Irish DNA isolated for first time ever
May provide important clues to genetic diseases
University College Dublin scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of an Irish person for the first time ever.
The 3.1 billion sub-units of DNA were mapped by the team from the Conway Institute at the university led by Professor Brendan Loftus.
The Loftus team used DNA from an anonymous Irish male who had a confirmed sole Irish ancestry of three generations.
Prof Loftus said the individual chosen was considered a good example of Irish DNA and “showed variation typical of the island”.
“We have a better chance of understanding disease biology and susceptibility if we can stratify different populations on the basis of their genes,” he told the Irish Times.
The study provides the first ever complete genetic picture of the Irish branch of the European ancestral tree.
irish are knwn to be mroe susceptible to several diseases including cystic fibrosis. Differences between the DNA of Irish and others may provide a clue why that is so.
An “Irish genetic signature” will eventually be developed said Professor Loftus.
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