CONTENTS
Message from Vice Chancellor UKM 1
Message from the Director 2
Directory 3
Introduction 4
Organisation chart 5
Research programme at UMBI 6
HUKM-UMBI Genomics Unit 7
Profile of Fellows 8
Current infrastructure and key systems 15
Events in 2004 16
Other activities of researchers 19
Post graduate research students in 2004 21
Publications 23
Awards won in 2004 by members of UMBI 30
Networking & collaboration 32
VISION
To be the leading institution in molecular medicine by the year 2006 and to achieve world-class status by 2013
MISSION
Be competitive and achieve excellence in molecular medicine by utilizing all available and expertise, by adopting and
developing latest technologies, and by conducting
cutting edge world class research
MESSAGE FROM VICE CHANCELLOR UKM
Professor Dato’ Dr. Mohd Salleh Mohd Yasin Vice-Chancellor
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Drs (ITB), PhD (Bath)
It gives me great pleasure to witness the progress and and development of the UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI). I am certainly proud of what UMBI has achieved in the year 2004 as presented in this annual report and is certainly on track to become the leading national institution in molecular medicine in the future years. I am certainly pleased to see that UMBI has grown in terms of the number of fellows as well as the amount of research grants acquired. The fact that UMBI has successfully brought together 6 research fellows to theinstitute within a short period of time is already an achievement.
UKM celebrates it 35th anniversary this year and certainly has consolidated its position as the national university as well as a leading institution in the country. Research as always been an important
agenda for UKM and this is evident in the numerous successes of our researcher acquiring grants, publishing in high impact factor journals UKM celebrates it 35th anniversary this year and certainly has consolidated its position as the national university as well as a leading institution in the country.
Research as always been an important agenda for UKM and this is evident in the numerous successes of our researchers in acquiring grants, publishing in high impact factor journals as well as winning medals at expositions and exhibitions at both local and international levels. UKM currently has 7 research institutes, each focusing on a niche area based on the strength and resources available. We are certain that UKM would soon achieve the status of a research- intensive university in the near future.
The management will continue to provide the necessary support especially in terms of infrastructure as well as personnel. In return, we would like to see more lecturers involved in research, more postgraduate students trained in various fields, more publications in peer-reviewed journals and products which are commercialisable.
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal Director
UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute MD (UKM), MRCP (Ireland), PhD (London)
The UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI) was launched in July 2003 and is already making its mark as a leading research center in molecular medicine locally. The researchers at UMBI are focusing on key research areas in tandem with advances in the scientific world. Research grants continue to be sought for either at the local or international level. Our laboratories are well equipped with the latest automated systems in genomics and gene expression analysis. Our smart-partnership with the industry is highlighted by the acquisition of the Affymetrix microarray system from Research Instruments. UMBI would soon be the referral center for gene expression analysis in Malaysia. UMBI has also set up a genomics unit with the Hospital UKM mainly focusing on molecular diagnostics. We would soon be offering genetic screening tests including oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes as well as
conditions such as Fragile X, congenital myopathies as well as inborn errors of metabolism. We have also initiated our own BIOBANK, with the assistance of HUKM, which would systematically store biospecimens including tumour tissues and blood specimens, with prior informed consent taken from all patients. The BIOBANK which has been approved by the institution’s ethics committee, is the first comprehensive model of a biobank in the country.
Researchers at UMBI collaborate not only with researchers from the Faculty of Medicine but also from other faculties and other local institutions. UMBI also practices an open-door policy aimed at strengthening ties and establishing new collaborations. UMBI is also undertaking a research collaboration with the King’s College School of Medicine in London UK. Our researchers will be spearheading a top-down project on stem cell involving 4 other institutions in the country. UMBI would focus on gene therapy as well as differentiation of stem cells into specific tissues. UMBI also trains graduate and post-graduate students in the field of molecular medicine to help build the capacity of researchers in this field.
As the nation moves forward with the National Biotechnology Programme, we certainly hope that UMBI will play a major role in the component of Medical Biotechnology. The future looks very bright for UMBI.
DIRECTORY
Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal Bahiyah Tuah
Director VK7 Scientific Officer C41 (Administration)
rahmanj@mail.hukm.ukm.my bahiyah@mail.hukm.ukm.my
ext: 2189, 2454 ext: 3771
Professor Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah Roszita Ibrahim
Principal Fellow VK7 Scientific Officer C41 (HUKM)
zurina@medic.ukm.my roszita@mail.hukm.ukm.my
03-4040 5222 ext: 2057
Professor Dr. Ramelah Mohamed Suhaili Abu Bakar
Principal Fellow VK7 Scientific Officer C41 (IRPA)
ramelah@mail.hukm.ukm.my suhaili@mail.hukm.ukm.my
ext: 2209 ext: 2057
(Appointment ended on 1 July 2005)
Associate Professor Dr. Roslan Harun Rosniza Mohamed Hussain
Senior Fellow DU54 Medical Laboratory Technologist U29
drroslan@mail.hukm.ukm.my rosniza@mail.hukm.ukm.my
ext: 2396 ext: 2454
Associate Professor Dr. Ruszymah Hj. Idrus Narimah Khaliani
Senior Fellow DU54 Administrative Assistant (Secretarialship) N17
ruszy@medic.ukm.my narimah@mail.hukm.ukm.my
ext: 2449 / 4040 5424 ext: 2454
(Appointment ended on 18 January 2005)
Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Zaki Salleh Nurul Izza Umar
Senior Fellow DS53 Administrative Assistant (P & O) N17
mohdzaki@mail.hukm.ukm.my izza@mail.hukm.ukm.my
ext: 2032 ext: 2454
Associate Professor Dr. Syed Zulkifli Syed Zakaria Zuraini Abd. Razak
Senior Fellow DU54 Laboratory Assistant C17
syedzul@mail.hukm.ukm.my zurainie@mail.hukm.ukm.my
ext: 2198 ext: 2454
Nor Azian Abd. Murad Suriyenty Abdullah
Tutor DA41 Laboratory Assistant C17
azie@mail.hukm.ukm.my ext: 2454
ext: 2030 (Appointment ended on 25 April 2005)
Siti Azma Yusof Hazli Hapiz
Tutor DA41 Junior Administrative Assistant N1
azma@mail.hukm.ukm.my hazli@mail.hukm.ukm.my
ext: 2031 ext: 2454
INTRODUCTION
It has been an eventful year for UMBI in 2004. We started off the year by appointing 2 new principal fellows. Professor Dr.
Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah, a senior professor and researcher from the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine joined us as a principal fellow in January bringing with her the expertise in the field of antioxidants and metabolism.
