Africa is the cradle of humankind. All humans are descendants from this common pool of ancestors. Africa and its multitude of ethnolinguistic groups are therefore fundamental to learning more about humankind and our origins.
A human genome refers to the complete set of genetic information found in a human cell. We inherit our genomes from our parents. Studying the variations in different peoples genomes gives important clues to how genetic information influences peoples appearance and health. It can also tell us about our ancestry. To date, very few African individuals have been included in studies looking at genetic variation. Studying African genomes not only fills a gap in the current understanding of human genetic variation, but also reveals new insights into the history of African populations.
My colleagues and I, who are all members of the Human Heredity and Health (H3Africa) consortium, contributed to a landmark genetics study. This study focused on 426 individuals from 13 African countries. More than 50 different ethnolinguistic groups were represented in the study one of the most diverse groups of Africans ever to be included in such an investigation. We sequenced the whole genome of each of these individuals this means we could read every part of the genome to look for variation.
This study contributes a major, new source of African genomic data, which showcases the complex and vast diversity of African genetic variation. And it will support research for decades to come.
Our findings have broad relevance, from learning more about African history and migration, to clinical research into the impact of specific variants on health outcomes.
One of the key outcomes was the discovery of more than three million new genetic variants. This is significant because we are learning more about human genetic diversity in general, and discovering more differences that could be linked to disease or traits in the future.
This study also adds details to what is known about the migration and expansion of groups across the continent. We were able to show that Zambia was most probably an intermediate site on the likely route of migration from west Africa to east and south Africa. Evidence supporting movement from east Africa to central Nigeria between 1,500 and 2,000 years ago was also revealed, through the identification of a substantial amount of east African ancestry in a central Nigerian ethnolinguistic group, the Berom.
The study also enabled us to reclassify certain variants that were previously suspected to cause disease. Variants that cause serious genetic diseases are often rare in the general population, mostly because their effect is so severe that a person with such a variant often does not reach adulthood. But we observed many of these variants at quite common levels in the studied populations. One wouldnt expect that these types of disease-causing variants would be this common in healthy adults. This finding helps to reclassify these variants for clinical interpretation.
Finally, we found a surprising number of regions with signatures of natural selection that have not been previously reported. Selection means that when individuals are exposed to environmental factors like a viral infection, or a drastic new dietary component, some gene variants may confer an added adaptive advantage to the humans that bear them in their genome.
Our best interpretation of these findings is that as humans across Africa were exposed to different environments sometimes as a result of migration these variants were likely important to surviving in those new conditions. This has left an imprint on the genome and contributes to genomic diversity across the continent.
Our data has shown that we have not yet found all the variation in the human genome. There is more to learn by adding new, unstudied population groups. We know that less than a quarter of participants in genomics research are of non-European ancestry. Most available genetic data come from just three countries the UK (40%), the US (19%) and Iceland (12%).
It is essential to keep adding more genomic data from all global populations including Africa. This will ensure that everyone can benefit from the advances in health that precision medicine offers. Precision medicine refers to the customisation of healthcare to fit the individual. Including personal genetic information could radically change the nature and scope of healthcare options that would work best for that individual.
The Human Heredity and Health consortium is now in its eighth year of existence, and supports more than 51 diverse projects. These include studies focusing on diseases like diabetes, HIV and tuberculosis. The reference data generated through our study are already being put to use by many of the consortiums studies.
Read more: What we've learnt from building Africa's biggest genome library
Next, we are planning to take an even deeper look at the data to better understand what other types of genetic variation exist. We are also hoping to add further unstudied populations to grow and enrich this data set.
Building capacity for genomics research on the African continent is a key goal of Human Heredity and Health. An important aspect of this study is that it was driven and conducted by researchers and scientists from the African continent. Researchers from 24 institutions across Africa participated and led this investigation. This study showcases the availability of both infrastructure and skills for large-scale genomics research on the continent. It also highlights the prospect of future world-class research on this topic from Africa.
