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Hamdi Y, Trabelsi M, Ghedira K, Boujemaa M, Ben Ayed I, Charfeddine C, Souissi A, Rejeb I, Kammoun Rebai W, Hkimi C, Neifar F, Jandoubi N, Mkaouar R, Chaouch M, Bennour A, Kamoun S, Chaker Masmoudi H, Abid N, Mezghani Khemakhem M, Masmoudi S, Saad A, BenJemaa L, BenKahla A, Boubaker S, Mrad R, Kamoun H, Abdelhak S, Gribaa M, Belguith N, Kharrat N, Hmida D, Rebai A. Genome Tunisia Project: paving the way for precision medicine in North Africa. Genome Med 2024; 16:104. [PMID: 39187811 PMCID: PMC11348534 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01365-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Key discoveries and innovations in the field of human genetics have led to the foundation of molecular and personalized medicine. Here, we present the Genome Tunisia Project, a two-phased initiative (2022-2035) which aims to deliver the reference sequence of the Tunisian Genome and to support the implementation of personalized medicine in Tunisia, a North African country that represents a central hub of population admixture and human migration between African, European, and Asian populations. The main goal of this initiative is to develop a healthcare system capable of incorporating omics data for use in routine medical practice, enabling medical doctors to better prevent, diagnose, and treat patients. METHODS A multidisciplinary partnership involving Tunisian experts from different institutions has come to discern all requirements that would be of high priority to fulfill the project's goals. One of the most urgent priorities is to determine the reference sequence of the Tunisian Genome. In addition, extensive situation analysis and revision of the education programs, community awareness, appropriate infrastructure including sequencing platforms and biobanking, as well as ethical and regulatory frameworks, have been undertaken towards building sufficient capacity to integrate personalized medicine into the Tunisian healthcare system. RESULTS In the framework of this project, an ecosystem with all engaged stakeholders has been implemented including healthcare providers, clinicians, researchers, pharmacists, bioinformaticians, industry, policymakers, and advocacy groups. This initiative will also help to reinforce research and innovation capacities in the field of genomics and to strengthen discoverability in the health sector. CONCLUSIONS Genome Tunisia is the first initiative in North Africa that seeks to demonstrate the major impact that can be achieved by Human Genome Projects in low- and middle-income countries to strengthen research and to improve disease management and treatment outcomes, thereby reducing the social and economic burden on healthcare systems. Sharing this experience within the African scientific community is a chance to turn a major challenge into an opportunity for dissemination and outreach. Additional efforts are now being made to advance personalized medicine in patient care by educating consumers and providers, accelerating research and innovation, and supporting necessary changes in policy and regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosr Hamdi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, place Pasteur, B.P. 74, Tunis, Belvédère, 1002, Tunisia.
- Laboratory of Human and Experimental Pathology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Mediha Trabelsi
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Kais Ghedira
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Maroua Boujemaa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, place Pasteur, B.P. 74, Tunis, Belvédère, 1002, Tunisia
| | - Ikhlas Ben Ayed
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Cherine Charfeddine
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, place Pasteur, B.P. 74, Tunis, Belvédère, 1002, Tunisia
- Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, BiotechPole of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Amal Souissi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Imen Rejeb
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Mongi Slim University Hospital, Sidi Daoud La Marsa, Tunis, Tunisia
- Santé Mère-Enfant (LR22SP01), Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Kammoun Rebai
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, place Pasteur, B.P. 74, Tunis, Belvédère, 1002, Tunisia
| | - Chaima Hkimi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Fadoua Neifar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Nouha Jandoubi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, place Pasteur, B.P. 74, Tunis, Belvédère, 1002, Tunisia
| | - Rahma Mkaouar
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, place Pasteur, B.P. 74, Tunis, Belvédère, 1002, Tunisia
| | - Melek Chaouch
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ayda Bennour
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
- Department of Genetics, Farhat HACHED University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Selim Kamoun
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hend Chaker Masmoudi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, place Pasteur, B.P. 74, Tunis, Belvédère, 1002, Tunisia
- Faculty of Pharmacy of Monastir, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
- Department of Histology and Cytogenetics, Institute Pasteur of Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nabil Abid
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances LR99ES27, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Ibn Sina Street, Monastir, 5000, Tunisia
| | - Maha Mezghani Khemakhem
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (LR01ES05), Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, 1068, Tunisia
| | - Saber Masmoudi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ali Saad
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
- Department of Genetics, Farhat HACHED University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Lamia BenJemaa
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Mongi Slim University Hospital, Sidi Daoud La Marsa, Tunis, Tunisia
- Santé Mère-Enfant (LR22SP01), Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Alia BenKahla
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Samir Boubaker
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, place Pasteur, B.P. 74, Tunis, Belvédère, 1002, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Human and Experimental Pathology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ridha Mrad
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hassen Kamoun
- Department of Medical Genetics, Hedi Chaker University Hospital, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, LR99ES33, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR16IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 13, place Pasteur, B.P. 74, Tunis, Belvédère, 1002, Tunisia
- Communication, Science and Society Support Unit (UniSS), Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Moez Gribaa
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
- Department of Genetics, Farhat HACHED University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Neila Belguith
- Department of Congenital and Hereditary Diseases, Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, LR99ES33, Faculty of Medicine of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Najla Kharrat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Dorra Hmida
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
- Department of Genetics, Farhat HACHED University Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Rebai
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Screening Processes, Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
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Zass L, Mwapagha LM, Louis-Jacques AF, Allali I, Mulindwa J, Kiran A, Hanachi M, Souiai O, Mulder N, Oduaran OH. Advancing microbiome research through standardized data and metadata collection: introducing the Microbiome Research Data Toolkit. Database (Oxford) 2024; 2024:baae062. [PMID: 39167718 PMCID: PMC11338178 DOI: 10.1093/database/baae062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Microbiome research has made significant gains with the evolution of sequencing technologies. Ensuring comparability between studies and enhancing the findability, accessibility, interoperability and reproducibility of microbiome data are crucial for maximizing the value of this growing body of research. Addressing the challenges of standardized metadata reporting, collection and curation, the Microbiome Working Group of the Human Hereditary and Health in Africa (H3Africa) consortium aimed to develop a comprehensive solution. In this paper, we present the Microbiome Research Data Toolkit, a versatile tool designed to standardize microbiome research metadata, facilitate MIxS-MIMS and PhenX reporting, standardize prospective collection of participant biological and lifestyle data, and retrospectively harmonize such data. This toolkit enables past, present and future microbiome research endeavors to collaborate effectively, fostering novel collaborations and accelerating knowledge discovery in the field. Database URL: https://doi.org/10.25375/uct.24218999.v2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyndon Zass
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, IDM, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Lamech M Mwapagha
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Faculty of Health, Natural Resources and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Private Bag 13388, 13 Jackson Kaujeua Street, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Adetola F Louis-Jacques
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Florida, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Imane Allali
- Laboratory of Human Pathologies Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Julius Mulindwa
- Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anmol Kiran
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust, P.O. Box 30096, Blantyre 3, Malawi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Mariem Hanachi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics (LR16IPT09), Institute Pasteur of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur, B.P. 74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Oussama Souiai
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics (LR16IPT09), Institute Pasteur of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, 13, Place Pasteur, B.P. 74, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Nicola Mulder
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, IDM, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa
| | - Ovokeraye H Oduaran
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand, 9 Jubilee Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Delabays B, Trajanoska K, Walonoski J, Mooser V. Cardiovascular Pharmacogenetics: From Discovery of Genetic Association to Clinical Adoption of Derived Test. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:791-827. [PMID: 39122647 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.123.000750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in human genetics and in information technologies have markedly expanded our understanding at the molecular level of the response to drugs, i.e., pharmacogenetics (PGx), across therapy areas. This review is restricted to PGx for cardiovascular (CV) drugs. First, we examined the PGx information in the labels approved by regulatory agencies in Europe, Japan, and North America and related recommendations from expert panels. Out of 221 marketed CV drugs, 36 had PGx information in their labels approved by one or more agencies. The level of annotations and recommendations varied markedly between agencies and expert panels. Clopidogrel is the only CV drug with consistent PGx recommendation (i.e., "actionable"). This situation prompted us to dissect the steps from discovery of a PGx association to clinical translation. We found 101 genome-wide association studies that investigated the response to CV drugs or drug classes. These studies reported significant associations for 48 PGx traits mapping to 306 genes. Six of these 306 genes are mentioned in the corresponding PGx labels or recommendations for CV drugs. Genomic analyses also highlighted the wide between-population differences in risk allele frequencies and the individual load of actionable PGx variants. Given the high attrition rate and the long road to clinical translation, additional work is warranted to identify and validate PGx variants for more CV drugs across diverse populations and to demonstrate the utility of PGx testing. To that end, pre-emptive PGx combining genomic profiling with electronic medical records opens unprecedented opportunities to improve healthcare, for CV diseases and beyond. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Despite spectacular breakthroughs in human molecular genetics and information technologies, consistent evidence supporting PGx testing in the cardiovascular area is limited to a few drugs. Additional work is warranted to discover and validate new PGx markers and demonstrate their utility. Pre-emptive PGx combining genomic profiling with electronic medical records opens unprecedented opportunities to improve healthcare, for CV diseases and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoît Delabays
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada (B.D., K.T., V.M.); and Medeloop Inc., Palo Alto, California, and Montreal, QC, Canada (J.W.)
| | - Katerina Trajanoska
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada (B.D., K.T., V.M.); and Medeloop Inc., Palo Alto, California, and Montreal, QC, Canada (J.W.)
| | - Joshua Walonoski
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada (B.D., K.T., V.M.); and Medeloop Inc., Palo Alto, California, and Montreal, QC, Canada (J.W.)
| | - Vincent Mooser
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada (B.D., K.T., V.M.); and Medeloop Inc., Palo Alto, California, and Montreal, QC, Canada (J.W.)
