100,000 genetic codes to be mapped in Saudi in human genome projectDecember 11, 2013 - 11:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Up to 100,000 people in Saudi Arabia are to have their genetic codes mapped in a new human genome project, BBC News reported. The research will look at genes linked with diseases, and pave the way for prenatal and premarital screening. The project, funded by the Saudi Arabian national science agency, will create a DNA database to develop personalised medicine. A similar UK scheme is under way to map the genomes of 100,000 NHS patients. Genome studies are moving from analysing the personal DNA code of individuals for research purposes, to clinical applications, such as treatments tailored to the genetic makeup of cancers. The Saudi effort will focus on sequencing 100,000 human genomes over the next five years to study both normal genes and those linked to disease. The research will take place at 10 genome centres across Saudi Arabia, with another five genome centres to be created in coming years. UK genome expert Dr Ewan Birney, said while big genetic differences between Middle Eastern populations and populations outside the Middle East were unlikely, there may be a slightly different spectrum of genetic diseases in Saudi Arabia. Commenting on the announcement of the project, Dr Birney, associate director at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory - European Bioinformatics Institute, said: "I'm excited that Saudi Arabia is taking a substantial step forward in sequencing genomes in their clinical healthcare. "I hope to see broader engagement between Western countries and Middle Eastern countries in this area, and data sharing and expertise sharing in both directions." A number of genome sequencing efforts are under way around the world. They include the 1,000 genomes project, an international research effort to look at human genetic variation. The UK is to map the genomes of up to 100,000 NHS patients with cancer and rare diseases by 2017 in a $164m effort funded by the government. Related links: Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |