genomics research – MyAfroDNA

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.

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 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

1 2 Next page

Diversifying Translational and Genomics Research

Tag Archives: genomics research