Cloned camels could cure diseases


05 April 2010
A second camel has been successfully cloned in Dubai as part of research that could pave the way for the revolutionary treatment of chronic human diseases.

Scientists at the Camel Reproduction Centre announced the birth of Bin-Soughan - a male calf, bred from the skin cells of a multi-million-dirham bull.

The calf is the centre's second successful clone after female camel Injaz, who was created using cells from a female camel's womb.

Injaz celebrated her first birthday on Thursday.

The head of the centre's reproductive biology lab, Dr Nisar Wani, said creating Bin-Soughan was easier this time around.

"The ability of skin cells to reprogramme and develop into an embryo has made cloning camels easier, as skin cells are easy to obtain in contrast to reproductive tissue," he said. "It'll help us preserve and protect genetically valuable animals such as high-milk producers, racing champions and males of high genetic merit."

In the future, Wani hopes the centre's genetic research will help pioneer treatments for human diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Experts say modifications of camel genes could help identify the code for a human protein, which could be injected into camel milk and used to curb conditions such as stomach ulcers and arthritis.

Wani said: "It is possible that if you suffer from diabetes, one day you may be able to drink a glass of camel milk instead of having an insulin injection."

© 7Days 2010

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