Dr Nyarai Soko

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Affiliations

  1. Research Fellow, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine
  2. Precision and Genomic Medicine Research Unit (PGM)
  3. Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation Research Unit 

Key Expertise

Genomic & Precision Medicine

Main Research Focus

With an MSc, PhD in Human Genetics, Nyarai’s research focusses on the role of human genomics in diseases pathology and treatment. Her research interests also include rare inherited eye disorders, HPV induced female anogenital cancers, pharmacogenomics and precision medicine. She is based at the Precision and Genomic Medicine Research Unit.

Most Significant Paper Authored in 2024

Genetic variation in ABCB1, ADRB1, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, NEDD4L and NR3C2 confers differential susceptibility to resistant hypertension among South Africans.

Katsukunya, J. N., Jones, E., Soko, N. D., Blom, D., Sinxadi, P., Rayner, B., & Dandara, C. (2024).

Hypertension is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Southern Africa with at least over 40% of adults having hypertension in this region. Antihypertensives therefore are amongst the most prescribed drugs and hence the most likely to cause adverse drug reactions within patients. Thus understanding the inherent genetics affecting hypertension treatment in our populations allows us to tailor make effective and safe therapies for our populations.