Region is a treasure trove of genetic data

Dubai: The Middle East is sitting on a treasure trove of genetic information because this region is at the crossroads for cultural and historical reasons, a visiting research scientist said.

Dr Edison Liu, president of the Human Genome Organisation (Hugo) said the population in this region is unique because it was at the confluence of the trade and migration routes.

He said people who have the blood disorder Thalaessemia in this region for instance, have 40 different (gene) mutations that generate the same disorder.

"In Thailand it would be seven or eight mutations." He said it is the nature of the history of the population.

"Secondarily, there is greater consanguinity, many cousin marriages and many generations recessive disorders have been uncovered," he said. He said these abnormalities can be addressed by genetic tools we have today for medical planning. "It will give us an understanding of the function of some of these genes," he said.

Effective tool

The doctor noted that the pace, speed and cost of the gene sequencing makes it an effective research tool.

The Hugo president is in Dubai to finalise the venue for a major conference on genomics and hereditable disorders next March. The yearly meeting will update and increase knowledge in the evolving field of human genome research.

The chief said each region, each population, has a unique concentration of issues, and its study gives an insight into a better understanding of human biology and disease.

Dr Liu said Dubai was chosen because this region is important for science and development and could be a big player in this field in the future.

The scientist said diabetes to a degree is a disorder but it is extraordinarily common.

"In each of us there is a genetic disposition to certain problems," he said. "Over time part of the diagnostic material can be used, even for therapy," he said.

"Imagine if we uncover the reason for this disorder. We can then identify people at risk at 15 years of age. With counselling and preventive measures we can prevent some serious consequences [of diabetes]," said Dr Liu.

Abdullah Bin Souqat, director of the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences, said the Hugo meeting will be the first in the Arab world. More than 1,500 physicians and geneticists from the US, Canada, Australia, China, Singapore and the Arab states will take part, he said.