Dubai Health scientists publish first Arab Pangenome Reference, marking a milestone for precision medicine
The reference was built using high-quality DNA sequencing from 53 people of diverse Arab backgrounds in the UAE. The work, conducted in MBRU's state-of-the-art Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG), uncovered over 110 million base pairs of novel DNA sequences and identified nearly nine million small differences and more than 235,000 larger structural differences specific to Arab populations that have not been reported before. These findings are significant, as global DNA references have historically underrepresented Arab populations — a gap this research helps to close.
The Arab Pangenome Reference supports national and regional precision medicine initiatives by enabling the development of population-specific biomarkers, risk models, and therapeutic targets. One notable discovery was the duplicated gene TAF11L5, found highly enriched in Arab individuals studied but absent from global references. This gene may play a role in regulating other genes and could have implications for understanding disease risk and individual variation in treatment response.
Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General, Dubai Health Authority, and co-author of the study, said: 'This achievement strengthens the UAE's position in genomic science. By building a reference that reflects the genetic diversity of Arab populations, we are enabling more precise and equitable healthcare. It's a foundational step towards realising the goals of our National Genome Strategy and ensuring that future medical innovations are shaped by data from our own communities.'
Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Acting Provost of MBRU, and co-author of the study said: 'The capabilities of the CATG lab were central to the success of this project. From genetic sequencing to advanced bioinformatics, every stage of the research was completed in-house. This level of integration gave us full control over quality and timelines, reflecting Dubai Health's commitment to building world-class infrastructure and fostering national scientific leaders."
While genomic research has advanced rapidly over the past two decades, much of the foundational data has come from a narrow subset of global populations. This has created blind spots in how genetic risk is understood and addressed across different communities. The Arab Pangenome Reference contributes to a growing international effort to correct this imbalance by introducing high-quality data from a historically underrepresented population.
Dr. Mohammed Uddin, Director of CATG and Associate Professor of Genetics at MBRU, and senior author of the study, said: 'This pangenome reference marks a major advancement in our understanding of Arab genomic diversity. It serves as a critical resource for both research discovery and clinical genome diagnostics, with lasting impact for future generations across the region.'
The project also developed 'PanScan', a bioinformatics tool to support more complex analysis of human pangenomes. Although not the central focus of the study, PanScan enables researchers to detect gene duplications, novel DNA changes, and complex DNA structures. Now publicly available on GitHub, a common resource used by scientists worldwide, the tool was created to support the Arab Pangenome Reference and similar efforts globally.
Dr. Nasna Nassir, lead author of the study and Assistant Professor at MBRU, said: 'To support the Arab Pangenome Reference study, we developed PanScan, a tool designed to identify novel variants, gene duplications, and complex haplotype patterns specific to Arab populations. PanScan was key to uncovering unique genomic insights in our study and is now publicly available to support similar research globally.'
The research reflects Dubai Health's commitment to advancing learning and discovery through MBRU. The university's research strategy is focused on contributing to global scientific progress. By investing in foundational genomic research, Dubai Health is helping to ensure that Arab populations are represented in the future of precision healthcare.
The full study is available at:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-61645-w
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
5 hours ago
- The National
Vitamin patches: Effective alternative to oral supplements or passing wellness fad?