Shortly after, Professor Ramelah Mohamed, a senior professor in microbiology and a leading authority in Helicobacter pylori in the region, was appointed as a principal fellow of UMBI. Later in the year two more fellows joined the team.
Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Zaki Salleh, formerly the Deputy Director of the Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM) USM, joined the Faculty of Medicine and was seconded to UMBI. Prof. Zaki’s expertise is in microbial genomics as well as molecular diagnostics of enteric pathogens. In the second half of 2004, we were joined by Associate Professor Dr. Syed Zulkifli Syed Zakaria who was appointed as a senior research fellow. Prof. Syed’s research forte is in molecular epidemiology as well as the gene-environment interaction in diseases. The addition of the four new research fellows has certainly consolidated UMBI’s strength in terms of research capabilities as well as expertise.
UMBI has a total of RM11.7 million in research grants from sources like IRPA as well as under the National Biotechnology Directorate. UKM also allocated RM150,000 for short-term grants in fundamental research for UMBI fellows. In fact, two projects have been approved under this scheme: one project looking at molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid resistance in leukaemias and another project looking at single nucleotide polymorphisms in diabetes mellitus. Although each fellow leads his/her own group of researchers, there are various platforms where each group can interact. Each research fellow updates the others during monthly management meetings plus other informal discussions. UMBI also has regular brainstorming sessions to put forward ideas for new research projects. In fact, this session is open to members from the faculty as well to facilitate research in molecular medicine.
The relations of UMBI with the Faculty of Medicine and Hospital UKM have flourished over the past year and the fact that the dean and the directors of the HUKM and UMBI sits together at a joint management committee to discuss common issues as well as helping each other to consolidate and achieve excellence for UKM. In a nutshell, UMBI should be treated like a central laboratory for research in molecular medicine for the faculty and for molecular diagnostics for the hospital. In fact, the equipments at UMBI are open to be used by all members of the faculty and hospital. In addition, the HUKM-UMBI Genomics Unit was formalized to facilitate molecular diagnostics as well as the implementation of the HUKM-UMBI Biobank. The molecular diagnostic services will focus on cancer predisposition genes, rare genetic diseases and inborn error of metabolism, as well as genetic tests, which are not provided elsewhere in the country.
UMBI had an eventful year in terms of continuing medical education programmes as well as providing training in molecular medicine. Our monthly molecular research updates are very much well received and are even attended by clinicians as well as participants outside UKM. UMBI also organized several workshops including the SPSS workshop as well as the microarray technique. Our research fellows have also published articles in peer-reviewed journals as well as numerous abstracts and posters. We have also won awards at local as well as international conventions and conferences.
This annual report serves as documentation on UMBI at both the organisational and operational levels as well as the people that make UMBI what it is today. Everyone, including the research fellows, the scientific officers, the technologists, the laboratory assistants and others inside and outside UMBI has contributed significantly to UMBI’s successes in the year 2004.
Entrance to UMBI Monthly management meeting UMBI’s temporary office
ORGANISATION CHART
Vice Chancellor
Administration Office and Support Staff
Administrative Officer
Scientific Officers
Medical Technologists
Administrative Assistants
Laboratory Assistants
Director
Council of Scientific Advisers
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roslan Harun
Molecular Basis of Disease
Prof. A Rahman A Jamal
Cancer Research Stem cell research
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah
Metabolism and Anti- Oxidants
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaki Salleh
Infectious diseases Pharmacogenomics
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Zulkifli Syed Zakaria Molecular Epidemiology
Prof. Dr. Ramelah Mohamed Infectious diseases
Assoc. Prof. Dr.
Ruszymah Idrus Tissue Engineering
RESEARCH PROGRAMME AT UMBI
Our research in molecular medicine includes fundamental, applied and experimental/development research. There are seven thrust areas of research activities at UMBI, based on the strength and expertise of the research fellows and that available at the faculty.
Niche areas which are operational
Themes Researchers Position
Cancer Research Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal Director and Principal Fellow
Molecular basis of disease Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roslan Harun Senior Fellow
Tissue Engineering Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ruszymah Hj. Idrus Senior Fellow
Metabolisme and antioxidants Professor Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah Principal Fellow
Stem cell and gene therapy Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal Director and Principal Fellow
Molecular epidemiology Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed Zulkifli Syed Zakaria Senior Fellow
Infectious Diseases Professor Dr. Ramelah Mohamed Principal Fellow
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Zaki Salleh Senior Fellow
Niche areas which are being set up Themes
Pharmacogenomics
HUKM-UMBI GENOMICS UNIT
The HUKM-UMBI Genomics Unit was set up to enhance collaboration between the hospital and UMBI. This smart partnership allows UMBI to tap into the vast resources available at HUKM as well as providing facilities which would not only consolidate diagnostic services but also research activities amongst members of the medical complex. The unit manages the HUKM-UMBI Biobank and the Molecular Diagnostic Services and receives funding from HUKM.
BioBank HUKM-UMBI
The BioBank HUKM-UMBI was initiated by UMBI with the collaboration of Hospital UKM, as a visionary initiative to complement research in molecular medicine. The main objective of the BioBank is to systematically collect and archive clinical specimens (including cancer tissue samples, blood samples, etc) from patients undergoing surgeries and diagnostic procedures. This would provide an invaluable resource for researchers in this field. Informed consent will be taken from all patients upfront especially pertaining to the permission to store excess tissues removed during surgery and for the specimens to be used for teaching and research. The implementation of the BioBank has been approved by the institution Research and Ethics Committee at the Faculty of Medicine UKM. The BioBank will potentially become a valuable resource centre for researchers within and outside UKM and a ideal model for a National BioBank in future.
Molecular Diagnostic Services
UMBI aims to be one of the leading centres for molecular diagnostics in Malaysia. Although genetic testing for some diseases like thalassaemia and G6PD deficiency are available at certain centres, many other tests are not available locally. Clinicians send samples overseas and patients have to pay a hefty sum for these diagnostic services. UMBI would soon be offering an array of diagnostic tests under its Molecular Diagnostic Services. We would initially focus on important genetic diseases where the molecular diagnostic tests are not offered elsewhere in the country. Amongst the tests being optimised are as follows:
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes for breast cancer
P53, K-ras, APC genes
RB1 gene for retinoblastoma
LDL receptor gene for familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH)
Fragile-X Syndrome
Thalassaemia
Huntington Disease
PROFILE OF FELLOWS
Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
Qualifications: MD (UKM), MRCP (Ireland), PhD (London)
PhD thesis in Haematology (awarded by University of London in 1996)
Research interests
Molecular biology of cancers
Our research mainly focuses on the role of oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, DNA repair genes in several cancers including colorectal cancer, bladder cancer and breast cancer. We also have a strong childhood leukaemia study group looking at gene arrangements, multi-drug resistance pathways as well as minimal residual disease.
