World DNA Day 2025

Happy DNA Day | April 25, 2025

💡 Did you know?

  • Your DNA is 99.9% identical to everyone else’s! It’s the tiny 0.1% that makes you unique.
  • Your DNA can reveal your health risks, how you react to medications, and the lifestyle choices that work best for you!

🧬 What is DNA Day?

DNA Day is an annual global event celebrated on April 25th to commemorate the discovery of the DNA double helix structure by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, and the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. The day serves to recognize the significance of genetics in advancing science and medicine, and to encourage public awareness and education about the role of genetics in health, disease, and the broader scope of biology.

🔎 Research Highlights from UMBI

UMBI is at the forefront of innovative research on various aspects of DNA, from understanding genetic factors in disease to cutting-edge research in personalized medicine.

🔬 Cancer Genomics

Using advanced tools like next-generation sequencing (NGS) and bioinformatics, UMBI researchers are uncovering the genetic changes behind cancer progression and treatment response. Their discoveries are leading to new biomarkers for early detection and paving the way for precision medicine. These studies receive support from various funding sources, including the Long Research Grant Scheme from the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and Yayasan Petronas.

📖 Whole genome sequencing of Malaysian colorectal cancer patients reveals specific druggable somatic mutations

📖 https://www.ukm.my/umbi/news/memorandum-perjanjian-moa-ukm-yayasan-petronas/

🔬 Non-communicable diseases

Leveraging advanced genomic tools—including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and epigenetic analyses—researchers at UMBI in collaboration with University of Dundee, UK are working to identify disease-associated genetic variants, biomarkers, and gene-environment interactions unique to diverse populations, shedding light on the molecular basis of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The project was supported by funding from the Medical Research Council’s (MRC) Newton-Ungku Omar Fund.

📖 Genetic Factors for Coronary Heart Disease and Their Mechanisms: A Meta-Analysis and Comprehensive Review of Common Variants from Genome-Wide Association Studies

📖 https://www.ukm.my/umbi/prime-introduction/

🔬 Rare Genetic Diseases

UMBI researchers are also leading efforts to study rare genetic diseases in the Malaysian population. Through genetic screening and mutation analysis, they have gained key insights into the local genetic landscape, improving diagnosis and treatment for these conditions. The work was supported by Genomic Unit PPUKM-UMBI fund.

📖 Exome sequencing identifies SLC26A4, GJB2, SCARB2 and DUOX2 mutations in 2 siblings with Pendred syndrome in a Malaysian family

🔬 SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance

UMBI researchers use DNA sequencing to track and study viruses like SARS-CoV-2, with funding from a Strategic Research Fund grant provided by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Malaysia. By monitoring genetic changes, we gain insights into how viruses spread and evolve, helping to guide public health actions and vaccine development.

📖 SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance in Malaysia: displacement of B.1.617.2 with AY lineages as the dominant Delta variants and the introduction of Omicron during the fourth epidemic wave

🔬 Microbiome

UMBI researchers are studying how human microbes influence health, uncovering connections between microbial communities and diseases such as cancer (funded by the Trans-disciplinary Research Grant Scheme of the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia) and chronic conditions (funded by the Dana Langganan Sukuk Pakej Rangsangan Ekonomi Prihatin Rakyat (PRIHATIN) Fasa 2). This work is helping us better understand how microbes shape our health and disease outcomes.

📖 Parvimonas micra, Peptostreptococcus stomatis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Akkermansia muciniphila as a four-bacteria biomarker panel of colorectal cancer

📖 https://www.ukm.my/umbi/mysero-biome/

🧪 Join our Professional Certificate

🌟 We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our grant funders, collaborators, and industry partners for their invaluable support in advancing DNA research at UMBI. Special thanks to our staffs and students for their tireless efforts, as well as the patients and participants who generously contributed to our studies.

🎉Celebrating the Blueprint of Life – Happy DNA Day!

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