دانلود رایگان مقاله فرصت ادغام علوم اعصاب و ژنومیک و بیوانفورماتیک

Abstract

Modern genomic approaches have made enormous contributions to improving our understanding of the function, development and evolution of the nervous system, and the diversity within and between species. However, most of these research advances have been recorded in countries with advanced scientific resources and funding support systems. On the contrary, little is known about, for example, the possible interplay between different genes, non-coding elements and environmental factors in modulating neurological diseases among populations in low-income countries, including many African countries. The unique ancestry of African populations suggests that improved inclusion of these populations in neuroscience-related genomic studies would significantly help to identify novel factors that might shape the future of neuroscience research and neurological healthcare. This perspective is strongly supported by the recent identification that diseased individuals and their kindred from specific sub-Saharan African populations lack common neurological disease-associated genetic mutations. This indicates that there may be population-specific causes of neurological diseases, necessitating further investigations into the contribution of additional, presently-unknown genomic factors. Here, we discuss how the development of neurogenomics research in Africa would help to elucidate disease-related genomic variants, and also provide a good basis to develop more effective therapies. Furthermore, neurogenomics would harness African scientists' expertise in neuroscience, genomics and bioinformatics to extend our understanding of the neural basis of behaviour, development and evolution.

7. Conclusion

Neurogenomics is an emerging field with enormous potential to advance neuroscience-related biomedical research and healthcare in Africa. However, studies exploring neurogenomic aspects of disease incidences, risk and propagation among Africans are lacking. The discovery that some African populations lack common disease-associated genetic mutations highlights the need and urgency for further studies. Gaining insight into the genomic causes of neuronal diseases in Africa would help to improve the timeliness and accuracy of clinical diagnosis and treatment. The use of existing genomics research facilities, as well as the establishment of new facilities dedicated to neurogenomics research would significantly benefit the continent. Importantly, substantial and sustainable financial investments towards training scientists and clinicians will be needed for Africa to fully benefit from this important research area.