Latest news with #ArabPangenomeReference
Dubai Eye
25-07-2025
- 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
Hi Dubai
25-07-2025
- 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
TAG 91.1
24-07-2025
- 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
Zawya
05-03-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Advanced genetic blueprint could unlock precision medicine
Dubai, UAE: Creation of a comprehensive genetic representation for more than 2.5 billion people across the Middle East and South Asia could make a major contribution towards advancing precision medicine, a publication in Nature Medicine reveals. Traditional genetic research has mainly relied on linear reference genomes, which is like having a single, standard version of human DNA that scientists compare everyone's genetic information against. This works well for studying individual genetics but does not capture all the complexities and differences found in diverse populations. The Arab Pangenome Reference (APR) takes a different approach. Instead of relying on just one "standard" genome, it includes a collection of many different genetic versions specific to the Arab population. This helps scientists see the full picture of genetic diversity, including variations and unique traits that might be missed using the old method. The international group of researchers led by the Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG) at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, in partnership with the University of Birmingham, Dubai published their findings today (4 Mar) in Nature Medicine. Authors included Nasna Nassir, Mohamed A. Almarri, Hosneara Akter, Hamda Hassan Khansaheb, K. M. Furkan Uddin, Ahmad Abou Tayoun, Stefan Du Plessis, Marc Haber, Alawi Alsheikh-Ali and Mohammed Uddin. Nature Medicine is recognized for its rigorous peer-review process and its commitment to disseminating high-quality studies and opinion pieces that advance our understanding of human health. Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Deputy CEO and Chief Academic Officer of Dubai Health and Provost of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, commented: 'This publication provides a comprehensive and inclusive perspective on human genetic diversity, ensuring that the unique genetic landscapes of the Middle East and South Asia are represented. Integration of these pangenomes into global genomic databases will unlock new discoveries and represents a vital step in advancing health for humanity.' Professor Yusra Mouzughi, Provost University of Birmingham Dubai commented: 'At the University of Birmingham, we pride ourselves on 'research that changes lives'. This latest research demonstrates the impact of our strong partnership between University of Birmingham Dubai and Dubai Health to deliver research that fundamentally advances science and discovery, creating a new understanding of genetic diversity amongst Arabs and enabling a deeper understanding of the genetic origins of disease.' Dr. Mohammed Uddin Director of the Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG) at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, commented: 'The APR is the first reference genome constructed to capture the genetic diversity among Arabs. This landmark resource aims to enhance early diagnosis and personalized treatments for genetic diseases that are prevalent in the region. This research uncovered millions of base pairs of novel human DNA sequences, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic origins of diseases and traits. Our goal is to construct graph pangenomes encompassing the entire Middle East and South Asia, aiming to accelerate the adoption of precision medicine in these regions.' Co-author Marc Haber, from the University of Birmingham Dubai, commented: 'The precision offered by pangenomic approaches is particularly beneficial for studying rare and previously undetected disease-causing variants which paves the way for better understanding and treatment of these conditions, leading to new discoveries in population genetics, disease susceptibility and drug response.' Professor Stefan Du Plessis, Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at MBRU commented: 'At Dubai Health, our Discovery Mission embodies our commitment to innovation, research, and the advancement of healthcare. This publication emphasises the importance of collaborative research in making advanced genomic references a routine part of diagnostics and healthcare. As we move forward, this comprehensive genetic approach promises to reshape our understanding of health and disease, ultimately improving healthcare for millions.' For Media Inquiries Tony Moran, International Communications Manager, University of Birmingham on +44 (0)782 783 2312 or For out-of-hours inquiries, please call +44 (0) 121 414 2772.