The latest trend in wearable wellness is vitamin patches. Traditionally attained through eating a healthy, balanced diet or taking a supplement or gummy, vitamins can now be absorbed into the body via patches that stick to the skin. Similar to pimple patches that have popped up on the faces of teens everywhere, vitamin patches are small, have cute designs and can be applied on most parts of the body, depending on whether or not you want to show off the design. 'Vitamin patches use transdermal delivery, meaning the nutrients are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream,' says Dr Najam U Saqib, specialist dermatologist at RAK Hospital. 'The patch releases a controlled amount of the active ingredient over time. The skin acts as a semipermeable barrier so, for absorption to occur, the vitamin molecules must be small and lipophilic, or fat-soluble, or then designed in a way to penetrate the skin's layers.' Not a patch The body absorbs vitamins taken orally or via an injection or drip differently to vitamins delivered via patches. 'Oral supplements are absorbed through the digestive system, which can reduce bioavailability due to metabolism in the liver, but this route is well studied and generally reliable,' says Dr Karima Arroud, consultant – functional medicine and aesthetics at Wellth. 'Transdermal absorption avoids the digestive tract and liver metabolism, which could be advantageous for certain substances. However, for most vitamins, we lack strong evidence showing that patches deliver enough active vitamin to make a real difference.' For those who can't or don't like taking vitamins in pill form, patches are an easier way to get their daily dose of vitamins, but Dr Jasmin Malek, consultant physician at Euromed Clinic Dubai, says the effectiveness of patches 'depends on the type of vitamin and whether it can actually be absorbed through the skin. Some vitamins, especially the water-soluble ones including vitamin C and B12, do not absorb well this way.' Food for thought 'If you're eating a well-balanced diet and don't have any deficiencies, you likely don't need vitamin patches or any supplements, for that matter,' says Dr Meeth Sharad Atawane, specialist dermatologist at RAK Hospital. 'More is not always better. Over-supplementation can lead to side effects or toxicities, especially with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, which are stored in the body.' Vitamins may, however, be advised for pregnant women, those with specific dietary restrictions or health conditions, those who are not exposed to enough sunlight and for some as they age. Dr Atawane adds: 'If you have a known deficiency, dietary restrictions such as being vegan or gluten-free, or for those with specific health needs, patches may offer a convenient alternative to pills, but only under medical guidance.' Sticking point As vitamin patches are still relatively new to the wellness market, the science behind them lacks research and testing. 'Right now, vitamin patches seem more like a wellness trend than a proven health solution,' says Dr Malek. 'They are not necessarily harmful, and some people might enjoy using them for convenience or aesthetics. But without strong evidence to show that they deliver nutrients effectively, they should not replace a good diet or targeted supplementation when needed. If you like the idea of them, that is fine; just don't rely on them as your main source of vitamins.' Dr Saqib adds: 'Vitamin patches may be beneficial for certain individuals, particularly those who have gut absorption issues such as IBS, Crohn's disease or gastric bypass patients; those who experience nausea or have difficulty swallowing pills; and those who want a slow-release, all-day supplement without multiple doses. That said, scientific evidence is still limited for many over-the-counter vitamin patches. The efficacy also depends on the formulation, skin permeability and patch placement.'
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Meet Reem AlZarouni, UAE's reading champion who's fighting climate change with bots
From books to bots — the UAE champion of the Arab Reading Challenge, 14-year-old Reem AlZarouni, is now using bots to fight climate change. The young Emirati from Al-Ittihad National Private School has invented 'PermaBot,' a device that could help detect dangerous permafrost thawing and alert communities before disaster strikes. The bot is a smart automated system designed to monitor permafrost, which is the frozen layer of soil found in some of the coldest regions on Earth. This phenomenon causes the frozen layer to potentially, over time, release toxic methane gases into the environment, making it a ticking climate bomb. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'The problem of permafrost is often overlooked, and I invented this bot to detect such contingencies and to protect organisms around it,' Reem told Khaleej Times. Reem's understanding in the field of climate is evident as she ranked among the top 30 winners in UNICEF's Net Zero Hero competition across the UAE, for her efforts in projects related to permafrost, plastic use, and waste recycling. 'Winning Net Zero Hero was more than just an award. It was a turning point that taught me age doesn't matter in making a difference,' she said, adding, 'Sustainability Practices are important and I try to implement them in my daily life as well as to raise awareness within our communities.' Passion in lit and tech The eighth-grader's victory against tens of thousands of students in the Arab Reading Challenge shaped her approach to problem-solving. Where others see separate interests, Reem sees connections between her passions in literature and technology. 'This was truly one of the most memorable moments in my life,' she told Khaleej Times about her reading triumph. 'Our country always pushed us to dream big, and I felt a deep sense of pride to even represent it in the finals." Reem juggles different practices at once and is always out for more. 'Balancing is not about doing everything at once; it's doing the right thing at the right time. My key is being organised and doing the work I am passionate about, so it counts as free time,' she explained. Family support fuels her achievements. 'My biggest support system was my family. They believed in my capabilities from my first step, encouraged me to dream big, and cheered me in each competition,' she shared. For young people wanting to pursue their interests and passions, Reem has a clear message: 'Believe in your voice, your ideas, and your power to make a difference. You don't have to wait to be an adult to make a difference, always dare yourself and take small steps at a time."
