FOREWORD

Scientific innovations have brought radical changes in our society and improved the quality of life. It has opened new vistas for development and offered tremendous opportunities for socio-economic development. In order to achieve any realistic progress in the present era, it is necessary to understand clearly these technological innovations and utilize them for sustainable development.

The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), has accorded a high priority to disseminate scientific knowledge regarding the new and advanced technologies vital for the socio-economic development.  In order to improve the teaching and research capacities of the institutes of higher learning in the member States, special importance is attached to the preparation and dissemination of state-of-the-art studies on various advanced scientific and technological fields. Application of Genetic engineering in various disciplines like agriculture, energy production, health, population control, environmental protection, and industrial sectors has opened new horizons for the benefit of mankind. In the medicine and biomedical field, Gene Therapy has shown great progress and has provided cure to millions of people suffering from genetic disorders and acquired diseases.

The present State-of-the-Art-Study on Gene Therapy defines the basic and molecular concepts of genetic disorders and explains in a simplified manner various applications of Gene Therapy for the cure of genetic diseases. Since the unguided application of Gene Therapy may pose a serious threat to ethical and Islamic values of our society, necessary explanations have been provided regarding sensitive applications in the light of the recent guidelines. ISESCO wishes to express its gratitude to Prof. Dr. Abdel Aziz El Bayoumin and Dr. Khalid Al Ali, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Qatar, Doha, State of Qatar for the efforts exerted in the preparation of the present Study.

ISESCO is pleased to present this Study to researchers and public at large, hoping that it will help to promote knowledge and research in genetic therapeutic techniques for the treatment of the human ailments.

May Allah bless our efforts in the service of the Muslim Ummah.

Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri
Director General
Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO)