Scientists map camel’s DNA in quest of medical breakthrough

RIYADH - An international team of scientists have decoded the entire genome of the Arabian camel, a step which is claimed to be a breakthrough towards finding remedy of cancer and AIDS.

A team of more than 20 scientists from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) have found that 57 percent of the camel’s genes are shared with humans, Arab News reported.

Further research on camel’s immune system “will help in the development of new vaccines for not only improving the camel’s health but also unlocking the aspects needed to cure diseases, such as cancer, AIDS, and Hepatitis C”, said Abdulaziz al-Swailem, a senior scientist with KACST.

The new genome data can also be used to improve the quality of camel meat and their physical strength, Arab News said citing a joint statement from the two institutes.

Unlocking the genetics could lead to potential medical discoveries and the data can also help scientists understand better how the mammal produces its highly nutritious and medically valuable milk, the statement said.

Jian Wang, BGI’s director, said the sequencing of the camel genome will contribute to global genomics and post genomics research.

“We look forward to further expanding our understanding of the camel’s physiological and biochemical characteristics and to bring it to application for the benefit of mankind,” he added.