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Ramsay M, Crampin AC, Bawah AA, Gitau E, Herbst K. The Value Proposition of Coordinated Population Cohorts Across Africa. Annu Rev Biomed Data Sci 2024; 7:277-294. [PMID: 39178423 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-020722-015026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
Building longitudinal population cohorts in Africa for coordinated research and surveillance can influence the setting of national health priorities, lead to the introduction of appropriate interventions, and provide evidence for targeted treatment, leading to better health across the continent. However, compared to cohorts from the global north, longitudinal continental African population cohorts remain scarce, are relatively small in size, and lack data complexity. As infections and noncommunicable diseases disproportionately affect Africa's approximately 1.4 billion inhabitants, African cohorts present a unique opportunity for research and surveillance. High genetic diversity in African populations and multiomic research studies, together with detailed phenotyping and clinical profiling, will be a treasure trove for discovery. The outcomes, including novel drug targets, biological pathways for disease, and gene-environment interactions, will boost precision medicine approaches, not only in Africa but across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michèle Ramsay
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa;
| | - Amelia C Crampin
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Ayaga A Bawah
- Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Evelyn Gitau
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Kobus Herbst
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- South African Population Research Infrastructure Network, Department of Science and Innovation and South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
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Wiener E, Cottino L, Botha G, Nyangiri O, Noyes H, McLeod A, Jakubosky D, Adebamowo C, Awadalla P, Landouré G, Matshaba M, Matovu E, Ramsay M, Simo G, Simuunza M, Tiemessen C, Wonkam A, Sahibdeen V, Krause A, Lombard Z, Hazelhurst S. An assessment of the genomic structural variation landscape in Sub-Saharan African populations. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4485126. [PMID: 39041024 PMCID: PMC11261963 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4485126/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Structural variants are responsible for a large part of genomic variation between individuals and play a role in both common and rare diseases. Databases cataloguing structural variants notably do not represent the full spectrum of global diversity, particularly missing information from most African populations. To address this representation gap, we analysed 1,091 high-coverage African genomes, 545 of which are public data sets, and 546 which have been analysed for structural variants for the first time. Variants were called using five different tools and datasets merged and jointly called using SURVIVOR. We identified 67,795 structural variants throughout the genome, with 10,421 genes having at least one variant. Using a conservative overlap in merged data, 6,414 of the structural variants (9.5%) are novel compared to the Database of Genomic Variants. This study contributes to knowledge of the landscape of structural variant diversity in Africa and presents a reliable dataset for potential applications in population genetics and health-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Wiener
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Laura Cottino
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gerrit Botha
- Computational Biology Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Oscar Nyangiri
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Harry Noyes
- Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Annette McLeod
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Jakubosky
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of California, San Diego, United States of America
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego, United States of America
| | - Clement Adebamowo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
| | - Phillip Awadalla
- Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Guida Landouré
- Faculty of Medicine and Odontostomatology University of Sciences, Techniques and Technology of Bamako, Bamako Mali
- Neurology Department Point ”G” University Hospital, Bamako, Mali
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children’s Clinical Center of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Enock Matovu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Michèle Ramsay
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gustave Simo
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Department of Biochemistry University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Martin Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Caroline Tiemessen
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services and Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States of America
- Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Venesa Sahibdeen
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amanda Krause
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zané Lombard
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Scott Hazelhurst
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Electrical & Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Diedericks A, Bruwer Z, Laing N, Eastman E, De Vries JDV, Donald KA, Robinson EB, Newton CR, Abubakar A. Parental Perspectives Regarding the Return of Genomic Research Results in Neurodevelopmental Disorders in South Africa: Anticipated Impact and Preferences. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4448155. [PMID: 38946993 PMCID: PMC11213179 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4448155/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Few policies and little research exist regarding the disclosure of genomic results to research participants in Africa. As understanding participant preferences would be pivotal to the success of the feedback process, this study set out to address this issue by engaging with enrolled participants from an ongoing genomics research project on neurodevelopmental disorders with the aim to assess the anticipated impact of receiving pertinent results and explore the preferences for feedback in a South-African context. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 parents of children participating in the research study. Transcribed interview data and observational notes were analysed using thematic analysis and framework matrices. Participants linked their own meaning to the impact of receiving a pertinent result and perceived the information as useful for reasons other than only clinical utility. These included closure, improved management of their child's condition and information regarding recurrence risks. In terms of preferences for feedback, an in-person result delivery session, conducted by a member of the study team or medical professional familiar with their child was preferred. In addition, participants felt a sense of ownership over their blood or their contribution to the research study, finding meaning even in non-pertinent (secondary findings) or negative results. These findings provide insight into the type of discussions that may be valuable in enabling the development of best practices and guidelines for the return of individual genetic research results, in a culturally appropriate manner, within South-African communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelique Diedericks
- Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital
| | - Zandré Bruwer
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and University of Cape Town
| | - Nakita Laing
- Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital
| | - Emma Eastman
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and University of Cape Town
| | | | - Kirsten A Donald
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital and University of Cape Town
| | - Elise B Robinson
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles R Newton
- Neuroscience Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Center for Geographic Medicine Research Coast, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Psychiatry, UnivInstitute of Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Amina Abubakar
- Neuroscience Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Center for Geographic Medicine Research Coast, Kilifi, Kenya; Department of Psychiatry, UnivInstitute of Human Development, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya
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7
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Topriceanu CC, Chaturvedi N, Mathur R, Garfield V. Validity of European-centric cardiometabolic polygenic scores in multi-ancestry populations. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:697-707. [PMID: 38182743 PMCID: PMC11153583 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01517-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Polygenic scores (PGSs) provide an individual level estimate of genetic risk for any given disease. Since most PGSs have been derived from genome wide association studies (GWASs) conducted in populations of White European ancestry, their validity in other ancestry groups remains unconfirmed. This is especially relevant for cardiometabolic diseases which are known to disproportionately affect people of non-European ancestry. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the performance of PGSs for glycaemic traits (glycated haemoglobin, and type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus), cardiometabolic risk factors (body mass index, hypertension, high- and low-density lipoproteins, and total cholesterol and triglycerides) and cardiovascular diseases (including stroke and coronary artery disease) in people of White European, South Asian, and African Caribbean ethnicity in the UK Biobank. Whilst PGSs incorporated some GWAS data from multi-ethnic populations, the vast majority originated from White Europeans. For most outcomes, PGSs derived mostly from European populations had an overall better performance in White Europeans compared to South Asians and African Caribbeans. Thus, multi-ancestry GWAS data are needed to derive ancestry stratified PGSs to tackle health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constantin-Cristian Topriceanu
- Department of Population Science and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Nish Chaturvedi
- Department of Population Science and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
| | - Rohini Mathur
- Centre for Primary Care, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Garfield
- Department of Population Science and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK
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8
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Hamdi Y, Boujemaa M, Ben Aissa-Haj J, Radouani F, Khyatti M, Mighri N, Hannachi M, Ghedira K, Souiai O, Hkimi C, Kammoun MS, Mejri N, Bouaziz H, Beloufa MA, Charoute H, Barakat A, Najjar I, Taniguchi H, Pietrosemoli N, Dellagi K, Abdelhak S, Boubaker MS, Chica C, Rouleau E. A regionally based precision medicine implementation initiative in North Africa:The PerMediNA consortium. Transl Oncol 2024; 44:101940. [PMID: 38537326 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision Medicine is being increasingly used in the developed world to improve health care. While several Precision Medicine (PM) initiatives have been launched worldwide, their implementations have proven to be more challenging particularly in low- and middle-income countries. To address this issue, the "Personalized Medicine in North Africa" initiative (PerMediNA) was launched in three North African countries namely Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. PerMediNA is coordinated by Institut Pasteur de Tunis together with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with the support of Institut Pasteur in France. The project is carried out along with Institut Pasteur d'Algérie and Institut Pasteur du Maroc in collaboration with national and international leading institutions in the field of PM including Institut Gustave Roussy in Paris. PerMediNA aims to assess the readiness level of PM implementation in North Africa, to strengthen PM infrastructure, to provide workforce training, to generate genomic data on North African populations, to implement cost effective, affordable and sustainable genetic testing for cancer patients and to inform policy makers on how to translate research knowledge into health products and services. Gender equity and involvement of young scientists in this implementation process are other key goals of the PerMediNA project. In this paper, we are describing PerMediNA as the first PM implementation initiative in North Africa. Such initiatives contribute significantly in shortening existing health disparities and inequities between developed and developing countries and accelerate access to innovative treatments for global health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosr Hamdi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR20IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia.
| | - Maroua Boujemaa
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR20IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Jihenne Ben Aissa-Haj
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR20IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; Department of Human and Experimental Pathology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Fouzia Radouani
- Chlamydiae and Mycoplasmas Laboratory, Research Department, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Meriem Khyatti
- Laboratory of Viral Oncology, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Najah Mighri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR20IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Mariem Hannachi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics LR20IPT09, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Kais Ghedira
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics LR20IPT09, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Oussema Souiai
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics LR20IPT09, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Chaima Hkimi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics LR20IPT09, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Selim Kammoun
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Biomathematics and Biostatistics LR20IPT09, Pasteur Institute of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Nesrine Mejri
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR20IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; Medical Oncology Department, Abderrahmane Mami Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hanen Bouaziz
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR20IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; Department of Carcinological Surgery, Salah Azaiez Institute, Tunis, Tunisia
| | | | - Hicham Charoute
- Research unit of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Abdelhamid Barakat
- Laboratory of Genomics and Human Genetics, Institut Pasteur du Maroc 20360, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Imène Najjar
- Biomics, Center for Technological Resources and Research (C2RT), Institut Pasteur, Paris 75015, France
| | - Hiroaki Taniguchi
- The Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland; University Mohamed VI, Morocco
| | - Natalia Pietrosemoli
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Koussay Dellagi
- Pasteur Network Association, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Sonia Abdelhak
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR20IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Samir Boubaker
- Laboratory of Biomedical Genomics and Oncogenetics, LR20IPT05, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1002, Tunisia; Department of Human and Experimental Pathology, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Tunis 1002, Tunisia
| | - Claudia Chica
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Rouleau
- Department of Biology and Pathology-Cancer Genetics Laboratory-Gustave Roussy 94805, Villejuif, France
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9
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Benjamin KJM, Chen Q, Eagles NJ, Huuki-Myers LA, Collado-Torres L, Stolz JM, Pertea G, Shin JH, Paquola ACM, Hyde TM, Kleinman JE, Jaffe AE, Han S, Weinberger DR. Analysis of gene expression in the postmortem brain of neurotypical Black Americans reveals contributions of genetic ancestry. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:1064-1074. [PMID: 38769152 PMCID: PMC11156587 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01636-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Ancestral differences in genomic variation affect the regulation of gene expression; however, most gene expression studies have been limited to European ancestry samples or adjusted to identify ancestry-independent associations. Here, we instead examined the impact of genetic ancestry on gene expression and DNA methylation in the postmortem brain tissue of admixed Black American neurotypical individuals to identify ancestry-dependent and ancestry-independent contributions. Ancestry-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), transcripts and gene networks, while notably not implicating neurons, are enriched for genes related to the immune response and vascular tissue and explain up to 26% of heritability for ischemic stroke, 27% of heritability for Parkinson disease and 30% of heritability for Alzheimer's disease. Ancestry-associated DEGs also show general enrichment for the heritability of diverse immune-related traits but depletion for psychiatric-related traits. We also compared Black and non-Hispanic white Americans, confirming most ancestry-associated DEGs. Our results delineate the extent to which genetic ancestry affects differences in gene expression in the human brain and the implications for brain illness risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kynon J M Benjamin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Qiang Chen
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Leonardo Collado-Torres
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua M Stolz
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Geo Pertea
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joo Heon Shin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Apuã C M Paquola
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas M Hyde
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel E Kleinman
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew E Jaffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Neumora Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Shizhong Han
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Daniel R Weinberger
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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10
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Oduaran OH, Foláyan MO, Kamng'ona AW, Nakimuli A, Mwapagha LM, Setati ME, Owusu M, Mulder N, Makhalanyane TP, Kouidhi S. Microbiome research in Africa must be based on equitable partnerships. Nat Med 2024:10.1038/s41591-024-03026-2. [PMID: 38783138 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03026-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ovokeraye H Oduaran
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Moréniké Oluwátóyìn Foláyan
- Department of Child Dental Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- Oral Health Initiative, Center for Reproductive and Population Health Studies, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Arox W Kamng'ona
- Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Allied Health Professions, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Annettee Nakimuli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lamech M Mwapagha
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Faculty of Health, Natural Resources and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Mathabatha E Setati
- African Microbiome Institute, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Michael Owusu
- Department of Medical Diagnostics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Nicola Mulder
- Computational Biology Division Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, IDM, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thulani P Makhalanyane
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Soumaya Kouidhi
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Valorisation of Bio-Geo Resources (LR11ES31), Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, BiotechPole of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Ariana, Tunisia
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11
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Stoneman HR, Price A, Trout NS, Lamont R, Tifour S, Pozdeyev N, Crooks K, Lin M, Rafaels N, Gignoux CR, Marker KM, Hendricks AE. Characterizing substructure via mixture modeling in large-scale genetic summary statistics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.29.577805. [PMID: 38766180 PMCID: PMC11100604 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.577805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Genetic summary data are broadly accessible and highly useful including for risk prediction, causal inference, fine mapping, and incorporation of external controls. However, collapsing individual-level data into groups masks intra- and inter-sample heterogeneity, leading to confounding, reduced power, and bias. Ultimately, unaccounted substructure limits summary data usability, especially for understudied or admixed populations. Here, we present Summix2, a comprehensive set of methods and software based on a computationally efficient mixture model to estimate and adjust for substructure in genetic summary data. In extensive simulations and application to public data, Summix2 characterizes finer-scale population structure, identifies ascertainment bias, and identifies potential regions of selection due to local substructure deviation. Summix2 increases the robust use of diverse publicly available summary data resulting in improved and more equitable research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley R Stoneman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Adelle Price
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Nikole Scribner Trout
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Riley Lamont
- Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Souha Tifour
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA
| | - Nikita Pozdeyev
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kristy Crooks
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Meng Lin
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Nicholas Rafaels
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Christopher R Gignoux
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Katie M Marker
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Audrey E Hendricks
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO 80204, USA
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12
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Yeo NKW, Lim CK, Yaung KN, Khoo NKH, Arkachaisri T, Albani S, Yeo JG. Genetic interrogation for sequence and copy number variants in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Genet 2024; 15:1341272. [PMID: 38501057 PMCID: PMC10944961 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1341272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Early-onset systemic lupus erythematosus presents with a more severe disease and is associated with a greater genetic burden, especially in patients from Black, Asian or Hispanic ancestries. Next-generation sequencing techniques, notably whole exome sequencing, have been extensively used in genomic interrogation studies to identify causal disease variants that are increasingly implicated in the development of autoimmunity. This Review discusses the known casual variants of polygenic and monogenic systemic lupus erythematosus and its implications under certain genetic disparities while suggesting an age-based sequencing strategy to aid in clinical diagnostics and patient management for improved patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Kim-Wah Yeo
