DESCENDENCIA 2025 - Rarefying Genetic Notions

On the morning of March 13th, 2025, our team—consisting of myself (Dr. Aghosh B Prasad), Dr. Naveen Prasath, Dr. Rengarajan G.P., and Dr. Don H Scott Berin G.—arrived at Tirunelveli Medical College (TVMC) to attend Descendencia 2025. This two-day CME program and workshop focused intently on clinical genetics.

Interestingly, while the majority of the audience consisted of first-year MBBS students from TVMC, we were the only Homoeopathic (BHMS) practitioners in attendance. It was an eye-opening experience to witness the depth of practical clinical genetics taught at such an early stage. Returning to our homeopathic roots, this session provided extensive insights we hadn't encountered during our foundational years, bridging the gap between foundational genetic concepts and modern clinical applications.

The event commenced with a traditional Kuthuvilakku inauguration, organized under Dr. C. Jeyanthi Gnanadeepam (Prof & HOD, Anatomy), alongside Chief Guest Prof. Dr. C. Revathy Balan, Dean of TVMC.

Scientific Sessions

1. Genetika - A Prelude

Dr. Samuel Frank Stephen MD, DNB laid the foundational groundwork, tracing genetics from Mendelian inheritance to the decoding of the genetic code in 1966. We explored why Zebrafish are ideal model organisms for genetic research and investigated the molecular manifestation of conditions like Huntington’s Disease (linked to CAG triplet repeats).

2. Conventional and Modern Genetics

Dr. A. Parandhaman Ph.D., FECA delivered an engaging session highlighting the transition from "Old Genetics" (single-gene mutations / chromosomal syndromes) to "New Genetics" (Genomics). Key takeaways included:

• The impact of decoding 3.2 billion alphabets via the Human Genome Project.
• Cutting-edge diagnostic tools: FISH, Microarrays (CGH), NGS, and CRISPR.
• Cancer genetics bridging inherited vs. somatic mutations, including the use of targeted precision medicine like Herceptin for HER2+ cancer.

3. Genetics of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) & Infertility

Dr. P. Muthu Prabha MD detailed how chromosomal anomalies (Trisomy 21, 18, 31) are primary drivers of early fetal loss. She also explored inherited Thrombophilias (Factor V Leiden mutation) and their prothrombotic effects leading to placental failure, alongside congenital sequence anomalies such as Pierre Robin.

4. Genetics of Intellectual Disability

Dr. T. R. R. Ananthy Shri MD correlated genetics with cognitive development. She highlighted how Intellectual Disability (ID) has monogenic causes (Fragile X, Rett syndrome), while also detailing X-Linked Recessive IDs like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Hunter Syndrome.

Workshop: Pedigree Analysis & Karyotyping

The latter half of the event was dedicated to hands-on clinical tools via whiteboard demonstrations. We extensively trained in:

• Pedigree Charting: Drawing and identifying inheritance patterns (Autosomal Dominant/Recessive, X-Linked, Y-Linked), analyzing cases such as Hemophilia A families.
• Karyotype Interpretation: Visually identifying numerical (Aneuploidy) and structural chromosomal mutations (inversions, Robertsonian translocations).
• DNA Sequencing: Recognizing nucleotide-level mutations in conditions like Cystic Fibrosis.

Networking & Conclusion

Outside the Manimuthar Lecture Hall, we networked with colleagues and faculty, taking group photos with Dr. C. Jeyanthi Gnanadeepam and Dr. A. Parandhaman. The program successfully awarded 4 credit hours from the Tamilnadu Medical Council, alongside specialized certificates for CME and Workshop participation. Descendencia 2025 was incredibly well-structured, equipping us with practical clinical genetic tools that enhance daily medical practice.