Christian Opoku Asamoah
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Christian Opoku Asamoah has a total of 11 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Abass Shaibu Danbaki
Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi 00233, Ghana
1 shared publication - Azeez Butali
Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
1 shared publication - Bruce Tsri
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
1 shared publication - Elvis Poku-Adusei
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
1 shared publication - Gideon Okyere Mensah
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
1 shared publication - Hafsa Akeeya
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 22 July 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Preprints.org
Pharmacogenomics in Orofacial Clefts Care: Insights From Whole Genome Sequencing of Case-Parents Trios
Background/Objectives: Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are among the most common birth defects globally, sometimes exacerbated by adverse drug reactions (ADRs) like corticosteroids and antiepileptics. Comprehending the pharmacogenomic and pharmacogenetic elements that lead to ADRs is essential for enhancing precision medicine and clinical outcomes. This study examines rare genetic variants in drug-metabolizing and drug-transporting genes among Ghanaian and Nigerian families with a history of OFCs, intending to assess their pathogenicity and functional implications. Methods: We recruited 104 Ghanaian families and 26 Nigerian families, generating whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from 390 individuals (130 case-parent trios). DNA was isolated from saliva and buccal swab samples and estimated with a Qubit fluorometer. DNA samples underwent WGS, and WGS data analyzed through extensive bioinformatics algorithms. Variants were called and annotated using the GATK workflow. The HOPE in silico modeling tool evaluated the structural impact of genetic variants on encoded proteins, while molecular docking using PyRx examined alterations in ligand binding affinity. Results: Our study revealed pathogenic variants in vital genes associated with drug metabolism and transport, specifically CYP1A2, CYP2C18, CYP27A1, CYP2B6, SLC6A2, and ABCC3. Structural modeling research demonstrated substantial size, charge, conformation, and hydrophobicity variations between wild-type and mutant proteins. Variants positioned near conserved regions or within functional domains were anticipated to be deleterious, potentially compromising protein function and ligand interactions. Molecular docking studies verified changes in binding affinities between wildtype and mutant proteins for common ligands. The identified variations were linked to the metabolism of frequently used pharmaceuticals in Africa, such as caffeine, ketoconazole, efavirenz, carbamazepine, and artemether. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for pharmacogenetic screening to inform personalized medicine, diminish ADRs, and enhance the clinical care of OFCs in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- 22 July 2025
- Published by MDPI AG in Preprints.org
Open AccessPharmacogenomics in Orofacial Clefts Care: Insights From Whole Genome Sequencing of Case-Parents Trios
Background/Objectives: Orofacial clefts (OFCs) are among the most common birth defects globally, sometimes exacerbated by adverse drug reactions (ADRs) like corticosteroids and antiepileptics. Comprehending the pharmacogenomic and pharmacogenetic elements that lead to ADRs is essential for enhancing precision medicine and clinical outcomes. This study examines rare genetic variants in drug-metabolizing and drug-transporting genes among Ghanaian and Nigerian families with a history of OFCs, intending to assess their pathogenicity and functional implications. Methods: We recruited 104 Ghanaian families and 26 Nigerian families, generating whole genome sequencing (WGS) data from 390 individuals (130 case-parent trios). DNA was isolated from saliva and buccal swab samples and estimated with a Qubit fluorometer. DNA samples underwent WGS, and WGS data analyzed through extensive bioinformatics algorithms. Variants were called and annotated using the GATK workflow. The HOPE in silico modeling tool evaluated the structural impact of genetic variants on encoded proteins, while molecular docking using PyRx examined alterations in ligand binding affinity. Results: Our study revealed pathogenic variants in vital genes associated with drug metabolism and transport, specifically CYP1A2, CYP2C18, CYP27A1, CYP2B6, SLC6A2, and ABCC3. Structural modeling research demonstrated substantial size, charge, conformation, and hydrophobicity variations between wild-type and mutant proteins. Variants positioned near conserved regions or within functional domains were anticipated to be deleterious, potentially compromising protein function and ligand interactions. Molecular docking studies verified changes in binding affinities between wildtype and mutant proteins for common ligands. The identified variations were linked to the metabolism of frequently used pharmaceuticals in Africa, such as caffeine, ketoconazole, efavirenz, carbamazepine, and artemether. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for pharmacogenetic screening to inform personalized medicine, diminish ADRs, and enhance the clinical care of OFCs in Sub-Saharan Africa.