The paper analyzes G6PD variant distribution in sub-Saharan Africa and highlights potential risks of using chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19 due to G6PD deficiency.

The Pharmacogenomics Journal · Jul 23, 2021Peer-reviewedGenetic & Genomic Medicine

Single nucleotide polymorphism induces divergent dynamic patterns in CYP3A5: a microsecond scale biomolecular simulation of variants identified in Sub-Saharan African populations

Houcemeddine Othman, Jorge da Rocha, Scott Hazelhurst

This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to analyze the impact of rare CYP3A5 variants from Sub-Saharan African populations on protein structure and drug binding.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences · Jul 21, 2021Peer-reviewedBioinformatics

The extent and impact of variation in ADME genes in sub-Saharan African populations

Jorge da Rocha, Houcemeddine Othman, Gerrit Botha, Laura Cottino, David Twesigomwe, Samah Ahmed, Britt I. Drögemöller, Faisal M. Fadlelmola, Philip Machanick, Mamana Mbiyavanga, Sumir Panji, Galen E.B. Wright, Clement Adebamowo, Mogomotsi Matshaba, Michèle Ramsay, , Scott Hazelhurst

This study characterizes ADME gene variation in sub-Saharan African populations, identifying novel variants and highlighting the need for tailored pharmacogenomic approaches.

bioRxiv · Jun 14, 2020 · PreprintGenetics

Interaction of the spike protein RBD from SARS-CoV-2 with ACE2: similarity with SARS-CoV, hot-spot analysis and effect of the receptor polymorphism

Houcemeddine Othman, Zied Bouslama, Jean‐Tristan Brandenburg, Jorge da Rocha, Yosr Hamdi, Kaïs Ghedira, Najet Srairi‐Abid, Scott Hazelhurst

The paper analyzes the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 RBD and ACE2, identifies key residues for binding, and assesses the impact of ACE2 variants on this interaction.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications · May 14, 2020Peer-reviewedBioinformatics