Thalassaemia
Our team focuses on morbidity and complications as well as the epidemiological aspects of the disease.
Clinical oncology
Our team focuses on survival studies, clinical trials for febrile neutropenia and late effects of therapy.
Selected publications
Rahman Jamal, Baizura Jamaluddin, Idris Nor, Hamidah Alias, Jeffrey Abu Hassan, Roslan Harun.
Abnormalities in lung function among multiply transfused thalassaemia patients: Results from a thalassaemia daycare centre in Malaysia. South East Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 2005;36;1-5.
Rahman Jamal,Fazlina N, Maha A, Zarina AL, Hamidah A, Zulkifli SZ, Cheong SK, Ainoon O, Hamidah NH.. Multidrug resistance proteins in acute leukaemia cases in a typical hematology-oncology unit in Malaysia.
Pediatric Blood and Cancer, 2004;43:S1-394.
Balraj P, Concannon P, Beghini A, Rahman Jamal, Hoe TS, Khoo A, Volpi L. An unusual intronic mutation in RECQ4 gene leading to Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. Mutation Research, 2002;508:99-103
Rahman Jamal, Taketani T, Taki T, Bessho F, Hongo T, Hamaguchi H, Horiike S, Taniwaki M, Hanada R, Nakamura H, Hayashi Y. Co-duplication of the MLL and FLT3 genes in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer, 2001;31:187-190.
Rahman Jamal, NSB Thomas, RE Gale, DC Linch. Variable expression of p16 protein in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia without gross rearrangements at the DNA level. Leukemia, 1996;10:629-636.
Research Grants (ongoing research grants)
Project : Molecular studies on disease biomarkers and pathogenesis of cancer: Colorectal cancer as a model Source : National Biotecnology Directorate (06-05-01-003 BTK/ER 018)
Amount : RM715,000
Project : Mechanisms that control glucocorticoid resistance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia Source : Fundamental Grant UKM (JJ-2004-01)
Amount : RM200,000
Supervision of postgraduate students PhD 2
MSc 3
Professional activities (selected)
Interim Project Leader, Malaysian Cohort Study (MOSTI)
Chairman, National Committee on Guidelines for Stem Cell Research
Chairman, Expert Panel, National Thalassaemia Registry
Member, Medical Qualifications Board, Malaysian Medical Council
Adviser, Federation of Malaysian Thalassaemia Societies
Treasurer, Malaysian Society of Paediatric Oncology
Professor Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah
Qualifications BSc/Hons (UK), PhD (New Zealand)
PhD thesis in Biochemistry (awarded by Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, 1982)
Research interests
Anti-oxidants in ageing and Down syndrome as a model for accelerated ageing
Palm oil vitamin E specifically gamma-tocotrienol in immune response, as a signalling molecule. Human, animal and in vitro studies using gamma-tocotrienol are ongoing
Studies into natural and synthetic compounds and their effect on cells in culture and in induced hepatocarcinogenesis
Selected publications
Then SM, Musalmah M, Sanfeliu C, Abdul Gapor MT and Wan Ngah WZ. Neuroprotective effect of -tocotrienol against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in astrocytes culture. Mal J Biochem Mol Biol 2004; 9:22- 27
Shamaan NA, Jarien Z, Khalid BAK, Top AGM and Wan Ngah WZ. Effect of Lingzhi and vitamin E supplementation on enzyme activities in the liver and plasma of normal and chemically induced hepatocarcinogenic rats. Intl J Medicinal Mushroom 2000; 2: 131-139
Shamaan NA, Wan Ngah WZ, Jarien Z, Abdullah Sani H, Jantan I, Khalid BAK. Danazol and clomiphene reduced the severity of hepatocarcinogenesis in the rat in vivo and cancer cells in vitro. Asia Pacific J Pharmacol 2000; 14: 67-72
Shamaan NA, Khalid BAK, Rahmat A and Wan Ngah WZ. Vitamin C and Aloe vera supplementation protects from induced chemical hepatocarcinogenesis in the rat. Nutrition 1998; 14: 846-852
Makpol S, Shamaan NA, Jarien Z, Md. Top AG, Khalid BAK and Wan Ngah WZ. Different starting times of vitamin E supplementation and tumour marker enzyme activities in the rat chemically induced with cancer. Gen.
Pharmacol 1997; 28:589-592.
Research Grants (Selected ongoing research grants)
Project : Role of antioxidants in preventing degenerative damage in ageing and Down syndrome Source : Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (IRPA Top down PR Programme Leader) Amount: RM3,364,000
Project : HNF4 alpha gene polymorphisms in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Project Leader) Source : Fundamental Grant UKM (JJ-2004-02)
Amount : RM164,000
Project : The molecular mechanism of gamma-tocotrienol in hepatocarcinogenesis involving prenyl pyrophosphatase and farnesol signal transduction pathway (Co-researcher)
Source : IRPA 06-02-02-1035EAR Amount: RM102,000
Supervision of postgraduate students PhD 8
MSc 6
Professional activities (selected)
Editor Malaysian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Member Technical Committee of National Biotechnology Directorate
Member New York Academy of Science
Member of Ministry of Education Nobel Laureate path committee
Professor Dr. Ramelah Mohamed
Qualifications: B.Sc.; M.Sc. (ITB); Dip. Med. Micro. (Philippines); Ph.D (London)
PhD thesis in Medical Microbiology (awarded by University of London in 1984) Research interests
Infectious Diseases
Our group has been interested in immunology and molecular biology of several infectious diseases.
Helicobacter pylori: Our group interest in H. pylori focuses on characterization of genes and their association with severe gastroduodenal diseases in different ethnic groups. It is interesting to note that genes associated with severe gastroduodenal diseases present in H. pylori strains varies with geographical regions and population. We have discovered three different variants of the cagA gene present among our Malaysian H. pylori strains, that is Type A (621-651 bp) AY769770, Type B (732- 735 bp) AY769771 and Type C (525 bp) AY769772. In addition to genotyping, we are engaged in a study on the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance of H. pylori by looking at amplification or deletion of antibiotic resistance genes and expression of protein responsible for antibiotic resistance. Our group is also looking into the T-cell and antibody responses in patients infected with H. pylori.
Vibrio cholerae: During the last three years we collaborate with research groups from five different institutions (USM, UPM, UM, IMU & IMR) focusing on the development of rapid diagnostic tests for several diarrhoeal diseases particularly relying on PCR-based assays. Our group (UKM) has developed a Multiplex PCR for identification of V. cholerae in clinical specimens.
Hospital Acquired Infections
Our area of interest is looking into the mechanisms of carbapenam resistant in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from various clinical specimens.
