Indigenous diversity in Australia's DNA tapestry unlocked for genetic equity

Abstract

Diverse genomic sequences might boost equity in areas such as health care. Genomic data from Indigenous Australians, shared through a community-consultation framework, aids efforts to boost genetic representation.

Keywords: Genetics; Genomics.

Figure 1 ∣. Locations of Indigenous populations providing samples for genomic analysis.

Silcocks et al. analysed genomic data for individuals (number indicates genomes per site) from linguistically distinct Indigenous communities at four sites in Australia, and compared these with previously sequenced^, genomes from Indigenous communities in Papua New Guinea and its associated islands. These data shed light on migrations and on the timing of when these populations separated from communities in Papua New Guinea. This genomic information might also prove a useful resource to enable more equitable health care.