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Leon Mutesa

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Leon Mutesa
Born
Leon Mutesa

Rwanda
NationalityRwandan
Alma materUniversity of Rwanda
University of Liège
AwardsAfrican Prize for Lifetime Contribution in human genetics by HUGO
Scientific career
FieldsHuman Genetics
InstitutionsUniversity of Rwanda

Leon Mutesa is a Rwandan Professor of human genetics who serves as the Director of the Center for Human Genetics at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, a center he established in 2006. [1][2] Mutesa obtained his MD from the University of Rwanda in 2003 and earned his PhD in 2009 from the University of Liege, Belgium, where he also completed his postdoc in 2011. Mutesa's career has been marked by involvement in clinical services, academia, research, capacity-building, and health sector management.[3]

Mutesa is a Rwandan pioneering figure in the field of genetics; he led the development and implementation of Rwanda’s reference center for medical genetics, the only facility of its kind in East Africa.[4][5] Mutesa is a board member of the International Vaccine Institute and serves as president of the Rwanda Down Syndrome Organization, which supports people with Down syndrome in Rwanda.[6][7] In April 2024, he was awarded the African Prize for Lifetime Contribution in Human Genetics by the HUGO-Human Genome Organisation.[8]

Education

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Mutesa attended the University of Rwanda, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in human biology in 1998. Subsequently, Mutesa continued his enrolment at the institution to pursue a medical and surgical degree; he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in 2003. Since 2009, Mutesa holds a PhD degree in human genetics from the University of Liège, Belgium.[9]

Academic career

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After graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery in 2004, Mutesa started working at the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences,  as an assistant lecturer. In 2006, he founded the Center for Human Genetics at the institution and became its director. In 2010, he became senior lecturer. In 2015, Mutesa rose to associate professor of human genetics. [10] He has been a visiting professor of human genetics at various institutions, including the University of Liège in Belgium, Cheikh Anta Diop University in Senegal, and he was promoted to the Professor title in 2019.[11] His academic dedication has led him to create various postgraduate programs at the University of Rwanda including MSc and PhD in biotechnology and others for strengthening the biopharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing capacity in Rwanda. He has supervised/mentored over 90 MSc, MMed, PhD, and Post-Doc fellows from Rwanda and overseas universities.[12]

Additional career

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Between 2009 and 2011, Mutesa was a Director of the Department of Clinical Biology at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), the largest referral hospital in Rwanda. Subsequently, he was appointed by the government of Rwanda as the head of the Medical Research Division at the Rwanda Biomedical Centre, a Rwanda's national health implementation agency established by the Ministry of Health. His work included coordinating health-related research activities in all national medical institutions; he served until 2013.[13] Between 2013 and 2021, Mutesa worked with the Rwanda National Police as a consultant for the implementation of the Rwanda Forensic Institute, a laboratory that supports the justice system with evidence based on science and technology for use in courts of law and other justice bodies in Rwanda.[14][9] He also contributed to creation of forensic science bachelor’s degree program at the University of Rwanda. Mutesa has been serving as Editor-in-Chief for the Rwanda Medical Journal and the Rwanda Public Health Bulletin since 2010 and 2019, respectively.[15][16]

Scientific contributions

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Pioneering scientific initiatives

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Mutesa has pioneered new development and implementation of a reference center for human genetics and genomics in Rwanda, which is the only one in the East African Region.[17] In 2009, Mutesa joined the African Society of Human Genetics (AfSHG) and created the Rwandan Society of Human Genetics (RSHG) in 2016, for which he serves as its president. In 2018, Mutesa led the team that organized and hosted the joint 11th Conference of AfSHG, 1st Conference of RSHG, and 12th H3Africa Consortium Meeting in Kigali, Rwanda.[18]

In 2014, Mutesa advocated for health insurance coverage for genetic examinations for patients in Rwanda, and currently, most health insurances cover the karyotype exam, cytogenetic, and molecular tests. In 2016, Mutesa and Edwige Musabe created the Rwanda Down Syndrome Organization, which trains family members and teachers in Rwanda to support the development of children with Down syndrome; in 2021, it was following over 1,000 patients. Mutesa has served as president of the organization since its founding.[3][19]

