Study of Ugandan Genomes Yields Novel Variants

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In terms of genetics, Africa is still terra incognita! When will the scramble for African DNA begin?

"A project that analyzed the genomes of rural Ugandans uncovered a raft of genetic variants and other findings with implications for human health, researchers report today (October 31) in Cell. Relatively few genomic studies to date have focused on Africans [incredible!], and the new results demonstrate the value of doing so, the authors say.  ... Uganda is a melting pot of different cultures and languages ... Among the group’s findings were that a genetic variant found in 22 percent of Africans that is protective against malaria affects the blood levels of a marker called glycated hemoglobin. Glycated hemoglobin levels are used to diagnose diabetes, meaning that diabetes testing may be less effective for some people of African descent ... genetics are less important for determining height in Ugandans than in Europeans—but that Ugandans’ genes have a relatively greater effect on LDL cholesterol levels"

Study of Ugandan Genomes Yields Novel Variants, Health Links | The Scientist Magazine®: The authors say their results demonstrate the global benefits of studying African genetics.