UGR-Core

Population Genomics & Phenotyping


Overview

UGR-Core (formerly UGR Phase I) is the foundational component of the Uganda Genome Resource (UGR), a well-characterised population-based genomic research resource derived from the Uganda General Population Cohort (GPC). Established in 1989, the GPC is an ongoing population-based cohort that collects extensive demographic, epidemiological and clinical information on communicable and non-communicable diseases and associated risk factors.

UGR-Core was established using data collected during Round 22 of the GPC in 2011, with a focus on investigating the genetic and epidemiological determinants of health and disease in Ugandan populations. The resource includes participants from 10 ethnolinguistic groups, providing an important foundation for research into African genetic diversity and the genetic architecture of complex diseases.

The original survey involved five key stages: community mobilisation and participant consent, mapping, census, survey administration, and results feedback with clinical follow-up. Genomic characterisation was undertaken through the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, leveraging its established research infrastructure and molecular profiling platforms.


Cohort Information

  • Project identifier: UGR Phase I
  • Established: 2011 (GPC established in 1989)
  • Participants: Approximately 7,000
  • Age range: 13–80+ years
  • Population: Ugandan GPC participants representing 10 ethnolinguistic groups
  • Study design: Population-based cohort

Genomic, Molecular and Phenotypic Data

  • Genome-wide genotyping: Approximately 5,000 participants genotyped using the Illumina HumanOmni 2.5M array.
  • Whole-genome sequencing (WGS): Approximately 2,000 participants with low-coverage (4×) whole-genome sequencing.
  • Proteomics: Proteomic profiles available for 525 participants (UGR-PD).
  • DNA methylation: Epigenomic profiles available for 750 participants.
  • Metabolomics: Nightingale metabolomic profiles available for approximately 2,000 participants.
  • Clinical and epidemiological phenotyping: More than 50 cardiometabolic and infectious disease traits, including associated risk factors.

Research Applications

UGR-Core supports population genetics, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genetic diversity research, and the investigation of genetic and environmental determinants of communicable and non-communicable diseases.

The integration of genomic, molecular and phenotypic data provides opportunities for multi-omics investigations, biomarker discovery and studies of disease-associated genetic variation in African populations.


Reference: Fatumo et al., 2022, Cell Genomics.

Available Data

Publications