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Che Kang Lim
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Clinical Translation Research, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Katherine Nay Yaung
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas Kim Huat Khoo
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thaschawee Arkachaisri
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Rheumatology and Immunology Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Salvatore Albani
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Rheumatology and Immunology Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joo Guan Yeo
- Translational Immunology Institute, SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medical Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Rheumatology and Immunology Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Kabbashi S, Roomaney IA, Chetty M. Bridging the gap between omics research and dental practice. BDJ Open 2024; 10:16. [PMID: 38438363 PMCID: PMC10912736 DOI: 10.1038/s41405-024-00199-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM The burgeoning field of omics research has witnessed exponential growth in both medicine and dentistry. However, despite more than a decade of advancements, clinical dentistry, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), has seen limited progress in integrating omics-based approaches into routine practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the integration of omics approaches in dentistry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for translating research findings into clinical practice. METHODS we conducted a literature review using key databases to provide a brief overview of the history of genomics in dentistry. Additionally, we summarised recent breakthroughs in omics relevant to oral health practitioners, emphasising the inadequate translation of omics research into clinical practice. RESULTS Despite significant growth in omics research in both medicine and dentistry, its translation into routine clinical practice in dentistry remains limited. We summarise recent breakthroughs in omics and highlight the gap between research advancements and clinical implementation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The integration of omics approaches holds promise for enhancing diagnostics, personalised treatment strategies, and preventive measures in dental practice, ushering in a new era of precision oral healthcare. However, several challenges, including infrastructure limitations, cost-effectiveness, and education gaps, hinder the widespread adoption of omics-based approaches in clinical dentistry. A strong commitment to transforming dentistry is required to embrace this transition. This shift has the potential to revolutionise oral healthcare by advancing precision diagnostics and treatment strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kabbashi
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, Pathology, and Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - I A Roomaney
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, Pathology, and Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - M Chetty
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, Pathology, and Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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14
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Twesigomwe D, Drögemöller BI, Wright GEB, Adebamowo C, Agongo G, Boua PR, Matshaba M, Paximadis M, Ramsay M, Simo G, Simuunza MC, Tiemessen CT, Lombard Z, Hazelhurst S. Characterization of CYP2B6 and CYP2A6 Pharmacogenetic Variation in Sub-Saharan African Populations. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 115:576-594. [PMID: 38049200 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variation in CYP2B6 and CYP2A6 is known to impact interindividual response to antiretrovirals, nicotine, and bupropion, among other drugs. However, the full catalogue of clinically relevant pharmacogenetic variants in these genes is yet to be established, especially across African populations. This study therefore aimed to characterize the star allele (haplotype) distribution in CYP2B6 and CYP2A6 across diverse and understudied sub-Saharan African (SSA) populations. We called star alleles from 961 high-depth full genomes using StellarPGx, Aldy, and PyPGx. In addition, we performed CYP2B6 and CYP2A6 star allele frequency comparisons between SSA and other global biogeographical groups represented in the new 1000 Genomes Project high-coverage dataset (n = 2,000). This study presents frequency information for star alleles in CYP2B6 (e.g., *6 and *18; frequency of 21-47% and 2-19%, respectively) and CYP2A6 (e.g., *4, *9, and *17; frequency of 0-6%, 3-10%, and 6-20%, respectively), and predicted phenotypes (for CYP2B6), across various African populations. In addition, 50 potentially novel African-ancestry star alleles were computationally predicted by StellarPGx in CYP2B6 and CYP2A6 combined. For each of these genes, over 4% of the study participants had predicted novel star alleles. Three novel star alleles in CYP2A6 (*54, *55, and *56) and CYP2B6 apiece, and several suballeles were further validated via targeted Single-Molecule Real-Time resequencing. Our findings are important for informing the design of comprehensive pharmacogenetic testing platforms, and are highly relevant for personalized medicine strategies, especially relating to antiretroviral medication and smoking cessation treatment in Africa and the African diaspora. More broadly, this study highlights the importance of sampling diverse African ethnolinguistic groups for accurate characterization of the pharmacogene variation landscape across the continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Twesigomwe
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service, and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Britt I Drögemöller
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Galen E B Wright
- Neuroscience Research Program, Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre and Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Clement Adebamowo
- Institute for Human Virology, Abuja, Nigeria
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Centre, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Godfred Agongo
- Navrongo Health Research Centre, Ghana Health Service, Navrongo, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry and Forensic Sciences, School of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences, C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Navrongo, Ghana
| | - Palwendé R Boua
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Clinical Research Unit of Nanoro, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Mogomotsi Matshaba
- Botswana-Baylor Children's Clinical Centre of Excellence, Gaborone, Botswana
- Retrovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Maria Paximadis
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Michèle Ramsay
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service, and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gustave Simo
- Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Martin C Simuunza
- Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Caroline T Tiemessen
- Centre for HIV and STIs, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zané Lombard
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service, and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Scott Hazelhurst
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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15
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Akinyemi RO, Tiwari HK, Srinivasasainagendra V, Akpa O, Sarfo FS, Akpalu A, Wahab K, Obiako R, Komolafe M, Owolabi L, Osaigbovo GO, Mamaeva OA, Halloran BA, Akinyemi J, Lackland D, Obiabo OY, Sunmonu T, Chukwuonye II, Arulogun O, Jenkins C, Adeoye A, Agunloye A, Ogah OS, Ogbole G, Fakunle A, Uvere E, Coker MM, Okekunle A, Asowata O, Diala S, Ogunronbi M, Adeleye O, Laryea R, Tagge R, Adeniyi S, Adusei N, Oguike W, Olowoyo P, Adebajo O, Olalere A, Oladele O, Yaria J, Fawale B, Ibinaye P, Oyinloye O, Mensah Y, Oladimeji O, Akpalu J, Calys-Tagoe B, Dambatta HA, Ogunniyi A, Kalaria R, Arnett D, Rotimi C, Ovbiagele B, Owolabi MO. Novel functional insights into ischemic stroke biology provided by the first genome-wide association study of stroke in indigenous Africans. Genome Med 2024; 16:25. [PMID: 38317187 PMCID: PMC10840175 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01273-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND African ancestry populations have the highest burden of stroke worldwide, yet the genetic basis of stroke in these populations is obscure. The Stroke Investigative Research and Educational Network (SIREN) is a multicenter study involving 16 sites in West Africa. We conducted the first-ever genome-wide association study (GWAS) of stroke in indigenous Africans. METHODS Cases were consecutively recruited consenting adults (aged > 18 years) with neuroimaging-confirmed ischemic stroke. Stroke-free controls were ascertained using a locally validated Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status. DNA genotyping with the H3Africa array was performed, and following initial quality control, GWAS datasets were imputed into the NIH Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) release2 from BioData Catalyst. Furthermore, we performed fine-mapping, trans-ethnic meta-analysis, and in silico functional characterization to identify likely causal variants with a functional interpretation. RESULTS We observed genome-wide significant (P-value < 5.0E-8) SNPs associations near AADACL2 and miRNA (MIR5186) genes in chromosome 3 after adjusting for hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiac status in the base model as covariates. SNPs near the miRNA (MIR4458) gene in chromosome 5 were also associated with stroke (P-value < 1.0E-6). The putative genes near AADACL2, MIR5186, and MIR4458 genes were protective and novel. SNPs associations with stroke in chromosome 2 were more than 77 kb from the closest gene LINC01854 and SNPs in chromosome 7 were more than 116 kb to the closest gene LINC01446 (P-value < 1.0E-6). In addition, we observed SNPs in genes STXBP5-AS1 (chromosome 6), GALTN9 (chromosome 12), FANCA (chromosome 16), and DLGAP1 (chromosome 18) (P-value < 1.0E-6). Both genomic regions near genes AADACL2 and MIR4458 remained significant following fine mapping. CONCLUSIONS Our findings identify potential roles of regulatory miRNA, intergenic non-coding DNA, and intronic non-coding RNA in the biology of ischemic stroke. These findings reveal new molecular targets that promise to help close the current gaps in accurate African ancestry-based genetic stroke's risk prediction and development of new targeted interventions to prevent or treat stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rufus O Akinyemi
- Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Hemant K Tiwari
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Onoja Akpa
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Fred S Sarfo
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Albert Akpalu
- Department of Medicine, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kolawole Wahab
- Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Reginald Obiako
- Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Morenikeji Komolafe
- Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Lukman Owolabi
- Department of Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | | | - Olga A Mamaeva
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Brian A Halloran
- Department of Pediatrics, Volker Hall University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Joshua Akinyemi
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Olugbo Y Obiabo
- Delta State University/Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Nigeria
| | - Taofik Sunmonu
- Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Ondo State, Owo, Nigeria
| | - Innocent I Chukwuonye
- Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State, Umuahia, Nigeria
| | - Oyedunni Arulogun
- Department of Health Education, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Abiodun Adeoye
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Atinuke Agunloye
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Okechukwu S Ogah
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Godwin Ogbole
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adekunle Fakunle
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Ezinne Uvere
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Motunrayo M Coker
- Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Genetics and Cell Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Akinkunmi Okekunle
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Osahon Asowata
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Samuel Diala
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mayowa Ogunronbi
- Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Osi Adeleye
- Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Ruth Laryea
- Department of Medicine, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Raelle Tagge
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San-Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Sunday Adeniyi
- Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Nathaniel Adusei
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Wisdom Oguike
- Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Paul Olowoyo
- Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Olayinka Adebajo
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Abimbola Olalere
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olayinka Oladele
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Joseph Yaria
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Bimbo Fawale
- Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Philip Ibinaye
- Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan Oyinloye
- Department of Medicine, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Yaw Mensah
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Omotola Oladimeji
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Josephine Akpalu
- Department of Medicine, University of Ghana Medical School, Accra, Ghana
| | - Benedict Calys-Tagoe
- Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Adesola Ogunniyi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Rajesh Kalaria
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Donna Arnett
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
| | - Charles Rotimi
- Center for Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, USA
| | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- Genetics and Cell Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Mayowa O Owolabi
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
- University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
- Lebanese American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Blossom Specialist Medical Center, Ibadan, Nigeria.
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Mersha TB. From Mendel to multi-omics: shifting paradigms. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:139-142. [PMID: 37468578 PMCID: PMC10853174 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-023-01420-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tesfaye B Mersha
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Alamad B, Elliott K, Knight JC. Cross-population applications of genomics to understand the risk of multifactorial traits involving inflammation and immunity. CAMBRIDGE PRISMS. PRECISION MEDICINE 2024; 2:e3. [PMID: 38549844 PMCID: PMC10953767 DOI: 10.1017/pcm.2023.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role in interindividual variation in immune and inflammatory responses. The availability of high-throughput low-cost genotyping and next-generation sequencing has revolutionized our ability to identify human genetic variation and understand how this varies within and between populations, and the relationship with disease. In this review, we explore the potential of genomics for patient benefit, specifically in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of inflammatory and immune-related diseases. We summarize the knowledge arising from genetic and functional genomic approaches, and the opportunity for personalized medicine. The review covers applications in infectious diseases, rare immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases, illustrating advances in diagnosis and understanding risk including use of polygenic risk scores. We further explore the application for patient stratification and drug target prioritization. The review highlights a key challenge to the field arising from the lack of sufficient representation of genetically diverse populations in genomic studies. This currently limits the clinical utility of genetic-based diagnostic and risk-based applications in non-Caucasian populations. We highlight current genome projects, initiatives and biobanks from diverse populations and how this is being used to improve healthcare globally by improving our understanding of genetic susceptibility to diseases and regional pathogens such as malaria and tuberculosis. Future directions and opportunities for personalized medicine and wider application of genomics in health care are described, for the benefit of individual patients and populations worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bana Alamad
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kate Elliott
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Julian C. Knight
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Chinese Academy of Medical Science Oxford Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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18
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Lin S, Wu S, Zhao W, Fang Z, Kang H, Liu X, Pan S, Yu F, Bao Y, Jia P. TargetGene: a comprehensive database of cell-type-specific target genes for genetic variants. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:D1072-D1081. [PMID: 37870478 PMCID: PMC10767789 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Annotating genetic variants to their target genes is of great importance in unraveling the causal variants and genetic mechanisms that underlie complex diseases. However, disease-associated genetic variants are often located in non-coding regions and manifest context-specific effects, making it challenging to accurately identify the target genes and regulatory mechanisms. Here, we present TargetGene (https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/targetgene/), a comprehensive database reporting target genes for human genetic variants from various aspects. Specifically, we collected a comprehensive catalog of multi-omics data at the single-cell and bulk levels and from various human tissues, cell types and developmental stages. To facilitate the identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)-to-gene connections, we have implemented multiple analytical tools based on chromatin co-accessibility, 3D interaction, enhancer activities and quantitative trait loci, among others. We applied the pipeline to evaluate variants from nearly 1300 Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and assembled a comprehensive atlas of multiscale regulation of genetic variants. TargetGene is equipped with user-friendly web interfaces that enable intuitive searching, navigation and browsing through the results. Overall, TargetGene provides a unique resource to empower researchers to study the regulatory mechanisms of genetic variants in complex human traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Lin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Song Wu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- National Genomics Data Center & CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- National Genomics Data Center & CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhanjie Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongen Kang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinxuan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Siyu Pan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fudong Yu
- Shanghai-MOST Key Laboratory of Health and Disease Genomics, NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yiming Bao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- National Genomics Data Center & CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Peilin Jia
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Musanabaganwa C, Ruton H, Ruhangaza D, Nsabimana N, Kayitare E, Muvunyi TZ, Semakula M, Ntirenganya F, Musoni E, Ndoli J, Hategekimana E, Nassir A, Makokha F, Uwimana A, Gasana J, Munezero PC, Uwinkindi F, Muvunyi CM, Nyirazinyoye L, Mazarati JB, Mutesa L. An Assessment of the Knowledge and Perceptions of Precision Medicine (PM) in the Rwandan Healthcare Setting. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1707. [PMID: 38138934 PMCID: PMC10744509 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13121707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Precision medicine (PM) or personalized medicine is an innovative approach that aims to tailor disease prevention and treatment to consider the differences in people's genes, environments, and lifestyles. Although many efforts have been made to accelerate the universal adoption of PM, several challenges need to be addressed in order to advance PM in Africa. Therefore, our study aimed to establish baseline data on the knowledge and perceptions of the implementation of PM in the Rwandan healthcare setting. METHOD A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in five hospitals offering diagnostics and oncology services to cancer patients in Rwanda. To understand the existing policies regarding PM implementation in the country, two additional institutions were surveyed: the Ministry of Health (MOH), which creates and sets policies for the overall vision of the health sector, and the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), which coordinates the implementation of health sector policies in the country. The researchers conducted 32 key informant interviews and assessed the functionality of available PM equipment in the 5 selected health facilities. The data were thematically categorized and analyzed. RESULTS The study revealed that PM is perceived as a complex and expensive program by most health managers and health providers. The most cited challenges to implementing PM included the following: the lack of policies and guidelines; the lack of supportive infrastructures and limited suppliers of required equipment and laboratory consumables; financial constraints; cultural, behavioral, and religious beliefs; and limited trained, motivated, and specialized healthcare providers. Regarding access to health services for cancer treatment, patients with health insurance pay 10% of their medical costs, which is still too expensive for Rwandans. CONCLUSION The study participants highlighted the importance of PM to enhance healthcare delivery if the identified barriers are addressed. For instance, Rwandan health sector leadership might consider the creation of specialized oncology centers in all or some referral hospitals with all the necessary genomic equipment and trained staff to serve the needs of the country and implement a PM program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Musanabaganwa
- Division of Research Innovation and Data Science, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali P.O. Box 7162, Rwanda; (M.S.); (J.G.); (C.M.M.)
