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"The Promised… or Promising Heaven of Genes"by Constantinos Deltas, Professor of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Director of Research, UNIC Health
BRIEF SUMMARY
The lecture will examine how advances in molecular genetics and genetic engineering have enabled the identification of key molecular and cellular pathomechanisms underlying genetic disorders, subsequently empowering the discovery of druggable targets and the development of precision medicine. Since the 1980s, a gene therapy hype has inspired two generations of biomedical researchers who continue the search for the holy grail of curing every genetic disorder, thereby fulfilling the long promised vision of conquering the ‘heaven of genes’.
Without overlooking the essential roles of environment and epigenetics—and while the holy grail remains elusive—the pursuit of this genetic ideal remains promising, not only for treating purely genetic diseases but also for tackling communicable disorders, most of which, if not all, contain a variable genetic component. In an era where natural selection and the survival of the fittest have often yielded to human logical selection through modern medicine and transformative tools such as CRISPR/Cas, we may hope that the selfish gene and its pseudo altruistic behaviour can be guided to serve the norms and regulations of a civilized society, ultimately contributing to building healthier and more resilient human communities.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Constantinos Deltas is Professor of Genetics and Molecular Medicine at the University of Nicosia Medical School and serves as Director of Research, leading and coordinating the research strategy across UNIC Health. He received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, and his PhD in Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences from the joint graduate programme of Rutgers University and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, USA. He specialised in biochemistry, molecular biology, and human genetics.
His research focuses on inherited kidney and heart diseases, including pioneering work in elucidating the molecular and cellular pathomechanisms underlying disease development, with international impact. Before joining UNIC Health, he led the creation of the first biobank in Cyprus, a medical research infrastructure at the University of Cyprus and one of the five pillars of the biobank.cy Center of Excellence in Biobanking and Biomedical Research, which he founded with external funding. He is the author of more than 200 publications, mainly in peer-reviewed journals.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
University of Nicosia, Millenium Cafe, 2417 Έγκωμη, Κύπρος, Strovolos, Cyprus
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
