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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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Kigen C, Muraya A, Kyanya C, Kingwara L, Mmboyi O, Hamm T, Musila L. Enhancing capacity for national genomics surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in public health laboratories in Kenya. Microb Genom 2023; 9:mgen001098. [PMID: 37646415 PMCID: PMC10483422 DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001098] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic surveillance is vital for detecting outbreaks and understanding the epidemiology and transmission of bacterial strains, yet it is not integrated into many national antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance programmes. Key factors are that few scientists in the public health sector are trained in bacterial genomics, and the diverse sequencing platforms and bioinformatic tools make it challenging to generate reproducible outputs. In Kenya, these gaps were addressed by training public health scientists to conduct genomic surveillance on isolates from the national AMR surveillance repository and produce harmonized reports. The 2-week training combined theory and laboratory and bioinformatic experiences with Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from the surveillance repository. Whole-genome sequences generated on Illumina and Nanopore sequencers were analysed using publicly available bioinformatic tools, and a harmonized report was generated using the HAMRonization tool. Pre- and post-training tests and self-assessments were used to assess the effectiveness of the training. Thirteen scientists were trained and generated data on the K. pneumoniae isolates, summarizing the AMR genes present consistently with the reported phenotypes and identifying the plasmid replicons that could transmit antibiotic resistance. Ninety per cent of the participants demonstrated an overall improvement in their post-training test scores, with an average increase of 14 %. Critical challenges were experienced in delayed delivery of equipment and supplies, power fluctuations and internet connections that were inadequate for bioinformatic analysis. Despite this, the training built the knowledge and skills to implement bacterial genomic surveillance. More advanced and immersive training experiences and building supporting infrastructure would solidify these gains to produce tangible public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collins Kigen
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, P. O. Box 606-00621, Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Angela Muraya
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, P. O. Box 62000-00200, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Cecilia Kyanya
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, P. O. Box 606-00621, Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Leonard Kingwara
- National Public Health Laboratory Services, Kenyatta National Hospital Grounds, Hospital Road, P.O Box 20750 -00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Onesmus Mmboyi
- National Public Health Laboratory Services, Kenyatta National Hospital Grounds, Hospital Road, P.O Box 20750 -00202, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Tiffany Hamm
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lillian Musila
- United States Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa, P. O. Box 606-00621, Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya
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Omotoso OE, Teibo JO, Atiba FA, Oladimeji T, Adebesin AO, Babalghith AO. Bridging the genomic data gap in Africa: implications for global disease burdens. Global Health 2022; 18:103. [PMID: 36494695 PMCID: PMC9733397 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-022-00898-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper highlights the gap in the use of genomic data of Africans for global research efforts for disease cures. Genomic data represents an important tool used in disease research for understanding how diseases affect several populations and how these differences can be harnessed for the development of effective cures especially vaccines that have an impact at the genetic level e.g., RNA vaccines.This paper then provides a review of global genomic data status where three continents are reported to be the major contributor of genomic data to repositories used for disease research and the development of vaccines and medicines around the world.We reviewed the most recently published information about genetic data inclusiveness of populations, explaining how genomic data of Africans is lacking in global research efforts that cater towards the eradication of pandemics via the development of vaccines and other cures. We also discuss the implication of this non-inclusiveness for global disease burdens and indicate where changes need to be made in the last part of the paper.Lastly, the entire centers on some general policy recommendations to fully include African genomic data in such global genetic repositories. These recommendations can be implemented in African countries to improve genetic data collection, storage, and usage policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olabode Ebenezer Omotoso
- grid.9582.60000 0004 1794 5983Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - John Oluwafemi Teibo
- grid.9582.60000 0004 1794 5983Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria ,grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Festus Adebayo Atiba
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tolulope Oladimeji
- grid.9582.60000 0004 1794 5983Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | - Ahmad O. Babalghith
- grid.412832.e0000 0000 9137 6644Medical Genetics Department, College of Medicine, Umm al-qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Petersen DC, Steyl C, Scholtz D, Baker B, Abdullah I, Uren C, Möller M. African Genetic Representation in the Context of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Severity. Front Genet 2022; 13:909117. [PMID: 35620464 PMCID: PMC9127354 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.909117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Desiree C Petersen
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chrystal Steyl
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Denise Scholtz
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bienyameen Baker
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ibtisam Abdullah
- Division of Haematological Pathology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and NHLS Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Caitlin Uren
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Marlo Möller
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Balancing openness with Indigenous data sovereignty: An opportunity to leave no one behind in the journey to sequence all of life. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2115860119. [PMID: 35042810 PMCID: PMC8795560 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115860119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The field of genomics has benefited greatly from its “openness” approach to data sharing. However, with the increasing volume of sequence information being created and stored and the growing number of international genomics efforts, the equity of openness is under question. The United Nations Convention of Biodiversity aims to develop and adopt a standard policy on access and benefit-sharing for sequence information across signatory parties. This standardization will have profound implications on genomics research, requiring a new definition of open data sharing. The redefinition of openness is not unwarranted, as its limitations have unintentionally introduced barriers of engagement to some, including Indigenous Peoples. This commentary provides an insight into the key challenges of openness faced by the researchers who aspire to protect and conserve global biodiversity, including Indigenous flora and fauna, and presents immediate, practical solutions that, if implemented, will equip the genomics community with both the diversity and inclusivity required to respectfully protect global biodiversity.