- Center of Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 4285, Rwanda
| | - Hinda Ruton
- School of Public Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda; (H.R.); (L.N.)
| | | | - Nicaise Nsabimana
- Butaro District Hospital, Burera P.O. Box 59, Rwanda; (D.R.); (N.N.); (E.K.)
| | - Emmanuel Kayitare
- Butaro District Hospital, Burera P.O. Box 59, Rwanda; (D.R.); (N.N.); (E.K.)
| | | | - Muhammed Semakula
- Division of Research Innovation and Data Science, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali P.O. Box 7162, Rwanda; (M.S.); (J.G.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Faustin Ntirenganya
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali P.O. Box 655, Rwanda; (F.N.); (E.M.)
| | - Emile Musoni
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Kigali P.O. Box 655, Rwanda; (F.N.); (E.M.)
| | - Jules Ndoli
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare, Huye P.O. Box 254, Rwanda; (J.N.); (E.H.)
| | - Elisee Hategekimana
- University Teaching Hospital of Butare, Huye P.O. Box 254, Rwanda; (J.N.); (E.H.)
| | - Angus Nassir
- Kenya Institute of Bioinfomatics, Nairobi P.O. Box 918, Kenya;
| | - Francis Makokha
- Directorate of Research and Development, Mount Kenya University, Thika P.O. Box 342-01000, Kenya;
| | - Aline Uwimana
- Malaria and Other Parasitic Diseases Division, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali P.O. Box 7162, Rwanda;
| | - Joel Gasana
- Division of Research Innovation and Data Science, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali P.O. Box 7162, Rwanda; (M.S.); (J.G.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Pierre Celestin Munezero
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda;
| | - Francois Uwinkindi
- Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali P.O. Box 7162, Rwanda;
| | - Claude Mambo Muvunyi
- Division of Research Innovation and Data Science, Rwanda Biomedical Center, Kigali P.O. Box 7162, Rwanda; (M.S.); (J.G.); (C.M.M.)
| | - Laetitia Nyirazinyoye
- School of Public Health, University of Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda; (H.R.); (L.N.)
| | - Jean Baptiste Mazarati
- School of Medicine, University of Global Health Equity, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali P.O. Box 6955, Rwanda;
| | - Leon Mutesa
- Center of Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 4285, Rwanda
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Schultz B, Agamah FE, Ewuoso C, Madden EB, Troyer J, Skelton M, Mwaka E. Webinar report: stakeholder perspectives on informed consent for the use of genomic data by commercial entities. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2023; 50:57-61. [PMID: 36941048 PMCID: PMC10804035 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2022-108650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In July 2020, the H3Africa Ethics and Community Engagement (E&CE) Working Group organised a webinar with ethics committee members and biomedical researchers from various African institutions throughout the Continent to discuss the issue of whether and how biological samples for scientific research may be accessed by commercial entities when broad consents obtained for the samples are silent. 128 people including Research Ethics Committee members (10), H3Africa researchers (46) including members of the E&CE working group, biomedical researchers not associated with H3Africa (27), representatives from the National Institutes of Health (16) and 10 other participants attended the webinar and shared their views. Several major themes emerged during the webinar, with the topics of broad versus explicit informed consent, defining commercial use, legacy samples and benefit sharing prevailing in the discussion. This report describes the consensus concerns and recommendations raised during the meeting and will be informative for future research on ethical considerations for genomic research in the African research context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baergen Schultz
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Francis E Agamah
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Cornelius Ewuoso
- Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Ebony B Madden
- Training, Diversity and Health Equity Office, Office of the Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer Troyer
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle Skelton
- Computational Biology Division, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Erisa Mwaka
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Besharati S, Akinyemi R. Accelerating African neuroscience to provide an equitable framework using perspectives from West and Southern Africa. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8107. [PMID: 38062039 PMCID: PMC10703764 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43943-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sahba Besharati
- Department of Psychology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Rufus Akinyemi
- Neuroscience and Ageing Research Unit, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Centre for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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22
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Lumaka A. My Bantu vision of genomic medicine in Africa. Nat Genet 2023; 55:2013-2015. [PMID: 37957339 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01566-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aimé Lumaka
- Service de Génétique Humaine, Université de Liège Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium.
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares et Non-diagnostiquées, Centre de Génétique Humaine de l'Université de Kinshasa, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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Cunningham-Oakes E, Bronowski C, Chinyama E, Jere KC, Sindhu KNC, Kang G, Iturriza-Gómara M, Darby AC, Parker EPK. Increased bacterial taxonomic and functional diversity is associated with impaired rotavirus vaccine immunogenicity in infants from India and Malawi. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:354. [PMID: 37980461 PMCID: PMC10656894 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03098-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunogenicity and effectiveness of oral rotavirus vaccines (ORVs) against severe rotavirus-associated gastroenteritis are impaired in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where the burden of disease is highest. Determining risk factors for impaired ORV response may help identify strategies to enhance vaccine effectiveness. In this study, we use metagenomic sequencing to provide a high-resolution taxonomic analysis of stool samples collected at 6 weeks of age (coinciding with the first ORV dose) during a prospective study of ORV immunogenicity in India and Malawi. We then analyse the functional capacity of the developing microbiome in these cohorts. Microbiome composition differed significantly between countries, although functional capacity was more similar than taxonomic composition. Our results confirm previously reported findings that the developing microbiome is more diverse in taxonomic composition in ORV non-seroconverters compared with seroconverters, and we additionally demonstrate a similar pattern in functional capacity. Although taxonomic or functional feature abundances are poor predictors of ORV response, we show that skews in the direction of associations within these microbiome data can be used to identify consistent markers of ORV response across LMIC infant cohorts. We also highlight the systemic under-representation of reference genes from LMICs that limit functional annotation in our study (7% and 13% annotation at pathway and enzyme commission level, respectively). Overall, higher microbiome diversity in early life may act as marker for impaired ORV response in India and Malawi, whilst a holistic perspective of functional capacity may be hidden in the "dark matter" of the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Cunningham-Oakes
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Christina Bronowski
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - End Chinyama
- Virology Research Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, 312225, Malawi
| | - Khuzwayo C Jere
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Virology Research Group, Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, 312225, Malawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Allied Health Professions, Kamuza University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, 312225, Malawi
| | | | - Gagandeep Kang
- Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Miren Iturriza-Gómara
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Centre for Vaccine Innovation and Access, Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), 1218, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alistair C Darby
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Edward P K Parker
- The Vaccine Centre, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Shingwenyana B, Rossouw B, Thom J, Louw N, Krause A, Lombard Z. Research participants' perspectives regarding the feedback of secondary findings-A cohort from the DDD-Africa study, South Africa. J Genet Couns 2023:10.1002/jgc4.1830. [PMID: 37965991 PMCID: PMC11093881 DOI: 10.1002/jgc4.1830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Genomic researchers face an ethical dilemma regarding feedback of individual results generated from genomic studies. In the African setting, genomic research is still not widely implemented and, coupled with this, the limited African-specific guidelines on how to feedback on individual research findings. A qualitative study was performed to assess participants' expectations and preferences regarding the feedback of secondary findings from genomic research. Participants were parents of children with a developmental disorder, enrolled in the Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa (DDD-Africa) research project, and were purposefully selected. Three deliberative focus group discussions were conducted with 14 participants. Each deliberative focus group consisted of two separate audio-recorded interviews and presented different case scenarios for different types of secondary findings that could be theoretically detected during genomic research. We aimed to explore participants' preferences for the extent, nature, timing, and methods for receiving individual study results, specifically pertaining to secondary findings. Thematic content analysis was done, with a deductive approach to coding. Four themes emerged which included participants' perception of readiness to receive secondary findings, queries raised around who has access to research findings and feedback of findings consent, responsibilities of the researcher, and reasons for not wanting/wanting secondary findings. Overall, participants expressed that they want to receive feedback on secondary findings irrespective of disease severity and treatment availability. Lifestyle changes, early prevention or treatment, impact on future generations, and preparedness were strong motivations for wanting feedback on results. Participants felt that when the research involved minors, it was the parents' right to receive results on behalf of their children. This study provides new insights into participants' preferences around feedback on genomic research results and could serve as an important basis for creating guidelines and recommendations for feedback on genomic results in the African context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Shingwenyana
- Barry Shingwenyana and Bianca Rossouw should be considered joint first author
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Bianca Rossouw
- Barry Shingwenyana and Bianca Rossouw should be considered joint first author
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jamey Thom
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Department, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Nadja Louw
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Amanda Krause
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zané Lombard
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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25
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Croxton T, Jonathan E, Suleiman K, Balogun O, Ozumba PJ, Aloyo SM, Nsubuga G, Kamulegeya RE, Newton L, Mukisa J, Kader M, Damaneite V, Nadoma S, Onyemata EJ, Anzaku AA, Nasinghe E, Troyer J, Joubert BR, Beiswanger C, Joloba ML, Mayne E, Abimiku A. Building blocks for better biorepositories in Africa. Genome Med 2023; 15:92. [PMID: 37932809 PMCID: PMC10626646 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01235-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biorepositories archive and distribute well-characterized biospecimens for research to support the development of medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Knowledge of biobanking and associated practices is incomplete in low- and middle-income countries where disease burden is disproportionately high. In 2011, the African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Wellcome Trust founded the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) consortium to promote genomic research in Africa and established a network of three biorepositories regionally located in East, West, and Southern Africa to support biomedical research. This manuscript describes the processes established by H3Africa biorepositories to prepare research sites to collect high-quality biospecimens for deposit at H3Africa biorepositories. METHODS The biorepositories harmonized practices between the biorepositories and the research sites. The biorepositories developed guidelines to establish best practices and define biospecimen requirements; standard operating procedures (SOPs) for common processes such as biospecimen collection, processing, storage, transportation, and documentation as references; requirements for minimal associated datasets and formats; and a template material transfer agreements (MTA) to govern biospecimen exchange. The biorepositories also trained and mentored collection sites in relevant biobanking processes and procedures and verified biospecimen deposit processes. Throughout these procedures, the biorepositories followed ethical and legal requirements. RESULTS The 20 research projects deposited 107,982 biospecimens (76% DNA, 81,067), in accordance with the ethical and legal requirements and established best practices. The biorepositories developed and customized resources and human capacity building to support the projects. [The biorepositories developed 34 guidelines, SOPs, and documents; trained 176 clinicians and scientists in over 30 topics; sensitized ethical bodies; established MTAs and reviewed consent forms for all projects; attained import permits; and evaluated pilot exercises and provided feedback. CONCLUSIONS Biobanking in low- and middle-income countries by local skilled staff is critical to advance biobanking and genomic research and requires human capacity and resources for global partnerships. Biorepositories can help build human capacity and resources to support biobanking by partnering with researchers. Partnerships can be structured and customized to incorporate document development, ethics, training, mentorship, and pilots to prepare sites to collect, process, store, and transport biospecimens of high quality for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talishiea Croxton
- I-HAB, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Baltimore, 725 West Lombard Street Suite, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Sharley M Aloyo
- Integrated Biorepository of H3Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gideon Nsubuga
- Integrated Biorepository of H3Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rogers E Kamulegeya
- Integrated Biorepository of H3Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lwanga Newton
- Integrated Biorepository of H3Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John Mukisa
- Integrated Biorepository of H3Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mukthar Kader
- Clinical Laboratory Services, Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vuyo Damaneite
- Clinical Laboratory Services, Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sunji Nadoma
- I-HAB, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Nasinghe
- Integrated Biorepository of H3Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jennifer Troyer
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bonnie R Joubert
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Christine Beiswanger
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Baltimore, 725 West Lombard Street Suite, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Moses L Joloba
- Integrated Biorepository of H3Africa Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth Mayne
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alash'le Abimiku
- I-HAB, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Baltimore, 725 West Lombard Street Suite, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nembaware V, Bennett D, Chimusa ER, Chikowore T, Daodu R, Bitoungui VN, Williams SM, Fatumo S, Healy S, Seoighe C, Wonkam A. The African Society of Human Genetics successfully launches global data science workshops. Trends Genet 2023; 39:803-807. [PMID: 37714735 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
To accelerate the impact of African genomics on human health, data science skills and awareness of Africa's rich genetic diversity must be strengthened globally. We describe the first African genomics data science workshop, implemented by the African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) and international partners, providing a framework for future workshops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Nembaware
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, 1 Anzio Road, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Declan Bennett
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway H91 H3CY, Ireland
| | - Emile R Chimusa
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Tinashe Chikowore
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Richard Daodu
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria; African center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Valential Ngo Bitoungui
- Department of Microbiology, Hematology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Université de Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon; National Public Health Laboratory, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Scott M Williams
- Departments of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Institute of Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Segun Fatumo
- The African Computational Genomics (TACG) Research Group, Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Sandra Healy
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway H91 H3CY, Ireland
| | - Cathal Seoighe
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Galway, Galway H91 H3CY, Ireland
| | - Ambroise Wonkam
