MKU’s new gene machine a giant leap in fight against malaria

Mount Kenya University (MKU) took a huge leap forward in gene research when it purchased a next-generation sequencer, the Illumina NextSeq 1000.

In 2023, MKU made the headlines for launching, in collaboration with Osaka City University in Japan, a US$3.5 million state-of-the-art Centre for Malaria Elimination. According to MKU, the centre is supposed to help with malaria elimination through advanced research methods, technologies and innovations.

True to their word, MKU has taken the next step in research advancement by equipping the centre with the one-of-a-kind gene sequencer. The university is the only one in Kenya that has this advanced technology.

Genomics vital against diseases

Gene research (genomics) is the study of an organism’s genome or DNA by finding out how it functions, evolves and interacts with the environment. By understanding how genes react with each other and with the environment, researchers can be able to figure out ways to diagnose, treat or prevent diseases.

Gene sequencing plays an important role in malaria elimination by increasing understanding of the biology of the parasites, identifying drug resistance in humans, identifying insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, and tracking mosquito migration.

Being a developing nation, Kenya still lags behind in the fight against malaria due to lack of or inadequate technology. Acquiring the Illumina NextSeq 1000 has, therefore, shifted the tide in the fight against malaria and many other diseases that affect the nation.

Multiple applications

The machine can be applied to a range of current and emerging applications apart from genome sequencing, such as immune repertoire profiling, single-cell sequencing, transcriptomics, RNA sequencing and spatial profiling.

Another of its key features is its ability for cloud analytics. This means it can use cloud computing for storing, processing and analysing substantial amounts of data at a time. This also means users can access a wide selection of bioinformatics tools and share data globally.

The Illumina NextSeq 1000 was developed by Illumina, a global company that develops and sells science tools and systems. It is priced at about US$210,000.

According to MKU, they intend to use the sequencer for cancer research, antimicrobial, or AMR resistance studies, and the investigation of infectious tropical diseases.

Collaborating with Japan

“We acquired the sequencer in September 2024 with the support of a Japanese government grant through Japan International Cooperation Agency,” said Dr Bernard Kanoi, senior research fellow at the Centre for Malaria Elimination at MKU.

“The acquisition positions MKU as the leading research institution for genomics in Kenya. It empowers our research faculty to undertake groundbreaking studies in various fields, including malaria, infectious diseases, and cancer,” Kanoi told University World News.

“It will provide invaluable training opportunities for our students, equipping them with cutting-edge skills in genetic research, which will undoubtedly enhance their prospects in academia and the biotechnology industry.”

Kanoi added that the sequencer also signifies a significant leap forward for national research capabilities without the need for shipping samples to other countries for sequencing. It will allow Kenyan researchers to conduct crucial genetic studies in the country, fostering collaboration and accelerating scientific progress.

Building research capacity

“The sequencer is expected to revolutionise research at MKU, and this is part of our continuing efforts to build capacity in Kenya,” Dr Jesse Gitaka, director of grants and development at MKU said. Gitaka expects it will be instrumental in the following ways:

• Tracking emerging malaria drug resistance in Kenya and the region;

• Identifying new drug targets and developing personalised treatment strategies for malaria;

• Investigating the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance;

• Understanding the genetic basis of various infectious diseases prevalent in Kenya; and

• Studying the role of genetics in cancer development and progression.

Kanoi said that other projects in the pipeline at the Centre for Malaria Elimination include antimalaria drug resistance surveillance, studying malaria during pregnancy studies, and malaria vaccine discovery studies.

“As the only university in Kenya with such advanced capabilities, we prioritise impactful research while fostering collaborations across disciplines and institutions, unlocking infinite possibilities for innovation and scientific discovery,” Kanoi said.