2nd Pan Arab Human Genetics Conference

November 20-22, 2007

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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MESSAGE

The Centre for Arab Genomic Studies is pleased to welcome you all to the 2nd Pan Arab Human Genetics Conference (November 20-22, 2007) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Genetic disorders and congenital abnormalities continue to be serious issues faced by healthcare providers in the Arab World. Fortunately, genetic research is evolving very rapidly in the region. On the one hand, this is expected to translate into reduced incidences of genetic disorders, early detection of these disorders, and better treatment and management strategies for those found affected. On the other hand, the surge in genetic research has also led to the cropping up of several serious ethical concerns, dealing with premarital genetic testing, prenatal diagnosis, newborn screening, genome mapping, and the recent international initiative to study human genomic variations.

The First Pan Arab Human Genetics Conference, held in April 2006 in Dubai, went a long way in bringing together experts in genetics from the Arab world, as well as from abroad, to set the priorities for research on genetic disorders in the region. With the Second conference in this series, we hope to be able to provide a platform for education on common genetic disorders in the region as well as the applied methods to control and prevent them. The conference will also host a forum for dialogue on ethical issues in genetics related to the Arab World.

The Scientific Program of the conference includes 30 lecture and 83 poster presentations. Abstracts have been received from 31 countries, namely: Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, India, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, The Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Tunisia, UAE, UK, and the USA. This is an important indication for the potential of human genetics research in the Arab World as well as the awareness of the international scientific community to establish collaborations with research groups in the region.

ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

• Prof. Najib Al Khaja (President)
• Mr. Abdullah Bin Souqat (Vice-President)
• Dr. Mahmoud Taleb Al Ali (Director)
• Dr. Ghazi Omar Tadmouri
• Dr. Mouza Al-Sharhan

SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

• Dr. Mahmoud Taleb Al Ali (Chairperson)
• Dr. Ghazi Omar Tadmouri (Vice-Chairperson)
• Dr. Aida Al Aqeel (Saudi Arabia)
• Prof. Andre Megarbane (Lebanon)
• Prof. Habiba Chaabouni (Tunisia)
• Prof. Hanan Hamamy (Iraq/Jordan)
• Prof. Lihadh Al-Gazali (UAE)
• Prof. Lotfi Chouchane (Tunisia/Qatar)
• Dr. Mouza Al-Sharhan (UAE)
• Prof. Rabah Shawky (Egypt)
• Dr. Sabita Krishna Murthy (UAE)
• Dr. Shaikha Al-Arrayed (Bahrain)

CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT

• Mr. Moncy Philip
• Mr. Najam Ali Mirza
• Mrs. Pratibha Nair
• Mr. Wael AbuDhaif

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

DAY 1
Public Forum

Ethical Perspectives of Genetic Applications in the Arab World

Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai

Opening Ceremony

• 09.30 - 10.20
  Opening Remarks
      
• 10.20 – 10.30
  Exhibition Opening
      
• 10.30 – 11.00
  Coffee Break
      

Part 1: Human Genomic Research: Jurisprudential and Legal Aspects*
Chairperson: Dr. Khalid Abdulla Al-Ali (Qatar University)

• 11.00 – 11.20
  Jurisprudential Norms in Advanced Human Genomic Research
  Dr. Noureddine AlKhadami
  Islamic University, Saudi Arabia
      
• 11.20 – 11.40
  Legal Aspects of Human Genome Research
  Dr. Ashraf Tawfiq Shamseddeen
  Helwan University, Egypt
      
• 11.40 - 13.00
  General Discussion
      
• 13.00 – 14.30
  Lunch Break
      

Part 2: Human Genetic Testing: Religious and Legal Aspects*
Chairperson: Dr. Mohammad AbdulRaheem Sultan AlUlama (UAE University)

• 14.30 – 14.50
  Consanguineous Marriages: Jurisprudence vs. Medicine
  Dr. Ahmad Bin AdbulAziz AlHaddad
  Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
      
• 14.50 – 15.10
  Jurisprudential Norms in Premarital Genetic Testing
  Prof. AbdulNasser Abu AlBasal
  University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
      
• 15.10 – 15.30
  Prenatal Genetic Testing: Jurisprudence vs. Medicine
  Dr. Aida Al Aqeel
  King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Saudi Arabia
      
• 15.30 – 16.00
  Coffee Break
      
• 16.00 – 16.20
  Fetal Genetic Disorders vs. Abortion
  Dr. Mohammad AbdulRaheem Sultan AlUlama
  UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
      
• 16.20 – 16.40
  Legal Aspects of Fetal Genetic Testing
  Dr. Usama Abdullah Qayed
  Bani Suweyf University, Egypt
      
• 16.40 – 18.00
  General Discussion
      

*Lectures will be in Arabic. Simultaneous translation into English will be provided.

