MODERN GENOMICS: FROM ANTHROPOLOGY TO UNDERSTANDING COMPLEX HUMAN DISEASES

Professor Raj Ramesar, Head of the Division of Human Genetics and the Department of Pathology, Tasniem Salie, Division of Human Genetics and Dr Shareefa Dalvie, lecturer, Department of Psychiatry and Division of Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, UCT

The completion of the human genome project initiated the exploration of whole genomes, whether these belong to viruses, single celled organisms or complex eukaryotes. Now, when we investigate infectious diseases of humans we think about the collision of genomes, some compatible and others not, resulting in disease. This three-lecture course assumes a basic interest in the study of heredity and walks the participant through technological developments of the last twenty years giving examples of the utility of genomics and big data to understand how the genome speaks to relationships of ancient and modern populations.  Susceptibilities to both infectious and non-infectious diseases are being investigated, leading to novel gene-based therapies. There is huge promise for previously neglected countries and continents such as Africa to benefit from the genomic revolution.

LECTURE TITLES

1. An introduction to technological advancements in genomics and the imperatives for Africa Professor Raj Ramesar

2. Ancient DNA: plotting relationships from human origins to modern populations Tasneem Salie

3.Investigating causes of complex diseases: psychiatric genetics  Dr Shareefa Dalvie