Read the original post:
Major new study unveils complexity and vast diversity of Africa's genetic variation - The Conversation CA
- Sequence errors are canaries in a coal mine in genetics studies, sleuth says - Retraction Watch - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Significance of noninvasive prenatal testing using massively parallel sequencing in women with twin or vanishing twin pregnancies | Journal of Human... - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- All You Need to Know About Atossa Genetics (ATOS) Rating Upgrade to Buy - Yahoo Finance - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- 23andMe Stock Is Surging After a Bankruptcy Judge Cleared Genetics Business Sale. Heres Why You Need to Stay Far Away From ME Shares. - Barchart - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Dairy producers leverage genetics to optimize milk composition for processing - Feedstuffs - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Several Insiders Invested In Opus Genetics Flagging Positive News - Yahoo Finance - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Human genetics and biotechnology company 23andMe to pursue bankruptcy sale after failed prepetition attempt Case Profile - ION Analytics - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- AP Biology Students At NLHS Explore Genetics With Build-A-Baby Monster Lab - EastTexasRadio.com - March 30th, 2025 [March 30th, 2025]
- Winners And Losers Of Q4: Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ:MYGN) Vs The Rest Of The Therapeutics Stocks - Yahoo Finance - March 15th, 2025 [March 15th, 2025]
- Helix Unveils Groundbreaking Real-World Insights at the ACMG Annual Clinical Genetics Meeting, Driving Clinical Care Forward - PR Newswire - March 15th, 2025 [March 15th, 2025]
- S2 Episode 3: Molecular Classification and Genetics of Endometrial Cancer - Medscape - March 15th, 2025 [March 15th, 2025]
- Fowl Play: How Chicken Genetics Barons Created the Egg Crisis - The Big Newsletter - March 15th, 2025 [March 15th, 2025]
- Exposure to violence alters human genetics for future generations - Earth.com - March 5th, 2025 [March 5th, 2025]
- Family-based genetics identifies association of CUBN IL1RL1 and PRKN variants with leprosy in Bangladesh - Nature.com - March 5th, 2025 [March 5th, 2025]
- The role of genetics in infant hearing loss: What parents need to know - The Times of India - March 5th, 2025 [March 5th, 2025]
- Analyzing Genetics May Lead to Better Contraceptive Experiences for Women - Yale School of Medicine - March 5th, 2025 [March 5th, 2025]
- Fulgent Genetics Full Year 2024 Earnings: EPS Beats Expectations - Yahoo Finance - March 5th, 2025 [March 5th, 2025]
- Myriad Genetics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Results; Full-year 2024 revenue of $838 million grew 11% year-over-year, the... - February 25th, 2025 [February 25th, 2025]
- Dual recombinase-mediated intersectional genetics defines the functional heterogeneity of neural stem cells in adult hippocampus - Nature.com - February 25th, 2025 [February 25th, 2025]
- Myriad Genetics Partners with PATHOMIQ to add Artificial Intelligence Technology Platform to its Oncology Portfolio - Yahoo Finance - February 25th, 2025 [February 25th, 2025]
- The Genetics of Creativity: Can Creative Talent Be Inherited? - Etownian - February 25th, 2025 [February 25th, 2025]
- Weight and metabolism determined more by genetics than diet - WVTF - February 25th, 2025 [February 25th, 2025]
- Beyond genetics: The biggest factors that influence health and aging - Earth.com - February 25th, 2025 [February 25th, 2025]
- Study finds lifestyle, environment have greater impact on lifespan than genetics - CBS Boston - February 25th, 2025 [February 25th, 2025]
- 6 Things to Know About Genetics in GI Cancers - Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News - February 25th, 2025 [February 25th, 2025]
- Virologist Wendy Barclay: Wild avian viruses are mixing up their genetics all the time. Its like viral sex on steroids - The Guardian - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Do you find coffee too bitter? Scientists explain how your genetics and roasting process affect the flavour - Hindustan Times - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- 2025 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale prioritizes trusted genetics for herd growth - Morning Ag Clips - - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Game-Changing Cancer Detection Tool Spots What Others Miss: New Breakthrough from SOPHiA GENETICS - StockTitan - February 3rd, 2025 [February 3rd, 2025]
- Integrative genetics and multiomics analysis reveal mechanisms and therapeutic targets in vitiligo highlighting JAK STAT pathway regulation of CTSS -... - January 23rd, 2025 [January 23rd, 2025]
- deCODE genetics: Complete recombination map of the human-genome, a major step in genetics - Financial Times - January 23rd, 2025 [January 23rd, 2025]
- Myriad Genetics Announces Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment Program Study Published in Obstetrics & Gynecology - Yahoo Finance - January 23rd, 2025 [January 23rd, 2025]
- Bjarni V. Halldorsson and Kari Stefansson, scientists at deCODE genetics, discuss the paper: Complete recombination map of the human-genome, published... - January 23rd, 2025 [January 23rd, 2025]
- Myriad Genetics Doubles Cancer Testing Rates with Revolutionary Online Screening Tool - StockTitan - January 23rd, 2025 [January 23rd, 2025]
- Genetics, brain development, and mental health shape teen eating - News-Medical.Net - January 15th, 2025 [January 15th, 2025]
- Building Better Flu Shots Based on Antibody Responses and Genetics - Vax-Before-Travel - January 15th, 2025 [January 15th, 2025]
- Its in the Genes: Weight and Metabolism Determined by Genetics More Than Diet - Cville Right Now - January 15th, 2025 [January 15th, 2025]
- It's in the genes: Weight and metabolism determined by genetics more than diet - Medical Xpress - January 15th, 2025 [January 15th, 2025]
- Trump and Musk are obsessed with genetics but theres no science behind their simplistic views - The Guardian - January 1st, 2025 [January 1st, 2025]