Selected publications (not more than 5)
Ramelah Mohamed, Aminuddin A, Alfizah H, Isa MR, Jasmi AY, Tan HJ, A.Rahman AJ, Rizal AM & Mazlam MZ. cagA gene variants in Malaysian Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from patients of different ethnic groups. Federation of European Microbiological Societies Immunology and Medical Microbiology 2005 (in press)
R Mohamed, A Hanafiah, A Ahmad, I Mohamed Rose, I Sagap, S Nadesan, AR A Jamal, S A Abdullah, M R Abdul Manaf, & J Ali Yaakob. Diversity of Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA genes among strains isolated from multiracial patients in Malaysia.
Helicobacter 2004;9 (5):512
H Alfizah, A Aminuddin, MR Isa, I Sagap, AY Jasmi, AM Rizal & M Ramelah. Clinical Relevance of the babA2-Positive Helicobacter pylori Isolates in Malaysia. Med. J. Malaysia 2004;59 (Supp C) :39.
Ramelah M, Alfizah H, Tan HJ, Jasmi AY, Isa MR & Aminuddin A. Genomics of Helicobacter pylori: An Indicator For Severity Of Gastroduodenal Diseases. 37thJoint Conferece of US-Japan on Cholera and Other Bacterial Enteric Infections Panel.
Okinawa, Japan, 17-19 December 2002 : pp 138-144.
Ramelah M, M Azreen, MZ Noraziah & Rohani MY. 2002. Toxin Genes of Vibrio cholerae in Malaysia. 37thJoint Conference of US-Japan on Cholera and Other Bacterial Enteric Infections Panel. Okinawa, Japan; 17-19 December 2002 : pp 153- 156.
Research Grants (ongoing research grants)
Project : Helicobacter pylori Infection and Host Response: Genomics and Molecular Approach to Pathogenesis and Host
Response
Source : Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (IRPA Top down PR Programme Leader - 06-02-02-0000 PR0073/5
Amount : RM2,634,520
Project : Development of Diagnostic Tests for Vibrio cholerae : A Genomic Approach Source : Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (IRPA - 06-02-09-1001-PR00) Amount : RM 203,132
Project : Mechanism of Carbapenam Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Hospital Acquired Infection Source : Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (IRPA - 06-02-02-0047-EA232)
Amount : RM 236,800 Supervision of postgraduate students Ph.D 2
M.Sc 4
Professional activities (selected)
Treasurer, MINDS UKM Chapter
Life Member, Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy
Member, Academy of Medicine Malaysia.
Member, Malaysian Graduate Society
Member, Persatuan Perubatan Islam Malaysia
Associate Professor Dr. Roslan Harun
Qualifications: MD (UKM), MRCP (UK), PhD (Leeds), FRCP (Glasgow), AM (Malaysia) PhD thesis in Molecular Biology (awarded by the University of Leeds in 1998)
Research interests
Gene expression analysis in asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways with ongoing repair process that constitute airway wall remodeling. In this project, whole genome analysis using DNA microarrays is used to determine altered gene expression in various types of inflammatory and structural cells involved in the chronic airway inflammation and airway remodeling in asthma. These differentially expressed genes will be used to construct a specialized microarray, ‘Asthma chip’, which will be used to (a) identify gene expression changes underlying asthma; (b) generate molecular portraits for distinct types of asthma; and (c) correlate distinct gene expression profiling with various clinical manifestations of asthma.
Functional genomic of lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in worldwide and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for nearly 80% of the disease. Understanding molecular changes in these major tumour types will allow identification of novel tumour markers or potential therapeutic targets. Using differential display and DNA microarray methods, we identified many differentially expressed genes in lung cancers isolated from bronchial biopsies. The expressions of some of these genes were subsequently confirmed by semi-quantitative or real-time RT-PCR. We are currently looking at the protein expression, determining the functions of these genes using RNA interference (RNAi) and studying the effects of these genes inhibition on the expression of the down-stream genes.
Selected publications
Rahman Jamal, Baizura Jamaluddin, Idris Nor, Hamidah Alias, Jeffrey Abu Hassan, Roslan Harun. Abnormalities in lung function among multiply transfused thalassaemia patients: Results from a thalassaemia daycare centre in Malaysia. South East Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2005;36:1-5.
Fadilah SAW, Cheong SK, Roslan Harun, Rozie HM, Goh KY. GATA-1 and GATA-2 gene expression is related to the severity of dysplasia in myelodysplastic syndrome. Leukemia 2002; 16: 1563-1564.
Jeffrey AH, Saadiah S, Roslan Harun, Zainuddin MZ. Bronchodilator response to inhaled beta-2-agonist and anticholinergic drugs in patients with bronchiectasis. Respirology 1999; 4: 423-426.
Roslan Harun, Smith KK, Leek JP, Markham AF, Norris A, Morrison JFJ. Characterization of human SHC p66 cDNA and its processed pseudogene mapping to Xq12-q13.1. Genomics 1997;42: 349-352.
Roslan Harun, Markham AF, Morrison JFJ. Identification of differentially expressed genes in CD 19+ve B lymphocytes in allergic asthma. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 1996; 409: 375-380.
Research Grants (ongoing)
Project: Identification and analysis of genes underlying allergic diseases using DNA microarrays Source: National Biotecnology Directorate (06-02-02-007 BTK/ER/32)
Amount: RM 1,698,240.00
Project: Functional analysis of novel lung carcinoma genes using RNA interference and microarray analysis.
Source: IRPA 06-02-02-0064-EA305 Amount: RM227,080
Supervision of postgraduate students PhD 1
MSc 1
Professional activities (selected)
Member, Malaysian Thoracic Society (MTS)
Member, Islamic Medical Association Malaysia (PPIM) Committee Member, Malaysia Drug Control Authority (DCA)
Committee Member, Malaysian Society for the Advancement of Pharmacogenomics (MSAP) Life Member, Malaysia Medical Relief Society (MERCY Malaysia)
Associate Professor Dr. Ruszymah Hj. Idrus
Qualifications MD (UKM), PhD (UKM)
PhD thesis in Physiology (awarded by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 1996)
Research interests
Molecular genetics of deafness
● Tissue engineering of Cartilage, Bone and Skin
Selected publications
B H I Ruszymah. Autologous human fibrin as the biomaterial for tissue engineering. Medical Journal of Malaysia 2004; 59 : 30-31 (Suppl. B).
