TUBITAK cryptologists have sequenced the human genome for the first time in Turkey, revealing the relationship between genes and 4 diseases.

Research conducted by TÜBİTAK cryptology experts has revealed the relationship between 4 diseases and genes. Nihat Ergün, the Minister of Science, Industry and Technology, announced that for the first time in Turkey, human genome has been sequenced and said, "The gene related to the congenital cervical spine formation disorder known as Klippel-Feil syndrome has been identified. In addition, genetically based mechanisms related to tumors that occur as a result of uncontrolled expansion of blood vessels are coming to light. The other two diseases are congenital genes that cause serious formation disorders of the head and facial region."

Intensifying its efforts in the field of "gene", the smallest structural unit that determines the characteristics of living things, TÜBİTAK established Turkey's most advanced gene laboratory under the name of Advanced Genome and Bioinformatics Center. The center, established with the support of the Ministry of Development, is the first in Turkey to establish laboratories to sequence the human genome and computer infrastructure to analyze these genomes. While the biological processes related to genome sequencing are carried out by the TÜBİTAK MAM Institute of Gene Engineering and Biotechnology, genome analysis is carried out by experts from TÜBİTAK BİLGEM National Research Institute for Electronics and Cryptology (UEKAE). Thus, TÜBİTAK's researchers are using their experience in decryption to analyze genetic data. At the same time, research is being carried out on methods of accessing, storing and processing genetic data, which will become increasingly popular in the future.

Minister Ergün A First Achieved in Turkey

Stating that the Advanced Genome and Bioinformatics Center has achieved a first in Turkey, Minister Ergün said that 10 whole genomes were sequenced and analyzed within the borders of the country. Referring to 250 exome sequencing and studies on the functions of genes, Minister Ergün said, "In a short period of one year, in cooperation with Cumhuriyet and Hacettepe Universities, genes associated with 4 diseases were identified. One of these is 'Klippel-Feil' syndrome. In other words, it is a congenital disease that is reflected in the clinic as restricted neck movements and short neck due to the formation disorder in the cervical spine. In addition, genes causing 3 diseases that cause serious congenital anomalies in humans were found. One of these is a vital gene that causes failure in the vascular system and concerns vascular development. This discovery is the first step towards elucidating a hitherto unknown mechanism in vascular tumors. The other two diseases are serious malformations involving congenital anomalies of the head and face. Comparative exome and whole genome studies are also ongoing with a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from schizophrenia to common diseases. Verification studies on the genes identified for five diseases are ongoing."

"Entering the Age of Personal Medicine"

Stating that with the completion of the human gene map, a new era called personalized medicine has entered in the field of medicine, Minister Ergün noted that instead of standard treatment methods against diseases, special treatment methods will be used by taking into account the genetic structure of the person. Minister Ergün said: "Aware of this future, TÜBİTAK has established high-capacity DNA sequencing laboratories and a team of cryptographers who will analyze the high volume of data that these laboratories will produce. Thus, TÜBİTAK's researchers are using their experience in decryption to analyze genetic data. In a short period of one year, this team has achieved many firsts for Turkey. There are around 20 countries in the world doing similar work. Our difference from these countries is that the number of cases to be researched is higher in our geography due to consanguineous marriages. Although other countries have sequencing infrastructure and high research potential, the cases usually come from Turkey or countries like Turkey. This situation will be an advantage for us if genomic studies continue, and a disadvantage if they do not, as the data will go abroad."

Gene Codes Under Protection

Stating that until now, all samples for medical diagnosis and research based on sequencing technologies have been sent abroad, Minister Ergün pointed out that for this reason, Turkey's genomic data banks have been created in the countries where the samples are sent. Emphasizing that these data have the potential to pose a threat to our country in the future, Ergün said: "Knowing the value of a country's genomic data in terms of that country's national security, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM cryptology institute UEKAE continues to work at national and international levels on both the analysis of genomic data and the security of data. For the first time in the world, an institute with a successful track record in cryptology and security is working on such an issue. Now, this qualified and private data has stopped going abroad and an important deficiency has been eliminated."