Researchers Explore Genetic Factors in Disease

Researchers around the world are deepening their exploration into how genetic factors contribute to disease, advancing our understanding of both rare and common conditions. A growing body of multi-omics (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics) research is shedding light on how interactions between genes and the environment (gene‑environment, or GxE interactions) influence the risk, severity, and progression of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. This kind of research is paving the way for more precise, personalized medicine — identifying biomarkers that help predict who is most at risk and tailoring interventions accordingly.
In Kenya, the Centre for Genomics of Non‑Communicable Diseases and Personalized Healthcare (CGNPH) is leading several projects aimed at mapping genetic variants associated with chronic illnesses. Their work spans cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, diabetes, and even pharmacogenomics (how genes influence drug response), aiming to develop risk-prediction models and targeted screening tools. For example, they are investigating micronutrient and intrauterine nutritional effects, as well as how genetic profiles interact with lifestyle factors, to better understand who is most vulnerable and why.
Complementing this, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is conducting research into genetic ancestry to improve disease management through precision medicine. At a recent conference, KEMRI scientists highlighted how ancestry-informative markers and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can illuminate population histories and help explain different disease susceptibilities. This has major implications for tailoring healthcare in Kenya, where the deep genetic diversity of African populations is often underrepresented in global genomic databases.
On a disease-specific level, recent scientific reviews also point to strong genetic contributions in conditions like diabetes. For instance, a 2025 review in Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome synthesized emerging evidence on how genetic variants influence not just the onset of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but also complications like nephropathy and retinopathy. These discoveries underscore the importance of integrating genetic screening into public health strategies — particularly in places where genetic risk is compounded by environmental pressures — to more effectively prevent and manage chronic disease.