The human genetic code is fully mapped out, providing scientists with a blueprint of the DNA to identify genomic regions and their variations responsible for diseases. Traditional statistical tools effectively pinpoint these genetic 'needles in the haystack,' yet they face challenges in understanding how many genes contribute to diseases, as seen in diabetes or schizophrenia.
Read more …Understanding how mutations affect diseases
A study has revealed a significant genetic risk factor for kidney disease in people from Ghana and Nigeria. Their study demonstrated that having just one risk variant in a gene known as APOL1 can significantly increase the risk of developing kidney disease. APOL1 is important for the immune system and variants of the gene are linked to increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The study is published in the New England Journal of Medicine and was conducted by researchers from the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Kidney Disease Research Network.
Read more …Genomic variants that increase risk of kidney disease are found in nearly one-third of West Africans