Uzbek Researchers Map National Genome, Uncover Unique Mutations

Scientists at Uzbekistan’s Centre for Advanced Technologies under the Ministry of Higher Education have decoded the genes of the country’s citizens for the first time. The study revealed dozens of mutations that have never been recorded by global science.

The findings proved striking: hereditary changes were detected in every second child, while 86% of participants carried at least one damaged gene — twice the international average.

Researchers attribute this high rate of genetic variation to frequent marriages between relatives in certain regions, which increase the risk of hereditary conditions such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease in future generations.

Professor Shakhlo Turdykulova, who leads the «1000 Genomes of Uzbekistan» project, said the results will form the basis of a national biobank. She added that the team recommends introducing pre-marital genetic screening to help reduce the risk of inherited illnesses across the population.

Kursiv also reports that a modern medical cluster worth nearly $150 mln will be built in Tashkent with South Korean investment.