Researcher collects blood samples for gene analysis.
PolyU has partnered with the Macau University of Science and Technology to establish Macau's first genome database to gather information for public healthcare policy making.
Over the years, scientists have confirmed that human genetic sequence variations can be associated with disease susceptibility, and this valuable information has been translated into healthcare applications. Such sequence variations and their associated risk parameters, however, are optimised for Western populations and Chinese population have not fully benefited from this genetic advance due to genetic difference.
In view of this, PolyU's Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology and the Faculty of Health Science and University Hospital of the Macau University of Science and Technology cooperated to establish Macau's first genome database. The objective was to provide a focused understanding of the genomic sequence variations of the Macau population for disease-risk prediction.
Specially-designed chip records many subjects' genetic profiles.
Prof. Terence Lau Lok-ting and the research team members
Using genome-wide single nucleotide variation profiles, the research team led by Prof. Terence Lau Lok-ting, Director of Innovation and Technology Development at PolyU predicted the Macau population's risk for 16 common diseases and compared them to those of the northern Chinese, European and American populations. One of the findings showed that Macau citizens have higher genetic risks of lung, breast, ovarian and prostate cancers but lower risks of Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases.
Also, the research team conducted personalised genetic risk testing in which they predicted the inherited risks of an individual to develop a series of severe diseases during his or her lifetime. The disease-risk profiles generated will be useful to physicians in providing medical intervention and personalised health advice and care.
As Prof. Lau put it, “The database facilitates the study of the association between genetic variations and diseases among the Macau population, thus providing important references for the future development of public healthcare and health policies.” ♦