- McKusick-Nathans Institute and Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Nyangiri OA, Mulindwa J, Namulondo J, Kitibwa A, Nassuuna J, Elliott A, Kimuda MP, Boobo A, Nerima B, Adriko M, Dunton NJ, Madhan GK, Kristiansen M, Casacuberta-Partal M, Noyes H, Matovu E. Variants of IL6, IL10, FCN2, RNASE3, IL12B and IL17B loci are associated with Schistosoma mansoni worm burden in the Albert Nile region of Uganda. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011796. [PMID: 38033168 PMCID: PMC10715658 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals genetically susceptible to high schistosomiasis worm burden may contribute disproportionately to transmission and could be prioritized for control. Identifying genes involved may guide development of therapy. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A cohort of 606 children aged 10-15 years were recruited in the Albert Nile region of Uganda and assessed for Schistosoma mansoni worm burden using the Up-Converting Particle Lateral Flow (UCP-LF) test detecting circulating anodic antigen (CAA), point-of-care Circulating Cathodic Antigen (POC-CCA) and Kato-Katz tests. Whole genome genotyping was conducted on 326 children comprising the top and bottom 25% of worm burden. Linear models were fitted to identify variants associated with worm burden in preselected candidate genes. Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis was conducted for candidate genes with UCP-LF worm burden included as a covariate. Single Nucleotide Polymorphism loci associated with UCP-LF CAA included IL6 rs2066992 (OR = 0.43, p = 0.0006) and rs7793163 (OR = 2.0, p = 0.0007); IL21 SNP kgp513476 (OR 1.79, p = 0.0025) and IL17B SNP kgp708159 (OR = 0.35, p = 0.0028). A haplotype in the IL10 locus was associated with lower worm burden (OR = 0.53, p = 0.015) and overlapped SNPs rs1800896, rs1800871 and rs1800872. Significant haplotypes (p<0.05, overlapping significant SNP) associated with worm burden were observed in IL6 and the Th17 pathway IL12B and IL17B genes. There were significant eQTL in the IL6, IL5, IL21, IL25 and IFNG regions. CONCLUSIONS Variants associated with S. mansoni worm burden were in IL6, FCN2, RNASE3, IL10, IL12B and IL17B gene loci. However only eQTL associations remained significant after Bonferroni correction. In summary, immune balance, pathogen recognition and Th17 pathways may play a role in modulating Schistosoma worm burden. Individuals carrying risk variants may be targeted first in allocation of control efforts to reduce the burden of schistosomiasis in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Asanya Nyangiri
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julius Mulindwa
- Department of Biochemistry and Sports Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joyce Namulondo
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Anna Kitibwa
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jacent Nassuuna
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Alison Elliott
- Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Magambo Phillip Kimuda
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Alex Boobo
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barbara Nerima
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Moses Adriko
- Vector Borne & NTD Control Division, Ministry of Health, Uganda
| | - Nathan J. Dunton
- UCL Genomics core facility, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mark Kristiansen
- UCL Genomics core facility, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Harry Noyes
- Centre for Genomic Research, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Enock Matovu
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Fatumo S, Sathan D, Samtal C, Isewon I, Tamuhla T, Soremekun C, Jafali J, Panji S, Tiffin N, Fakim YJ. Polygenic risk scores for disease risk prediction in Africa: current challenges and future directions. Genome Med 2023; 15:87. [PMID: 37904243 PMCID: PMC10614359 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-023-01245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Early identification of genetic risk factors for complex diseases can enable timely interventions and prevent serious outcomes, including mortality. While the genetics underlying many Mendelian diseases have been elucidated, it is harder to predict risk for complex diseases arising from the combined effects of many genetic variants with smaller individual effects on disease aetiology. Polygenic risk scores (PRS), which combine multiple contributing variants to predict disease risk, have the potential to influence the implementation for precision medicine. However, the majority of existing PRS were developed from European data with limited transferability to African populations. Notably, African populations have diverse genetic backgrounds, and a genomic architecture with smaller haplotype blocks compared to European genomes. Subsequently, growing evidence shows that using large-scale African ancestry cohorts as discovery for PRS development may generate more generalizable findings. Here, we (1) discuss the factors contributing to the poor transferability of PRS in African populations, (2) showcase the novel Africa genomic datasets for PRS development, (3) explore the potential clinical utility of PRS in African populations, and (4) provide insight into the future of PRS in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Segun Fatumo
- The African Computational Genomics (TACG) Research Group, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM, Entebbe, Uganda.
- H3Africa Bioinformatics Network (H3ABioNet) Node, Centre for Genomics Research and Innovation, NABDA/FMST, Abuja, Nigeria.
- Department of Non-Communicable Disease Epidemiology (NCDE), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Dassen Sathan
- H3Africa Bioinformatics Network (H3ABioNet) Node, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius
| | - Chaimae Samtal
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment, Agri-Food and Health, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz-Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, 30000, Fez, Morocco
| | - Itunuoluwa Isewon
- Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Covenant University, P. M. B. 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Covenant University Bioinformatics Research (CUBRe), Covenant University, Km 10 Idiroko Road, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication African Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, P.M.B. 1023, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Tsaone Tamuhla
- Division of Computational Biology, Integrative Biomedical Sciences Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Chisom Soremekun
- The African Computational Genomics (TACG) Research Group, MRC/UVRI and LSHTM, Entebbe, Uganda
- H3Africa Bioinformatics Network (H3ABioNet) Node, Centre for Genomics Research and Innovation, NABDA/FMST, Abuja, Nigeria
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, College of Health Science, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - James Jafali
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Blantyre, Malawi
- Clinical Infection, Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Sumir Panji
- Computational Biology Group, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Nicki Tiffin
- South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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29
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Araujo DS, Nguyen C, Hu X, Mikhaylova AV, Gignoux C, Ardlie K, Taylor KD, Durda P, Liu Y, Papanicolaou G, Cho MH, Rich SS, Rotter JI, Im HK, Manichaikul A, Wheeler HE. Multivariate adaptive shrinkage improves cross-population transcriptome prediction and association studies in underrepresented populations. HGG ADVANCES 2023; 4:100216. [PMID: 37869564 PMCID: PMC10589725 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2023.100216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome prediction models built with data from European-descent individuals are less accurate when applied to different populations because of differences in linkage disequilibrium patterns and allele frequencies. We hypothesized that methods that leverage shared regulatory effects across different conditions, in this case, across different populations, may improve cross-population transcriptome prediction. To test this hypothesis, we made transcriptome prediction models for use in transcriptome-wide association studies (TWASs) using different methods (elastic net, joint-tissue imputation [JTI], matrix expression quantitative trait loci [Matrix eQTL], multivariate adaptive shrinkage in R [MASHR], and transcriptome-integrated genetic association resource [TIGAR]) and tested their out-of-sample transcriptome prediction accuracy in population-matched and cross-population scenarios. Additionally, to evaluate model applicability in TWASs, we integrated publicly available multiethnic genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from the Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE) study and Pan-ancestry genetic analysis of the UK Biobank (PanUKBB) with our developed transcriptome prediction models. In regard to transcriptome prediction accuracy, MASHR models performed better or the same as other methods in both population-matched and cross-population transcriptome predictions. Furthermore, in multiethnic TWASs, MASHR models yielded more discoveries that replicate in both PAGE and PanUKBB across all methods analyzed, including loci previously mapped in GWASs and loci previously not found in GWASs. Overall, our study demonstrates the importance of using methods that benefit from different populations' effect size estimates in order to improve TWASs for multiethnic or underrepresented populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Araujo
- Program in Bioinformatics, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Chris Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
| | - Xiaowei Hu
- Center for Public Health Genomics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Anna V. Mikhaylova
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Chris Gignoux
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Medicine, UC Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kristin Ardlie
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kent D. Taylor
- The Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Peter Durda
- Laboratory for Clinical Biochemistry Research, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Yongmei Liu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - George Papanicolaou
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michael H. Cho
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephen S. Rich
- Center for Public Health Genomics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Jerome I. Rotter
- The Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - NHLBI TOPMed Consortium
- Program in Bioinformatics, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
- Center for Public Health Genomics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Medicine, UC Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- The Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- Laboratory for Clinical Biochemistry Research, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Section of Genetic Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hae Kyung Im
- Section of Genetic Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ani Manichaikul
- Center for Public Health Genomics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Heather E. Wheeler
- Program in Bioinformatics, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
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30
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Benjamin KJM, Chen Q, Eagles NJ, Huuki-Myers LA, Collado-Torres L, Stolz JM, Pertea G, Shin JH, Paquola ACM, Hyde TM, Kleinman JE, Jaffe AE, Han S, Weinberger DR. Genetic and environmental contributions to ancestry differences in gene expression in the human brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.28.534458. [PMID: 37034760 PMCID: PMC10081196 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.28.534458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Ancestral differences in genomic variation are determining factors in gene regulation; however, most gene expression studies have been limited to European ancestry samples or adjusted for ancestry to identify ancestry-independent associations. We instead examined the impact of genetic ancestry on gene expression and DNA methylation (DNAm) in admixed African/Black American neurotypical individuals to untangle effects of genetic and environmental factors. Ancestry-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), transcripts, and gene networks, while notably not implicating neurons, are enriched for genes related to immune response and vascular tissue and explain up to 26% of heritability for ischemic stroke, 27% of heritability for Parkinson's disease, and 30% of heritability for Alzhemier's disease. Ancestry-associated DEGs also show general enrichment for heritability of diverse immune-related traits but depletion for psychiatric-related traits. The cell-type enrichments and direction of effects vary by brain region. These DEGs are less evolutionarily constrained and are largely explained by genetic variations; roughly 15% are predicted by DNAm variation implicating environmental exposures. We also compared Black and White Americans, confirming most of these ancestry-associated DEGs. Our results highlight how environment and genetic background affect genetic ancestry differences in gene expression in the human brain and affect risk for brain illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kynon J M Benjamin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Qiang Chen
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Leonardo Collado-Torres
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua M Stolz
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Geo Pertea
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joo Heon Shin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Apuã C M Paquola
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas M Hyde
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel E Kleinman
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew E Jaffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Neumora Therapeutics, Watertown, MA, USA
| | - Shizhong Han
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniel R Weinberger
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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31
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Chen WC, Brandenburg JT, Choudhury A, Hayat M, Sengupta D, Swiel Y, Babb de Villiers C, Ferndale L, Aldous C, Soo CC, Lee S, Curtis C, Newton R, Waterboer T, Sitas F, Bradshaw D, Abnet CC, Ramsay M, Parker MI, Singh E, Lewis CM, Mathew CG. Genome-wide association study of esophageal squamous cell cancer identifies shared and distinct risk variants in African and Chinese populations. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:1690-1703. [PMID: 37673066 PMCID: PMC10577073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has a high disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa and has a very poor prognosis. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of ESCC in predominantly East Asian populations indicate a substantial genetic contribution to its etiology, but no genome-wide studies have been done in populations of African ancestry. Here, we report a GWAS in 1,686 African individuals with ESCC and 3,217 population-matched control individuals to investigate its genetic etiology. We identified a genome-wide-significant risk locus on chromosome 9 upstream of FAM120A (rs12379660, p = 4.58 × 10-8, odds ratio = 1.28, 95% confidence interval = 1.22-1.34), as well as a potential African-specific risk locus on chromosome 2 (rs142741123, p = 5.49 × 10-8) within MYO1B. FAM120A is a component of oxidative stress-induced survival signals, and the associated variants at the FAM120A locus co-localized with highly significant cis-eQTLs in FAM120AOS in both esophageal mucosa and esophageal muscularis tissue. A trans-ethnic meta-analysis was then performed with the African ESCC study and a Chinese ESCC study in a combined total of 3,699 ESCC-affected individuals and 5,918 control individuals, which identified three genome-wide-significant loci on chromosome 9 at FAM120A (rs12379660, pmeta = 9.36 × 10-10), chromosome 10 at PLCE1 (rs7099485, pmeta = 1.48 × 10-8), and chromosome 22 at CHEK2 (rs1033667, pmeta = 1.47 × 10-9). This indicates the existence of both shared and distinct genetic risk loci for ESCC in African and Asian populations. Our GWAS of ESCC conducted in a population of African ancestry indicates a substantial genetic contribution to ESCC risk in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Carl Chen
- National Cancer Registry, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa; Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Jean-Tristan Brandenburg
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Ananyo Choudhury
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Mahtaab Hayat
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Dhriti Sengupta
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Yaniv Swiel
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; School of Electrical & Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Chantal Babb de Villiers
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
| | - Lucien Ferndale
- Department of Surgery, Grey's Hospital, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa; College of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4013, South Africa
| | - Colleen Aldous
- College of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4013, South Africa
| | - Cassandra C Soo
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Sang Lee
- Social, Genetic and Development Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 8AF London, UK; NIHR BioResource Centre Maudsley, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, SE5 8AF London, UK
| | - Charles Curtis
- Social, Genetic and Development Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 8AF London, UK; NIHR BioResource Centre Maudsley, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, SE5 8AF London, UK
| | - Rob Newton
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda; University of York, YO10 5DD York, UK
| | - Tim Waterboer
- Infections and Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Freddy Sitas
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, School of Population, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; Menzies Centre of Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Debbie Bradshaw
- Burden of Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Christian C Abnet
- Cancer Genomics Research Laboratory, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Michele Ramsay
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - M Iqbal Parker
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7700, South Africa
| | - Elvira Singh
- National Cancer Registry, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2131, South Africa; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Cathryn M Lewis
- Social, Genetic and Development Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 8AF London, UK; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, SE1 9RT London, UK
| | - Christopher G Mathew
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa; Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, SE1 9RT London, UK.
