Mexican Biobank Project

Prior research

The ENSA 2000 Cohort: A National Resource for Genomic Discovery

Since 1987, Mexico has conducted periodic National Health Surveys (ENSA) to monitor the country’s health status through population-based data. For this study, we use samples and data collected during the ENSA 2000, a nationwide health survey carried out by the Mexican Secretariat of Health between November 1999 and June 2000.

ENSA 2000 was a probabilistic, multi-stage, stratified, cluster household survey designed to be representative of the civilian, non-institutionalized Mexican population at both the state and national levels. Trained personnel conducted interviews and collected information on household and sociodemographic characteristics, current health status, health care usage, and behavioral factors. In addition, sera and buffy coat samples were obtained from 43,085 individuals aged 20 years or older.

To date, over 50 scientific publications have been derived from this survey, providing key insights into national health trends and even preliminary genetic characteristics of the Mexican population. Importantly, ENSA 2000 included individuals from remote and rural regions, making it one of the most geographically and demographically inclusive population health studies ever conducted in Mexico.

Given its large scale, sophisticated sampling design, and rich phenotypic data, the ENSA 2000 represents a valuable untapped genetic resource to link genetic markers with health outcomes. Its effective genetic characterization has now become feasible through the combined expertise of a multidisciplinary team spanning Public Health, Epidemiology, Immunology, Pediatrics, Population Genetics, and Computational Genomics.

Why ENSA 2000 Matters

  1. Sepúlveda, J., et al. (2007). Diseño y metodología de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2000. Salud Pública de México, 49, s427–s432.
  2. Gamboa-Melendez, M. A., et al. (2012). Contribution of common genetic variation to the risk of type 2 diabetes in the Mexican Mestizo population. Diabetes, 61(12), 3314–21.
  3. Gutiérrez, J. P., et al. (2014). HIV seroprevalence among Mexicans age 15 to 49: results from the National Health & Nutrition Survey 2012. Salud Publica Mex, 56(4), 323–32.
  4. Lazcano-Ponce, E., et al. (2013). Seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus in a cross-sectional study in Mexico: Implications for hepatitis A vaccination. Hum Vaccin Immunother, 9(2), 375–81.
  5. Conde-Glez, C., et al. (2013). Seroprevalences of varicella-zoster virus, herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus in a cross-sectional study in Mexico. Vaccine, 31(44), 5067–74.
  6. Caballero-Ortega, H., et al. (2012). Seroprevalence and national distribution of human toxoplasmosis in Mexico: analysis of the 2000 and 2006 National Health Surveys. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 106(11), 653–59.
  7. Moreno-Estrada, A., et al. (2014). The genetics of Mexico recapitulates Native American substructure and affects biomedical traits. Science, 344(6189), 1280–85.

Current research

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.

GWAS

Using genome-wide data from the Mexican Biobank, we perform association studies across cardiometabolic, anthropometric, and infectious disease–related traits. By leveraging fine-scale population structure and nationally representative sampling, these studies identify genetic variants influencing complex traits while reducing bias from Eurocentric reference datasets.

Medical Genomics

We link phenotypic variation to underlying genetic architecture and assess the distribution of previously reported disease-associated variants within the Mexican population. These studies provide insight into population-specific genetic risk and support more precise, ancestry-aware approaches to improving population health.

Human Adaptation

We investigate how evolutionary forces have shaped genetic variation before and after admixture among Indigenous, European, African, and Asian ancestries. By integrating haplotype-based and ancestry-specific analyses, we identify signals of natural selection relevant to contemporary health and disease.

Ancient DNA

We analyze genomic data from archaeological human remains spanning pre-Hispanic and early colonial periods to reconstruct population history, migration, and continuity. By integrating ancient genomes with present-day data, we provide evolutionary context for modern genetic diversity in Mexico.

Serology

Serological data capture population-wide exposure to infectious diseases, vaccine coverage, and immune responses over time. Analyses of preserved serum samples reveal infection history across regions, age groups, and demographic backgrounds.

National surveys show widespread exposure to SARS-CoV-2, strong vaccine-derived immunity to hepatitis B, low and declining hepatitis C prevalence, and low HIV seroprevalence concentrated in specific groups. Integrated with genomic data, these analyses inform immunity, disease risk, and public health impact.