Saudi Arabia begins genome sequencing study

A new human genome project has been launched in Saudi Arabia, which will see around 10,000 people having their genetic codes mapped. Researchers will be looking at genes that are linked to certain diseases, which could help to understand disease progression and prevention. The study will also help in the development of premarital and prenatal screening. 

The Saudi Arabian national science agency is funding the project, which will lead to the creation of a database holding DNA information. This database will allow for the development of personalised medicine. A similar project is being undertaken in the UK, which aims to map the genomes of 100,000 NHS patients.

Researchers in Saudi Arabia will work to sequence up to 100,000 genomes during a period of five years. This will enable them to study genes linked to disease, as well as normal genes. 

Dr Mohammed Bin Ibrahim Al Suwayl, president of the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, said: "We have clear strategy and policy of the importance of science to a knowledge-based society and we believe the Saudi human genome programme will help shape the understanding of health and disease and usher in an era of personalised medicine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and we are grateful for the investment and vision of the Saudi leadership."  

A total of ten different genomes centres throughout Saudi Arabia will be involved in the research, while a further five centres are to be created in the next few years.

While there are unlikely to be large differences between populations in and outside of the Middle East, according to Dr Ewan Birney, associate director at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, the research could identify a different range of genetic diseases within in Saudi Arabia compared to those found within the UK study, the BBC reports.

"I'm excited that Saudi Arabia is taking a substantial step forward in sequencing genomes in their clinical healthcare," Doctor Birney continued, as reported by the news provider. "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."