Abstract

The lack of representation of diverse ancestral backgrounds in genomic research is well-known, and the resultant scientific and ethical limitations are becoming increasingly appreciated. The paucity of data on individuals with African ancestry is especially noteworthy as Africa is the birthplace of modern humans and harbors the greatest genetic diversity. It is expected that greater representation of those with African ancestry in genomic research will bring novel insights into human biology, and lead to improvements in clinical care and improved understanding of health disparities. Now that major efforts have been undertaken to address this failing, is there evidence of these anticipated advances? Here, we evaluate the promise of including diverse individuals in genomic research in the context of recent literature on individuals of African ancestry. In addition, we discuss progress and achievements on related technological challenges and diversity among scientists conducting genomic research.

Details

Title
Evaluating the promise of inclusion of African ancestry populations in genomics
Author
Bentley, Amy R 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Callier, Shawneequa L 2 ; Rotimi, Charles N 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo 

1  National Institutes of Health, Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, USA (GRID:grid.94365.3d) (ISNI:0000 0001 2297 5165) 
2  National Institutes of Health, Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health, National Human Genome Research Institute, Bethesda, USA (GRID:grid.94365.3d) (ISNI:0000 0001 2297 5165); The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, Washington, USA (GRID:grid.253615.6) (ISNI:0000 0004 1936 9510) 
Publication year
2020
Publication date
2020
Publisher
Nature Publishing Group
e-ISSN
20567944
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41525-019-0111-x
ProQuest document ID
2488773885
Copyright
© This is a U.S. government work and not under copyright protection in the U.S.; foreign copyright protection may apply 2020. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.