Camel's genome completely mapped
Posted by The Zawya
Emirates Business 24-7, 10 June 2010


The Arabian camel is the latest addition in only a handful of mammals to have had its genome fully mapped - which is great news for medicine and agriculture.

In a joint year-long project conducted by teams of scientists from King Abdulaziz City for Science and TechnologyKing Abdulaziz City for Science and TechnologyLoading... (KACSTKACSTLoading...), Saudi Arabia, and BGI (formerly known as Beijing Genomics Institute), China, it was found that the Arabian camel genome is about 2.2 billion nucleotides in size. To compare, the human genome has 3.2 billion nucleotides.

Jian Wang, President, BGI, told reporters: "The sequencing of the camel genome achieved by KACSTKACSTLoading... and BGI will contribute greatly to the worldwide genomics and post-genomics research. We look forward to further expanding our understanding of the camel physiological and biochemical characteristics and to bring it to application for the benefit of mankind."

The Arabian camel, scientifically known as Camelus dromedarius, is a large even-toed ungulate with one hump on its back - in contrast to the Bactrian camel which has two - and is one of the most popular members of the camel family.

This genome research project has generated an enormous database of genetic information that will be used to improve camel, plus human health. The teams' research also revealed that the Arabian camel has remarkable similarities to other reported mammals, particularly cattle, and possess 57 per cent of shared genes with the human genome.

As a result, this will lead to a major breakthrough in the understanding of the physiological and biochemical characteristics that enable this animal to survive in such inhospitable environments as the desert.

Furthermore, unlocking the aspects of the camel immune system will help to develop new vaccination approaches, novel therapeutic antibodies, and small peptide-based therapy.

Additionally, this new data will be used to reconstruct metabolic pathways for milk production in camels, therefore help in selectively breeding animals with an increased yield of milk.

Compared to other types of dairy, camel milk is highly nutritious and believed to have remarkable medicinal properties that can help fight diseases such as cancer, Aids, Alzheimer's and hepatitis C.

Genomic data will provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying camel's genetic traits such as milk quality and yield, meat and wool production and physical strength and racing ability.

Dr Mohammed Al Suwaiyel, President, KACSTKACSTLoading..., said: "This achievement propels KACSTKACSTLoading... to the forefront of genomics and post-genomics research."

"We are dedicated to continue to contribute to cutting-edge research and technologies to the global community in the scientific areas that are most relevant to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia," said Dr Al Suwaiyel.

By Rachel McArthur

© Emirates Business 24/7 2010

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