Exploring the Three Million African Genomes Initiative
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Understanding Racism Through Genetics
The persistent issue of racism is often rooted in oversimplified views, primarily based on skin color. Scientifically, skin pigmentation has minimal biological relevance; it serves mainly to protect deeper skin layers from harmful ultraviolet light while facilitating vitamin D production. The evolutionary trajectory shows that as human ancestors migrated away from the equator, their skin tones lightened accordingly.
Tracing back to our origins, all humans can ultimately connect to ancestors from Africa, where Homo sapiens first emerged. Approximately 60,000 years ago, these early humans set foot on a world that was not yet prepared for their arrival. Interestingly, even the oldest human remains found in Britain exhibited dark skin, indicative of their African lineage. Today, Africa remains a treasure trove of human genetic diversity.
The Three Million African Genomes Project
The Three Million African Genomes (3mag) initiative marks a significant step forward in understanding Africa's genetic diversity—an effort that has been long overdue. This ambitious project aims to systematically catalog and analyze the genetic makeup of the African population, mirroring similar efforts in Europe and North America. The scientific implications are profound, as this research could illuminate the evolution of modern humans and challenge long-standing racial stereotypes.
Genetic diversity is critical in understanding various genetic disorders. For instance, cystic fibrosis manifests differently in Africa compared to Europe, often evading detection due to differing mutations. South African researchers have faced challenges identifying the genetic basis for inherited deafness affecting a significant percentage of Ghanaians. Furthermore, geographical variations influence immune system responses, and understanding these differences in Africa can enhance knowledge about disease immunity.
Global Implications of Genetic Research
The insights gained from additional genetic data could reshape our understanding of human evolution. As early Homo sapiens migrated from Africa, they encountered other hominins, such as Neanderthals and Denisovans, with whom they interbred. Some of their genetic material persists in modern populations outside Africa, contributing to various biological functions, including disease resistance. Preliminary findings also suggest that Africans interbred with another human species, yet to be identified through fossil evidence.
A deeper understanding of African genomes has the potential to benefit humanity at large. For example, research on schizophrenia in the Xhosa population revealed mutations analogous to those found in Swedish individuals, despite the latter's larger sample size. Similarly, Nigerian oncologist Olufunmilayo Olopade has uncovered important findings related to breast cancer prevalence among Nigerian women.
The Future of the 3mag Project
The goal of the 3mag project is to sequence 300,000 African genomes annually over the next decade—a necessary target to capture the continent's vast genetic diversity. In comparison, the UK biobank aims to sequence 500,000 genomes, despite having a population one-tenth that of Africa.
Advancements in technology have driven down the costs of genome sequencing, making this initiative feasible. The cost has plummeted from $300 million for the first genome to approximately $1,000 today. Collaboration between 3mag and other projects, such as the UK biobank, along with partnerships with African genetic companies like 54Gene, would enhance the project's impact.
The groundwork for 3mag has been laid by the Human Heredity and Health in Africa consortium, which has supported research across 30 African nations with funding from institutions like the National Institutes of Health and the Wellcome Trust. However, challenges remain, including data storage and ethical considerations surrounding consent and data usage, especially when commercial interests are involved.
Reflecting on Historical Context
The history of xenophobia and racism has pervaded human society for millennia. In the 19th century, physical anthropology and eugenics exacerbated these prejudices, classifying humans based on visible traits and often ranking them in a hierarchy. Such ideologies, epitomized by notions of Aryan superiority, led to a harmful legacy that still influences perceptions today.
While the 3mag project cannot single-handedly rectify these historical injustices, it represents a crucial step toward showcasing the rich genetic diversity inherent in Africa. For those who are open to challenging their biases, the work of modern African scientists could serve as a powerful counterargument to the misconceptions that have long marginalized the continent.
Divyansh Kumar is a graduate of the Sarla Anil Modi School of Economics at NMIMS University, holding a B.Sc. in Economics.
Edited by Aashana Daru.
References
Filling the African GENOME gap: Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved July 08, 2021, from IDM, University of Cape Town.
Pennisi, E. (2021, February 16). Africans begin to take the reins of research into their own genomes. Retrieved July 08, 2021, from Science Mag.
Three million African Genomes: A new project for a new generation. (2021, February 26). Retrieved July 08, 2021, from Clinical OMICs.
Webteam), W. (n.d.). African genome Variation Project. Retrieved July 08, 2021, from Wellcome Sanger Institute.