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Dubai scientists advance precision medicine with Arab pangenome study
Dubai scientists advance precision medicine with Arab pangenome study

Dubai Eye

time4 days ago

  • Health
  • Dubai Eye

Dubai scientists advance precision medicine with Arab pangenome study

In a groundbreaking development for healthcare and genetic research, scientists at Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) have published the first-ever Arab Pangenome Reference—a major leap forward in precision medicine for the region. The research, featured in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, provides a vital foundation for personalised healthcare tailored to Arab populations. Using advanced DNA sequencing from 53 individuals of diverse Arab heritage living in the UAE, researchers identified over 110 million new DNA base pairs, nearly nine million small genetic differences, and more than 235,000 larger structural variations unique to Arabs—many of which had never been documented before. The study supports the UAE's National Genome Strategy, launched in 2023 to push the frontiers of personalised and preventive medicine. One notable finding was a duplicated gene called TAF11L5, found in Arab individuals but absent in global genetic databases. Scientists believe this could offer new insights into disease risk and treatment response. Researchers say the Arab Pangenome will help close long-standing gaps in global genomic data and enable the development of more accurate diagnostic tools and therapies for 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. Scientists at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, have published the first Arab Pangenome Reference, marking a major milestone in both regional and global genomic research. The study, released in… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 24, 2025

Dubai Health Scientists Publish First Arab Pangenome Reference, Advancing Precision Medicine in the Region
Dubai Health Scientists Publish First Arab Pangenome Reference, Advancing Precision Medicine in the Region

Hi Dubai

time5 days ago

  • Health
  • Hi Dubai

Dubai Health Scientists Publish First Arab Pangenome Reference, Advancing Precision Medicine in the Region

Scientists at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the academic and research arm of Dubai Health, have published the first-ever Arab Pangenome Reference. The landmark study, featured in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications , sets a new benchmark for precision medicine and personalised healthcare in the region. The breakthrough aligns with the UAE's National Genome Strategy, a 10-year plan launched by the Emirates Genome Council in 2023 to enhance preventive and precision-based care using genomic science. The Arab Pangenome Reference is a foundational contribution to this vision. Built using high-quality DNA sequencing data from 53 individuals of diverse Arab descent residing in the UAE, the reference fills a critical gap in global genetic databases, which have long underrepresented Arab populations. The research uncovered over 110 million base pairs of novel DNA sequences and identified nearly 9 million small genetic variants, along with over 235,000 large structural differences unique to Arab genomes. These findings are significant not just for the region, but for the global scientific community, said Prof. Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority and co-author of the study. We are enabling more precise and equitable healthcare by building a genome reference that reflects our population. One of the study's key discoveries includes the identification of a duplicated gene, TAF11L5, which was found to be highly enriched in Arab individuals but absent in current global references. This gene may influence the activity of other genes, with potential implications for disease risk and treatment response. The research was conducted entirely in-house at MBRU's Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG). This integration allowed us to control the full research pipeline—from sequencing to bioinformatics—ensuring top-tier quality, said Dr. Hanan Al Suwaidi, Acting Provost at MBRU and co-author of the study. As part of the initiative, the team also developed a new open-source bioinformatics tool called PanScan, which facilitates the detection of gene duplications and complex DNA structures. The tool is now publicly accessible on GitHub, enabling scientists worldwide to benefit from the work. Dr. Mohammed Uddin, Director of CATG and senior author of the study, noted: This pangenome reference is a major step in understanding Arab genetic diversity. It will be a critical asset for both research and clinical diagnostics. The study not only enhances the scientific understanding of Arab genomics but also reinforces Dubai Health's long-term commitment to world-class research and innovation in healthcare. MBRU's research strategy continues to contribute meaningful data to international scientific efforts, while ensuring local populations are represented in global health advancements. The full study can be accessed at Nature Communications. News Source: Dubai Media Office

Dubai scientists advance precision medicine with Arab pangenome study
Dubai scientists advance precision medicine with Arab pangenome study

TAG 91.1

time5 days ago

  • Health
  • TAG 91.1

Dubai scientists advance precision medicine with Arab pangenome study

In a groundbreaking development for healthcare and genetic research, scientists at Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) have published the first-ever Arab Pangenome Reference—a major leap forward in precision medicine for the region. The research, featured in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, provides a vital foundation for personalised healthcare tailored to Arab populations. Using advanced DNA sequencing from 53 individuals of diverse Arab heritage living in the UAE, researchers identified over 110 million new DNA base pairs, nearly nine million small genetic differences, and more than 235,000 larger structural variations unique to Arabs—many of which had never been documented before. The study supports the UAE's National Genome Strategy, launched in 2023 to push the frontiers of personalised and preventive medicine. One notable finding was a duplicated gene called TAF11L5, found in Arab individuals but absent in global genetic databases. Scientists believe this could offer new insights into disease risk and treatment response. Researchers say the Arab Pangenome will help close long-standing gaps in global genomic data and enable the development of more accurate diagnostic tools and therapies for 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. Scientists at the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the learning and discovery arm of Dubai Health, have published the first Arab Pangenome Reference, marking a major milestone in both regional and global genomic research. The study, released in… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 24, 2025

Over 1,000 Emiratis benefit from mandatory pre-marital genetic testing in UAE
Over 1,000 Emiratis benefit from mandatory pre-marital genetic testing in UAE

Gulf News

time23-04-2025

  • Health
  • Gulf News

Over 1,000 Emiratis benefit from mandatory pre-marital genetic testing in UAE

Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Health Services (EHS) has reported that over 1,000 Emiratis have benefited from mandatory pre-marital genetic testing since its nationwide roll-out at the start of this year. At least 1,020 citizens underwent testing by April 11, 2025 The initiative is a key part of the UAE's national efforts to prevent genetic disorders, reduce their spread, and promote healthier families across the country. In a recent statement, EHS revealed that the genetic screening programme, which identifies potential genetic incompatibilities between couples, has already flagged 31 cases. These couples were given genetic counselling to help them make informed decisions about childbearing and pregnancy planning, ensuring they can proactively address potential health risks for their future children. UAE Genome Programme This testing initiative is also aligned with the broader objectives of the UAE Genome Programme and the National Genome Strategy. The programme seeks to establish a comprehensive genetic database of Emirati citizens, which will contribute to scientific research and shape future strategies for early medical interventions, thereby improving public health outcomes in the UAE. What is genetic test The genetic test, which is provided at EHS health centres, screens for the most prevalent genetic conditions affecting Emiratis. It examines 570 genes linked to more than 840 medical conditions, delivering accurate results quickly. This inclusion of genetic testing in pre-marital screenings marks a significant step toward strengthening the country's preventive healthcare initiatives and ensuring responsible family planning. Where to go Currently available at 22 health centres across various Emirates, the service is expected to expand in response to growing demand, ensuring better accessibility for all Emirati citizens. EHS is committed to enhancing service coverage to reach more individuals, empowering couples with the knowledge necessary for planning healthy families. Why it matters Premarital genetic testing is designed to protect public health by detecting potential health risks before marriage. It serves to identify genetic diseases, hereditary conditions, and other health concerns that may be passed to offspring, particularly in consanguineous marriages or when a family history of genetic disorders exists. The screenings help reduce the incidence of serious congenital anomalies and inherited conditions like thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia, G6PD deficiency, early-onset blindness, hearing impairments, and other conditions that can affect a child's physical and mental development. This proactive approach not only alleviates the psychological and emotional burden on families but also enables timely intervention, early diagnosis, and preventive care, which ultimately contributes to healthier future generations.

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