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Jegede A, Balogun O, Olorunsogbon OF, Nichols M, Akinyemi J, Jenkins C, Ogunronbi M, Singh A, Obiako R, Wahab K, Bello A, Akpalu A, Sarfo FS, Owolabi LF, Ojebuyi B, Adigun M, Olujobi D, Musbahu R, Titiloye M, Afolami I, Calys-Tagoe B, Uvere E, Laryea R, Fakunle A, Adeleye O, Adesina D, Mensah N, Oguike W, Coleman N, Adeniyi S, Omotoso L, Asibey S, Melikam L, Yusuf J, Gbenga A, Mande A, Uthman M, Kalaria RN, Owolabi M, Ovbiagele B, Arulogun O, Akinyemi RO. Research participants' perception of ethical issues in stroke genomics and neurobiobanking research in Africa. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.10.03.23296473. [PMID: 37873327 PMCID: PMC10593020 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.23296473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Background There is a growing interest in stroke genomics and neurobiobanking research in Africa. These raise several ethical issues, such as consent, re-use, data sharing, storage, and incidental result of biological samples. Despite the availability of ethical guidelines developed for research in Africa, there is paucity of information on how the research participants' perspectives could guide the research community on ethical issues in stroke genomics and neurobiobanking research. To explore African research participants' perspectives on these issues, a study was conducted at existing Stroke Investigation Research and Education Network (SIREN) sites in Nigeria and Ghana. Method Using an exploratory design, twenty-eight Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) sessions were conducted with stroke survivors (n=7), caregivers(n=7), stroke - free controls(n=7), and Community Advisory Board members(n=7). Data were collected using an interview guide. Interviews were conducted in English and indigenous languages of the community, audio recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using NVivo (March, 2020) Software. Result Results revealed that stroke genomics and neurobiobanking research in Africa require researchers' direct attention to ethical issues. Concerns were raised about understanding, disclosure and absence of coercion as components of true autonomous decision making in research participation. Participants argued that the risk and benefits attached to participation should be disclosed at the time of recruitment. Fears around data sharing were voiced as adherence to the principle of privacy and confidentiality were of paramount importance to participants. The preference was to receive the results of incidental findings with no stigma attached from society. Conclusion Research participants' perspectives are a vital aspect of community engagement in stroke genomics and neurobiobanking research. Findings from this study suggest that research participants are interested in these fields of research in Africa if their concerns about ethical issues are appropriately addressed within the research framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodele Jegede
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olubukola Balogun
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of the Social Sciences, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olorunyomi Felix Olorunsogbon
- Neuroscience and Ageing Research Unit, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Michelle Nichols
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Joshua Akinyemi
- Department of Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Carolyn Jenkins
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Mayowa Ogunronbi
- Neuroscience and Ageing Research Unit, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Arti Singh
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Reginald Obiako
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Kolawole Wahab
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun Bello
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Albert Akpalu
- University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, Accra, Ghana
| | - Fred S. Sarfo
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lukman F. Owolabi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Babatunde Ojebuyi
- Department of Communication and Language Arts, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Muyiwa Adigun
- Department of Public Law, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Dorcas Olujobi
- Neuroscience and Ageing Research Unit, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Rabiu Musbahu
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Musibau Titiloye
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ibukun Afolami
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Ezinne Uvere
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ruth Laryea
- University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, Accra, Ghana
| | - Adekunle Fakunle
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Osi Adeleye
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Deborah Adesina
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Nathaniel Mensah
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Wisdom Oguike
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Nathaniel Coleman
- University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sunday Adeniyi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Lanre Omotoso
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Shadrack Asibey
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Lois Melikam
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Jibril Yusuf
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Abdullateef Gbenga
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Mande
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, Bayero University/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Muhammed Uthman
- Neurology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Rajesh N. Kalaria
- Neuroscience and Ageing Research Unit, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- Neurovascular Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mayowa Owolabi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- Centre for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Oyedunni Arulogun
- Neuroscience and Ageing Research Unit, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Rufus O. Akinyemi
- Neuroscience and Ageing Research Unit, Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
- Centre for Genomic and Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria
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Adebamowo CA, Callier S, Akintola S, Maduka O, Jegede A, Arima C, Ogundiran T, Adebamowo SN. The promise of data science for health research in Africa. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6084. [PMID: 37770478 PMCID: PMC10539491 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41809-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Data science health research promises tremendous benefits for African populations, but its implementation is fraught with substantial ethical governance risks that could thwart the delivery of these anticipated benefits. We discuss emerging efforts to build ethical governance frameworks for data science health research in Africa and the opportunities to advance these through investments by African governments and institutions, international funding organizations and collaborations for research and capacity development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement A Adebamowo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Research, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Shawneequa Callier
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington DC, USA
- Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Simisola Akintola
- Department of Research, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Business Law, Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oluchi Maduka
- Department of Research, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ayodele Jegede
- Department of Research, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Temidayo Ogundiran
- Department of Research, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Sally N Adebamowo
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, and Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Research, Center for Bioethics and Research, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Mweetwa MN, Haritunians T, Dube S, Chandwe K, Amadi B, Zyambo K, Liu TC, McGovern D, Kelly P. Genetic variation in environmental enteropathy and stunting in Zambian children: A pilot genome wide association study using the H3Africa chip. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291311. [PMID: 37756315 PMCID: PMC10529557 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Stunting is known to be heavily influenced by environmental factors, so the genetic contribution has received little attention. Here we report an exploration of genetic influences in stunted Zambian children with environmental enteropathy. METHOD Children with stunting (LAZ < -2) were enrolled and given nutritional therapy. Those that were non-responsive to therapy were designated as cases, and children with good growth (LAZ > -1) from the same community as controls. Blood and stool samples were taken to measure biomarkers of intestinal inflammation, epithelial damage, and microbial translocation. Single nucleotide polymorphism array genotyping was carried out on saliva samples using the H3Africa consortium array. RESULTS Genome wide associations were analysed in 117 cases and 41 controls. While no significant associations with stunting were observed at P<5x10-8, likely due to the small sample size, interesting associations were observed at lower thresholds. SNPs associated with stunting were in genomic regions known to modulate neuronal differentiation and fatty acid biosynthesis. SNPs associated with increased microbial translocation were associated with non-integrin membrane ECM interactions, tight junctions, hemostasis, and G-alpha signalling events. SNPs associated with increased inflammation were associated with, ECM interactions, purine metabolism, axon guidance, and cell motility. SNPs negatively associated with inflammation overlapped genes involved in semaphoring interactions. We explored the existing coeliac disease risk HLA genotypes and found present: DQ2.5 (7.5%), DQ8 (3.5%) and DQ2.2 (3.8%); however, no children were positive for coeliac antibodies. We detected HLA-DRB:1301 and HLA-C:1802 with high odds ratios and P<0.05 in stunted children compared to controls. CONCLUSION Genetic variations associated with stunting and the enteropathy underlying it, include variants associated with multiple pathways relating to gene expression, glycosylation, nerve signalling, and sensing of the nutritional and microbiological milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica N. Mweetwa
- Tropical Gastroenterology & Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Physiology, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Talin Haritunians
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel Disease Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Shishir Dube
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel Disease Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Kanta Chandwe
- Tropical Gastroenterology & Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Beatrice Amadi
- Tropical Gastroenterology & Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kanekwa Zyambo
- Tropical Gastroenterology & Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Ta-Chiang Liu
- Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL), St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Dermot McGovern
- F. Widjaja Foundation Inflammatory Bowel Disease Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Paul Kelly
- Tropical Gastroenterology & Nutrition Group, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
- Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL), St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Chamba C, Mawalla W. The future of lymphoma diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring in countries with limited access to pathology services. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:215-219. [PMID: 37596119 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The world is moving towards precision medicine for cancer. This movement goes hand in hand with the development of newer advanced technologies for early, precise diagnosis of cancer and personalized treatment plans with fewer adverse effects for the patient. Liquid biopsy is one such advancement. At the same time, it has the advantage of minimal invasion and avoids serial invasive biopsies. In countries with limited access to pathology services, such as sub-Saharan Africa, liquid biopsy may provide an opportunity for early detection and prognostication of lymphoma. We discuss the current diagnostic modalities for lymphoma, highlighting the existing challenges with tissue biopsy, and how feasible it is for countries with limited pathology resources to leverage advancements made in the clinical application of liquid biopsy to improve lymphoma care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Chamba
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - William Mawalla
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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36
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Luzzatto L. A Journey from Blood Cells to Genes and Back. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2023; 24:1-33. [PMID: 37217201 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-101022-105018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
I was attracted to hematology because by combining clinical findings with the use of a microscope and simple laboratory tests, one could often make a diagnosis. I was attracted to genetics when I learned about inherited blood disorders, at a time when we had only hints that somatic mutations were also important. It seemed clear that if we understood not only what genetic changes caused what diseases but also the mechanisms through which those genetic changes contribute to cause disease, we could improve management. Thus, I investigated many aspects of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase system, including cloning of the gene, and in the study of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), I found that it is a clonal disorder; subsequently, we were able to explain how a nonmalignant clone can expand, and I was involved in the first trial of PNH treatment by complement inhibition. I was fortunate to do clinical and research hematology in five countries; in all of them, I learned from mentors, from colleagues, and from patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Luzzatto
