com to learn how we’re advancing Africa’s biotech future, one test at a time.

Nov

November 3, 2025

Admin African genetics, african genomics, genomics research, myafrodna

Mapping Africa’s Genetic Legacy: A Closer Look at the Continent’s Complex Ancestry Patterns

A landmark study led by researchers from University College London (UCL) and published in Science Advances reveals a previously hidden depth of genetic diversity, migration, and admixture within African populations. Titled “Dense sampling of ethnic groups within African countries reveals fine-scale genetic structure and extensive historical admixture,” the research analysed 1,333 genomes from over 150 ethnic groups across Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Sudan, and the Republic of the Congo.

The findings challenge the often simplistic narratives about African genetic history. The study uncovered fine-scale genetic structure within single countries, showing that even neighbouring ethnic groups may carry distinct ancestral lineages. For instance, western Cameroonian groups exhibit unique ancestry signatures reflecting the region’s long history of local kingdoms and cultural interactions.

Researchers also traced long-distance admixture events, linking populations in northern Cameroon and Sudan with distant groups, suggesting centuries of movement through trade, migration, and empire expansion. In Ghana and Nigeria, they detected intermixing patterns dating back more than 2,000 years, likely connected to shifts in climate and vegetation that encouraged population mobility and contact.

Beyond uncovering these complex patterns, the study highlights an essential truth: Africa’s genomic diversity cannot be fully understood through limited or external data. It underscores the urgency of expanding and diversifying African genomic datasets to ensure equitable representation in global genetics research.

For MyAfroDNA, this research reaffirms our mission to strengthen African-centric molecular testing and biospecimen sourcing for both research and precision medicine. Understanding these fine-scale patterns helps scientists interpret genetic variation more accurately, improving ancestry insights and health-related findings for African communities.

As Africa continues to shape the global genomic landscape, studies like this remind us that every region, community, and ancestry carries its own genetic legacy, one that deserves to be studied, respected, and represented on its own terms.

Read the full research here.

Oct

October 20, 2025

Admin african biobank, genomics research, myafrodna

The Indian Ocean Slave Trade and Colonial Expansion Resulted in Strong Sex-Biased Admixture in South Africa

A new study published in The American Journal of Human Genetics reveals how centuries of colonial expansion and the Indian Ocean slave trade shaped South Africa’s genetic landscape, leaving a profound legacy of sex-biased admixture.

Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 1,400 individuals across South Africa to understand how migration and displacement transformed Indigenous communities. The findings show that European male settlers contributed disproportionately to genetic lineages, while Khoe-San women and enslaved women from South and Southeast Asia made major contributions to the maternal gene pool.

Interestingly, while genetic mixing around the Cape was continuous, northern Khoe-San communities experienced a single pulse of European admixture about six to eight generations ago. The Nama people showed unique founder effects, with about 15% of Y-chromosome lineages tracing back to Asia, reflecting the deep genetic impact of forced migrations during colonial times.

This research highlights how genomics can uncover stories of resilience and connection, offering new insight into Africa’s intertwined histories of movement, survival, and identity.

At MyAfroDNA, we are committed to advancing genomics research by providing high-quality African biospecimens and molecular testing services that help decode Africa’s diverse genetic heritage.

Click here for further reading.

Sep

September 29, 2025

Admin african biobank, Gene editing, Genome sequencing, genomics research

Programmable Epigenome Editing with CRISPR RNPs: A Breakthrough Study

In a recent Nature Communications article, Alex M. Vakulskas, Andrew P. Goodman, Paola S. Guerena, William L. Hsieh, Benjamin M. Lane, Joseph N. Blattman, John L. Rinn, and Silvana Konermann present an innovative approach to overcoming one of the biggest challenges in epigenome editing: efficient delivery.

The team developed RENDER (Robust ENveloped Delivery of Epigenome-editor Ribonucleoproteins), a platform that packages CRISPR-based epigenome editors into engineered virus-like particles (eVLPs). Unlike viral vectors or plasmid delivery, which can pose risks of integration and cytotoxicity, RENDER delivers the editors as transient ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), ensuring high specificity and reduced off-target effects.This system was tested across a range of cell types, including iPSC-derived neurons and primary human T cells, showing durable gene silencing from a single treatment.

Remarkably, when applied to neurons carrying the MAPT V337M mutation, RENDER reduced Tau protein expression by more than 60% — a proof-of-concept with implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases.The ability to deliver programmable epigenome editors safely, transiently, and effectively represents a leap forward for gene regulation therapies. With continued optimization, this platform could accelerate progress in epigenetic drug development and broaden research applications. Click here for further reading.

