GENOMICS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES (T1D) IN UKRAINE

Project Goal: To identify local and rare genetic determinants of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) within a cohort of 20,000 individuals from Eastern Europe and to expand genomic research in regions that have previously remained "white spots" on the global genomic map.

Project Uniqueness: All collected data is stored in Ukraine, ensuring national control over bioresources and the development of domestic genomic infrastructure. The project has led to the establishment of a state-of-the-art Center for Genomic Diversity and Molecular Genetic Research, along with a Biobank that meets international ethical standards. This facility is equipped for the storage, processing, and analysis of biological samples (including flora and fauna) and serves as a hub for collaboration with leading European research centers. Currently, the Center is fully equipped for nucleic acid extraction and analysis, PCR, protein and nucleic acid electrophoresis, cryopreservation, and biomaterial quality control.

Key Achievements & Results

Biomaterial Collection: Approximately 6,000 samples from T1D patients and 6,000 control samples have been collected across Ukraine.

Laboratory Phase: UzhNU specialists performed DNA extraction, which was subsequently transferred to the REGENERON Sequencing Center (USA) for whole-exome sequencing.

Data Science: Data analysis has been conducted with open-access results provided to the global scientific community researching T1D.

Infrastructure: The newly established Center features cutting-edge molecular genetic analysis tools and one of Ukraine's first long-read sequencers — the Promethion 2 (P2) Solo. This technology enables large-scale sequencing of whole genomes, exomes, and transcriptomes within a 24-hour period.

Implementation Period: 2022–2026

Partner: Oakland University (Michigan, USA)

Supported by: Helmsley Charitable Trust (USA)