Best foot forward
Earlier in the year, Dr Fasil Tekola Ayele (PhD 2010) made a big stride in his fledgling career when he was published as a first author in the New England Journal of Medicine, one of the world’s leading medical publications.
His article, based on the PhD he undertook whilst studying at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) was part of an impactful study into podoconiosis – a disease which causes inflammatory changes within the lymph system in the legs and leads to foot swelling and ultimately elephantiasis.
Fasil, who works at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ethiopia and who is on a postdoctoral attachment at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), USA, worked closely with BSMS’s Professor Melanie Newport and Dr Gail Davey.
The crux of their research was the discovery of genetic links as the root cause for podoconiosis– a debilitating disease which disfigures legs and affects an estimated four million people worldwide. They discovered that genetic variantsin a region of the genome linked to our immune response increased the risk of developing the disease.
The disease is triggered by an abnormal reaction to irritant mineral particles found in volcanic soils amongst people who cannot afford shoes. Their research highlighted that one of the simplest and most cost-effective interventions would be to advocate for shoes for people who were at high risk.
Fasil explained to The Brighton Effect how it allcame about…
“My PhD course at BSMS focused on the genetic epidemiology of podoconiosis under the supervision of Professor Melanie Newport and Dr Gail Davey. My supervisors’ expertise in geneticsand epidemiology, and their field experience inEthiopia and other African countries was a greatopportunity for me to have a practical, usefuloverseas experience and tailored training.
Fasil’s PhD fees were waived by BSMS as part of its commitment to global health in supporting medical research capacity in the developing world, something that Fasil was quick to acknowledge: “I am grateful that my tuition fee was waived by BSMS. The course at BSMS enabled me to be based in Ethiopia during my study and to have a one-year training experience at the Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health (CRGGH)/NIH where I gained high-level analysis skills in genetic epidemiology.
“In addition, BSMS has attractive aspects for international students such as excellent research infrastructure, evolving collaborative experience with international research institutes, universities and students, and interest to support research in global health issues such as podoconiosis.
How did you findstudent life in the UK?
“Since I was primarily based in Ethiopia during my studentship, my UK student life was limited to four visits, each up to four weeks of stay. I always remember the charming reception I got from Jayne Wellington, Nichola Mayer, Susan Newport, Eldryd and Helen Parry, Bobbie Farsides and Melanie Newport. My visits at the Brighton Pier, Royal Pavilion, Chattri War Memorial and Devil’s Dyke are memorable. I also got an opportunity to spend time and share experience with BSMS students from the UK, Africa and Asia during my longest stay in the UK when I was a final year student.”
Your career hasprogressed very quickly .Could you elaborate onhow it has developed?
“After I received my PhD, I briefly worked as a research manager in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Then I got this excellent opportunity to join the CRGGH research lab at NHGRI/NIH as a postdoctoral fellow.“
The CRGGH is a major collaborator with BSMS in genetic research on podoconiosis and conducts outstanding genetic epidemiology research on common and complex diseases in populations of African ancestry. During my PhD studentship and as a postdoc at CRGGH, I have been learning genomics research principles and analysis tools, have been exposed to state-of-the-art research facilities, and have got opportunities to work and collaborate with renowned scientists in the field. I believe these exposures will be crucial in helping me achieve my career aspirations.“
Could you share youfuture ambitions with us?
“My goal is to develop a career in genetic epidemiology research and broader applications of genetic epidemiology for the betterment of global health. I would like to gain the skills and expertise to be able to do the genetics and epidemiology of a disease, propose a hypothesis about aetiology, test the hypothesis in the field and laboratory, and then get back to the public health implications of the research."
What is the most challenging part ofyour work?
“My basic training and experience in public health research and practice in Ethiopia, and my doctoral and postdoctoral training in genetic epidemiology in the UK and USA give me a unique opportunity and experience to carve a common ground for both disciplines in my research design and career goals. I think translation of genomics research to the betterment of global public health is a huge challenge, but it is also an exciting opportunity to address major health problems.
“When asked to describe what he considered to be his professional highlight so far, Fasil responded without hestitation: “My major achievement has been a first-authored NewEngland Journal of Medicine publication of my PhD research. The study showed a link between podoconiosis and genetic variants in the HLA class II locus, and suggested that podoconiosis may be a T-cell mediated inflammatory disease. The publication has played a major role in raising the global profile of podoconiosis, and has gained international attention.”
This worldwide attention included the article being selected as a Continuing Medical Education (CME) activity by the Massachusetts Medical Association as well as its inclusion in numerous professional publications world, press releases and blogs. The study has also provided the basis for formulating an MRC-funded research project (PI: Melanie Newport) that aims to identify the causal variants in podoconiosis using whole exome sequencing and HLA sequencing methods.
Looking back on yourtime at BSMS, would yourecommend your courseto a fellow international student?
“Yes, unreservedly. I am confident thatinternational students will enjoy the course atBSMS. “And yes,” Fasil added fondly, “Brighton is an enjoyable city."