K H Chua, B S Aminuddin, N H Fuzina , B H I Ruszymah. Interaction between Insulin-like growth factor-1 with other growth factors in serum depleted culture medium for human cartilage engineering. Medical Journal of Malaysia 2004; 59 : 7-8 (Suppl. B)
M Y Phang, M H Angela Ng, K K Tan, B S Aminuddin, B H I Ruszymah, O Fauziah. Evaluation of Suitable Biodegradable Scaffolds for Engineered Bone Tissue. Medical Journal of Malaysia 2004; 59 : 198-199 (Suppl. B)
Aminuddin BS, Chua KH, Fuzina NH, Farah Wahida I, Mazlyzam AL, Norazlinda MD, Munirah S, Angela Ng MH, Lokman BS and Ruszymah BHI. Formation of Tissue Engineered Human Cartilage from Nasal Septum. KPJ Medical Journal 2003; 1(1): 3-7.
Ruszymah BHI, Chua KH, Mazlyzam AL, Fuzina NH and Aminuddin BS. Human serum verses animal serum in human cartilage tissue engineering. International Medical Journal 2003; 2(2)
Research Grants (ongoing)
Project: Tissue Engineering of Human Tissues for Future Clinical Applications Source: 06-02-02-003/BTK/ER 022
Amount: RM2,200,000
Project: Formation of Human Cartilage via Tissue Engineering Method for Replacing Tissue Lost Source: 06-02-02-0037-EA189
Amount: RM223,384
Supervision of postgraduate students PhD 3
MSc 2
Professional activities
1. President - Tissue Engineering Society of Malaysia (TESMA) 2. Member - Tissue Engineering Society International (TESi) 3. Member - Electron Microscopy of Malaysia
Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Zaki Salleh
Qualifications: BSc/Hons (UKM), MSc (London), PhD (USM)
PhD thesis in Medical Microbiology (awarded by Universiti Sains Malaysia in 1994)
Research interests
Molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases
Specific proteins expressed by Shigella spp. and Campylobacter jejuni have been identified. Amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of the proteins were determined. The genes encoding the proteins were cloned to produce recombinant proteins. Protein-based and DNA-based diagnostic tests are being developed to detect both bacteria directly in clinical specimens. Similar approach is being used for nosocomial pathogens such as Staphylococcus spp. and Klebsiella spp.
Pharmacogenomics
Development of cheaper methods (PCR based) to determine genetic variants of P450 drug metabolizing enzymes (including CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP2D6) and some drug receptors (Beta2- adrenagic,dopamine-2 and mu-opiod) as well as drug transporter P-glycoprotein encoded by MDR1. We also focus on establishing genetic data bank for local population because of the large interethnic and intergeographical differences in genetic background which may implicate pharmacotherapeutic approach such as drug dosing and adverse effect.
Selected publications
Muthiah YD, Lee WL, Teh LK, Ong CE, Salleh MZ, Ismail R. A simple multiplex PCR method for the concurrent detection of three CYP2C8 variants. Clin Chim Acta 2004;349:191-198
Romaino SM, Teh LK, Zilfalil BA, Thong CP, Ismail AA, Amir J, Salleh MZ, Noor AP, Ismail R. A simple and rapid genotyping method for beta-2 receptor (β2AR) gene using allele specific multiplex PCR. J Clin Pharm Ther, 2004;29(1):47-52
MD Kamaliah, Y Azril Haris, S Mohd Zaki. Role of topical mupirocin as a prophylaxis in catheter related infections in haemodialysis patients. International Medical Journal, 2004; 11(1):41-46
Zainuddin Z, Teh LK, Suhaimi AW, Salleh MZ, Ismail R. A simple method for detection of CYP2C9 polymorphisms:nested allele specific-multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Clin Chim Acta 2003;336:97-102
N Jackson, M Zaki, AR Rahman, M Nazim, WN Win, S Osman.
Fatal Campylobacter jejuni infection in a patient splectomised for thalassaemia. J Clin Pathol 1997; 50:436-437
Research Grants (ongoing research grants)
Project : Development of rapid diagnostic test(s) for Campylobacter jejuni Source : IRPA (06-02-05-1003/PR0016/06-01)
Amount : RM262,000
Project : Development of rapid diagnostic test(s) for Shigella spp.
Source : IRPA (06-02-05-1003/PR0016/06-02) Amount : RM238,000
Project : Development of diagnostic tests for enteric pathogens : a genomic approach
Source : National Biotechnology Directorate (304-UINOMED.6150046) Amount : RM 500,500
Supervision of postgraduate students PhD 1
MSc 4
Professional activities
1. Vice-President, Malaysian Society for the Advancement of Pharmacogenomics 2. Member, Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy 3. Member, Malaysian Society of Microbiology
Associate Professor Dr. Syed Zulkifli Syed Zakaria
Qualifications: MD (UKM), M.Med. Paeds. (UKM), PhD
PhD thesis in Clinical & Molecular Epidemiology (awarded by University of Newcastle, Australia in 2003)
Research Interest a. Molecular Epidemiology:
Epidemiology of biomarkers including drug metabolizing enzymes, MTHFR genes and DNA repair genes.
Mutation of the RET gene in Hirchprung’s disease b. Oncology
Genetic markers in cancer including bladder, lung and leukemias.
c. Clinical
Focusing on quality of life of thalassemics and leukemia survivors.
Current research activities
1. Evaluation of the knowledge, attitude and practice of Malaysian paediatricians in withdrawing or limitation of treatment of children.
2. Comparison study of the health related quality of life(HRQOL) between paediatirc leukemia population on maintenance therapy and those post chemotherapy: a cross sectional study.
3. Parental stress index and CISS score in parents of patients with thalassemia.
4. Characterisation of RET gene mutations in Malaysian children with Hirschsprung’s disease.
Selected publications
Rahman Jamal, Fazlina N, Maha A., Zarina A.L., Hamidah A, Zulkifli SZ, Cheong S.K. Ainoon O., Hamidah N.H., Multidrug resistance proteins (MDR) in acute leukemia cases in a typical hematology-oncology unit in Malaysia. Pediatric Blood and Cancer 2004;43:S1-394
Zulkifli SZ, Ong LC, Boo NY, Lu AIC, Zairul Azwan MA, Suryani MZ, Roshidah R, Krishnalatha B, Afizah S, Siti Aishah AM, Azlina AR, Nurul Hidayati Z, Nanitha K, Arizal TA. An audit of hand washing practices among health- care providers in a neonatal intensive care. Asian Oceania Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health 2003;2(1)
Zarina Latiff, Zulkifli SZ, Rahman Jamal. Risk assessment and microbiological profile of infections in paediatric cancer patients with febrile neutropenia. Malaysian Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 2000
N.Y.Boo, N.C. Wong, Zulkifli SS, M.S.Lye. 1999. Risk factors associated with umbilical vascular catheter- associated thrombosis in newborn infants. J Paediatric Child Health 1999;35:460-465.
