R 122131Z JUN 09
FM AMEMBASSY MEXICO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 6900
DEPT OF HHS WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS MEXICO 001666 
 
 
HHS FOR OFFICE OF GLOBAL AFFAIRS 
HHS PLEASE PASS NIH FOR FOGARTY CENTER 
STATE PLEASE PASS NSF FOR STOLBERG 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: TBIO KSCA MX
SUBJECT: GENOMIC MEDICINE INSTITUTE PRESENTS MEXICAN GENOME MAP AND 
ITS POTENTIAL FOR GENOMICS 
 
¶1. Summary:  Mexico's National Institute of Genomic Medicine 
(INMEGEN) presented the genomic map of the Mexican population last 
month.  The study, published in the Proceedings of the National 
Academy of Science under the title: "Analysis of Genomic Diversity 
in Mexico Mestizo Populations For the Development of Genomic 
Medicine in Mexico" used samples from three hundred people in six 
states and one indigenous group, and reveals significant genetic 
variation in Mexico. This paper will be the basis for developing 
genomic medicine in Mexico, and tackling common health problems of 
Mexicans.  As a result of this study, INMEGEN could also become a 
hub for genomic sciences and product provision for Latin America. 
End summary 
 
¶2. During a ceremony headed by President Felipe Calderon at Los 
Pinos (Mexico's White House) on May 11, Dr. Gerardo Jimenez, 
INMEGEN's Director, presented the results of the Project "Genomic 
Diversity of Mexican Population".  The project started in June 2005. 
 Participants in the project included 16 scientists from INMEGEN, 
headed by Dr. Jimenez.  The project analyzed the genetic composition 
of 300 mestizos (Latin Americans of mixed European and Amerindian 
ancestry) from six states located in distant regions (Sonora, 
Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Veracruz and Yucatan) and the 
indigenous Zapotecas group from the state of Oaxaca. 
 
Study reveals significant genetic variation in Mexico 
--------------------------------------------- ------- 
¶3.  The study reveals significant genetic variation as compared to 
other known human genetic subgroups (Yoruba from Africa, Caucasians 
from Europe and the Chinese and Japanese from Asia) that were 
documented in the International HapMap Project (2002-2006).  Results 
provide evidence of genetic differences between Mexican 
subpopulations that should be considered in the design and analysis 
of association studies of complex diseases. 
 
¶4.  Dr. Jimenez explained that 85 percent of Mexico's population is 
mestizo and the study identifies genetic characteristics of the 
mestizo population and locates regions of their genome that have 
predispositions to diseases such as diabetes, breast cancer and 
hypertension. The study places Mexico among those countries 
developing genomic medicine. Mexico's "general human genetic data 
base" can now be used to develop new lines of research to identify 
genetic variations that translate into frequent diseases of Mexicans 
as well as to develop pharmacogenomics and nutrigenomics for 
Mexicans. 
 
Mexico contributes to the Latino population genome 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
¶5. With this initiative, Mexico becomes the first Latin American 
country to have a genome map to develop its genomic medicine 
platform in the coming years.  This study could also be used for 
other Latin American countries with similar demographic 
characteristics to Mexico as well as the Latino population living in 
the U.S. The study is also useful to study migratory routes of 
ancient ethnic groups.  Dr. Edison T. Liu, President of the Human 
Genome Organization (HUGO) pointed out that INMEGEN's work is 
important to direct personalized medicine in Mexico and noted its 
social impact by defining the uniqueness of Mexico's genetic 
heritage. 
 
¶6. Founded in 2004, INMEGEN is one of the twelve health research 
institutes of Mexico aimed at developing a genomic medicine platform 
in Mexico. INMEGEN offers genomic medicine courses to physicians and 
medicine students, so that they can use a more individual medicine, 
identifying genetic variation that predisposes Mexicans to common 
diseases.  In a press interview Dr. Jimenez pointed out that 
genomics is break down the concept of "races" and provides knowledge 
to counter discrimination and support equitable access to health 
services. 
 
Mexican legislators aware of INMEGEN's potential 
--------------------------------------------- --- 
¶7.  In March 2009, the Mexican Senate hosted a conference to 
celebrate the fifth anniversary of INMEGEN.  Different legislators 
reiterated their support for INMEGEN and pointed out challenges in 
legislating genomic medicine, such as the protection of databases 
and maintaining information on Mexicans' genetic information, 
development of knowledge to tackle national health problems, non 
discrimination and stigmatization of genomic diseases and access to 
genomic services. 
 
¶8.  Dr. Jimenez explained INMEGEN's main goals are to develop 
Mexico's human genome map and to focus on national health problems, 
i.e. diabetes and obesity, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.  He 
also pointed out that achieving these goals required talent, which 
he suggested would involve bringing back Mexican scientists from 
abroad.  Other scientists noted important joint work between INMEGEN 
and the Mexican Institute of Intellectual Property as well with 
business incubators, and adding that Mexico could become a hub for 
genomic sciences and product provision for Latin America. 
 
 
COMMENT 
------- 
¶9. Prestigious scientists decried Mexico's lack of participation in 
the HUGO project.  Nonetheless, INMEGEN's work has overcome this 
situation to some extent, and has followed the WHO's 2002 
recommendation that all countries needed to harness the advantages 
of genomic sciences to improve global health.  IMEGEN still faces 
challenges.  The institute has been operating in a temporary 
location waiting to move to its headquarters this year.  The Mexican 
Federal Office of Accountability has also found irregularities in 
the construction of its facilities.    Dr Juan Pedro Laclette, 
Coordinator of the S&T Advisory Forum, an entity equivalent to OSTP, 
called on legislators to increase resources for INMEGEN to get its 
facilities ready so that it can continue research.   End Comment. 
 
WILLIARD