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Kamp M, Krause A, Ramsay M. Has translational genomics come of age in Africa? Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:R164-R173. [PMID: 34240178 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid increase in genomics research in Africa and the growing promise of precision public health begs the question of whether African genomics has come of age and is being translated into improved healthcare for Africans. An assessment of the continent's readiness suggests that genetic service delivery remains limited and extremely fragile. The paucity of data on mutation profiles for monogenic disorders and lack of large genome-wide association cohorts for complex traits in African populations is a significant barrier, coupled with extreme genetic variation across different regions and ethnic groups. Data from many different populations is essential to developing appropriate genetic services. Of the proposed genetic service delivery models currently used in Africa-Uncharacterized, Limited, Disease-focused, Emerging and Established-the first three best describe the situation in most African countries. Implementation is fraught with difficulties related to the scarcity of an appropriately skilled medical genetic workforce, limited infrastructure and processes, insufficient health funding and lack of political support, and overstretched health systems. There is a strong nucleus of determined and optimistic clinicians and scientists with a clear vision, and there is hope for innovative solutions and technological leapfrogging. However, a multi-dimensional approach with active interventions to stimulate genomic research, clinical genetics and overarching healthcare systems is needed to reduce genetic service inequalities and accelerate precision public health on the continent. Human and infrastructure capacity development, dedicated funding, political will and supporting legislation, and public education and awareness, are critical elements for success. Africa-relevant genomic and related health economics research remains imperative with an overarching need to translate knowledge into improved healthcare. Given the limited data and genetic services across most of Africa, the continent has not yet come of 'genomics' age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kamp
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.,Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Amanda Krause
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Michèle Ramsay
- Division of Human Genetics, National Health Laboratory Service and School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of the Witwatersrand, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa.,Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
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Status of Bioinformatics Education in South Asia: Past and Present. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5568262. [PMID: 33997009 PMCID: PMC8096557 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5568262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Bioinformatics education has been a hot topic in South Asia, and the interest in this education peaks with the start of the 21st century. The governments of South Asian countries had a systematic effort for bioinformatics. They developed the infrastructures to provide maximum facility to the scientific community to gain maximum output in this field. This article renders bioinformatics, measures, and its importance of implementation in South Asia with proper ways of improving bioinformatics education flaws. It also addresses the problems faced in South Asia and proposes some recommendations regarding bioinformatics education. The information regarding bioinformatics education and institutes was collected from different existing research papers, databases, and surveys. The information was then confirmed by visiting each institution's website, while problems and solutions displayed in the article are mostly in line with South Asian bioinformatics conferences and institutions' objectives. Among South Asian countries, India and Pakistan have developed infrastructure and education regarding bioinformatics rapidly as compared to other countries, whereas Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are still in a progressing phase in this field. To advance in a different sector, the bioinformatics industry has to be revolutionized, and it will contribute to strengthening the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and molecular sectors in South Asia. To advance in bioinformatics, universities' infrastructure needs to be on a par with the current international standards, which will produce well-trained professionals with skills in multiple fields like biotechnology, mathematics, statistics, and computer science. The bioinformatics industry has revolutionized and strengthened the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and molecular sectors in South Asia, and it will serve as the standard of education increases in the South Asian countries. A framework for developing a centralized database is suggested after the literature review to collect and store the information on the current status of South Asian bioinformatics education. This will be named as the South Asian Bioinformatics Education Database (SABE). This will provide comprehensive information regarding the bioinformatics in South Asian countries by the country name, the experts of this field, and the university name to explore the top-ranked outputs relevant to queries.
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