TÜBİTAK decodes genes… Minister of Science, Industry and Technology Nihat Ergün stated that human gene maps have started to be drawn together with TÜBİTAK cryptology experts at the TÜBİTAK Biotechnology Research Center and said, “We started to detect the relationships between human genes and diseases.” Gene is known as the smallest structural unit that determines the characteristic features of living things. Concentrating its work in the field of 'gene', TUBITAK established Turkey's most advanced gene laboratory under the name of Advanced Genome and Bioinformatics Center.
'Short neck' gene found, schizophrenia investigated
Stating that TÜBİTAK BİLGEM Advanced Genome and Bioinformatics Center has achieved a first in Turkey, Ergün said, “In a short time like one year, genes associated with some diseases were identified in cooperation with Cumhuriyet University and Hacettepe University. One of them is the 'Klippel-Feil' syndrome. In other words, it is a congenital disease that is reflected in the clinic as limited neck movements and short neck due to the formation disorder in the neck spine. Genes that cause serious congenital anomalies in humans have been found. The first step towards elucidating a hitherto unknown mechanism in vascular tumors has been completed. Comparative genome studies continue with a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from schizophrenia to common diseases.
Ergün said: “The researchers of TÜBİTAK also use their experience in decryption in the analysis of genetic data. There are around 20 countries in the world doing similar studies. Our difference is that the number of cases to be investigated due to consanguineous marriages is higher in our geography. Although sequencing infrastructure is available and research potential is high in other countries, cases usually originate from other countries. This is seen as an advantage for us if genomic studies continue.”
Ergün emphasized that these studies must be done in Turkey, and that if these data are sent abroad, there is a potential to pose a threat to Turkey in the future.
Source : Radical
📩 04/11/2013 15:01
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