DAY 2
Scientific Program

Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai

• 08.00 - 09.30
  Registration
      

Session 1: Leaders in Genomics and Healthcare (2 CME hrs)
Chairpersons: Dr. Taher El-Sharkawy (CAGS); Dr. Soroush Sardari (Eastern Mediterranean Health Genomics and Biotechnology Network)

• 09.30 – 10.00
  The Human Variome Project and Pilot Projects
  Prof. Richard Cotton
  The Human Variome Project
      
• 10.00 – 10.30
  Integration of Genomic Sciences and Genomic Medicine
  Prof. Edison Liu
  The Human Genome Organisation
      
• 10.30 – 11.00
  Newborn Screening in the Region
  Dr. Danuta Krotoski
  National Institutes of Health, USA
      
• 11.00 – 11.30
  Priorities, Publication and Credit
  Dr. Myles Axton
  Nature Genetics, USA
      
• 11.30 – 12.00
  Coffee Break
      

Session 2: Complex and Recessive Disorders in the Arab World (1.30 CME hrs)
Chairpersons: Dr. Moza Al-Sharhan (CAGS)

• 12.00 – 12.30
  Genetic Disorders in Arab Populations
  Dr. Ghazi O. Tadmouri
  Centre for Arab Genomic Studies, UAE
      
• 12.30 – 13.00
  Advances in the Genetics of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
  Prof. Riad Bayoumi
  Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
      
• 13.00 – 13.30
  Delineation of the Clinical and Molecular Basis Underlying Several New Recessive Disorders in the UAE
  Prof. Lihadh Al-Gazali
  UAE University, United Arab Emirates
      
• 13.30 – 14.30
  Lunch Break
      

Session 3: From Phenotypes to Genotypes (2.20 CME hrs)
Chairpersons: Dr. Kamal Khazanehdari (CVRL), Dr. Uppala Radhakrishna (University of Geneva Medical School)

• 14.30 – 14.50
  Mutation in WNT10A is Associated with an Autosomal Recessive Ectodermal Dysplasia: The Odonto-Onycho-Dermal Dysplasia
  Prof. Andre Megarbane
  Saint Joseph University, Lebanon
      
• 14.50 – 15.10
  Anhydrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia in Omani Families
  Dr. Anna Rajab
  Ministry of Health, Oman
      
• 15.10 – 15.30
  A Novel Approach for the Study of the Genetics of Hypertension in Arabs: Heritability and Linkage Analysis Results of “Oman Family Study”
  Prof. Mohammad O. Hassan
  Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
      
• 15.30 – 15.50
  A Whole-Genome Scan in a Large Family with Leukodystrophy and Oligodontia Reveals Linkage to 10q22
  Dr. Eliane Chouery
  Saint Joseph University, Lebanon
      
• 15.50 – 16.10
  Coffee Break
      
• 16.10 – 16.30
  Microarray as an Efficient Modern Molecular Tool in the Detection of Submicroscopic Genetic Abnormalities in Multiple Congenital Anomalies: Diagnosis and Prevention
  Dr. Sabitha Murthy
  Al Wasl Hospital, United Arab Emirates
      
• 16.30 – 16.50
  Dominant Effect of Smoking on Airway Epithelium Gene Expression Profiles Among Individuals of European, African, Southeast Asian and Arabian Ancestries
  Prof. Lotfi Chouchane
  Weill Cornell Medical College, Qatar
      
• 16.50 – 17.10
  Independent Introduction of Two Lactase Persistence Alleles into Human Populations Reflect Different History of Adaptation to Milk Culture
  Dr. Nabil S. Enattah
  University of Helsinki, Finland
      

DAY 3
Scientific Program

Thursday, November 22, 2007
Al Bustan Rotana Hotel, Dubai

Session 4: Bioethics and Human Genetics (2.10 CME hrs)
Chairpersons: Prof. Lihadh Al-Gazali (CAGS); Prof. Andre Megarbane (CAGS)

• 09.30 – 10.00
  International Bioethics and Human Genetics. The activities of UNESCO
  Prof. Henk ten Have
  UNESCO
      
• 10.00 – 10.20
  Ethics of Mutation Databases: Correctness in Reporting Genetic Variation and its Effects
  Prof. Richard Cotton
  The Human Variome Project
      
• 10.20 – 10.40
  Genetic Counseling in the Muslim World: The Challenges
  Dr. Aida Al Aqeel
  King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre
      
• 10.40 – 11.00
  Ethical Concerns to the use of Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis in the Gulf Cooperative Council States
  Dr. Hamza A. Eskandarani
  King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia
      
• 11.00 – 11.20
  What is the Impact of Genetic Counseling and Prenatal Diagnosis in Genetic Diseases Prevention in an Arab Muslim Population?
  Prof. Habiba Bouhamed Chaabouni
  Charles Nicolle Hospital, Tunisia
      
• 11.20 – 11.40
  Prevention of Genetic Diseases: Understanding Families and Communities hold the Key for Success
  Dr. Anna Rajab
  Ministry of Health, Oman
      
• 11.40 – 12.00
  Coffee Break
      

Session 5: National Strategies for the Prevention of Genetic Disorders in the Region (1.40 CME hrs)
Chairpersons: Dr. Haidar Al-Yousuf (Takamul); Dr. Mahra AbdulRahman (AlWasl Hospital, Dubai)

• 12.00 – 12.20
  Bahrain National Hereditary Diseases Strategy (1984-2007)
  Dr. Shaikha Al-Arrayed
  Salmaniya Medical Complex, Bahrain
      