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Meet cyclist riding Tour de France Femmes to raise funds for leukaemia cure
What began as a personal journey of strength and survival has transformed into a powerful mission of hope, inclusion, and advocacy — all powered by two wheels. Meet Imke Abma, a 48-year-old Dutch expat who has called Ras Al Khaimah home for the past 18 years. She's the only cyclist representing the UAE in a group of 16 women from around the world — ranging from their mid-20s to early 50s — who are cycling every stage of the Tour de France Femmes, which kicked off on Saturday (July 26) and will run until August 3. But this isn't a race for medals. Imke and her team are not competing in the annual cycling race for women. Instead, they're cycling to raise awareness and funds for Cure Leukaemia, a UK-based charity supporting children battling blood cancer across the globe. Imke, who is currently in France, told Khaleej Times that her passion for the cause was deeply personal — shaped by two life-altering experiences: the loss of her husband's young cousin, Dean Clark, to leukaemia; and her own daughter's life-threatening battle with a congenital heart condition. Her daughter, Mary, now 11, was diagnosed at just seven months old with Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD), a severe congenital heart defect that required urgent surgery. With no viable treatment available in the UAE at the time, the family flew to Singapore on the first flight available on Christmas Eve in 2014 for life-saving surgery. 'Thanks to the support of the most incredible community in the UAE, we found our way to Singapore where Mary underwent open-heart surgery,' Imke told Khaleej Times. 'She turned 11 last May and she's going strong.' From fitness to advocacy Imke's cycling journey began about three years ago as a personal fitness goal. Starting with local triathlons, she eventually qualified for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Scotland through the Spinneys Dubai 92 race. What started as a way to stay active soon grew into something far more meaningful. 'I realised I could do more with the strength I was building. I wanted to focus on inclusion and support — especially encouraging more women, families, and children to get into cycling,' she explained. That desire led her to join Ride For Unity, a global movement using cycling as a tool to bridge divides and foster human connection. Through the initiative, Imke reconnected with Angela Bannon, a fellow cyclist and former Ras Al Khaimah resident, who introduced her to a charity ride for Cure Leukaemia — a mission that immediately resonated. Now, alongside a diverse group of passionate amateur women cyclists from the USA, England, and the UAE, Imke is riding each stage of the Tour de France Femmes ahead of the pros. 'Some are ex-professionals, some high-level amateurs, and others simply passionate cyclists — all united by the same purpose. Many have personal connections to children battling blood cancer.' Conquering peaks for a cause To prepare for the challenge, Imke completed one of the toughest endurance feats in cycling: Everesting Jebel Jais. She cycled up the UAE's tallest mountain seven times in one day, achieving an elevation gain of 8,848 metres — the height of the world's tallest peak, Mount Everest. Her dedication caught the attention of students at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), who produced a moving video documenting her mission. Imke credits much of her strength to her family, especially her husband, Paul Clark, who works as a general manager in RAK. 'He supports me through all my cycling challenges. We're both active people — his passion is off-roading and desert marshalling — and we support each other in our sportive interests. I'm very grateful for his love and support.' During the Tour de France Femmes, her husband and daughter have been by her side in a camper van, cheering her on every step of the way. 'It's become a family journey," she said. "A way of showing Mary that strength comes in many forms — and that community, love, and determination can change lives,' Imke shared. Imke, who is also the UAE Hub Director of Ride For Unity, will return to Ras Al Khaimah on August 5. For her, cycling is no longer just a sport — it's a form of storytelling, advocacy, and solidarity. 'Research is urgently needed to improve survival rates for children with blood cancer. Cycling has given me a voice to amplify that message — and a sense of purpose I never expected to find on a bicycle," she said.
