Dubai Police officer joins international human genome research project

An officer from Dubai Police has joined international efforts to understand the extent of human genetic variation.

Major Mohamed Ali Al Marri, who is currently a PhD student at the University of Cambridge, has already published two papers on the Human Genome Diversity Project (HGDP) along with fellow researchers.

He is also heading a new project to study Arab Genome Diversity, which has identified a large number of variants that are specific to the region and highlighted the missing diversity of Arab samples in genome projects.

It will complement the HGDP, which lacks samples from the Arabian Peninsula.

Maj. Al Marri said there is currently a huge bias in the field of human genomics, with most studies performed in populations of European descent but the latest projects will catalogue genetic variants at a global scale, allowing their inclusion in future medical studies. 

"The results of both these projects will enable us to create an encyclopedia of human genetic variation that will allow us to create better tests for human identification in the field of forensics. It will also advance the long-term goal of personalised medicine, where tailored treatments for each patient is based on their genetic background, improving outcomes and prognosis," explained Maj. Al Marri, who completed his studies under the Dubai Police scholarship programme.

"Thanks to the continued support of Dubai Police, I have been able to take part and lead the analysis of the Human Genome Diversity Project, in which numerous scientists over the last 30 years were able to collect DNA samples from diverse human populations. This collaborative effort has led to the establishment of an open-access genetic resource from 54 populations."

Brigadier Dr. Saleh Abdullah Murad, director of the General Department of Human Resources at Dubai Police, said that Maj. Al Marri's success is a representation of the scientific capabilities of Dubai Police Cadre.

"We encourage them to engage in research studies in order to keep abreast of the latest scientific discoveries in all fields and employ them efficiently in their works," he added.

#News | Dubai Police Officer participates in the analysis and publication of the Human Genome Diversity Project

Details:https://t.co/cfD3kATKnw#YourSecurityOurHappiness#SmartSecureTogether pic.twitter.com/WPvZDcm5G7

— Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) August 23, 2020