Epigenetics and PTSD studies

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Mutesa served as Principal Investigator of several research grants from National Institute of Health (NIH) among others, which aimed at characterizing the intergenerational transmission of epigenetic impact of genocide exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda and their offspring.[20] This was one of the most significant scientific endeavors, and the proof of concept showing that in utero genocide exposure was connected to CpGs in 3 of the 24 DMRs: BCL-6 corepressor (BCOR), PR/SET Domain 8 (PRDM8), and Von Willebrand Factor D and EGF Domains (VWDE), with higher DNAm in exposed vs. unexposed offspring.[21] Furthermore, BCOR and VWDE demonstrate a significant correlation between brain and blood DNAm within individuals, suggesting that these peripherally derived signals of genocide exposure may have implications for the brain. These findings indicate that PTSD continues to be a burden not only for those who were directly exposed to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, but also for future generations. Several potential biological markers were identified, including cortisol levels and a number of epigenetic alterations, and some of which were shared between generations (mother and affected offspring). This study's findings have a comparative effect on populations living in regions with persistent trauma conflicts resulting from war and other forms of violence. Mutesa’s studies have shed light on the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications impact cellular processes and contribute to various health conditions, advancing the knowledge of how epigenetic regulation affects gene function and providing insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies.[22]

Mutesa also has investigated how epigenetic modifications affect gene expression and contribute to disease. His research, including a 2020 study on the immune response to COVID-19, has focused on understanding how environmental factors and genetic predispositions interact to influence epigenetic changes. These modifications can have profound implications for health and disease.[23] Mutesa’s studies have shed light on the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications impact cellular processes and contribute to various health conditions, advancing the knowledge of how epigenetic regulation affects gene function and providing insights for developing novel therapeutic strategies.[24]

Human Genetics and Genomic Medicine

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Mutesa has made notable contributions to the field of human genetics, focusing on genetic variations and their implications for health. His research has explored the genetic underpinnings of various diseases, including rare genetic disorders prevalent in specific populations. For instance, his 2016 study on Down syndrome emphasized the increased burden associated with advanced maternal age in the African context.[25] By analyzing genetic data, Mutesa has helped identify genetic markers associated with disease susceptibility and progression, leading to a better understanding of the genetic factors influencing health outcomes. His work has provided valuable insights into the genetic and genomic basis of disease, which are crucial for developing targeted therapeutic interventions and improving diagnostic methods.[18]

Genomics

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Between July 2004 and July 2006, Mutesa led a study about neonatal screening for sickle cell disease in Central Africa, where 1825 newborns with a new ELISA test from Burundi, Rwanda, and the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo were examined.[26] Since 2007, Mutesa has conducted various studies on Down syndrome, particularly in Africa.[27]

Malaria

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Mutesa’s research on malaria has significantly contributed to understanding the disease's genetic and environmental factors, influencing susceptibility and treatment responses.[28] His studies have explored malaria epidemiology, identifying genetic markers that could affect disease progression and treatment outcomes.[29] Mutesa's work has helped enhance public health strategies aimed at malaria prevention and management, supporting efforts to reduce transmission and improve patient care through targeted interventions.[30][31] His contributions continue to impact malaria research, particularly in the context of African populations, where malaria remains a major public health challenge.[32]

COVID-19

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As a geneticist, during COVID-19, Mutesa was among the Rwandan government’s COVID-19 task force, where he was coordinating COVID-19 laboratory testing under WHO consultancy.[33] Mutesa and his research group implemented various research projects aiming at building human capacity for SARS-CoV-2 laboratory diagnostic and management in Rwanda.[34] They discovered a COVID-19 pooling testing strategy that shows a cost-saving approach for better use of SARS-CoV-2 limited testing resources, and they published a Nature’s paper on their discovery.[35] His work on genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 had a positive impact for understanding the geographical phylogenetic dynamic of variants during the pandemic.[36]

Mutesa’s research on COVID-19 has been comprehensive and instrumental in understanding the pandemic’s impact and response strategies. His contributions include detailed analyses of Rwanda’s preparedness activities and response updates from 2020, examining the role of media in managing the crisis, and evaluating the effectiveness of technologies used in COVID-19 containment. Mutesa’s 2020 work also addressed the implications of easing lockdown restrictions and reviewed global treatment trends. Additionally, his 2021 study investigated the observed lower-than-predicted mortality rates in Rwanda,[37] while his 2022 research highlighted innovative approaches, such as the use of trained scent dogs for detecting COVID-19.[38] His research played a critical role in shaping public health strategies and responses to the pandemic.[39]

Clinical trials

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Mutesa involved in the improvement of clinical trial ecosystem in Rwanda and has contributed to the development of national investment case of clinical trial guidelines. In 2022, he led 2 major clinical trials, one on malaria, a multi-center Phase III randomized controlled non-inferiority clinical trial, a study by the Development of Triple Artemisinin Combination Therapies (DeTACT),  and another on the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine candidate, a Phase I/IIa trial funded by Oxford and the International Vaccine Institute, respectively.[40][1]

Awards

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References

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  1. ^ a b "UR to open Biotechnology Master's Programme by next year – Rwanda inspirer". 14 June 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  2. ^ "Leon Mutesa | University of Rwanda in Kigali". berlinscienceweek.com. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  3. ^ a b Mutesa, Léon (1 March 2022). "A genetic research story of giving back and returning to the country of a thousand hills". Nature Genetics. 54 (3): 216–218. doi:10.1038/s41588-022-01028-9. ISSN 1546-1718. PMID 35241827.
  4. ^ "Rwanda Turns to Mathematical Approach to Enhance Coronavirus Testing". Voice of America. 13 August 2020. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  5. ^ ADF (10 November 2020). "Rwanda Earns Praise for Multifaceted Virus Response". Africa Defense Forum. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  6. ^ Courtney (9 November 2017). "Down Syndrome Advocacy in Rwanda". Inclusion Evolution. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  7. ^ Em, Aerie (20 April 2022). "International Vaccine Institute appoints two members to its Board of Trustees representing Ecuador and Rwanda". IVI. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
  8. ^ Uwamariya, Yanditswe na Nadia. "Umunyarwanda yahembewe kuvumbura ko ihungabana ryatewe na Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi rihererekanywa mu muryango". Kigali Today. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  9. ^ a b Reporter, Times (5 November 2016). "Meet Dr Leon Mutesa, Rwanda's first medical geneticist". The New Times. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  10. ^ Sabiiti, Daniel (21 September 2018). "New Research Shows Traumatic Disorder Among Children Conceived During Genocide". KT PRESS. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  11. ^ "Two academic staff promoted to Professor - University of Rwanda". ur.ac.rw. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  12. ^ "Leon MUTESA - 6th World Congress on Resilience 2024". 2 February 2024. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  13. ^ Reporter, Times (24 November 2011). "Regional experts discuss anti-malaria drug". The New Times. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  14. ^ Buningwire, Williams (7 March 2023). "ASFM 2023 Kicks Off With Call For More Investment In Forensic Science To Deliver Quality Justice". KT PRESS. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  15. ^ "Editorial Board". RWANDA MEDICAL JOURNAL. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  16. ^ https://rbc.gov.rw/publichealthbulletin/about/board
