"Anticipating the wave of H3Africa genomic data" - Prof. Michèle Ramsay (1st Feb 2018)
Channel: H3ABioNet
Date: 2018-02-14

The H3Africa Consortium is entering its second five-year phase and publications describing large African genomic datasets are anticipated over the next two years. Our journey has been challenging as we grappled with the under-representation of whole genome data (genotype or sequence) from many of the major ethnolinguistic groups on the continent and our incomplete understanding of African genetic variation and population sub-structure. To enable genomic research, the H3Africa Consortium had to build its own resources. This has involved sequencing whole genomes from selected under-represented African populations, analyzing the data to identify common genetic variation across major groups and developing a unique GWAS array, enriched for common African variation. The much-anticipated H3Africa SNP genotyping array, which promises to be the best-suited array available for African genome-wide association studies, is now available.
What does it take to develop a genome study to understand genetic and environmental contributions to complex disease traits? This presentation will cover the research process from protocol development to data quality control and analysis approaches.
The H3Africa Consortium will utilize the strength of the diversity and richness of its datasets to enhance the under-representation of African populations in the genomic landscape. The foundation for African genomic science has been laid through training programs and the development of resources and partnerships across Africa in collaboration with the global scientific community. The H3Africa Consortium is taking the first step toward the inclusion of large scale African genetic data from the continent to enrich diversity in biomedical research and to secure a place for Africa in the genome revolution.