The Tuberculosis Genomics (TB Genomics) research group, based at the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics (MBHG) at Stellenbosch University, and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Centre for Tuberculosis Research (CTR), specializes in molecular epidemiology and omics research of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, advancing insights into tuberculosis and mycobacteriology.
WHAT WE DO
TB Genomics employs an OMICs-based approach, integrating whole-genome sequencing (WGS), RNA-seq transcriptomics, and proteomics to investigate the epidemiology, drug resistance, and evolution of M. tuberculosiscomplex (MTBC) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). In addition, we study compensatory mechanisms and the roles of iron and lipids in virulence. Our work is supported by a specialized microbiology core with expertise in mycobacterial culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST), including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination.
In collaboration with the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), we have established one of the world's largest archives of drug-susceptible and drug-resistant M. tuberculosis isolates, including baseline and serial samples from diverse Southern African settings. This culture bank enables outbreak investigations, analyses of within-patient drug-resistance evolution, transmission studies, and the discovery of novel resistance mutations.
By integrating WGS with RNA-seq and proteomics, we assess the physiological impact of drug resistance on M. tuberculosis. Additionally, we contribute to the development and evaluation of rapid molecular diagnostics using next-generation sequencing to enhance precision medicine and inform public health policies.
COLLABORATIONS AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Capacity development remains a key theme of the TB Genomics group, which continues to provide training at the level of BSc Honours, MSc and PhD. Students from South Africa and Africa have successfully graduated. In addition, there is a strong focus on early career development where national and international postdoctoral fellows are mentored. Training is interdisciplinary and interinstitutional.
The TB Genomics group is dedicated to capacity building and training scientists in molecular techniques across multiple low and middle-income countries. We collaborate with researchers and students from Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Cameroon and Brazil.
As a member of the Tuberculosis Omics ResearCH (TORCH) consortium, funded by FWO, we partner with the University of Antwerp (Global Health Institute, Family Medicine and Population Health, and VAXINFECTIO) and the South African Tuberculosis Bioinformatics Initiative (SATBBI) at the University of the Western Cape. Additionally, we collaborate on multiple grants and projects with institutions across the globe, including UCSF, TGen, Vanderbilt University, the University of Washington, UCLouvain, Boston Medical Center, Harvard University, Research Center Borstel and the University of Cape Town.