At MyAfroDNA, we understand the importance of access to quality African biospecimens and molecular testing for advancing biomedical innovations like these. Partner with us to power your next research breakthrough.

Aug

August 6, 2025

Admin Genome sequencing, genomics research

Genomic Diversity in Neonatal E. coli in Malawi Raises Vaccine Design Concerns

A comprehensive genomic study of 208 neonatal Escherichia coli isolates collected from 2012 to 2021 at a major hospital in Blantyre, Malawi found extensive diversity in sequence types (STs), O‑antigens, and H‑antigens among strains causing invasive disease . Genomes from 169 isolates passed quality control and revealed 71 distinct STs, including 11 previously unreported types; over half of STs were observed only once . Among common lineages, ST69, ST131, ST10, and ST410 were most frequent, with ST410 highly enriched in cerebrospinal fluid samples suggesting invasive potential .

Researchers also catalogued 63 O‑antigen types—none exceeding 10% prevalence—and 34 H‑types, with only a handful appearing in more than one year. Notably, serotypes O15, O25B, and O8 appeared most often but no type dominated across years .

Using theoretical vaccine coverage models, the study shows that existing vaccine candidates like EXPEC4V or EXPEC9V would leave a large proportion of isolates unprotected. Crucially, the removal of O8 from some vaccine formulations could significantly reduce coverage in this setting .

Additionally, high resistance rates were observed: over 90% of strains demonstrated resistance to co‑trimoxazole, and many were multidrug resistant; yet meropenem resistance remained rare. Only amikacin and carbapenems remained reliable options in severe cases .

Implications for vaccine design in sub‑Saharan Africa: The extraordinary antigenic diversity among neonatal E. coli in Malawi presents a significant obstacle to one‑size‑fits‑all O‑antigen vaccines. The authors recommend vaccine strategies tailored to local serotype ecology and genetic surveillance integrated into design efforts.

Unlocking Africa’s Bioeconomy Through Genomics & Bioinformatics

A new study published by our partners, the AfricaBP Open Institute, showcases transformative efforts to harness biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics to drive a sustainable African bioeconomy.

The Africa BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) aims to sequence 105,000 non‑human genomes across Africa, spanning plants, animals, fungi, and protozoa, to support food security, conservation, and biotech innovation. To bridge capacity gaps, the AfricaBP Open Institute organized 31 hands‑on regional workshops in 2024 across five geographic regions, engaging participants from over 50 African countries. These sessions trained 401 African researchers in genome sequencing, gene editing, bioinformatics, molecular biology, ethics, and biobanking, strengthening local research infrastructure and skills.

A highlight case study: the proposed “1000 Moroccan Genome Project,” which illustrates economic returns from local genome sequencing. Analysis shows that a US$20 million investment over 10 years could yield US$40 million in discounted benefits and deliver a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 3.29—meaning every dollar invested returns more than three dollars in value—particularly across agriculture, R&D, education, and downstream sectors.

Key recommendations emerge: integrate biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics into national bioeconomy strategies, expand capacity‑building initiatives, build regional sequencing hubs, and foster ethical, inclusive data-sharing policies. Strategic investment in these domains positions African nations to capitalize on their unique biodiversity and reclaim ownership of genomic science—a powerful lever toward sustainable development and regional innovation rooted in African knowledge and priorities .

In short, AfricaBP’s model provides a scalable path for leveraging genomic science to fuel a resilient, inclusive African bioeconomy driven by regional talent and locally generated data. Read more here.

Jul

July 28, 2025

Admin african biobank, genomics research, myafrodna

Ancient Egyptian Genome Reveals Roots to Mesopotamia

A landmark discovery, scientists have sequenced the genome of a man buried around 4,500–4,800 years ago at Nuwayrat in Middle Egypt, marking the oldest complete genome ever recovered from the region. Likely a potter in his 60s, the man was buried in a sealed ceramic jar carved into rock, a burial that helped preserve his DNA despite Egypt’s harsh climate.

This genome confirms ancient people-to-people contact between Egypt and Mesopotamia, echoing archaeological evidence of shared pottery styles and writing systems. The Nile likely served not just as a trade route for goods and ideas, but for human migration too.

The discovery demonstrates that DNA preservation is possible and important to build a clearer understanding of Africa's genetic history.

Learn more about this research here: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-02102-y

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.

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