Pierre Abi Ak

Dr. Pierre Abi Ak


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 April 2026 in Genes
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Ayat KadhiAyat Kadhi
Ayat Kadhi
PAPierre Abi Ak
Pierre Abi Ak
OAOssama Abbas
Ossama Abbas
ETElias El Tayar
Elias El Tayar
Georges NemerGeorges Nemer
Georges Nemer
MKMazen Kurban
Mazen Kurban
Introduction: Recent advancements in genomic technologies have significantly improved the resolution of genetic variants driving rare genodermatoses, a heterogeneous group of inherited skin disorders caused by pathogenic variants affecting skin structure and function. However, many genodermatoses remain molecularly uncharacterized, particularly in Middle Eastern populations. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and inherent challenges of utilizing (WES) for genodermatoses within a Middle Eastern context. Methods: We performed WES on three unrelated Middle Eastern pediatric patients presenting with genodermatoses. Genetic variants were prioritized and adjudicated according to ClinVar and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines. Results: WES identified pathogenic variants in three pediatric cases presenting with genodermatoses. Findings included a GJB2 missense variant (c.148G>T; p.Asp50Asn) associated with keratitis–ichthyosis–deafness (KID) syndrome. This represents one of the first documented cases in a Middle Eastern population. Two additional patients presenting with epidermolysis bullosa harbored truncating variants in COL7A1 (c.497dup; p.Val168Glyfs12) and EXPH5 (c.5786del; p.Pro1929Leufs8), respectively; the latter also carried a KRT5 missense variant (c.1607G>A; p.Ser536Asn). Conclusions: WES is a robust diagnostic adjunct for resolving ambiguity in rare genodermatoses, though its efficacy remains contingent on the availability of regional genomic references. Within pediatric dermatology, systematic exome sequencing serves as a powerful facilitator for transitioning from clinical suspicion to definitive molecular characterization. Collectively, these findings highlight the essential role of regionally representative genomic datasets in the accurate interpretation of novel variants and the advancement of precision dermatology.