Sequencing and health data resource of children of African ancestry
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Purpose
Individuals who self-report as Black or African American are historically underrepresented in genome-wide studies of disease risk, a disparity particularly evident in pediatric disease research. To address this gap, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) established a biorepository and developed a comprehensive DNA sequencing resource including 15,684 individuals who self-identified as African American or Black and received care at CCHMC.
Methods
Participants were enrolled through the CCHMC Discover Together Biobank and sequenced. Admixture analyses confirmed the genetic ancestry of the cohort, which was then linked to electronic medical records.
Results
High-quality genome-wide genotypes from common variants accompanied by medical record-sourced data are available through the Genomic Information Commons. This dataset performs well in genetic studies. Specifically, we replicated known associations in sickle cell disease ( HBB , p = 4.05 × 10 ⁻ ¹□□), anxiety ( PLAA3 , p = 6.93 × 10 ⁻ □), and asthma ( PCDH15 , p = 5.6 × 10 ⁻ ¹□), while also identifying novel loci associated with asthma severity.
Conclusion
We present the acquisition and quality of genetic and disease-associated data and present an analytical framework for using this resource. In partnership with a community advisory council, we have co-developed a valuable framework for data use and future research.
