A5075846450- Forensic and Genetic Research
- Genetic diversity and population structure
- HIV Research and Treatment
- Race, Genetics, and Society
- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- Immunodeficiency and Autoimmune Disorders
- Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies
- Gut microbiota and health
- Genomics and Rare Diseases
- melanin and skin pigmentation
- Genetic Associations and Epidemiology
- Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
- Light effects on plants
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- HIV/AIDS drug development and treatment
- Nutrition, Genetics, and Disease
- T-cell and B-cell Immunology
- Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology
- Polar Research and Ecology
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Skin Protection and Aging
- Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
- Genetics, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Research
- Animal Virus Infections Studies
University of Botswana
2015-2024
Botswana Open University
2021-2022
Southern and eastern African populations that speak non-Bantu languages with click consonants are known to harbour some of the most ancient genetic lineages in humans, but their relationships poorly understood. Here, we report data from 23 analysed at over half a million single-nucleotide polymorphisms, using genome-wide array designed for studying human history. The southern Khoisan fall into two groups, loosely corresponding northwestern southeastern Kalahari, which show separated within...
African genomics and skin color Skin varies among human populations is thought to be under selection, with light maximizing vitamin D production at higher latitudes dark providing UV protection in equatorial zones. To identify the genes that give rise palette of tones, Crawford et al. applied genome-wide analyses across diverse (see Perspective by Tang Barsh). Genetic variants were identified likely function phenotypes. Comparison model organisms verified a conserved MFSD12 pigmentation. A...
Technological and cultural innovations as well climate changes are thought to have influenced the diffusion of major language phyla in sub-Saharan Africa. The most widespread richest diversity is Niger-Congo phylum, originated West Africa ∼10,000 years ago (ya). expansion Bantu languages (a family within phylum) ∼5,000 ya represents a event past demography continent. Many previous studies on Y chromosomal variation associated with haplogroup E1b1a (and sometimes its sublineage E1b1a7)....
Gut microbiota from individuals in rural, non-industrialized societies differ those industrialized societies. Here, we use 16S rRNA sequencing to survey the gut bacteria of seven populations Tanzania and Botswana. These include practicing traditional hunter-gatherer, pastoralist, agropastoralist subsistence lifestyles a comparative urban cohort greater Philadelphia region.We find that bacterial diversity per individual within-population phylogenetic dissimilarity differs between Botswanan...
The Khoisan populations of southern Africa are known to harbor some the deepest-rooting lineages human mtDNA; however, their relationships as yet poorly understood. Here, we report results analyses complete mtDNA genome sequences from nearly 700 individuals representing 26 who speak diverse and Bantu languages. Our data reveal a multilayered history indigenous Africa, likely be result admixture different genetic substrates, such resident forager pre-Bantu pastoralists East Africa. We find...
The recent availability of large-scale sequence data for the human Y chromosome has revolutionized analyses and insights gained from this non-recombining, paternally inherited chromosome. However, studies to date focus on Eurasian variation, hence diversity early-diverging branches found in Africa not been adequately documented. Here, we analyze over 900 kb obtained 547 individuals southern African Khoisan- Bantu-speaking populations, identifying 232 new sequences basal haplogroups A B. We...
Large-scale, population-based genomic studies have provided a context for modern medical genetics. Among such studies, however, African populations remained relatively underrepresented. The breadth of genetic diversity across the continent argues an exploration local to facilitate burgeoning disease mapping in Africa. We sought characterize variation and assess population substructure within cohort HIV-positive children from Botswana—a Southern country that is regionally underrepresented...
Abstract Objectives We investigated the genetic history of southern African populations with a special focus on their paternal history. reexamined previous claims that Y‐chromosome haplogroup E1b1b (E‐M293) was brought to Africa by pastoralists from eastern Africa, and patterns sex‐biased gene flow in Africa. Materials methods analyzed previously published complete mtDNA genome sequences ∼900 kb NRY 23 Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, as well frequencies large sample newly genotyped Y‐linked STR...
Over the past few decades, there has been a depletion of stratospheric ozone layer due to emissions halogen-containing compounds anthropogenic origin. This resulted in concomitant increase solar ultraviolet-B radiation. High levels UV-B radiation are responsible for multiple biologically harmful effects both plants and animals. In plants, these include DNA damage, which often causes heritable mutations affecting various physiological processes, including photosynthetic apparatus, protein...
The Collaborative African Genomics Network (CAfGEN) aims to establish sustainable genomics research programs in Botswana and Uganda through long-term training of PhD students from these countries at Baylor College Medicine. Here, we present an overview the CAfGEN program alongside trainees' perspectives on their involvement.Historically, collaborations between high-income (HICs) low- middle-income (LMICs), or North-South collaborations, have been criticized for lack a mutually beneficial...
Populations in sub-Saharan Africa have historically been exposed to intense selection from chronic infection with falciparum malaria. Interestingly, populations the highest malaria intensity can be identified by increased occurrence of endemic Burkitt Lymphoma (eBL), a pediatric cancer that affects exposure, so called "eBL belt" Africa. However, effects exposure and populations' genetic histories remain poorly explored. To determine if historical migrations shaped composition eBL belt...
Redondoviridae is a newly established family of circular Rep-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses found in the human ororespiratory tract. Redondoviruses were previously ∼15% respiratory specimens from U.S. urban subjects; levels elevated individuals with periodontitis or critical illness. Here, we report higher redondovirus prevalence saliva samples: four rural African populations showed 61 to 82% prevalence, and an population 32% prevalence. Longitudinal, limiting-dilution...
Human genomic diversity has been shaped by both ancient and ongoing challenges from viruses. The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had a devastating impact on population health. However, genetic evolutionary forces impacting host genes related to SARS-CoV-2 infection are not well understood. We investigated global patterns of variation signatures natural selection at relevant (angiotensin converting enzyme [ACE2],...
Abortifacient pathogens induce substantial economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide, and many of these are zoonotic, impacting human health. As Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Leptospira Listeria monocytogenes cause abortion, rapid differential molecular diagnostic tests needed to facilitate early accurate detection abortion establish effective control measures. However, available methods laborious, time-consuming, or costly. Therefore, we developed validated a novel multiplex...
Background Approximately 30,000 non-citizens are living with HIV in Botswana, all of whom as 2020 eligible to receive free antiretroviral treatment (ART) within the country. We assessed prevalence HIV-1 mutational profiles [pre-treatment drug resistance (PDR) and acquired (ADR)] among treatment-experienced (TE) treatment-naïve (TN) Botswana. Methods A total 152 were enrolled from a migrant clinic at Independence Surgery, private practice Botswana 2019–2021. Viral RNA isolated plasma samples...
<ns4:p><ns4:bold>Background</ns4:bold>: Here, we describe how the Collaborative African Genomics Network (<ns4:italic>CAfGEN)</ns4:italic> of Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) consortium is using genomics to probe host genetic factors important progression HIV HIV-tuberculosis (TB) coinfection sub-Saharan Africa. The H3Africa was conceived facilitate application technologies improve health across Africa.. </ns4:p><ns4:p> <ns4:bold>Methods</ns4:bold>:...
Population structure was investigated in 990 Botswana individuals according to ethno-linguistics, Bantu and Khoisan, geography (the nine administrative districts) using the Identifiler autosomal microsatellite markers. Genetic diversity forensic parameters were calculated for overall population, ethno-linguistics geography. The combined power of exclusion (CPE) 0.9999965412 match probability 6,28 × 10-19. CPE highest Khoisan Tuu ethnolinguistic group Northeast District at 0.9999582029...