Research

The Khalifa University Center of Excellence in Biotechnology (BTC) was established on 2 June 2015 to develop the university鈥檚 capabilities in training and research to respond to three of the six priority areas under the four pillars of the UAE 2021 vision.聽 Without a local effort in genome research, the targets set and the vision to develop a knowledge economy in bioscience and competencies in laboratory diagnostic practice is highly problematic.聽 Since its foundation, BTC has developed competencies in genomics (Theme 1) and bioinformatics (Theme 2) in collaboration with a plethora of external stakeholders.聽

OMICs

The Center’s focus on OMICs (Transcriptomics, proteomics, Genomics, metabolomics, and microbiome) underscores the interconnectedness of One Health. By adopting a comprehensive approach that considers the interdependencies of these domains, we can proactively address disease outbreaks, promote preventive measures, and safeguard public health.

OMICs Projects

PI :Habiba Alsafar	Abu Dhabi Precision Medicine Virtual Research Institute (ADPMVRI): Cancer Multi-Omic Atlas The Cancer Multi-Omic Atlas (CMA)聽is a collaborative initiative that aims to at creating an integrated multi-omic data platform to advance precision oncology in the region. The project will collect and analyze multi-layer omics data鈥攕uch as genomics, proteomics, and epigenomics鈥攆rom Emirati patients across different cancer types. By focusing on the Middle Eastern population, the CMA will identify population-specific molecular markers and pathways. It will serve as a resource that will facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, diagnostic biomarkers, and personalized treatment strategies.
PI: Habiba Alsafar	Wheat Landraces as Future Potential Genetic Resource for Sustainability in Production, Food and Nutritional Security in UAE
PI: Habiba Alsafar	The genetic diversity of animal species native to the United Arab Emirates The Animal Project is an innovative initiative aimed at preserving and understanding the genetic diversity of animal species native to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This project comprises three key branches, each focused on crucial aspects of animal genetics and conservation: UAE Animal Variome Project Building Reference Genomes for Rare Animals Comparative Genomic Studies
PI: Habiba Alsafar	Predictive, preventative, personalized and participatory (P4) medical practices can positively impact the health status of an individual. The project aims to study the proactive approach of P4 medicine by utilizing multi-OMIC longitudinal data to look for signs of disease risk factors in the UAE population undergoing bariatric surgery. An overview of the sample collection procedure throughout the 9-months period. Blood, urine, stool, and saliva samples are collected at baseline and every 3 months.
PI: Habiba Alsafar	Individualizing treatment modalities and the genomics of cardiovascular disease in the UAE
PI: Habiba Alsafar	Role of Gene Polymorphisms in Endometriosis in Women of Arab Ancestry
PI: Syed Salman Ashraf	Microalgae for food and feed production
PI: Syed Salman Ashraf	Bioprospecting Abu Dhabi鈥檚 mangroves for novel pollutant-remediating bacterial strains
PI: Syed Salman Ashraf	Monitoring of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) in UAE waste water and their remediation
PI: Anna Maria Pappa	Bioelectronic tools to study the macrophage extracellular vesciles – infection axis for the development of novel therapeutics
PI: M. Farooq Rai	RNA-Seq Analysis Of Chondrocytes Treated With Periostin (SRP)
PI: Junaid Kashir	Characterisation of phospholipases in mammalian cancer
PI: Wael Osman	Investigating the Role of Hemorphins in the Development and Progression of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
PI: Wael Osman	Investigation of the role of hemorphin-7 peptides in insulin and GLP-1 signalling in pancreatic cell lines and in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus
PI: Wael Osman	The identification of genetic, proteomic, and metabolomic markers associated with severe obesity and its management in children and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates
PI: Wael Osman	Integrated Approach to Study Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Emirati Women using Clinical, Epidemiological, Metabolomic and Genomic data

Digital Medicine

Through our commitment to Digital Medicine, we aim to decipher the complexity of biological systems through Bioinformatics, epidemiology, AI and ML. By understanding the intricate interactions between genes, proteins, and cellular networks, we gain valuable insights into disease pathways and identify novel targets for therapeutic interventions.

Digital Medicine聽Projects

PI: Habiba Alsafar	The characterization of the UAE genome to personalize medicine The Emirati Reference Genome Programme (ERGP) is an聽initiative aimed at creating a population-specific reference genome for Emiratis. It is designed to capture the unique genetic diversity of the Emirati population, providing a comprehensive resource for disease research, precision medicine, and the study of inherited conditions.
PI: Shabir Hassan	Development of a smart, self-sustained ML/AI based materials sorting system.
PI: Junaid Kashir	AI-driven modelling of Sperm Motility and physiology
PI: Wael Osman	The Role of Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Dysfunction Associated Genes in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Bioinformatics-Based Study
PI: Wael Osman	Development of a Personalized Obesity Management Approach Integrating Personalized Multi-Omics Profiles and Machine Learning Algorithms: The Abu Dhabi iPOP Obesity Study
PI: Wael Osman	Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, its phenotype and severity in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the United Arab Emirates

Translational and Applied Medicine

The Center’s dedication to Translational and Applied Medicine ensures that our research findings lead to tangible outcomes. By pioneering novel therapeutics for regenerative medicine, we aim to advance patient care, improve medical treatments, and contribute to the broader field of medicine.

Translational and Applied Medicine Projects

PI: Habiba Alsafar	Understanding endothelial cell dysfunction for the development of alternative immunotherapy for cardiovascular complications in diabetes mellitus
PI: Anna Maria Pappa	Biofilm on chip for diagnosis and treatment of UTI related infections
PI: Anna Maria Pappa	Commercial MXene manufacturing toward technology innovations in the UAE and beyond
PI: M. Farooq Rai	Novel Mechanistic Role of Periostin in Osteoarthritis (FSU)
PI: Shabir Hassan	Injectables for alleviating diabetic retinopathy and acute macular degeneration
PI: Shabir Hassan	CRISPR Cas9 based modeling of human epilepsy in zebrafish.
PI: Shabir Hassan	Adhesive therapeutics for ovarian cancer treatment post resection surgery
PI: Shabir Hassan	Early detection of chronic traumatic encephalopathy
PI: Shabir Hassan	Novel platforms to increases success rates of IVF outcomes
PI: Shabir Hassan	Utilisation of sperm biomarkers to enhance fertility treatments and methodology
PI: Junaid Kashir	Enhancing fertility treatments using biophysical tools
PI: Junaid Kashir	Functional studies of psoriasis susceptibility genes
PI: Saleh Ibrahim	Functional studies of psoriasis susceptibility genes

External Collaborators

Abu Dhabi Police General Head Quarters, Abu Dhabi
Al Ain Fertility Center, Al Ain
Dubai Health Authority, Dubai
Mafraq Hospital, Abu Dhabi
Ministry of Health and Prevention, Dubai
National Rehabilitation Center, Abu Dhabi
Newcastle University, United Kingdom
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi
Tawam Hospital, Al Ain
University of Oxford, United Kingdom
University of Western Australia, Australia
Zayed University, Abu Dhabi

External Sponsors

Aljalila Foundation
Sandooq Alwatan

星空传媒

Center for Biotechnology

External Sponsors