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
- University of Florence, Florence, Italy;
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Tan T, Atkinson EG. Strategies for the Genomic Analysis of Admixed Populations. Annu Rev Biomed Data Sci 2023; 6:105-127. [PMID: 37127050 PMCID: PMC10871708 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-020722-014310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Admixed populations constitute a large portion of global human genetic diversity, yet they are often left out of genomics analyses. This exclusion is problematic, as it leads to disparities in the understanding of the genetic structure and history of diverse cohorts and the performance of genomic medicine across populations. Admixed populations have particular statistical challenges, as they inherit genomic segments from multiple source populations-the primary reason they have historically been excluded from genetic studies. In recent years, however, an increasing number of statistical methods and software tools have been developed to account for and leverage admixture in the context of genomics analyses. Here, we provide a survey of such computational strategies for the informed consideration of admixture to allow for the well-calibrated inclusion of mixed ancestry populations in large-scale genomics studies, and we detail persisting gaps in existing tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Tan
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
| | - Elizabeth G Atkinson
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA;
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38
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Cullina S, Wojcik GL, Shemirani R, Klarin D, Gorman BR, Sorokin EP, Gignoux CR, Belbin GM, Pyarajan S, Asgari S, Tsao PS, Damrauer SM, Abul-Husn NS, Kenny EE. Admixture mapping of peripheral artery disease in a Dominican population reveals a putative risk locus on 2q35. Front Genet 2023; 14:1181167. [PMID: 37600667 PMCID: PMC10432698 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1181167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a form of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, affecting ∼8 million Americans, and is known to have racial and ethnic disparities. PAD has been reported to have a significantly higher prevalence in African Americans (AAs) compared to non-Hispanic European Americans (EAs). Hispanic/Latinos (HLs) have been reported to have lower or similar rates of PAD compared to EAs, despite having a paradoxically high burden of PAD risk factors; however, recent work suggests prevalence may differ between sub-groups. Here, we examined a large cohort of diverse adults in the BioMe biobank in New York City. We observed the prevalence of PAD at 1.7% in EAs vs. 8.5% and 9.4% in AAs and HLs, respectively, and among HL sub-groups, the prevalence was found at 11.4% and 11.5% in Puerto Rican and Dominican populations, respectively. Follow-up analysis that adjusted for common risk factors demonstrated that Dominicans had the highest increased risk for PAD relative to EAs [OR = 3.15 (95% CI 2.33-4.25), p < 6.44 × 10-14]. To investigate whether genetic factors may explain this increased risk, we performed admixture mapping by testing the association between local ancestry and PAD in Dominican BioMe participants (N = 1,813) separately from European, African, and Native American (NAT) continental ancestry tracts. The top association with PAD was an NAT ancestry tract at chromosome 2q35 [OR = 1.96 (SE = 0.16), p < 2.75 × 10-05) with 22.6% vs. 12.9% PAD prevalence in heterozygous NAT tract carriers versus non-carriers, respectively. Fine-mapping at this locus implicated tag SNP rs78529201 located within a long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA) LINC00607, a gene expression regulator of key genes related to thrombosis and extracellular remodeling of endothelial cells, suggesting a putative link of the 2q35 locus to PAD etiology. Efforts to reproduce the signal in other Hispanic cohorts were unsuccessful. In summary, we showed how leveraging health system data helped understand nuances of PAD risk across HL sub-groups and admixture mapping approaches elucidated a putative risk locus in a Dominican population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead Cullina
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Genevieve L. Wojcik
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ruhollah Shemirani
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Derek Klarin
- VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Bryan R. Gorman
- Center for Data and Computational Sciences (C-DACS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, VA, United States
| | - Elena P. Sorokin
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Christopher R. Gignoux
- Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Colorado Center for Personalized Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Gillian M. Belbin
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Saiju Pyarajan
- Center for Data and Computational Sciences (C-DACS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Brigham Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Samira Asgari
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Philip S. Tsao
- VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Scott M. Damrauer
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Noura S. Abul-Husn
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eimear E. Kenny
- Institute for Genomic Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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Trajanoska K, Bhérer C, Taliun D, Zhou S, Richards JB, Mooser V. From target discovery to clinical drug development with human genetics. Nature 2023; 620:737-745. [PMID: 37612393 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06388-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
The substantial investments in human genetics and genomics made over the past three decades were anticipated to result in many innovative therapies. Here we investigate the extent to which these expectations have been met, excluding cancer treatments. In our search, we identified 40 germline genetic observations that led directly to new targets and subsequently to novel approved therapies for 36 rare and 4 common conditions. The median time between genetic target discovery and drug approval was 25 years. Most of the genetically driven therapies for rare diseases compensate for disease-causing loss-of-function mutations. The therapies approved for common conditions are all inhibitors designed to pharmacologically mimic the natural, disease-protective effects of rare loss-of-function variants. Large biobank-based genetic studies have the power to identify and validate a large number of new drug targets. Genetics can also assist in the clinical development phase of drugs-for example, by selecting individuals who are most likely to respond to investigational therapies. This approach to drug development requires investments into large, diverse cohorts of deeply phenotyped individuals with appropriate consent for genetically assisted trials. A robust framework that facilitates responsible, sustainable benefit sharing will be required to capture the full potential of human genetics and genomics and bring effective and safe innovative therapies to patients quickly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Trajanoska
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Claude Bhérer
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel Taliun
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sirui Zhou
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - J Brent Richards
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vincent Mooser
- Canada Excellence Research Chair in Genomic Medicine, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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40
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Bocher O, Gilly A, Park YC, Zeggini E, Morris AP. Bridging the diversity gap: Analytical and study design considerations for improving the accuracy of trans-ancestry genetic prediction. HGG ADVANCES 2023; 4:100214. [PMID: 37448981 PMCID: PMC10336686 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2023.100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic prediction of common complex disease risk is an essential component of precision medicine. Currently, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) are mostly composed of European-ancestry samples and resulting polygenic scores (PGSs) have been shown to poorly transfer to other ancestries partly due to heterogeneity of allelic effects between populations. Fixed-effects (FETA) and random-effects (RETA) trans-ancestry meta-analyses do not model such ancestry-related heterogeneity, while ancestry-specific (AS) scores may suffer from low power due to low sample sizes. In contrast, trans-ancestry meta-regression (TAMR) builds ancestry-aware PGS that account for more complex trans-ancestry architectures. Here, we examine the predictive performance of these four PGSs under multiple genetic architectures and ancestry configurations. We show that the predictive performance of FETA and RETA is strongly affected by cross-ancestry genetic heterogeneity, while AS PGS performance decreases in under-represented target populations. TAMR PGS is also impacted by heterogeneity but maintains good prediction performance in most situations, especially in ancestry-diverse scenarios. In simulations of human complex traits, TAMR scores currently explain 25% more phenotypic variance than AS in triglyceride levels and 33% more phenotypic variance than FETA in type 2 diabetes in most non-European populations. Importantly, a high proportion of non-European-ancestry individuals is needed to reach prediction levels that are comparable in those populations to the one observed in European-ancestry studies. Our results highlight the need to rebalance the ancestral composition of GWAS to enable accurate prediction in non-European-ancestry groups, and demonstrate the relevance of meta-regression approaches for compensating some of the current population biases in GWAS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eleftheria Zeggini
- ITG, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrew P. Morris
- ITG, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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41
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Tuncay IO, DeVries D, Gogate A, Kaur K, Kumar A, Xing C, Goodspeed K, Seyoum-Tesfa L, Chahrour MH. The genetics of autism spectrum disorder in an East African familial cohort. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100322. [PMID: 37492102 PMCID: PMC10363748 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex neurodevelopmental conditions affecting communication and social interaction in 2.3% of children. Studies that demonstrated its complex genetic architecture have been mainly performed in populations of European ancestry. We investigate the genetics of ASD in an East African cohort (129 individuals) from a population with higher prevalence (5%). Whole-genome sequencing identified 2.13 million private variants in the cohort and potentially pathogenic variants in known ASD genes (including CACNA1C, CHD7, FMR1, and TCF7L2). Admixture analysis demonstrated that the cohort comprises two ancestral populations, African and Eurasian. Admixture mapping discovered 10 regions that confer ASD risk on the African haplotypes, containing several known ASD genes. The increased ASD prevalence in this population suggests decreased heterogeneity in the underlying genetic etiology, enabling risk allele identification. Our approach emphasizes the power of African genetic variation and admixture analysis to inform the architecture of complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islam Oguz Tuncay
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Darlene DeVries
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ashlesha Gogate
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kiran Kaur
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chao Xing
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Population and Data Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kimberly Goodspeed
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | | | - Maria H Chahrour
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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42
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Lehmann B, Mackintosh M, McVean G, Holmes C. Optimal strategies for learning multi-ancestry polygenic scores vary across traits. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4023. [PMID: 37419925 PMCID: PMC10328935 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38930-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Polygenic scores (PGSs) are individual-level measures that aggregate the genome-wide genetic predisposition to a given trait. As PGS have predominantly been developed using European-ancestry samples, trait prediction using such European ancestry-derived PGS is less accurate in non-European ancestry individuals. Although there has been recent progress in combining multiple PGS trained on distinct populations, the problem of how to maximize performance given a multiple-ancestry cohort is largely unexplored. Here, we investigate the effect of sample size and ancestry composition on PGS performance for fifteen traits in UK Biobank. For some traits, PGS estimated using a relatively small African-ancestry training set outperformed, on an African-ancestry test set, PGS estimated using a much larger European-ancestry only training set. We observe similar, but not identical, results when considering other minority-ancestry groups within UK Biobank. Our results emphasise the importance of targeted data collection from underrepresented groups in order to address existing disparities in PGS performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brieuc Lehmann
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK.
