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Building on the fundamental discoveries of Mendel, plant genomics has had a major role in advancing the genetic improvement of crops worldwide, particularly in developed economies where the technologies are easily accessible. From cumbersome to more miniaturized high-throughput sequencing technologies, the field continues to evolve, providing vast opportunities for studying plant genomes with varying levels of complexity and potential real-life applications.
Recent work has highlighted a lack of diversity in genomic studies. However, less attention has been given to epigenomics. Here, we show that epigenomic studies are lacking in diversity and propose several solutions to address this problem.
Calls for diversity in genomics have motivated new global research collaborations across institutions with highly imbalanced resources. We describe practical lessons we have learned so far from designing multidisciplinary international research and capacity-building programs that prioritize equity in two intertwined programs — the NeuroGAP-Psychosis research study and GINGER training program — spanning institutions in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and the United States.
To leverage the genetic diversity in Nigeria, we established the Non-Communicable Diseases Genetic Heritage Study (NCD-GHS) consortium to help produce a comprehensive catalog of human genetic variation in Nigeria and assess the burden and etiological characteristics of non-communicable diseases in 100,000 adults in Nigeria.
The Cardiometabolic Disorders in African-Ancestry Populations (CARDINAL) study site is a well-powered, first-of-its-kind resource for developing, refining and validating methods for research into polygenic risk scores that accounts for local ancestry, to improve risk prediction in diverse populations.
Widespread enthusiasm about potential contributions of genome-edited crops to address climate change, food security, nutrition and health, environmental sustainability and diversification of agriculture is dampened by concerns about the associated risks. Analysis of the top seven risks of genome-edited crops finds that the scientific risks are comparable to those of accepted, past and current breeding methods, but failure to address regulatory, legal and trade framework, and the granting of social license, squanders the potential benefits.
To do good science, we need to include diverse perspectives, work across disciplines and think outside the box while reminding ourselves that our goal as scientists is to serve humanity. I am sharing my story to encourage others to trust their gut feelings and to have the courage to see what everyone sees, but think what no one has thought.
The genetics community has a particularly important part to play in accelerating rare disease research and contributing to improving diagnosis and treatment. Innovations in sequencing technology and machine learning approaches have positively affected diagnostic success, but more coordinated efforts are needed to move towards effective therapies or even cures for these important, and sometimes overlooked, class of diseases.
To build a more efficient, equitable and sustainable approach to rare disease research in the United States, we must prioritize integrated research infrastructure and approaches that focus on understanding connections across rare diseases.
Would genetics research be a priority for Rwanda while the country was rebuilding just after the 1994 genocide against Tutsi? This was a question that I needed to consider. Sometimes, it is very hard to make the best choice for your career in a new scientific discipline when you have no role models and the only way forward is to start from scratch. Later, however, you can look back on what you have accomplished with surprise, and pride, when you see all your efforts paying off. Here I tell the story of my journey in genetics research, from rebuilding a country after trauma to facing our current COVID-19 pandemic challenges.
In recent years, large-scale genomic studies have been performed in attempts to determine how genetic variation in the human host influences the gut microbiome. As microbiome traits are very heterogeneous, new analytical approaches are needed to move this field forward. By using genetic tools, there is a huge opportunity to enrich our understanding of the complex link between humans and our intimately associated microbial species.
We kick off 2022 by noting that the 200th anniversary of Gregor Mendel’s birth will be on 20 July 2022. We look forward to celebrating this milestone and reflecting on how far the genetics field has developed in 200 years. Here are some of the things that we are most excited about for 2022.
