Projects

Population genomics

Using genome-wide data from nationally representative cohorts, we characterize fine-scale population structure and demographic history across Mexico. Our analyses dissect patterns of admixture among Indigenous, European, and African ancestries, resolving regional differentiation and historical migration events. This framework supports ancestry-aware genome-wide association studies and improves genetic discovery in diverse populations.

Medical Genomics

The use of genomic data, such as that generated by the Mexican Biobank, enables a deeper understanding of diseases and the genetic risks present in the population. With this in mind, we leverage the Mexican Biobank to conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify links between phenotypes and genotypes, as well as to examine the allele frequencies of previously reported variants. These analyses help characterize the genetic predisposition to various health conditions and support the development of more precise and effective strategies to improve the health of the Mexican population.

Epigenetic landscape in Latin America

This work is an ambitious extension of LatinGenomes initiative and its main objective is to create an extensive cohort of DNA methylation research in the region. As most of the epigenetic studies and understanding are shaped by European ancestry, we directly address this knowledge gap by focusing on genetically admixed and environmentally diverse populations in Latin America. This project will provide a detailed atlas of DNA methylation patterns and it is therefore a critical step towards a truly global understanding of the human epigenome.

Human Evolution and Adaptation

We study how natural selection has shaped genetic variation in human populations across Latin America and Oceania. Using genome-wide data from resources such as the Mexican Biobank, we characterize patterns of selection across diverse ecological and demographic contexts. By integrating haplotype-based methods, allele frequency analyses, and local ancestry inference, we uncover signatures of adaptation in historically underrepresented populations. Linking these findings to biological pathways, environmental pressures, and clinical implications, we provide insights into how evolutionary processes have influenced the genetics of present-day populations.

Ancient DNA in Mesoamerica

We investigate ancient Mesoamerican populations through the analysis of ancient DNA. Our research integrates archaeology, biological anthropology, and genomics to reconstruct patterns of past population movement and interaction, and to understand how these processes shaped the genetic landscape of the region. We are particularly interested in developing a more comprehensive understanding of Mesoamerican population history through paleogenomic approaches. We explore genetic affinities using both uniparental and biparental markers and we also perform genomic sex determination and relatedness analyses to better understand ancient social organization, mobility, and kinship systems in the past. Currently, our research focuses on two major archaeological sites: Cañada de la Virgen, located in the Bajío region of central Mexico, and Teotihuacan in central Mexico, one of the most important urban centers of pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica. Community engagement is a central pillar of our research framework, ensuring that all work involving human remains is carried out with respect, transparency, and in dialogue with local communities. These projects are conducted in close collaboration with the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH). In doing so, our research operates within national heritage regulations and in coordination with Mexican cultural authorities.

You can view our gallery to see our work in the field.

Human Cell Atlas of Latin America Diversity

The LatinCells project aims to create a comprehensive cellular map of immune blood cells and gallbladder tissue from diverse Indigenous and mixed populations across seven countries in Latin America: Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, and the U.S. Latino population. This initiative, part of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s global effort, focuses on underrepresented populations in the Human Cell Atlas (HCA). By generating high-resolution molecular profiles and analyzing RNA expression patterns linked to ancestry, the project seeks to identify novel disease markers and adaptation mechanisms. Additionally, LatinCells emphasizes building scientific and technical capacity in Latin America by training local researchers in advanced single-cell technologies and bioinformatics, empowering these countries to contribute to global cellular research. For more information, visit www.latincells.org and our Instagram page.

Latin Pangenomes Project

This research project aims to close a critical gap in medical knowledge for people of Latin American descent. Because genetic research has historically focused on individuals of European ancestry, many genetic traits unique to Latin Americans remain understudied — contributing to health disparities and missed scientific discoveries. We will construct a pangenome from 1,000 genetically diverse individuals across Latin America, that will allow us to identify genetic patterns and structural variations specific to the region, and to understand how these differences influence biology at the cellular level — particularly how immune cells develop and function. A special case study is gallbladder cancer, which represents a major public health crisis in Chilean patients of Mapuche ancestry, a population that faces a disproportionately high risk of the disease. By examining both inherited genetics and tumor-specific mutations, the team aims to uncover the biological drivers behind this disparity. Spanning ten countries and designed from the ground up as a community-led effort, the project prioritizes building lasting scientific expertise within the region. The ultimate goal is to translate these discoveries into more personalized, equitable medical treatments — not just for Latin Americans, but potentially for underrepresented populations worldwide.