| | | | - Gil McVean
- Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chris Holmes
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
- Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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43
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Williams AE, Esezobor CI, Lane BM, Gbadegesin RA. Hiding in plain sight: genetics of childhood steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in Sub-Saharan Africa. Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:2003-2012. [PMID: 36459247 PMCID: PMC10416081 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-022-05831-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is the most severe form of childhood nephrotic syndrome with an increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease stage 5. Research endeavors to date have identified more than 80 genes that are associated with SRNS. Most of these genes regulate the structure and function of the podocyte, the visceral epithelial cells of the glomerulus. Although individuals of African ancestry have the highest prevalence of SRNS, especially those from Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with rates as high as 30-40% of all cases of nephrotic syndrome, studies focusing on the characterization and understanding of the genetic basis of SRNS in the region are negligible compared with Europe and North America. Therefore, it remains unclear if some of the variants in SRNS genes that are deemed pathogenic for SRNS are truly disease causing, and if the leading causes of monogenic nephrotic syndrome in other populations are the same for children in SSA with SRNS. Other implications of this lack of genetic data for SRNS in the region include the exclusion of children from the region from clinical trials aimed at identifying potential novel therapeutic agents for this severe form of nephrotic syndrome. This review underlines a need for concerted efforts to advance the genetic basis of SRNS in children in SSA. Such endeavors will complement global efforts at understanding the genetic basis of nephrotic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Elizabeth Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Christopher I Esezobor
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Brandon M Lane
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rasheed A Gbadegesin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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44
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Fiziev PP, McRae J, Ulirsch JC, Dron JS, Hamp T, Yang Y, Wainschtein P, Ni Z, Schraiber JG, Gao H, Cable D, Field Y, Aguet F, Fasnacht M, Metwally A, Rogers J, Marques-Bonet T, Rehm HL, O'Donnell-Luria A, Khera AV, Farh KKH. Rare penetrant mutations confer severe risk of common diseases. Science 2023; 380:eabo1131. [PMID: 37262146 DOI: 10.1126/science.abo1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We examined 454,712 exomes for genes associated with a wide spectrum of complex traits and common diseases and observed that rare, penetrant mutations in genes implicated by genome-wide association studies confer ~10-fold larger effects than common variants in the same genes. Consequently, an individual at the phenotypic extreme and at the greatest risk for severe, early-onset disease is better identified by a few rare penetrant variants than by the collective action of many common variants with weak effects. By combining rare variants across phenotype-associated genes into a unified genetic risk model, we demonstrate superior portability across diverse global populations compared with common-variant polygenic risk scores, greatly improving the clinical utility of genetic-based risk prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petko P Fiziev
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Jeremy McRae
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Jacob C Ulirsch
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Jacqueline S Dron
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Tobias Hamp
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Yanshen Yang
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Pierrick Wainschtein
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zijian Ni
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Joshua G Schraiber
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Hong Gao
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Dylan Cable
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Yair Field
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Francois Aguet
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Marc Fasnacht
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Ahmed Metwally
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
| | - Jeffrey Rogers
- Human Genome Sequencing Center and Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Tomas Marques-Bonet
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (UPF-CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010 Barcelona, Spain
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Heidi L Rehm
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Anne O'Donnell-Luria
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Amit V Khera
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Verve Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kyle Kai-How Farh
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA 92122, USA
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45
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Araujo DS, Nguyen C, Hu X, Mikhaylova AV, Gignoux C, Ardlie K, Taylor KD, Durda P, Liu Y, Papanicolaou G, Cho MH, Rich SS, Rotter JI, Im HK, Manichaikul A, Wheeler HE. Multivariate adaptive shrinkage improves cross-population transcriptome prediction for transcriptome-wide association studies in underrepresented populations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.09.527747. [PMID: 36798214 PMCID: PMC9934635 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.09.527747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptome prediction models built with data from European-descent individuals are less accurate when applied to different populations because of differences in linkage disequilibrium patterns and allele frequencies. We hypothesized methods that leverage shared regulatory effects across different conditions, in this case, across different populations may improve cross-population transcriptome prediction. To test this hypothesis, we made transcriptome prediction models for use in transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) using different methods (Elastic Net, Joint-Tissue Imputation (JTI), Matrix eQTL, Multivariate Adaptive Shrinkage in R (MASHR), and Transcriptome-Integrated Genetic Association Resource (TIGAR)) and tested their out-of-sample transcriptome prediction accuracy in population-matched and cross-population scenarios. Additionally, to evaluate model applicability in TWAS, we integrated publicly available multi-ethnic genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from the Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology Study (PAGE) and Pan-UK Biobank with our developed transcriptome prediction models. In regard to transcriptome prediction accuracy, MASHR models performed better or the same as other methods in both population-matched and cross-population transcriptome predictions. Furthermore, in multi-ethnic TWAS, MASHR models yielded more discoveries that replicate in both PAGE and PanUKBB across all methods analyzed, including loci previously mapped in GWAS and new loci previously not found in GWAS. Overall, our study demonstrates the importance of using methods that benefit from different populations' effect size estimates in order to improve TWAS for multi-ethnic or underrepresented populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Araujo
- Program in Bioinformatics, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60660, USA
| | - Chris Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60660, USA
| | - Xiaowei Hu
- Center for Public Health Genomics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Anna V. Mikhaylova
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Chris Gignoux
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, Department of Medicine, UC Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kristin Ardlie
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Kent D. Taylor
- The Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | - Peter Durda
- Laboratory for Clinical Biochemistry Research, University of Vermont, Colchester, VT, 05446, USA
| | - Yongmei Liu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - George Papanicolaou
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Michael H. Cho
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Stephen S. Rich
- Center for Public Health Genomics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Jerome I. Rotter
- The Institute for Translational Genomics and Population Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 90502, USA
| | | | - Hae Kyung Im
- Section of Genetic Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Ani Manichaikul
- Center for Public Health Genomics, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Heather E. Wheeler
- Program in Bioinformatics, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60660, USA
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60660, USA
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46
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Tomofuji Y, Sonehara K, Kishikawa T, Maeda Y, Ogawa K, Kawabata S, Nii T, Okuno T, Oguro-Igashira E, Kinoshita M, Takagaki M, Yamamoto K, Kurakawa T, Yagita-Sakamaki M, Hosokawa A, Motooka D, Matsumoto Y, Matsuoka H, Yoshimura M, Ohshima S, Nakamura S, Inohara H, Kishima H, Mochizuki H, Takeda K, Kumanogoh A, Okada Y. Reconstruction of the personal information from human genome reads in gut metagenome sequencing data. Nat Microbiol 2023:10.1038/s41564-023-01381-3. [PMID: 37188815 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01381-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Human DNA present in faecal samples can result in a small number of human reads in gut shotgun metagenomic sequencing data. However, it is presently unclear how much personal information can be reconstructed from such reads, and this has not been quantitatively evaluated. Such a quantitative evaluation is necessary to clarify the ethical concerns related to data sharing and to enable efficient use of human genetic information in stool samples, such as for research and forensics. Here we used genomic approaches to reconstruct personal information from the faecal metagenomes of 343 Japanese individuals with associated human genotype data. Genetic sex could be accurately predicted based on the sequencing depth of sex chromosomes for 97.3% of the samples. Individuals could be re-identified from the matched genotype data based on human reads recovered from the faecal metagenomic data with 93.3% sensitivity using a likelihood score-based method. This method also enabled us to predict the ancestries of 98.3% of the samples. Finally, we performed ultra-deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing of five faecal samples as well as whole-genome sequencing of blood samples. Using genotype-calling approaches, we demonstrated that the genotypes of both common and rare variants could be reconstructed from faecal samples. This included clinically relevant variants. Our approach can be used to quantify personal information contained within gut metagenome data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Tomofuji
- Department of Statistical Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Laboratory for Systems Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.
| | - Kyuto Sonehara
- Department of Statistical Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Kishikawa
- Department of Statistical Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuichi Maeda
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Kotaro Ogawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Shuhei Kawabata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takuro Nii
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Tatsusada Okuno
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Eri Oguro-Igashira
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Makoto Kinoshita
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Takagaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yamamoto
- Department of Statistical Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Statistical Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center (WPI-IFReC), Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takashi Kurakawa
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Mayu Yagita-Sakamaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Akiko Hosokawa
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Neurology, Suita Municipal Hospital, Suita, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yuki Matsumoto
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Matsuoka
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergology, NHO Osaka Minami Medical Center, Kawachinagano, Japan
| | - Maiko Yoshimura
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergology, NHO Osaka Minami Medical Center, Kawachinagano, Japan
| | - Shiro Ohshima
- Department of Rheumatology and Allergology, NHO Osaka Minami Medical Center, Kawachinagano, Japan
| | - Shota Nakamura
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Infection Metagenomics, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Hidenori Inohara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Kishima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Hideki Mochizuki
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Takeda
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kumanogoh
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Immunopathology, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yukinori Okada
- Department of Statistical Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Laboratory for Systems Genetics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.
- Department of Genome Informatics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Laboratory of Statistical Immunology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center (WPI-IFReC), Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.
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47
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Baine-Savanhu F, Macaulay S, Louw N, Bollweg A, Flynn K, Molatoli M, Nevondwe P, Seymour H, Carstens N, Krause A, Lombard Z. Identifying the genetic causes of developmental disorders and intellectual disability in Africa: a systematic literature review. Front Genet 2023; 14:1137922. [PMID: 37234869 PMCID: PMC10208355 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1137922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Genetic variants cause a significant portion of developmental disorders and intellectual disabilities (DD/ID), but clinical and genetic heterogeneity makes identification challenging. Compounding the issue is a lack of ethnic diversity in studies into the genetic aetiology of DD/ID, with a dearth of data from Africa. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively describe the current knowledge from the African continent on this topic. Method: Applicable literature published up until July 2021 was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on original research reports on DD/ID where African patients were the focus of the study. The quality of the dataset was assessed using appraisal tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute, whereafter metadata was extracted for analysis. Results: A total of 3,803 publications were extracted and screened. After duplicate removal, title, abstract and full paper screening, 287 publications were deemed appropriate for inclusion. Of the papers analysed, a large disparity was seen between work emanating from North Africa compared to sub-Saharan Africa, with North Africa dominating the publications. Representation of African scientists on publications was poorly balanced, with most research being led by international researchers. There are very few systematic cohort studies, particularly using newer technologies, such as chromosomal microarray and next-generation sequencing. Most of the reports on new technology data were generated outside Africa. Conclusion: This review highlights how the molecular epidemiology of DD/ID in Africa is hampered by significant knowledge gaps. Efforts are needed to produce systematically obtained high quality data that can be used to inform appropriate strategies to implement genomic medicine for DD/ID on the African continent, and to successfully bridge healthcare inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Baine-Savanhu
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shelley Macaulay
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nadja Louw
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alanna Bollweg
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kaitlyn Flynn
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mhlekazi Molatoli
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patracia Nevondwe
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Heather Seymour
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nadia Carstens
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Genomics Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Amanda Krause
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zané Lombard
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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48
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Fiziev P, McRae J, Ulirsch JC, Dron JS, Hamp T, Yang Y, Wainschtein P, Ni Z, Schraiber JG, Gao H, Cable D, Field Y, Aguet F, Fasnacht M, Metwally A, Rogers J, Marques-Bonet T, Rehm HL, O’Donnell-Luria A, Khera AV, Kai-How Farh K. Rare penetrant mutations confer severe risk of common diseases. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.05.01.23289356. [PMID: 37205493 PMCID: PMC10187340 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.01.23289356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We examined 454,712 exomes for genes associated with a wide spectrum of complex traits and common diseases and observed that rare, penetrant mutations in genes implicated by genome-wide association studies confer ∼10-fold larger effects than common variants in the same genes. Consequently, an individual at the phenotypic extreme and at the greatest risk for severe, early-onset disease is better identified by a few rare penetrant variants than by the collective action of many common variants with weak effects. By combining rare variants across phenotype-associated genes into a unified genetic risk model, we demonstrate superior portability across diverse global populations compared to common variant polygenic risk scores, greatly improving the clinical utility of genetic-based risk prediction. One sentence summary Rare variant polygenic risk scores identify individuals with outlier phenotypes in common human diseases and complex traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petko Fiziev
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Jeremy McRae
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Jacob C. Ulirsch
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Jacqueline S. Dron
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Tobias Hamp
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Yanshen Yang
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Pierrick Wainschtein
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Zijian Ni
- Department of Statistics, UW Madison; Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | - Joshua G. Schraiber
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Hong Gao
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Dylan Cable
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT; Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Yair Field
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Francois Aguet
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Marc Fasnacht
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Ahmed Metwally
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
| | - Jeffrey Rogers
- Human Genome Sequencing Center and Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin; Madison 53715, USA
| | - Tomas Marques-Bonet
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (UPF-CSIC); 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA); 08010 Barcelona, Spain
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST); 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Heidi L. Rehm
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Anne O’Donnell-Luria
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital; Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Amit V. Khera
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Verve Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Kyle Kai-How Farh
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Illumina, Inc.; San Diego, California 92122, USA
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49
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Kaawa-Mafigiri D, Ekusai Sebatta D, Munabi I, Mwaka ES. Genetic and Genomic Researchers' Perspectives on Biological Sample Sharing in Collaborative Research in Uganda: A Qualitative Study. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2023:15562646231171289. [PMID: 37151037 DOI: 10.1177/15562646231171289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Numerous ethical, legal, and social issues arise with biological sample sharing. The study explored the perspectives of genetic and genomic researchers on the sharing of biological samples in international collaborative research. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 researchers. Participants expressed positive attitudes towards biobanking and appreciated the benefits of cross-border sharing of biological samples but noted that this practice had adversely affected local capacity building efforts. There was limited understanding of the ethical and regulatory frameworks governing sample sharing. Researchers emphasized the importance of respecting cultural values in biobanking research. Issues concerning poor governance and inequitable benefit sharing were also raised. There is a need for fair and equitable international collaborations where all researchers are treated with respect and as equal partners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ian Munabi
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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50
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Ezugwu AE, Oyelade ON, Ikotun AM, Agushaka JO, Ho YS. Machine Learning Research Trends in Africa: A 30 Years Overview with Bibliometric Analysis Review. ARCHIVES OF COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING : STATE OF THE ART REVIEWS 2023; 30:1-31. [PMID: 37359741 PMCID: PMC10148585 DOI: 10.1007/s11831-023-09930-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The machine learning (ML) paradigm has gained much popularity today. Its algorithmic models are employed in every field, such as natural language processing, pattern recognition, object detection, image recognition, earth observation and many other research areas. In fact, machine learning technologies and their inevitable impact suffice in many technological transformation agendas currently being propagated by many nations, for which the already yielded benefits are outstanding. From a regional perspective, several studies have shown that machine learning technology can help address some of Africa's most pervasive problems, such as poverty alleviation, improving education, delivering quality healthcare services, and addressing sustainability challenges like food security and climate change. In this state-of-the-art paper, a critical bibliometric analysis study is conducted, coupled with an extensive literature survey on recent developments and associated applications in machine learning research with a perspective on Africa. The presented bibliometric analysis study consists of 2761 machine learning-related documents, of which 89% were articles with at least 482 citations published in 903 journals during the past three decades. Furthermore, the collated documents were retrieved from the Science Citation Index EXPANDED, comprising research publications from 54 African countries between 1993 and 2021. The bibliometric study shows the visualization of the current landscape and future trends in machine learning research and its application to facilitate future collaborative research and knowledge exchange among authors from different research institutions scattered across the African continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Absalom E. Ezugwu
- Unit for Data Science and Computing, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, 2520 South Africa
| | - Olaide N. Oyelade
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Abiodun M. Ikotun
- Unit for Data Science and Computing, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, 2520 South Africa
| | - Jeffery O. Agushaka
- Unit for Data Science and Computing, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, 2520 South Africa
| | - Yuh-Shan Ho
- Trend Research Centre, Asia University, No. 500, Lioufeng RoadWufeng, Taichung, 41354 Taiwan
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