• 12.20 – 12.40
  National Strategy for the Prevention of Genetic and Congenital Disorders in Jordan
  Prof. Hanan Hamamy
  National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics, Jordan
      
• 12.40 – 13.00
  Newborn Screening for Inborn Errors of Metabolism-Combining Molecular and Biochemical Testing: A Saudi Perspective
  Dr. Moeen Al-Sayed
  King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Saudi Arabia
      
• 13.00 – 13.20
  Newborn Screening in Lebanon: 12 Years Experience
  Dr. Issam Khneisser
  Saint Joseph University, Lebanon
      
• 13.20 – 13.40
  Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in Gaucher Disease: Strategy for Prevention and Therapy in Egypt
  Prof. Rabah Shawky
  Ain Shams University, Egypt
      
• 13.40 – 14.45
  Lunch Break
      

Session 6: Fast Track Reports (1.15 CME hrs)
Chairpersons: Dr. Lotfi Chouchane (CAGS), Dr. Moiz Bakhiet (CAGS)

• 14.45 – 15.00
  ER Retention and Degradation of Mutated Proteins is a Common Mechanism in Numerous Loss-of-Function Recessive Diseases
  Dr. Bassam R. Ali
  UAE University, United Arab Emirates
      
• 15.00 – 15.15
  Succesfull Preimplantation Diagnosis in a Family Affected with Zellweger Syndrome
  Dr. Moeen Al-Sayed
  King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Saudi Arabia
      
• 15.15 – 15.30
  Evaluation of Cell Free Fetal DNA in Maternal Plasma of Early and Late Onset Pre-Eclampsia Patients
  Dr. Maha A. El Bassuoni
  Menoufiyia University, Egypt
      
• 15.30 – 15.45
  Molecular Analysis of F8 in Lebanese Hemophilia A Patients: Report on 23 Novel Mutations and Phenotype-Genotype Correlation
  Dr. Claudia D. Khayat
  Hotel Dieu de France Hospital, Lebanon
      
• 15.45 – 16.00
  Most Encountered Genetic Disorders in Egypt: Classification and Registry
  Prof. Mona El-Ruby
  National Research Centre, Egypt
      
• 16.00 – 16.30
  Coffee Break
      

Closure

• 16.30 – 17.00
  Announcing the Dubai Declaration
      

CONFERENCE TOPICS

1. Management of Genetic Disorders
2. Molecular Diagnostics
3. Premarital Genetic Screening
4. Prenatal Diagnosis
5. Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis
6. Newborn Screening
7. Mutation Detection
8. Establishing Patient Registries
9. Establishing Databases for Disease Information

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Day 1: Arabic
Days 2 & 3: English

TARGET AUDIENCE

Healthcare professionals, academics, physicians, graduate students, senior medical students, nurses, laboratory technicians, and policy makers.

CME ACCREDITATION

The 2nd Pan Arab Human Genetics Conference is accredited by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University as the equivalent of 11 CME hours. A consice breakdown of the CME hours according to the conference sessions follows.

21 November 2007
- Session 1: Leaders in Genomics and Healthcare. (2 CME hrs)
- Session 2: Complex and Recessive Disorders in the Arab World. (1.30 CME hrs)
- Session 3: From Phenotypes to Genotypes. (2.20 CME hrs)

22 November 2007
- Session 4: Bioethics and Human Genetics. (2.10 CME hrs)
- Session 5: National Startegies for the Prevention of Genetic Disorders in the Region. (1.40 CME hrs)
- Session 6: Fast Track Reports. (1.15 CME hrs)

Notes

• An advanced barcode scanning system will be used to register the attendees during each session.
• Individuals who fail to present their badges during the attendance control period will lose the CME hours for the respective session.
• Certificates of attendance and CME hours collected will be distributed by the end of session 6 (afternoon of 22 November 2007) to participants who successfully submit their completed conference survey forms.
• Certificates will not be mailed to participants and may be collected after the conference in person at the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies.

VENUE

Al Bustan Rotana Hotel
P.O. Box 30880 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tel: +971 4 2820000
Fax: +971 4 2828100
Email: albustan.hotel@rotana.com
Website: www.rotana.com

IMPORTANT DATES

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 August 2007
• Acknowledge Receipt of Submission: 1-19 September 2007
• Notification of Evaluation Results: 20 September 2007
• Deadline for Early Registration: 30 September 2007
• Deadline for Late Registration: 31 October 2007
• Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) and its Applications in Modern Medical Practice Workshop: 18-19 November 2007
• 2nd Pan Arab Human Genetics Conference: 20-22 November 2007

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP

The conference will be preceded by a workshop on "Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) and its Applications in Modern Medical Practice" on November 18-19, 2007 at the Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Genetics Department, Al Wasl Hospital, Dubai.

The workshop administration can be contacted at:

Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory
Genetics Department
Al Wasl Hospital, DoHMS
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tel: +971-4-2193459 or +971-4-2820000
Fax: +971-4-3113247 or +971-4-2828100
Email: saalbanna@dohms.gov.ae