Over the next five years, Saudi Arabia is planning to have 100,000 genomes sequenced to gain a better understanding of the diseases of genetic origin or influence among the kingdom’s population. Approximately 8% of Saudi children are born with acute genetic disorders, and over 30% of adults have type 2 diabetes (T2D). The proportion of births with metabolic disorders is four times higher in Saudi Arabia than in the US. This is in part a result of the high rate of intermarriage among Saudis. The sequencing results will be used to help identify disease markers, which will be applied toward developing new diagnostic tests for such diseases. Scientists also will use the results to gain insight into genetic effects on chronic diseases, such as T2D and hypertension, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in the population.

Source: The Wall Street Journal