Pakistan is a Goldmine for the Design and Implementation of Molecular Genetics Research

– Dr Philippe Frossard

Recognition came early in life for Dr Philippe Frossard. At the age of 16, he was awarded UNESCO’s Young World Scientist Prize for a project, presented at the First Earth Summit, on the effects of environmental pollution on eco- and geo-political systems. Dr Frossard received his higher education at the Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France, and went on to complete two post-doctoral fellowships in biological chemistry and molecular biology at the same institution. He then moved to the University of Michigan Medical Center, USA, for a fellowship in human genetics. Over the next 23 years, he pursued professional interests in the US, Japan, France, the UAE and Pakistan, holding positions in research, education, clinical service and administration. In 1996, he was awarded a DSc by his alma mater for lifetime achievement and was conferred the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite in 2004 by French President Jacques Chirac.

Dr Frossard joined AKU in April 2001 as Professor and first Chair of the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS).

What inspired you to come to AKU?

There were two main reasons. The first was the position, the challenge of joining AKU as the first Chair of BBS. To this end, the University entrusted me with the task of realising the merger of the former departments of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Pharmacology and Physiology. We have since introduced other modern biomedical sciences such as molecular and cell biology, cancer biology, neurosciences and genetics. In biological processes, cooperative interactions underlie higher levels of complexity which form the bases for life’s integrated pathways. Similarly, team work and communication are key to the success of any human organisation. The work and vision of BBS is based on the integration of our research, teaching and administrative resources.

The second reason was that Pakistan hosts an ensemble of rich and diverse populations with unique specificities. These represent a goldmine for the design and implementation of molecular genetics research programmes aimed at understanding human biology and disease.

How does AKU compare to institutions where you previously served and how do you assess your experience at this University?

AKU is an incredibly dynamic entity with a vision, and it gives itself the means to realise that vision. Entering AKU means more than joining an organisation – one becomes part of a family. The level of motivation and dedication is simply extraordinary and what is quite remarkable and unique is that people wish to make a difference, for themselves, for the sake of the institution and, through it, for the betterment of the whole nation. Everyone at AKU feels that he or she participates in the advancement of the country on the international stage. It is a privilege to work in a place where a rich and stimulating environment is driven by higher and honourable values. For me it is a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

In the specific context of developing countries, what is the significance, relevance and potential impact of research in biological and biomedical sciences?

In today’s world, the quality of any health sciences university is measured not by the quality of its graduates but by its research output. The vision of His Highness the Aga Khan is precisely to put this axiom into practice. Research is research and should proceed from a healthy sense of curiosity, an urge to answer fundamental questions. In that respect, any attempt at compartmentalising research into categories is a futile exercise. Whether it uses clinical, epidemiological, educational, basic sciences or biomedical tools, research in a medical centre should aim at benefiting the health care system of the country and the management of its patients, with the ultimate goal of improving the individual’s quality of life. At a higher level, it should be a vehicle for elevated knowledge and progress.

We have ample proof now that it is in countries such as Pakistan, which hosts distinctive ethnicities marked by unique familial and social structures, that studies aimed at the identification of disease-causing genes are the most successful. The whole field of biomedical research has now moved into the unravelling of an individual’s genetic susceptibility to chronic and degenerative disorders such as cardiovascular diseases – heart disease, hypertension, diabetes – neuro-degenerative and psychiatric diseases, cancers and allergies. The identification of susceptibility genes makes it possible to implement genetic testing and thereby to understand the molecular bases of human diseases.

This in turn serves as a springboard for the development of tailored therapeutic and curative modalities with a view to decreasing the burden of disease, alleviating human suffering and propelling health care systems into the 21st century’s practice of true preventive medicine. We find ourselves in the enviable situation of carrying out such state-of-the-art projects right here on the Karachi campus. Success in these projects contributes to establishing AKU as a world class academic institution to be reckoned with on the international stage.

In a ground-breaking study, the Gene Markers and Complex Disorders (GMCD) Group at AKU, which you head, pinpointed a gene involved in the modulation of high blood pressure. What has been the reaction in international research circles?

First of all, those ground-breaking findings marked merely the beginning of our exploration. We have now generated many more exciting results that we are in the process of publishing. The way of the researcher is a continuous path on which one asks the right questions at the right time and equips oneself with the means to answer them, keeping in mind that good answers can only lead to more relevant questions. People abroad are usually quite pleasantly surprised to learn that such advanced experimental research is being conducted here, and this is a very healthy move forward. As a consequence, potential collaborators are now directly approaching us, rather than the other way round which is usually the case. A winning collaboration is a give-and-take relationship that works both ways. We are showing that our programmes stem from research questions that we ask here, that we make optimal use of the huge amount of genetic information available to us, and that we do all the downstream experimental work required to complete the project. We have reached the stage of adulthood where people outside the institution need us as much as we need them.

Where do you stand personally in the contemporary debate over the ethics of bioengineering?

There are two main concepts at play: the acquisition of knowledge and the use that we make of that knowledge. Nobody can stop the acquisition of knowledge but its implications have to be strictly regulated. In bioengineering, scientists themselves have taken the lead since 1975 in calling for guidelines to govern recombinant DNA research and applications, and they are the ones most qualified to do so. The image of the 21st century biomedical scientist is that of a responsible human being who reassures the public. In 1988, I was asked by the US Congress to be part of a panel of experts to evaluate the implications of ‘New Genetics’ and biotechnological advances and to make recommendations towards appropriate legislation. I see that the very same moral and ethical questions are being asked today and I have not seen any novelty in the field, only complex answers to complex questions. What is important is the degree of awareness amongst all publics and the hype that surrounds the announcement of any new worthy result. We have to be very careful that legitimate fears and undue concerns do not slow down the pace of discoveries aimed at ameliorating the human condition.

In coming years, what will be the focus of research in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences?

The focus of research must continue to be on relevance and impact. We have to strengthen our programmes by expanding collaborative linkages and partnerships. Many programmes are currently being conducted in molecular and cell biology, genetics, neurosciences, molecular virology, cancer biology, pharmacology and physiology – they will all benefit from proper collaboration. We have to strengthen our links with other departments, both within and outside of AKU. We are making special efforts to design common projects with AKU in East Africa and to prepare for the success of the future Faculty of Arts and Sciences. We have to think big in terms of AKU’s international expansion, and in terms of funding.