Rahman Jamal, Fadzillah G, Zulkifli SZ, Yasmin M. Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, CMV and HIV in multiply transfused thalassaemia patients : Results from a thalassaemia day care centre in Malaysia. South East Asean Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 1998;29:64-69
Supervision of postgraduate students
PhD 1
M.Med (Paeds) 5
Professional activities
Member, Medical Faculty Research and Ethics Committee Member, Malaysian Association for the Protection of Children
CURRENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND KEY SYSTEMS
UMBI management office and laboratory are located at 7th floor, Clinical Block, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. A well equipped genomic laboratory, tissue engineering laboratory, a cancer genetic laboratory and Biobank HUKM-UMBI has been set up for researchers in UMBI and Faculty of Medicine to conduct research in molecular medicine. Current infrastructure at UMBI includes:
Varian System (Denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography for mutational analysis)
The DHPLC machine is an automated and high throughput system which can analyse 96 samples in 6.5 hours time. The technique is easy to perform, not labour intensive and time consuming.
ABI 3100 Genetic Analyzer (DNA sequencing)
The ABI 3100 Genetic Analyzer with 16 capillary electrophoresis system can separate, detect and analysed 16 samples in 2.5 hours with a simple and easier method. Besides DNA sequencing, resequencing technique and linkage analysis can also be performed by this machine.
iCycler Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Machine
iCycler Real Time – PCR machine is a real time PCR thermocycler with optical module and provide a real time measurement of the PCR proses in 2 – 2.5 hours time. Real time and on line PCR monitoring also reduces opportunities and speeds time-to results because traditional post PCR steps are no more necessary.
MVE Cryosystem (BioBank)
The MVE cryosystem consists of a liquid nitrogen freezer with storage capacities of 2000 vials and a liquid nitrogen tank.
Microarray System (Microarray)
The affymetrix microarray system provide RNA expression profiling using GeneChip Human Genome arrays. The system includes a hydridization system, scanner and operating system with GCOS software for data analysis and mining. GeneChip Human Genome Arrays provide gene expression data for a multitude of applications, eg: uncovering new regulatory pathways and validating drug targets
All researchers within UKM are allowed to use the facilities at UMBI with prior approval from UMBI.
EVENTS IN 2004
Molecular Research Update
Date Presenter Title
19 January Zulhabri Osman Telomerase activity In human colorectal cancer.
Rosmadi Mohd Yusoff Identification of differentially expressed genes in non-small cell lung cancer by mRNA differential display and microarray analysis.
16 February Farah Wahida Ibrahim Genetic linkage analysis in families with non-syndromic hereditary hearing impairment.
Azian Abd. Murad Low density lipoprotein (Ldl) receptor gene mutation in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH): Molecular and clinical characterization.
Farah Wahida Ibrahim Technique of the month – Genetic linkage analysis.
15 March Fazlina Nordin Multidrug resistance (MDR) proteins in acute leukaemia cases in Hospital UKM.
Chua Kien Hui Developing human chondrocyte growth medium for cartilage tissue engineering.
19 April Mazlyzam Abdul Latif Evaluation analysis of tissue engineering human skin.
Suhana Mamat Genotyping of detoxification enzyme polymorphism as an indicator to cancer risk.
17 May Farizan Arif, UiTM Upregulated genes in acute myeloid leukemia.
Rosmadi Yusof Technology review - RNA interference.
14 June Munirah Saa'ban Tissue Engineering & Human Genetics Laboratory, HUKM Chua Kien Hui Tissue Engineering & Human Genetics Laboratory, HUKM
16 August Farzin Farzaneh Gene therapy and immunotherapy for cancer : hype or hope?
Functional analysis of the genome - the post genomic challenge.
20 September Khairul Bariah Ahmad Transfection of p53 wild type gene into various HCC cell Amin Noordin (IMR) lines.
Alfizah Hanafiah Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA genes variants among strains isolated from multiracial patients in Malaysia
25 October Angela Ng Min Hwei Comparison of the different cell sources for bone tissue engineering.
Melati Khalid Mutation detection using dHPLC.
6 December Norazril Shamsul Evaluation of chitosan-based scaffold as a biomaterial for tissue engineering.
Erica Choong Pei Feng In vitro differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into neuron-like cells.
Dinner in honour of Prof. Farzin Farzaneh Molecular update held monthly
Lecture Series
Date Presenter Title
13 March Assoc. Prof Dr. Roslan Harun Basics of Molecular Biology Assoc. Prof Dr Ruszymah Hj Idrus PCR, Sequencing, DNA Extraction
Update on new technologies organized by UMBI
Date Programme
30 March Workshop on Laser Microdissection (BioSynTech Sdn. Bhd)
27 April Workshop on Automated Processing and Analysis of Microarrays using the TECAN LC Scanner (Siber Hegner (M) Sdn. Bhd)
7 May Microarray Technology (Applied Biosystem)
19 May Workshop on RNA Interference (BD Biosciences Clontech)
27 May Novel Microarray Technology : Production scale genotyping and gene expression analysis using the Illumina BeadStation® System
9 December Beckman Coulter CEQ8000 DNA Analysis System
14 December Biosafety for Level II & Level III (Interscience (M) Sdn Bhd)
30 December Microarray System (Perkin Elmer Sdn Bhd)
Workshop on Microarray Technology
SPSS (Statistical package and training) Workshop
Date Programme
27-28 March Basic & Advanced Session 9-10 October Basic & Advanced Session
Conferences, Workshops, Exhibitions, Collaborations Etc.
Date Programme
16-18 June Seminar and workshop on ‘Update on Helicobacter pylori’
19 August Visit by Innobiologics Sdn. Bhd.
16-17 August Visit by Prof. Dr. Farzin Farzaneh, Scientific Advisor of UMBI
15-18 August UKM Exposition on Research and Innovation 2004
9 December Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, Kompleks Perubatan UKM 2004
12-13 December Seminar Pendedahan Kursus Kesihatan Kebangsaan
14-16 December Pameran Sempena Konvensyen Perdana - Organised by Biro Tatanegara, Jabatan Perdana Menteri
UMBI’s participation at the UKM Research & Innovation Expo, 15-18 July 2004,
Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Razak, UKM
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF RESEARCHERS
Activity The Malaysian-Swedish Dialogue in Medical Research organized by the Academy of Science Malaysia Date 5-6th February
Venue: Legend Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
Attended by: Prof. Dr. A Rahman A Jamal, Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah, Prof. Dr. Ramelah Mohamad, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Roslan Harun
Activity Consolidation of teamwork and creativity for leaders Date 13-15th February
Venua Guoman Resort and Hotel, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan Attended by: Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
Activity Retreat on ‘UKM as a Research University’
Date 27-29th February
Venue Regency Hotel, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan Attended by: Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
Paper Generation of research funds
Activity Seminar on ethics, medicine and the law: theories and contemporary issues Date 13th Mac 2004
Venue Renaissance Hotel, Kuala Lumpur Attended by Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
Activity 1st National Workshop and Colloquium on Pharmacogenetics and visit to INFORMM USM Date 1-2nd April
Venue School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan Attended by Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Syed
Zulkifli Syed Zakaria
Activity Retreat for members of the Faculty of Medicine, UKM Date 13-15th April 2004
Venue Guoman Resort and Hotel, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan Attended by Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
Paper ‘Towards excellence in research in the faculty’
Activity Workshop on post-graduate supervision Date 11-12th May 2004
Venue Equatorial Hotel, Bangi
Attended by Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal Paper ‘Optimising supervision of post-graduates’
Activity International Public Lectures: USM-Cuba International Scientific Colloquium in Conjuction with Cuban Week
Date 31st May 2004
Venue USM Kubang Kerian Kelantan
Attended by Associate Professor Dr Mohd Zaki Salleh
Activity Visit by delegation from the Ministry of Research and Technology, Indonesia to UKM Date 21st Jun 2004
Venue UKM, Bangi
Attended by Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal Discussion Focus on Bioethics
Activity Workshop on curricullum review Date 4-7th July 2004
Venue Corus Paradise Hotel, Port Dickson
Attended by Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal and Professor Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah
Activity Convention for deputy vice-chancellors, deans and directors of institutions of higher learning Date 21-22nd July 2004
Venue Pan Pacific Hotel, KLIA
Activity Workshop on documentation for ISO 9001:2000 Date 27-28th July 2004
Venue Marriot Hotel, Putrajaya
Attended by Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
Activity Workshop on scientific writing for young lecturers in the Faculty of Medicine, UKM Date 24th August 2004
Venue Crown Princess Hotel, Kuala Lumpur Attended by Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal Paper How to transform research into papers
Activity Seminar on ‘Molecular Genetics’
Date 24-26th September 2004
Venue School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang, Kerian, Kelantan Attended by Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
Paper Cancer genetics
Activity ESGH XVII International Workshop Gastrointestinal Pathology and Helicobacter Date 22-24th September 2004
Venue Vienna, Austria
Attended by Professor Dr. Ramelah Mohamed
Activity Research dialogue between researchers from the faculties of Engineering and Medicine and UMBI Date 25th September 2004
Venue Faculty of Medicine UKM
Attended by Assoc. Professor Dr. Roslan Harun
Activity National Diagnostic Conference and Workshop Date 4-7th October 2004
Venue INFORMM, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang, Kerian, Kelantan Attended by Assoc. Professor Dr. Mohd Zaki Salleh
Activity Visit by delegation from Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Innobio and Burrill and Co.
Date 19th October 2004
Venue UMBI
Attended by Director & Fellows
Activity Presentation of the final draft of the National Policy on Biotechnology Date 6th Disember 2004
Venue Marriot Hotel, Kuala Lumpur Attended by Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
Activity INFORMM Postgraduate Workshop Series (3): Beyond R & D Date 12th December 2004
Venue USM Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
Attended by Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Zaki Salleh
Discussion Career opportunities in biomedicine and medical biotechnology
Activity Visit to the Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Centre in Seattle, Washington, USA Date 19-25th December 2004
Venue Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Centre in Seattle, Washington, USA Attended by Professor Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
POST GRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS IN 2004
Doctor of Philosopy
Name Project Title Supervisors from
UMBI
Year of registration
Aini Suzana Signal transduction mechanisms of the
antiproliferative effect of -tocotrienol of liver cancer cell lines
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah 1998
Khairul Bariyah Ahmad Amin Nordin
Detection of p53 mutations hepatocellular cancer patients using SSCP
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah 1999
Norwahidah Abdul Karim Apoptosis and effects of -tocotrienol and -tocopherol on liver cancer cells (HepG2)
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah 2000
Zulhabri Othman Detection of p53 and K-Ras2 gene mutations and measurement of aflatoxin B1-albumin adduct level and telomerase activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah Prof. Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
2000
Rosmadi Yusof Cloning and characterization of novel lung cancer genes by combining the techniques of mRNA differential display, oligonucleotide microarray and RNA interference
Assoc. Prof Dr. Roslan Harun Assoc. Prof Dr. Ruszymah Hj.
Idrus
2001
Mazlyzam Abdul Latiff Formation of tissue engineered human skin for clinical application and future commercialization
Assoc. Prof Dr. Ruszymah Hj.
Idrus
2002
Alfizah Hanafiah Genomic characterization and functional analysis of the tyrosine phosphorylation motif in Cag A protein in Helicobacter pylori strain
Prof. Dr Ramelah Mohamed Prof. Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
2002
Wan Noraini Wan Yusuf Carbapenam resistant Psedumonas aeruginosa in hospital acquired infections
Prof. Dr. Ramelah Mohamed 2002
Kirnpal Kaur Banga Singh
Development of rapid diagnostic tests for Shigella flexneri : proteomic and genomic approach
Assoc. Prof Mohd Zaki Salleh, 2002
Angela Ng Min Hwei Formation of tissue engineered human bone in the presence of various growth factors and the cloning of the telomerase gene
Assoc. Prof Dr. Ruszymah Hj.
Idrus
2003
Haliansyah The influence of cytokines, liver tumour promoter and expression of selenoproteins
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah 2003
Mazatulikhma Mat Zain Neuroprotective effect of synthetic pyrollidone derivsatives and their mechanism of action
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah 2004
D. Maryama Ag Daud Effect of exercise duration and intensity on the oxidative status and antioxidant enzyme activities among sedentary adults
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah 2004
Riyadh Saif Ali Al Hammadi
HNF4 alpha gene polypmorphisms in Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah 2004
Goon Jo Ann Effect of exercise(tai chi) on oxidative status in the ageing population
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah 2004
Mohd Syahril Mohd Zin Mechanism that controls the glucocorticoid resistance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Prof. Dr. A Rahman A Jamal 2004
Masters of Science
Name Project Title Supervisors from
UMBI
Year of registration
Nor Azian Abdul Murad Molecular, biochemical and clinical characteristics of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) in the Malaysian population.
Prof. Dr. A Rahman A Jamal 2001 (Graduated in
2004)
Jeenath Banu Jamaluddin
Identification of differentially expressed gene in cord blood CD4+ T-helper lymphocyte in asthma
Assoc. Prof Dr. Roslan Harun 2002
Norazlinda Md Daud Identification of deafness gene locus in a family via genetic linkage analysis
Assoc. Prof Dr. Ruszymah Hj.
