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Review
. 2019 Feb 19:10:17.
doi: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00017. eCollection 2019.

From Desert to Medicine: A Review of Camel Genomics and Therapeutic Products

Amanat Ali  1 , Bincy Baby  1 , Ranjit Vijayan  1
Affiliations
Review

From Desert to Medicine: A Review of Camel Genomics and Therapeutic Products

Amanat Ali et al. Front Genet. .

Abstract

Camels have an important role in the lives of human beings, especially in arid regions, due to their multipurpose role and unique ability to adapt to harsh conditions. In spite of its enormous economic, cultural, and biological importance, the camel genome has not been widely studied. The size of camel genome is roughly 2.38 GB, containing over 20,000 genes. The unusual genetic makeup of the camel is the main reason behind its ability to survive under extreme environmental conditions. The camel genome harbors several unique variations which are being investigated for the treatment of several disorders. Various natural products from camels have also been tested and prescribed as adjunct therapy to control the progression of ailments. Interestingly, the camel employs unique immunological and molecular mechanisms against pathogenic agents and pathological conditions. Here, we broadly review camel classification, distribution and breed as well as recent progress in the determination of the camel genome, its size, genetic distribution, response to various physiological conditions, immunogenetics and the medicinal potential of camel gene products.

Keywords: adaptations; antibodies; anticancer; breeds; camel genome; immunogenomics.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Classification of camels.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Camel distribution by region.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Structural models of antibodies.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Reported direct and indirect effect of camel urine on proteins involved in cancer pathways. (+) represents activation and (–) represents the inhibition of the protein by camel urine.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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