Page 154 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

Genomics of Brain
Disorders Research Unit

UNIT DIRECTOR:
Prof. Soraya Seedat
sseedat@sun.ac.za

Overview of the Research Unit Key Milestones and Achievements

The Unit aims to identify genomic biomarkers for a The Unit seeks to advance understanding and
range of brain disorders (BDs) across the lifespan improve prediction of BDs in African populations by
using a systems biology approach informed generating scalable, contextually relevant evidence
by clinically derived data and multidisciplinary to inform risk prediction, biomarker identification,
expertise. Its research goes beyond traditional and the development of novel therapeutic targets
clinical classifications of mental disorders to enable for disorders prevalent in South Africa.
the phenotyping and analysis of biologically valid
cross-disorder subgroups and subtypes that may A key strategic focus has been developing and
better predict disease onset, progression, and analysing multimodal datasets to support data-
driven, AI-enabled approaches to BD research.
treatment response.
The Unit has made significant contributions to
This work is driven by translational neuroscience genomic research through its Parkinson’s disease
research aimed at reducing the burden of BDs in (PD) programme, including conducting the first
South Africa. The Unit employs innovative multi- genome-wide association study of PD in southern
omics, cognitive-affective, and brain-imaging Africa. This work identified a novel PD susceptibility
platforms to explore complex interactions among locus and sex-specific associations, emphasising
molecular, clinical, psychosocial, and environmental the importance of including African populations in
determinants of brain health. The research global genomic research and laying a foundation
encompasses both molecular and clinical fields, for future biomarker discovery.
with a strong focus on integrating biological The Unit has also initiated research exploring the
findings with contextual and environmental factors. role of the exposome in neuropsychiatric risk.
Current studies integrate social, environmental, and
The Unit’s research has provided new insights into
the genetic and environmental factors affecting biological dimensions of trauma to examine how
the risk and progression of BDs throughout life. cumulative exposures influence brain health and
It has also improved understanding of disease vulnerability to mental disorders in South African
mechanisms in South African and wider African populations.
populations, laying the groundwork for future In addition, the Unit is conducting a longitudinal
development of effective, culturally suitable, and multimodal study using brain imaging, behavioural
contextually relevant treatments. Additionally, the assessments, and prospective data collection
Unit’s findings may assist in integrating genomic data to investigate how environmental factors shape
into clinical practice and help improve approaches emotion regulation and mental health outcomes
to diagnosis, prevention, and intervention. Through at behavioural and neurobiological levels. The
its research-enabled framework, the Unit promotes research aims to identify mechanisms of resilience
cutting-edge investigation and generates evidence that can inform scalable and culturally grounded
to better understand vulnerability and protective interventions. By combining advanced statistical
factors linked to BDs. methods and machine learning with a rare

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