  17. ^ "Dr. Leon Mutesa – H3Africa". Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  18. ^ a b Musanabaganwa, Clarisse (3 June 2020). "Building Skills and Resources for Genomics, Epigenetics, and Bioinformatics Research for Africa: Report of the Joint 11th Conference of the African Society of Human Genetics and 12th H3Africa Consortium, 2018". The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 102 (6): 1417–1424. doi:10.4269/ajtmh.19-0837. ISSN 0002-9637. PMC 7253097. PMID 32207403.
  19. ^ Mwiza, Shallon (22 March 2024). "Rwanda: Advocates and supporters gather to 'end stereotypes' on World Down Syndrome Day". The New Times. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  20. ^ Perroud, Nader; Rutembesa, Eugene; Paoloni-Giacobino, Ariane; Mutabaruka, Jean; Mutesa, Léon; Stenz, Ludwig; Malafosse, Alain; Karege, Félicien (1 May 2014). "The Tutsi genocide and transgenerational transmission of maternal stress: epigenetics and biology of the HPA axis". The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry. 15 (4): 334–345. doi:10.3109/15622975.2013.866693. ISSN 1814-1412. PMID 24690014.
  21. ^ Musanabaganwa, Clarisse; Wani, Agaz H; Donglasan, Janelle; Fatumo, Segun; Jansen, Stefan; Mutabaruka, Jean; Rutembesa, Eugene; Uwineza, Annette; Hermans, Erno J; Roozendaal, Benno; Wildman, Derek E; Mutesa, Leon; Uddin, Monica (1 January 2022). "Leukocyte Methylomic Imprints of Exposure to the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda: a Pilot Epigenome-Wide Analysis". Epigenomics. 14 (1): 11–25. doi:10.2217/epi-2021-0310. ISSN 1750-1911. PMC 8672329. PMID 34875875.
  22. ^ Mutesa, Leon (1 December 2023). "Predictive evidence of the relevance of epigenetics to PTSD". Nature Reviews Genetics. 24 (12): 807. doi:10.1038/s41576-023-00646-1. ISSN 1471-0064. PMID 37553474.
  23. ^ Uwibambe, Esther & Mutesa. "The Body Immune Response Against COVID-19 in Africa". Rwanda Public Health Bulletin. 2 (4): 12–14. ISSN 2663-4643.
  24. ^ Mutesa, Leon (1 December 2023). "Predictive evidence of the relevance of epigenetics to PTSD". Nature Reviews Genetics. 24 (12): 807. doi:10.1038/s41576-023-00646-1. ISSN 1471-0056. PMID 37553474.
  25. ^ "Advanced Maternal Age, also an Important Risk Factor for Down Syndrome in African Black Population. A Nine - Year Experience in Rwanda and Burden Outcome". 3(1):1-6. 3 (1): 1–6. 2 June 2016.
  26. ^ Mutesa, Léon; Boemer, François; Ngendahayo, Louis; Rulisa, Stephen; Rusingiza, Emmanuel K.; Cwinya-Ay, Neniling; Mazina, Déogratias; Kariyo, Pierre C.; Bours, Vincent; Schoos, Roland (2007). "Neonatal screening for sickle cell disease in Central Africa: a study of 1825 newborns with a new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test". Journal of Medical Screening. 14 (3): 113–116. doi:10.1258/096914107782066211. ISSN 0969-1413. PMID 17925082.
  27. ^ Kruszka, Paul; et al. (1 January 2017). "Down syndrome in diverse populations". American Journal of Medical Genetics. Part A. 173 (1): 42–53. doi:10.1002/ajmg.a.38043. ISSN 1552-4833. PMID 27991738.
  28. ^ Ingabire, Chantal Marie (31 March 2015). "Factors impeding the acceptability and use of malaria preventive measures: implications for malaria elimination in eastern Rwanda". Malaria Journal. 14: 136. doi:10.1186/s12936-015-0659-6. ISSN 1475-2875. PMC 4389639. PMID 25889789.
  29. ^ Uwimana, Aline; Umulisa, Noella; Venkatesan, Meera; Svigel, Samaly S; Zhou, Zhiyong; Munyaneza, Tharcisse; Habimana, Rafiki M; Rucogoza, Anicet; Moriarty, Leah F; Sandford, Ryan; Piercefield, Emily; Goldman, Ira; Ezema, Bryan; Talundzic, Eldin; Pacheco, M Andreína (1 August 2021). "Association of Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 R561H genotypes with delayed parasite clearance in Rwanda: an open-label, single-arm, multicentre, therapeutic efficacy study". The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 21 (8): 1120–1128. doi:10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00142-0. ISSN 1473-3099. PMC 10202849. PMID 33864801.
