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 Medical Genomics Research Department

KAIMRC’s Medical Genomics Research Department (MGRD) is poised to carry out cutting-edge research aimed at addressing Genetic disorders and genomic challenges with an emphasis on the people of Saudi Arabia. This department is equipped with the latest technologies to facilitate next-generation sequencing like whole genome sequencing (WGS), whole exome sequencing (WES), CGH microarray, cell culture, DNA sequencing, real-time PCR, western blot analysis and other molecular biology-based research. Additionally, we are forming international collaboration in therapeutic genomic in order to translate the research from bed to bench and taking it further to treatment discovery. The Department of Medical Genomics strives to produce high-quality research of translational value. This is manifested by its consistently high performance in the task of publishing papers and generating databases. Training of individuals and groups as well as collaboration are necessary part of medical genomics. There are several collaborations in process, both inside and outside National Guard-affiliated institutions, including both the hospital and university. MGRD is expanding its research base to include new scientific areas that c​an advance KAIMRC further into the arena of medical research. 



  • To establish a surveillance program for genetic disorders in Saudi Arabia.
  • To add valuable data on prevalence of genetic disorders in Saudi population.
  • To collect big genomic data through next generation sequencing platform and use of artificial intelligence in order to improve prediction of certain genetic conditions
  • To establish therapeutic genomics research at KAIMRC. This state of the art approach will be using the latest therapeutic genomic modalities
  • To provide whole exome sequencing service at King Abdullah international Medical Research center (KAIMRC).
  • To provide CGH microarray services at King Abdullah international Medical Research center (KAIMRC).
  • To provide whole genome sequencing service at King Abdullah international Medical Research center (KAIMRC).
  • To identify and genetically characterize causative genes for different genetic and rare disorders (GARD).
  • To solve the diagnostic dilemma of several families with genetic disorders and offer evidence-based genetic counseling to the respective patients/families.
  • To use state of the art technologies such as genome-wide linkage studies based on SNP chip technologies, whole-exome sequencing (WES) or whole genome sequencing (WGS) in association with functional and expression studies such as mRNA, cDNA, RT-PCR, western blotting, in situ hybridization (ISH), depending on the nature of the identified candidate genes technology leading to gene and cell therapy in the coming future.
  • To collect big genomic data through next generation sequencing and to establish registry for GARD at MNG-HA.​


  • Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) program in Saudi Arabia: A Step Towards Therapeutic Genomics:
  • Preventative Genome medicine for inherited  genetic disorder in Saudi Arabia:
  • Identification of disease-causing mutations by WGS that are not detected by WES in families with hereditary disorders:
  • Biotin Thiamine Responsive Basal Gangila Disease Pilot Study towards Newborn Screening for Treatable Neurometabolic Disorder:
  • Genetic and Molecular Characterization of Genes Involved in Causing Rare Conjoined Twins:
  • Attitudes to Prenatal testing and Termination of Pregnancy for Fetal Abnormalities in Saudi Couples:
  • Preventative Genome medicine for inherited genetic disorder in Saudi Arabia:
  • Molecular Characterization of Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia cases:
  • Chromosomal abnormalities and Y chromosome microdeletion among Azoospermia/Oligospermia Saudi Patient:
  • Mutations in the core gene of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 in association with advanced liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma development among Saudi liver diseases patients:
  • Development of new treatments for patients with Burkitt’s lymphoma: Oncogene PIM-1 as target for cellular/gene therapy of B-cell lymphoma:
  • Identification of epigenetically regulated genes likely to be involved in multi-drug resistance: Epigenetics-based therapeutic strategies for patients with relapsed AML:
  • New biomarkers of atherosclerotic plaque progression in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) treated with statins: Epigenetic analysis of atherosclerotic plaque progression in patients with FH treated with statins:
  • Investigation of p70S6K1 as a biomarker of highly invasive breast cancer development in diabetic patients: therapeutic strategy:
  • Studying the effects of herbal melanin extracted from Nigella Sativa L. on TLR4-induced COX-2/PGE2, ROS and IL-6 production using human gastric cell lines:
  • Regulation of alveolar epithelial cell homeostasis and function by MERS-Co Virus S protein and the role of Dpp4 receptor:
  • 9Pdeletion in pre B-ALL:
  • From Medical Herbalism to Phytotherapy for Vitiligo: Comprehensive Study of Selected Saudi Medicinal Plants for their Activity on Proliferation Rate and Melanogenesis in Human MelanocytesP:
  • The Estrogenic Potencies of Selected Herbal Medicines and Traditional Foods Commonly-Consumed among the Saudi Arabian Population:
  • The In Vitro Modulatory Effects of Selected Saudi Traditional Herbal Medicines on Phase-I Cytochrome P-450 Isoenzymes Gene and Protein Expression Using Human Hepatoma Cells:
  • A meta-analysis of the blood pressure lowering activity of statin​


  • Next generation sequencing
    • Whole genome sequencing
    • Whole exome sequencing
    • Transcriptome sequencing
  • Microarray
    • CGH microarray
    • Copy number analysis
  • Sanger sequencing
    • Single gene testing
    • Carrier testing
  • Prevention genetics technology
    • Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenetic disorders (PGT-M)
    • Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A)
    • Non invasive perinatal testing (NIPT)
  • Functional studies
    • qRT-PCR
    • Western blot analysis
    • RNA sequencing​