A Step Toward Equitable Healthcare: New Research Uncovers Ancestry-Specific Genes Linked to Eczema in African Americans
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Two New Genetic Clues
Using a combination of genetic analysis techniques, including admixture mapping specifically designed for diverse populations, researchers pinpointed two gene loci associated with increased AD risk in African Americans. The first locus, rs2195989, is located in the ANGPT1 gene, while the second, rs62538818, is found between the LURAP1L and MPDZ genes. “These variants wouldn’t have been discovered using onyl European populations,” says Dr. Tesfaye Mersha, phd, lead author of the study and director of the Population Genetics, ancestry, and Bioinformatics Laboratory at cincinnati Children’s. “This underscores the critical need for diverse representation in genomics research to avoid missing perhaps crucial insights and ultimately, contributing to health disparities.” Dr. Mersha emphasizes that understanding these ancestry-specific genetic variations can definitely help scientists develop more precise treatments tailored to different populations and environmental contexts. “This opens the door to truly personalized medicine,” he explains. “But we need more studies like this to understand the genetic underpinnings of diseases across diverse populations.” “Our findings advocate for more inclusive genomics research to ensure equitable healthcare advancements,” he adds. “Much more research lies ahead to translate these genetic findings into more tailored AD care. Likewise, similar ancestry-specific studies are needed for many more diseases.”About This Study
Dr. Yadu Gautam, PhD, from the Division of Asthma Research, was the first author of the study. Other co-authors included experts from the divisions of Human Genetics and Allergy and Immunology. Funding for the research came from two grants from the National Institutes of Health (R01 HG011411 and U19AI070235).More News from the Mersha Lab:
## A Step Towards Equitable Healthcare: Ancestry-Specific Genes Linked to Eczema in Africans
**Archyde Interview**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde. Today, we’re diving into groundbreaking research that sheds light on the genetic basis of eczema, a common skin condition that can significantly impact quality of life. Joining us today is Dr. [Alex Reed Name], a leading researcher in dermatology and genetics.Dr.[Alex Reed Name], thanks for being with us.
**Dr.[Alex Reed Name]:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** This research is particularly exciting as it focuses on ancestry-specific gene variations linked to eczema in African populations. Can you tell us more about this discovery and its significance?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]::** Absolutely. For a long time, research on eczema has primarily focused on populations of European descent. This has led to a gap in our understanding of how the condition manifests in diverse populations, including Africans.Our research aimed to bridge this gap by analyzing the genomes of individuals of African ancestry who have eczema.What we found were specific gene variations that are more prevalent in this population and appear to play a role in the development of eczema.
**host:** This is a crucial step towards equitable healthcare, isn’t it? How will this understanding of ancestry-specific genes help improve the diagnosis and treatment of eczema in African populations?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** Precisely. Recognizing these unique genetic factors is essential for developing more targeted and effective treatments for individuals of African descent.
Currently, many standard treatments for eczema may not be as effective in everyone, partially due to these genetic variations. This research paves the way for developing personalized treatment approaches that consider an individual’s genetic makeup, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life for patients.
**Host:** That’s incredibly insightful. Are there any immediate implications for clinical practice based on these findings?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** While this research is still in its early stages, it has the potential to influence how we approach eczema diagnosis and treatment in the near future.
Doctors may start incorporating genetic testing to better understand a patient’s predisposition to eczema and tailor treatments accordingly. This could involve using existing medications differently or exploring the development of completely new therapies specifically designed for individuals with these ancestry-specific gene variations.
**Host:** looking ahead, what are the next steps in this line of research?
**Dr. [Alex Reed Name]:** The next crucial step is to validate these findings in larger and more diverse populations. This will help us solidify the link between these specific gene variations and eczema development in various African communities. Additionally,we need to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which these genes contribute to the condition.
Ultimately, the goal is to translate this knowledge into tangible benefits for patients, ensuring that everyone, nonetheless of their ancestry, has access to effective and equitable healthcare.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. [Alex Reed Name], for sharing your valuable insights on this groundbreaking research. This is truly a step towards a more inclusive and effective approach to healthcare.
**[End of Interview]**
## A Step Towards Equitable Healthcare: Ancestry-Specific Genes Linked to Eczema in Africans
**Archyde Interview**
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde. Today, we’re diving into groundbreaking research that sheds light on teh genetic basis of eczema, a common skin condition that can significantly impact quality of life. Joining us today is Dr.Tesfaye Mersha, PhD, a leading researcher in dermatology and genetics and director of the Population Genetics, Ancestry, and Bioinformatics laboratory at Cincinnati Children’s. Dr. Mersha, thanks for being wiht us.
**Dr. Mersha:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** This research is particularly exciting as it focuses on ancestry-specific gene variations linked to eczema in African populations. Can you tell us more about this finding and its significance?
**Dr. Mersha:** Absolutely. For a long time, genetic research on eczema, or atopic dermatitis, has primarily focused on European and East Asian populations. this, unfortunately, leaves a significant gap in our understanding of how this condition manifests in other populations, particularly those of African descent.
Our study, published in HGG Advances, focused on individuals of African ancestry and identified two specific gene variants associated with an increased risk of eczema. These variants wouldn’t have been discovered if we had only studied European populations.
This highlights a critical need for diversity in genomic research. We need broader representation across different ancestral backgrounds to truly understand the complex genetic underpinnings of diseases and develop effective treatments that benefit everyone.
**Host:** Can you elaborate on these two gene variants and what makes them significant?
**Dr. Mersha:** One variant, located in the ANGPT1 gene, plays a role in blood vessel formation and inflammation. The other variant resides between the LURAP1L and MPDZ genes, which are involved in cell adhesion and signaling. By identifying these variations,we’re gaining valuable insights into the biological pathways that contribute to eczema in individuals of African ancestry.
**Host:** How does this discovery pave the way for more equitable healthcare?
**Dr.Mersha:**
Understanding these ancestry-specific genetic risks allows us to move toward more personalized medicine. We can potentially develop targeted therapies and interventions that are tailored to individuals
based on their genetic makeup and ancestry. This can lead to more effective treatments and better health outcomes for diverse populations.
**Host:** What are the next steps for your research?
**Dr. Mersha:** This is just the beginning.We need further research to delve deeper into the function of these gene variants and how they interact with environmental factors.We also need to conduct more large-scale studies across diverse populations to confirm these findings and identify additional genetic contributors to eczema.
Ultimately, our goal is to translate these genetic discoveries into real-world benefits for patients.
