GENOMIC MEDICINE INSTITUTE PRESENTS MEXICAN GENOME MAP AND

UNCLAS MEXICO 001666 HHS FOR OFFICE OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS HHS PLEASE PASS NIH FOR FOGARTY CENTER STATE PLEASE PASS NSF FOR STOLBERG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TBIO KSCA MX SUBJECT: GENOMIC MEDICINE INSTITUTE PRESENTS MEXICAN GENOME MAP AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR GENOMICS ¶1. Summary: Mexico's National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN) presented the genomic map of the Mexican population last month. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science under the title: "Analysis of Genomic Diversity in Mexico Mestizo Populations For the Development of Genomic Medicine in Mexico" used samples from three hundred people in six states and one indigenous group, and reveals significant genetic variation in Mexico. This paper will be the basis for developing genomic medicine in Mexico, and tackling common health problems of Mexicans. As a result of this study, INMEGEN could also become a hub for genomic sciences and product provision for Latin America. End summary ¶2. During a ceremony headed by President Felipe Calderon at Los Pinos (Mexico's White House) on May 11, Dr. Gerardo Jimenez, INMEGEN's Director, presented the results of the Project "Genomic Diversity of Mexican Population". The project started in June 2005. Participants in the project included 16 scientists from INMEGEN, headed by Dr. Jimenez. The project analyzed the genetic composition of 300 mestizos (Latin Americans of mixed European and Amerindian ancestry) from six states located in distant regions (Sonora, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Veracruz and Yucatan) and the indigenous Zapotecas group from the state of Oaxaca. Study reveals significant genetic variation in Mexico -------------- -------------- ¶3. The study reveals significant genetic variation as compared to other known human genetic subgroups (Yoruba from Africa, Caucasians from Europe and the Chinese and Japanese from Asia) that were documented in the International HapMap Project (2002-2006). Results provide evidence of genetic differences between Mexican subpopulations that should be considered in the design and analysis of association studies of complex diseases. ¶4. Dr. Jimenez explained that 85 percent of Mexico's population is mestizo and the study identifies genetic characteristics of the mestizo population and locates regions of their genome that have predispositions to diseases such as diabetes, breast cancer and hypertension. The study places Mexico among those countries developing genomic medicine. Mexico's "general human genetic data base" can now be used to develop new lines of research to identify genetic variations that translate into frequent diseases of Mexicans as well as to develop pharmacogenomics and nutrigenomics for Mexicans. Mexico contributes to the Latino population genome -------------- -------------- ¶5. With this initiative, Mexico becomes the first Latin American country to have a genome map to develop its genomic medicine platform in the coming years. This study could also be used for other Latin American countries with similar demographic characteristics to Mexico as well as the Latino population living in the U.S. The study is also useful to study migratory routes of ancient ethnic groups. Dr. Edison T. Liu, President of the Human Genome Organization (HUGO) pointed out that INMEGEN's work is important to direct personalized medicine in Mexico and noted its social impact by defining the uniqueness of Mexico's genetic heritage. ¶6. Founded in 2004, INMEGEN is one of the twelve health research institutes of Mexico aimed at developing a genomic medicine platform in Mexico. INMEGEN offers genomic medicine courses to physicians and medicine students, so that they can use a more individual medicine, identifying genetic variation that predisposes Mexicans to common diseases. In a press interview Dr. Jimenez pointed out that genomics is break down the concept of "races" and provides knowledge to counter discrimination and support equitable access to health services. Mexican legislators aware of INMEGEN's potential -------------- --- ¶7. In March 2009, the Mexican Senate hosted a conference to celebrate the fifth anniversary of INMEGEN. Different legislators reiterated their support for INMEGEN and pointed out challenges in legislating genomic medicine, such as the protection of databases and maintaining information on Mexicans' genetic information, development of knowledge to tackle national health problems, non discrimination and stigmatization of genomic diseases and access to genomic services. ¶8. Dr. Jimenez explained INMEGEN's main goals are to develop Mexico's human genome map and to focus on national health problems, i.e. diabetes and obesity, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. He also pointed out that achieving these goals required talent, which he suggested would involve bringing back Mexican scientists from abroad. Other scientists noted important joint work between INMEGEN and the Mexican Institute of Intellectual Property as well with business incubators, and adding that Mexico could become a hub for genomic sciences and product provision for Latin America. COMMENT -------------- ¶9. Prestigious scientists decried Mexico's lack of participation in the HUGO project. Nonetheless, INMEGEN's work has overcome this situation to some extent, and has followed the WHO's 2002 recommendation that all countries needed to harness the advantages of genomic sciences to improve global health. IMEGEN still faces challenges. The institute has been operating in a temporary location waiting to move to its headquarters this year. The Mexican Federal Office of Accountability has also found irregularities in the construction of its facilities. Dr Juan Pedro Laclette, Coordinator of the S&T Advisory Forum, an entity equivalent to OSTP, called on legislators to increase resources for INMEGEN to get its facilities ready so that it can continue research. End Comment. WILLIARD