Constructing human genetic disease database in Bangladesh

Abstract

In the advent of technological revolution, genetic interaction has become a crucial aspect in the understanding of any diseases. Information on individual genetic variation is now used in translational genomics to implement precise diagnosis and personalized medicine. Finding causal genes for genetic diseases or exploring interaction of genes in diseases with genetic predisposition is the first step to getting insights into such diseases. The human genome project made a paradigm shift in thinking, especially in the developed countries affected by non-communicable diseases. Some cutting-edge technologies, including gene therapy and genome editing, hold the promise in better diagnosis and treatment of common to rare genetic diseases. Scientific communities are trying hard to accumulate all the genetic disease information from publicly available platforms. A genetic disease database of a country serves as a depository. Many developed and a few developing countries have already developed genetic disease databases, which could benefit early diagnosis and proper patient management. Unfortunately, Bangladesh is lagging behind in this aspect. It is imperative to develop genetic disease database in Bangladesh because of its large population of patients with genetic disease. In this review, we discuss the reasons for constructing a genetic disease database and how this database can help to fight against challenges arising from the genetic diseases in Bangladesh.