DNA MAPPING PROVE ASIANS HAVE SAME GENETIC ANCESTRY

Bandar Sunway, 23 Dec – For the very first time, 93 researchers representing 40 institutions from 10 Asian countries have collaborated to conduct studies to map the genetic diversity of Asian populations. The study revealed that the 73 diverse ethnic groups are linked by a unifying genetic ancestry, although they may be divided by geographical boundaries.

The study also found that early man migrated to Asia through South East Asia in a single migration. This is contrary to the theory put forward by a world-renowned geneticist several years ago that the migration of early man to Asia occurred in several stages based on the assumption that it occurred in Africa.

The study conducted on diverse populations in Asia revealed that genetic ancestry was highly correlated to ethnic and linguistic groups. This suggests that South East Asia is the main geopraphical source for East Asian and North Asian populations.

The study, known as HUGO (Human Genome Organisation based in Singapore) Pan Asia SNP Initiative is to trace the genetic origins of Asians who represent 70% of the world population and to use human genome sequencing for the benefit of health in the future.

The study uses DNA sequencing known as "Single Nucleotide Polymorphism" (SNP) to study genome variations between ethnic groups.

Two Malaysian researchers who are involved in the study, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zilfalil Alwi from Unversiti Sains Malaysia (USM and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maude E.Phipps from Universiti Monash Malaysia, said this at a press conference today.

Dr. Zilfalil is assisted by co-researchers from USM, Dr. Hoh Boon Peng and Mohd. Ros Sidek while Dr. Maude E.Phipps is assisted by co-researchers from Universiti Malaya, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ameen, Prof Dr. Juli Edo and Tomothy Jinam.

Also present at the press conference were Prof. Dato’ Dr. Anuar Zaini, Chief of Medical Studies and Health Sciences, Monash Universiti, Malaysia and Prof. Dr. Rofina Yasmin Dato’ Othman from the National Biotechnology Division , Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

According to Dr. Maude E. Phipps this study is important because for the very first time, scientists are collaborating on a research in Asia involving 1928 samples selected from 73 ethnic groups that are slowly disappearing in Asia.

The scientists working on the research come from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. Samples are also obtained from these countries.

In Malaysia, the study was conducted on 179 samples taken from the Bidayuh, Temuan, Kensiu and Jehai tribes while the study by the USM team involved samples from the Kelantanese and Minangkabau Malays. However, the study on the Malays ia a separate project conducted by the School of Health Sciences, School of Medical Sciences and the School of Dental Sciences, US< and is expected to be completed by next year.

“Unfortunately, countries in the Middle East were not keen in participating in the study which would most definitely have helped in making the study more comprehensive, said Dr. Zilfalil.

Genetic mapping for Asia is important as it has implications in understanding the migration trends in the history of civilization, genetic studies and the spread of diseases.

According to Dr. Maude E. Phipps, the next stage in the research is to use DNA sequencing for helping in preventing diseases among the various ethnic groups as well as the need for drugs and their suitability for purposes of medical treatment.

“We will continue with the research for other ethnic groups and collaborate with researchers to ensure that the study will be of benefit for the purposes of medical and health treatment,” said Dr. Maude E. Phipps.

The research was carried out with a grant of approximately RM 2 milllion, the major portion of which came from the Ministry of Higher Education (inclusive of research on Minangkabau and Kelantanese Malays) and the rest from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.


Picture: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zilfalil Alwi (left) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maude E.Phipps showing a report on their reseach findings at a press conference at the Monash University campus today.


Photo: Badrul Munawir




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