The Moroccan Genetic Disease Database (MGDD): a database for DNA variations related to inherited disorders and disease susceptibility

Abstract

National and ethnic mutation databases provide comprehensive information about genetic variations reported in a population or an ethnic group. In this paper, we present the Moroccan Genetic Disease Database (MGDD), a catalogue of genetic data related to diseases identified in the Moroccan population. We used the PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases to identify available articles published until April 2013. The Database is designed and implemented on a three-tier model using Mysql relational database and the PHP programming language. To date, the database contains 425 mutations and 208 polymorphisms found in 301 genes and 259 diseases. Most Mendelian diseases in the Moroccan population follow autosomal recessive mode of inheritance (74.17%) and affect endocrine, nutritional and metabolic physiology. The MGDD database provides reference information for researchers, clinicians and health professionals through a user-friendly Web interface. Its content should be useful to improve researches in human molecular genetics, disease diagnoses and design of association studies. MGDD can be publicly accessed at

Genetics and genomic medicine in Morocco: the present hope can make the future bright

“…; Charoute et al. ). Despite the lack of genetic diseases epidemiological surveillance, they occupy a more and more important sphere in morbidity, but they stimulate only a humble interest in Moroccan health care system strategy.…”

“…The Mediterranean Strait of Gibraltar opens Moroccan territories to the European continent via Spain (Charoute et al. ; Geography of Morocco, ) (Figure ).…”

“…Morocco is located in the extreme northwest of Africa at the doors of continental Europe. The Mediterranean Strait of Gibraltar opens Moroccan territories to the European continent via Spain (Charoute et al 2014; Geography of Morocco, 2016) ( Figure 1).…”

“…There are only few detailed studies on the prevalence of some diseases such as familial Mediterranean fever, cystic fibrosis, and beta thalassemia. Nevertheless, an important sporadic data are available for more than 250 genetic diseases and syndromes (Ratibi et al 2008;Charoute et al 2014). Despite the lack of genetic diseases epidemiological surveillance, they occupy a more and more important sphere in morbidity, but they stimulate only a humble interest in Moroccan health care system strategy.…”

Socio-Cultural, Legal and Ethical Issues Related to Gene Banking in Oman

“…Unlike the diversity in Western populations, inbreeding is deep rooted in the Arab communities, including Oman [8][9][10]. The large families and high level of consanguinity result in unique socio-cultural cohesion, as well as an increased frequency of genetic disorders with specific recognizable pattern.…”