INTEC Biotechnology Professor Highlights Latin America's Underrepresentation in Global Genomic Databases
SANTO DOMINGO. – Genetic data plays a fundamental role in modern medicine, as it is used to predict disease risk based on millions of genetic variants, using artificial intelligence and deep learning. However, these predictions can be risky if they are based on incomplete or unrepresentative data, warned Carlos Fernando Vergara Castillo, a molecular biologist and population geneticist, and professor of the Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAAU). Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC).
In giving the lecture "Genetics, genomics, and data sovereignty: a critical perspective from Latin American biotechnology", as part of Sixth Scientific-Technical Workshop on Biotechnology and its Applications applications, Vergara noted that Many global genomic databases have historically been composed mostly of European populations, leaving regions such as Latin America underrepresented.
In this regard, Vergara emphasized the urgent need to build a more representative, sovereign, and equitable genetic science for the region. “Latin America doesn't need more data: it needs its own data.”, argued the expert, who indicated that the Inequality in genetic representation is not a minor problem, in as much as This can lead to serious clinical errors, such as the misdiagnosis of common genetic variants in Latin Americans that have been classified as pathogenic simply due to a lack of data on their actual frequency in the region.
"Recent studies have documented this phenomenon in hereditary diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which haThis emphasis on the urgent need to expand diversity in genomic research", said the INTEC teacher.
He also pointed out that the causes of this situation include low local investment in sequencing projects, dependence on research led by countries outside the region, and the lack of legal and ethical infrastructure to guarantee the sovereignty of genetic data. There is also a marked gap in the training of bioinformaticians and geneticists with a regional focus.
To reverse this situation, he proposed strengthening the link between academic training and local research, so that students generate their own data from their communities, using tools such as UMAP, ClinVar, and GnomAD, databases for compiling information on genetic variants associated with human diseases, and fostering a critical awareness of the region's genetic diversity.
Vergara also called for investment in scientific infrastructure and ethical frameworks that guarantee the sovereignty of genetic data, as well as for training professionals capable of leading regionally focused research. "It's not just about technology, but about scientific and health justice," she stated.
about the workshop
The sixth Scientific-Technical Workshop on Biotechnology and its applications, was carried out by the Area of Basic and Environmental Sciences and the Biotechnology Student Committee 2024-2025 for Biotechnologist Day.
The event aimed to bring together students, academics, and biotechnology professionals to share knowledge, promote the exchange of innovative ideas, and foster collaboration in this ever-evolving field.
During the event, recognition was given to teachers who have left their mark, not only in shaping the Biotechnology program, but also in the classroom, playing a leading role in its continuity.
The event featured a Bioentrepreneurship space, in which graduates of the program spoke about their experience at INTEC and their role in the development of Biotechnology in the country. These included Samuel Cedano (UNIBIOTEC), María Cedano (SOS Biotech), Camila Marranzini (Genetic Counseling), and Pamela Tejada (INTEC).
Additionally, Bioexpo Biotech 2025 was held, where students from the program presented research projects, mostly based on projects from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCYT) and INTEC Internal Funds, which were accepted into the Dominican Science Week RD.
Among the companies participating in the activity were Bonassi RD, IIBI, ALTOL Dominicana, and the INTEC Water Quality Laboratory.
The Biotechnology INTEC's program trains professionals with a solid foundation in biological sciences, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, and bioprocesses, committed to finding innovative solutions to local and global challenges. With a humanistic and scientific approach, this program promotes the generation of self-knowledge and the responsible use of technology for social, environmental, and health well-being.