DISEASE MODELING AND THERAPEUTICS

Day 1: From Animal Models to Precision Medicine

Registration and Welcome

From Animal Models to Precision Medicine
Rodent Models for Autoinflammatory Skin Diseases: Tools to Unravel Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Targets

Speaker: Dr. Sergio Crovella

Animal Models: Regulatory Considerations & Ethical Oversight

Speaker: Dr. Haissam Abou Saleh

Coffee Break

The powerful mouse model to study human disease

Speaker: Dr. Michail Nomikos

Embryonic chick: A popular vertebrate model in research

Speaker: Dr. Huseyin Cagatay Yalcin

Xenopus oocytes as a model. The frog remains

Speaker: Dr. Raphael COURJARET

Drosophila melanogaster: The Power of Drosophila in Genetic and Neuroscience Research

Speaker: Dr. Mohammad Farhan

C. elegans as a Translational Model: Simplicity Serving Complexity

Speaker: Dr. Ehsan Pourkarimi

Lunch Break

Zebrafish Models at Sidra Medicine

Speakers:
Dr. Sahar Da’as – Human Genetic Disease Modeling Platform
Dr. Matteo Avella – Functional genomics and genome-edited models in reproductive biology
Dr. Diogo Manoel – Functional Genomics of a Clinical Case-Study in Zebrafish Reveals Crosstalk Between Cardiac and Metabolic Pathology

The Zebrafish Functional Genomics Facility at Sidra Medicine is a state-of-the-art research center dedicated to modeling human genetic diseases using zebrafish (Danio rerio). The facility leverages the genetic similarity between zebrafish and humans to investigate the genetic basis of various disorders, particularly rare pediatric conditions by employing advanced techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, high-resolution imaging, and behavioral assays. These models enable researchers to observe developmental processes and disease progression in real-time, facilitating the identification of potential therapeutic targets.

By integrating genomic data with functional studies in zebrafish, the facility accelerates the translation of genetic findings into clinical insights, supporting Sidra Medicine’s mission to advance precision medicine and improve healthcare outcomes for patients with genetic disorders.

Towards a future beyond animal testing

Speaker: Dr. Arsenii Dmitriev

Bionomous

ZEISS Imaging Technologies for Animal Disease Models: From In Vivo Studies to Advanced Tissue Analysis

Speaker: Mr. Cicerone Tudor, ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions

Coffee Break

Panel Discussion and Closing Remarks

The panel discussion will bring together leading experts representing diverse animal models to reflect on their presentations and engage in a cross-disciplinary dialogue. It will explore how each model system uniquely advances our understanding of human disease, highlight the strengths and limitations of various approaches, and examine how emerging technologies such as gene editing and advanced imaging are reshaping translational research within precision medicine.

Day 2: A Practical Dive into Zebrafish Model

Registration & Welcome Remarks & Hands-On Briefing

Facilitator: Dr. Sahar Da’as

Format: Hands-on, small-group rotation.

The second day of the workshop offers an immersive, hands-on experience with the zebrafish model, focusing on its applications in studying human genetic diseases. Through practical training in microinjection, behavioral assays, and advanced imaging, participants will gain valuable skills in modeling gene function and phenotypes relevant to human disorders, reinforcing the zebrafish’s power as a translational research tool.

Practical Session I

Facilitator: Ms. Samar Shurbaji – Ms. Meissa Hamdi

Zebrafish housing and breeding

Embryo development screening

Burst imaging

Applications in zebrafish housing and breeding techniques are essential for maintaining healthy stocks and timed embryo collections. Participants will learn how to identify and stage developing embryos and will be introduced to burst imaging, a behavioral assay used to assess neuromuscular responses.

Coffee Break

Practical Session II

Facilitator: Ms. Doua Abdelrahman – Dr. Diogo Manoel – Ms. Asma Al Naama

Zebrafish microinjection and visualization

Cardiovascular function imaging

Applications in zebrafish embryo microinjection and visualization techniques, providing participants with hands-on experience in delivering genetic materials such as fluorescent dye, CRISPR, mRNA, or morpholinos. The session will also cover cardiovascular function imaging, allowing participants to observe live embryos’ heart structure and blood flow. These techniques are essential for studying gene function and modeling cardiovascular disorders in zebrafish.

Practical Session III

Facilitator: Ms. Tala Abuarja – Mr. Waseem Hasan

Zebrafish larvae behavior analysis (Ethovision)

Imaging Vast BioImager

Applications in zebrafish larvae behavior analysis using EthoVision XT, a powerful tool for tracking and quantifying movement patterns in response to genetic or pharmacological interventions. Participants will also gain hands-on experience with the VAST BioImager system, enabling high-throughput imaging of zebrafish larvae. The session emphasizes how automated behavior tracking and imaging can be applied in functional genomics and disease modeling.

Lunch Break

Practical Session IV

Facilitator: Mr. Cicerone Tudor – Dr. Abbirami Sathappan

Lightsheet Imaging

Cell Discover Imaging

Applications in zebrafish advanced imaging technique that allows high-resolution, 3D visualization of live or fixed zebrafish embryos with minimal phototoxicity. Participants will learn how to prepare samples, operate the system. This session highlights the value of lightsheet and CD 7 imaging in developmental biology and disease modeling, offering insights into tissue architecture.

Coffee Break

Practical Session V

Data Analysis (Cardiovascular, burst, Danioscope, Image J)

Participants will learn to analyze experimental data generated from zebrafish models using tools such as DanioScope for cardiovascular and burst activity analysis, and ImageJ for image processing and quantification. The session will provide practical guidance on interpreting functional data, enabling participants to extract meaningful insights from behavioral and imaging assays relevant to human genetic disease studies.

Closing Remarks

Q & A

Certificates