Dr. Yan Ge, Principal Investigator at the ICGEB China Regional Research Centre, shares key insights and standout highlights from the Group’s latest research presentations.
The ICGEB Diabetes Interest Group continues to bring together scientists from across the globe to share insights, foster collaboration, and address pressing challenges in metabolic and infectious diseases. Recent sessions have showcased a diverse range of research, highlighting both scientific innovation and real-world impact.
In March 2026, Dr. Bello Ibrahim (National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Nigeria) presented findings on the epidemiology and molecular variants of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency among children affected by malaria in Katsina State. His talk, entitled Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of African Variant of G6PD Deficiency Among Children Diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria in Katsina State, Nigeria, outlined how his work advances the understanding of genetic susceptibility to malaria complications and offers valuable insights for safer treatment strategies in endemic regions.
The session was moderated by Tandja Alphonse Godwill (University of Douala, Cameroon), and the discussion that followed explored the broader health implications of G6PD deficiency and underscored the public health relevance of these findings.
Get to Know Each Other Meeting In December 2025, Dr. Koloko Brice Landry (University of Douala, Cameroon), Speaker, and Dr. Ojochenemi Enejoh (National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency, Nigeria), Moderator held a convivial, interactive session. Dr. Landry shared his academic and research journey across Cameroon, Pakistan, Italy, and Germany. He also introduced his current work on screening natural products for potential treatments targeting chronic liver diseases, diabetes, and obesity.
A lively exchange with participants focused on overcoming research limitations, including innovative approaches, such as low-cost 3D-printed PCR machines, to address infrastructure challenges.
Earlier, in November 2025, Dr. Aida Kabibulatova (Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan) presented a talk on Genetic Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes. Dr. Kabibulatova presented her PhD research on identifying novel genetic variants linked to coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes in Kazakhstan. She also offered a glimpse into her institution’s research facilities.
The Q&A session addressed practical challenges in study design, particularly the difficulty of recruiting suitable control groups, and explored alternative methodological approaches.
In September 2025, Dr. Humera Fiaz (National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Pakistan). presented a talk on Developing Genetic & Biomolecular Strategies to Reduce the Burden of Cardio-Metabolic Disorders in Pakistan.
Dr. Fiaz introduced a cost-effective tetra ARMS PCR assay developed in her laboratory for genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms. She also presented research on the role of vitamin D and related genes in cardiometabolic disorders, alongside findings on inherited metabolic conditions.
The discussion highlighted methodological considerations and explored the applicability of these approaches in different clinical contexts.
Through these sessions, the ICGEB Diabetes Interest Group continues to spotlight cutting-edge research while fostering dialogue on shared challenges—from genetic epidemiology to resource constraints—strengthening a global network committed to advancing health outcomes.