- From Stonehenge's origins to ice age baby genetics how well did you follow this year's top archaeology stories? - Livescience.com - January 1st, 2025 [January 1st, 2025]
- William Thilly, MIT genetics professor who invented Apple Jacks cereal, dies at 79 - The Boston Globe - January 1st, 2025 [January 1st, 2025]
- Is Atossa Genetics (ATOS) Stock Outpacing Its Medical Peers This Year? - Yahoo Finance - December 23rd, 2024 [December 23rd, 2024]
- With 54% ownership, Fulgent Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLGT) boasts of strong institutional backing - Yahoo Finance - December 23rd, 2024 [December 23rd, 2024]
- Using the PERC Database to Gather Insights on Epilepsy Genetics: Julie Ziobro, MD, PhD; John Schreiber, MD - Neurology Live - December 23rd, 2024 [December 23rd, 2024]
- Myriad Genetics' Breakthrough Cancer Test Named Top 10 Genomic Advance by Leading Journal - StockTitan - December 23rd, 2024 [December 23rd, 2024]
- Redecan Cannabis Launches New Limited-Edition Genetics and Expands Signature 'Wrapped & Redee' Pre-roll Line for the Holidays - Yahoo Finance - December 23rd, 2024 [December 23rd, 2024]
- Surprising yields, impressive genetics and an early harvest in 2024 Ohio Ag Net - Ohio's Country Journal and Ohio Ag Net - December 9th, 2024 [December 9th, 2024]
- Using music to help people with dementia; supporting breastfeeding radiologists; genetics and Type 2 diabetes; plus other news stories with VUMC... - December 9th, 2024 [December 9th, 2024]
- Genetics and suicideWhats the link? - Genetic Literacy Project - December 9th, 2024 [December 9th, 2024]
- Genetics is all fun and games for a Rochester card game creator - Rochester Post Bulletin - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Community engagement conduct for genetics and genomics research: a qualitative study of the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders in Uganda... - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Dietary restriction interventions: lifespan benefits need resilience and are limited by immune compromise and genetics - Nature.com - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Texas A&M Researchers Uncover Secrets Of Horse Genetics For Conservation, Breeding - Texas A&M University Today - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Myriad Genetics Announces Prequel Prenatal Screening Can Now be Performed Eight Weeks into Pregnancy - GlobeNewswire - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Fulgent Genetics, Inc. (FLGT): Among the Best Genomics Stocks to Buy Right Now - Yahoo Finance - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Precision mutational scanning: your multipass to the future of genetics - Nature.com - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Advancements of Haploid Technology in Crops: New Horizons in Breeding and Genetics - Frontiers - November 20th, 2024 [November 20th, 2024]
- Toward advances in retinoblastoma genetics in Kenya - Nature.com - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- CRISPR/Cas9 screens identify key host factors that enhance rotavirus reverse genetics efficacy and vaccine production - Nature.com - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Genetics Play Key Role in Animal Health and Welfare, Aggression and Handling - Farms.com - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Episode 174: Rudy Tanzi talks about genetics, aging and the hallmarks of Alzheimers - IHMC - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Ocuphire and Opus Genetics merge to develop IRD gene therapy - Pharmaceutical Technology - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- The RD Fund Announces Ocuphire Pharma's Acquisition of Opus Genetics - PR Newswire - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- The RD Fund Announces Ocuphire Pharma's Acquisition of Opus Genetics - WV News - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Faculty of Science | Protecting Canadas number one crop through genetics - UM Today - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Ocuphire and Opus Genetics merge to develop IRD gene therapy - Yahoo Finance - October 26th, 2024 [October 26th, 2024]
- Opinion | Fascinated by genetics? Where are the peas Trump made to fornicate? - The Washington Post - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Dietary restriction can extend lifespan but genetics matters more - Nature.com - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- 'They have much stronger players' - Bangladesh assistant coach bizarrely blames 'genetics' for lack of six hitters in the team - Sporting News - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Medical Moment: Genetics and breast cancer with USA Health Genetic Counselor Cassie Gurganus - AOL - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- Myriad Genetics Announces Five Research Collaborations to Study the Use of MRD Testing in Breast Cancer - Yahoo Finance - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- An ideologically-based and misleading critique of how modern genetics is taught - Why Evolution Is True - October 13th, 2024 [October 13th, 2024]
- 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 Review: Bold But Beholden to Its Genetics - Newsweek - October 2nd, 2024 [October 2nd, 2024]
- Myriad Genetics Announces Third Patent Granted for Molecular Residual Disease (MRD) with Early Priority Date - GlobeNewswire - October 2nd, 2024 [October 2nd, 2024]
- Digbi Health Launches an SEC-regulated Offering, Giving Millions the Opportunity to Invest in Groundbreaking Genetics and Gut Microbiome-based Care... - October 2nd, 2024 [October 2nd, 2024]
- The role of genetics in depression | Second Opinion - KCRW - September 23rd, 2024 [September 23rd, 2024]
- Tilapia genetics company Spring Genetics teams up with UK data firm to improve fish welfare - SeafoodSource - September 23rd, 2024 [September 23rd, 2024]
- Picky eating in kids is mostly due to genetics, study says - Motherly Inc. - September 23rd, 2024 [September 23rd, 2024]
- Research Shows That Fussy Eating In Children Is Mainly Influenced By Genetics - RTTNews - September 23rd, 2024 [September 23rd, 2024]
- Genetics colloquium: Chris Hittinger on the genomic making of metabolic niche breadth Sep. 11 - University of WisconsinMadison - September 15th, 2024 [September 15th, 2024]