The Institute of Genomics and Global Health, formerly known as the African Center of Excellence in Infectious Diseases Genomics at Redeemer University in Ede, Osun State, has successfully sequenced the entire human genome for the first time in Nigeria.
The institute, in a statement posted on its website, said this achievement also marks the first sequencing of the human genome in Africa using Illumina's NovaSeqTM X Plus sequencer.
The IGH statement noted that although Africa is the birthplace of humanity and is home to immense genetic diversity, less than two percent of the human genomes sequenced and analyzed so far have been from the African people.
“Using Illumina's NovaSeqTM X Plus sequencer, more than 20,000 complete human genomes can be sequenced per year. This is 2.5 times the output of the NovaSeqTM 6000.”
He noted that the momentous milestone occurs with the official inauguration of the Genomics and Bioinformatics Training Academy within the university's IGH.
He said the facility will significantly increase the supply of skilled technical manpower for wet lab management of next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, big data analytics and advanced artificial intelligence/machine learning applications.
Genomic sequencing
The National Cancer Institute said genomic sequencing is a laboratory method used to determine the complete genetic makeup of a specific organism or cell type.
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He said this method can be used to find changes in areas of the genome, and these changes can help scientists understand how specific diseases, such as cancer, form. The results of genomic sequencing can also be used to diagnose and treat diseases.
According to the World Health Organization, whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a laboratory technique that has the potential to change the way we detect and monitor microbial hazards in the food chain. WGS is useful in understanding foodborne illnesses by improving routine surveillance, outbreak detection, outbreak response, and source identification using a One Health approach.
This technology is anticipated to help reduce the burden of foodborne illness, given its advantages over previous low-resolution detection and typing methods.
IGH founder and director Christian Happi said: “Successfully sequencing a complete human genome at the institute is an important milestone, as from here we will be able to increase our understanding of the genetic diversity and ancestry of African populations. that are currently underrepresented in genomic research.”
Happi said the institute has successfully sequenced 11 human samples on NovaSeq X plus and analyzed them on the Illumina DRAGEN secondary analysis platform.
He said the sequencing capacity developed at IGH opens the doors to personalized and precision medicine, targeted therapies and disease prevention. He said it allows our local scientists to study genetic factors related to non-communicable diseases prevalent in African populations.
Illumina CEO of Emerging Markets Gregory Essert said this groundbreaking achievement marks an important step forward in understanding the genetic diversity and ancestry of African populations and human genetics in general.
According to the statement, “IGH and Illumina have signed a partnership agreement to establish a genomics training academy at Redeemer University in 2023. The delivery of the first Illumina NovaSeqTM incorporation of genomic capacity. within Africa.”
“The IGH is a global center of excellence for genomics research and is leading the way in using genomics to improve public health in Africa. IGH's acquisition of NovaSeq X Plus is a testament to the institute's commitment to scientific innovation and changing narratives about science in Africa. “Genomics is rapidly transforming the way we diagnose and treat diseases and has the potential to revolutionize healthcare on the continent.”
The statement emphasized that the partnership between IGH and Illumina will enable early access to Illumina high-throughput sequencing, enabling African researchers in life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture and other emerging fields to rapidly decode DNA and advance in our understanding of genetics and diseases.