  30. ^ Kateera; Ingabire; Hakizimana; Rulisa; Karinda; Grobusch; Mutesa; van Vugt; Mens (6 October 2015). "Long-lasting insecticidal net source, ownership and use in the context of universal coverage: a household survey in eastern Rwanda". Malaria Journal. 14: 390. doi:10.1186/s12936-015-0915-9. ISSN 1475-2875. PMC 4596392. PMID 26445341.
  31. ^ Asingizwe, Domina; Poortvliet, P. Marijn; Koenraadt, Constantianus J.M.; Van Vliet, Arnold J.H.; Murindahabi, Marilyn M.; Ingabire, Chantal; Mutesa, Leon; Feindt, Peter H. (1 November 2018). "Applying citizen science for malaria prevention in Rwanda: An integrated conceptual framework". NJAS: Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences. 86–87 (1): 111–122. doi:10.1016/j.njas.2018.06.002. ISSN 1573-5214.
  32. ^ Asingizwe, Domina; Poortvliet, P. Marijn; Koenraadt, Constantianus J. M.; Van Vliet, Arnold J. H.; Ingabire, Chantal Marie; Mutesa, Leon; Leeuwis, Cees (8 August 2019). "Role of individual perceptions in the consistent use of malaria preventive measures: mixed methods evidence from rural Rwanda". Malaria Journal. 18 (1): 270. doi:10.1186/s12936-019-2904-x. ISSN 1475-2875. PMC 6686450. PMID 31395048.
  33. ^ Mutesa, Leon (2 July 2020). "Rwanda's COVID-19 pool testing: a savvy option where there's low viral prevalence". The Conversation. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  34. ^ Sebasaza, Yanditswe na Emmanuel Gasana. "Virusi ya Corona yo mu Buhinde ntiragera mu Rwanda - Prof. Mutesa". Kigali Today. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  35. ^ AfricaNews (13 August 2020). "Rwanda Launches Innovative Covid-19 Batch Testing". Africanews. Retrieved 20 May 2024.
  36. ^ Butera, Yvan; Mukantwari, Enatha; Artesi, Maria; Umuringa, Jeanne d’arc; O’Toole, Áine Niamh; Hill, Verity; Rooke, Stefan; Hong, Samuel Leandro; Dellicour, Simon; Majyambere, Onesphore; Bontems, Sebastien; Boujemla, Bouchra; Quick, Josh; Resende, Paola Cristina; Loman, Nick (29 September 2021). "Genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in Rwanda reveals the importance of incoming travelers on lineage diversity". Nature Communications. 12 (1): 5705. Bibcode:2021NatCo..12.5705B. doi:10.1038/s41467-021-25985-7. ISSN 2041-1723. PMC 8481346. PMID 34588460.
  37. ^ Musanabaganwa, Clarisse; Cubaka, Vincent; Mpabuka, Etienne; Semakula, Muhammed; Nahayo, Ernest; Hedt-Gauthier, Bethany L.; Ng, Kamela C S.; Murray, Megan B.; Kateera, Fredrick; Mutesa, Leon; Nsanzimana, Sabin (1 February 2021). "One hundred thirty-three observed COVID-19 deaths in 10 months: unpacking lower than predicted mortality in Rwanda". BMJ Global Health. 6 (2): e004547. doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2020-004547. ISSN 2059-7908. PMC 7907833. PMID 33627363.
  38. ^ "Use of trained scent dogs for detection of COVID-19 and evidence of cost-saving". Frontiers in Medicine. 9: 1006315. 1 December 2022. doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.1006315. ISSN 2296-858X. PMC 9751420. PMID 36530913.
  39. ^ "Rwanda opts for pool testing in response to COVID-19 – Africa Science Magazine". sciafmag.com. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
  40. ^ https://rwandafda.gov.rw/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Q2-Rwanda%20FDA-Register%20of%20Approved%20Clinical%20Trials%20in%20Rwanda-December%202023_for%20approval.pdf
  41. ^ Kuteesa, Hudson (12 April 2024). "Rwandan doctor wins award for lifetime contribution in human genetics". The New Times. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
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