SynBio Africa is excited to announce the launch of SynCell Africa, a pioneering initiative by SynBio Africa focused on advancing synthetic cell research across the African continent, with a primary focus on addressing sickle cell disease (SCD). We are seeking expressions of interest from academic institutions, research laboratories, and individual experts across Africa to join this pioneering consortium.
About SynCell Africa
SynCell Africa is a collaborative network aimed at harnessing the power of synthetic biology to develop innovative, nature-inspired technologies that can transform the treatment, and management of sickle cell disease. This initiative seeks to unite Africa’s leading scientific minds and institutions to push the boundaries of synthetic cell research, while also addressing one of the continent’s most pressing health challenges.
Why focus on sickle cell disease?
The focus on sickle cell disease (SCD) is driven by its significant and growing impact worldwide, particularly in Africa. Here are key reasons for our focus:
- High Prevalence: Sickle cell disease predominantly affects individuals of African descent, with a notable “sickle belt” in Africa where the prevalence of the sickle-cell gene ranges from 10% to 40%. The global prevalence of SCD has risen substantially, from 5.46 million to 7.74 million cases between 2000 and 2021.
- Geographical Concentration: The disease is highly concentrated in Africa, spanning from the southern Sahara to the northern Zambezi, an area also plagued by malaria. This region faces a high frequency of hemoglobin SC composite double heterozygosities and SCD-related complications.
- Rising Incidence: The rate of newly diagnosed SCD cases has increased globally, with a noticeable rise in cases among various genotypes. Between 2000 and 2021, new diagnoses rose by 382 per 100,000 live births, reflecting a growing burden of the disease.
- Severe Mortality: Sub-Saharan Africa experiences the highest mortality rates from SCD, with 29,400 deaths reported in 2021, marking a 30.1% increase since 2000. SCD contributes to 2.2% of all under-five deaths in the region and is ranked 11th among all causes of mortality.
- Global Reach: SCD is not limited to Africa; it affects populations in the United States, West Indies, France, Belgium, England, the Mediterranean basin, the Middle East, and India. This global distribution underscores the widespread and multifaceted nature of the disease.
These factors highlight why addressing SCD is crucial, particularly in regions with high prevalence and significant health impacts.
Reference: WHO African Region – Insight into Sickle
Cell Disease (Module 2), 2024
Key Components of SynCell Africa’s Research focused on SCD
- Cell Structure and Function: SynCell Africa will develop synthetic cells designed to mimic the function of healthy red blood cells. These engineered cells will be capable of delivering oxygen efficiently throughout the body, potentially offering a breakthrough in the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD).
- DNA Replication Process: The initiative will pioneer the creation of synthetic DNA sequences that encode normal hemoglobin. These sequences will be replicated and delivered into patients’ cells using advanced viral vectors or non-viral delivery systems, targeting the root cause of SCD.
- Protein Synthesis in Cells: SynCell Africa will also focus on designing synthetic cells capable of synthesizing and secreting normal hemoglobin. This hemoglobin will be infused into patients, replacing the abnormal hemoglobin in their red blood cells and alleviating the symptoms of SCD.
- Cell Communication Mechanisms: Another innovative aspect of the initiative will be the design of synthetic circuits within these cells. These circuits will sense conditions such as hypoxia or inflammation, triggering the production of therapeutic molecules to mitigate SCD symptoms in real-time.
Why Join the Consortium?
By joining SynCell Africa, you will:
Collaborate with Leading Experts: Engage with top researchers, institutions, and individual experts from across Africa and beyond to advance synthetic cell research.
Access Funding Opportunities: Benefit from joint funding applications and shared resources to accelerate your research and development efforts.
Impact Public Health: Contribute to developing cutting-edge solutions that can significantly improve the lives of millions affected by sickle cell disease across Africa.
Shape the Future of Synthetic Biology: Play a key role in advancing the field of synthetic biology in Africa, influencing policy, and setting research priorities.
Who Should Apply?
We invite expressions of interest from six (6) different categories of collaborators:
Academic and Research Institutions: Universities, research centers, and laboratories with expertise or interest in synthetic biology, genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and related fields.
Healthcare Organizations: Hospitals, clinics, and public health organizations focused on sickle cell disease and genetic disorders.
Private Sector Companies: Biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies, and startups working on innovative health solutions.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Organizations engaged in healthcare, genetic disorders, or community health advocacy.
Government and Policy Bodies: National and regional health agencies interested in advancing synthetic biology and addressing sickle cell disease.
Individual Experts: Researchers, clinicians, bioengineers, and other professionals with relevant expertise who are passionate about contributing to this transformative initiative.
How to Apply
Interested parties are invited to submit an expression of interest (EOI) outlining their expertise, resources, and potential contributions to the SynCell Africa consortium. The EOI should include:
A brief overview of your organization or personal expertise and its relevance to synthetic biology or sickle cell disease research.
Details of any relevant projects, expertise, or resources you can bring to the consortium.
Contact information for the lead representative.
Please send your EOI to info@synbioafrica.com by Friday 27th September 2024.
Selected participants will be invited to engage in further discussions to define the consortium’s structure, governance, and research agenda.
Contact Information
For more information or any inquiries, please contact:
Geoffrey Otim
Focal Point, SynCell Africa
Founder and CEO, SynBio Africa
Email: gotim@synbioafrica.com
Join us in this important mission to leverage synthetic biology for better health outcomes in Africa. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the future of healthcare on the continent.