Idrus
2002 Munirah Sha’ban Effect of growth factors on the proliferation of animal
and human articular chondrocyte and reconstruction of articular tissue via tissue engineering method for clinical application
Assoc. Prof Dr. Ruszymah Hj.
Idrus 2002
Fazlina Nordin Multidrug Resistance (MDR) proteins and in-vitro cytotoxicity of anti-leukemic drugs.
Prof. Dr. A Rahman A Jamal 2003
Melati Khalid APC gene mutation and methylation status in colorectal cancer
Prof. Dr. A Rahman A Jamal 2003
Maridah Mohd Amin Effect of ageing on antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress, protein degradation and sister chromatid exchange
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah
2003
Mohd Shahrul Azreen Mustaffa
Development of a multiple PCR for rapid diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae infections
Prof. Dr. Ramelah Mohamed 2003 Azni Amir Musa Cloning and expression of the 24.1 kDA protein for
Campylobacter jejuni
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Zaki Salleh
2003
Suhaniza Sulaiman The effect of Chlorella vulgaris on hepatocarcinogenesis in the rat
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah
2003
Suhana Md Saad The anticarcinogenic characteristics of chlorella vulgaris algae and its nutrient content
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah
2003
Suhana Mamat Genetic polymorphisms of p450 and the effect of vitamin E on lipid peroxidation in cells expressing CYP2E1 enzyme
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah
2003
Mohammad Johari Ibrahim
Effect of vitamin E supplementation on the oxidative status and immune response in ageing in the Malaysian population
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah
2003
Lim Lay Cheng To study the oxidative stress products and antioxidant status in the ageing process
Prof. Dr. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah
2004
Saadiah Abd. Malek PCR-based method for rapid diagnosis of systemic candidiasis
Prof. Dr Ramelah Mohamed Prof. Dr. A Rahman A Jamal
2004
Norhayati Kamaruddin Association of Helicobacter pylori with p53 protein expression and pepsinogen levels in gastric precancerous and cancerous lesions.
Prof. Dr. Ramelah Mohamed 2004
Wan Rasinah Zakariah Pencirian gen kerintangan antibiotik pada Helicobacter pylori yang dipencilkan daripada pesakit di Malaysia.
Prof. Dr. Ramelah Mohamed 2004
Norzie Azlin Pudzi Development of DNA-based diagnostic test for the detection C. jejuni and C. coli
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Zaki Salleh
2004 Nik Noorul Shakira
Mohamed Shakrin
Development of DNA-based diagnostic test for the detection of Shigella spp.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Zaki Salleh
2004
Mohd Khairi Johari Navigating the CYP2C8 allelic variations using denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Zaki Salleh
2004
PUBLICATIONS
Journal Publications
1. Rahman Jamal. Thalassaemia in Malaysia: Confronting the issues and mapping the strategies. Asian- Oceanian Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health 2004; 3(1): 7-15
2. Rahman AJ. Molecular medicine: the way forward. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (4): 441-442
3. Then SM, Musalmah M, Sanfeliu C, Abdul Gapor MT and Wan Ngah WZ. Neuroprotective effect of -tocotrienol against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in astrocytes culture. Mal J Biochem Mol Biol 2004; 9: 22- 27
4. R Mohamed, A Hanafiah, A Ahmad, I Mohamed Rose, I Sagap, S Nadesan, AR A Jamal, S A Abdullah, M R Abdul Manaf, & J Ali Yaakob. Diversity of Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA genes among strains isolated from multiracial patients in Malaysia. Helicobacter 2004; 9 (5): 512
5. Muthiah YD, Lee WL, Teh LK, Ong CE, Salleh MZ, Ismail R. A simple multiplex PCR method for the concurrent detection of three CYP2C8 variants. Clin Chim Acta 2004; 349:191-198
6. Romaino SM, Teh LK, Zilfalil BA, Thong CP, Ismail AA, Amir J, Salleh MZ, Noor AP, Ismail R. A simple and rapid genotyping method for beta-2 receptor (β2AR) gene using allele specific multiplex PCR. J Clin Pharm Ther 2004; 29(1): 47-52
7. MD Kamaliah, Y Azril Haris, S Mohd Zaki. Role of topical mupirocin as a prophylaxis in catheter related infections in haemodialysis patients. International Medical Journal 2004;11(1): 41-46
8. Noor Aini Abdul Hamid, Goon Jo Ann, Illyana Ismail, Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah, Abdul Gapor Md Top and Musalmah Mazlan. Changes in oxidative status in rat’s heart with age as compared to the blood and effect of palm vitee supplementation. Malaysian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry 2004; 4:27-34
9. Noor Aini Abdul Hamid, Goon Jo Ann, Aminuddin Abdul Hamid Karim, Azian Abdul Latif, Nabishah Mohamad, Zaiton
Zakaria, Jamilah Baharom, Roshidah Hasan, Musalmah Mazlan and Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah. Effect of exercise
(Tai Chi) on oxidative status among population in retirement age: A preliminary report Mal J Biochem Mol Biol 2004; 9: 31-34
10. Then Sue Mian, Musalmah Mazlan, Coral Sanfeliu, Abdul gapor Md Top and Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah.
Neuroprotective effect of -tocotrienol against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in astrocytes culture.
Mal J Biochem Mol Biol 2004; 9: 22-27
11. Ramelah M, Aminuddin A, Alfizah H, Isa MR, Jasmi AY, Tan HJ, Jamal R, Rizal AM, Mazlam MZ. cagA gene variants in Malaysian Helicobacter pylori Strains Isolated from patients of different ethnic groups. FEMS Medical Microbiology and Immunology Journal (in press).
NOVEL FINDINGS
Novel Gene/Variants Sequences Deposited in GenBank NCBI, USA
1. Ramelah M, Alfizah H, Aminuddin A (2004). HP 167 type A cag A, Accession no: AY769770
2. Ramelah M & Alfizah H, Aminuddin A (2004). HP 594 type B cag A, Accession no: AY769771
3. Ramelah M & Alfizah H, Aminuddin A (2004). HP 280 type C cag A, Accession no: AY769772
4. Nik Noorul Shakira, MS, Kirnpal-Kaur, BS, Ravichandran M, Asma I, Mohd Zaki, S (2004). Shigella boydii outer membrane protein A precursor (ompA) gene, Accession no: AY590298
Abstracts in Journals
1. Rahman Jamal,Fazlina N, Maha A, Zarina AL, Hamidah A, Zulkifli SZ, Cheong SK, Ainoon O, Hamidah NH.. Multidrug resistance proteins in acute leukaemia cases in a typical hematology-oncology unit in Malaysia.
Pediatric Blood and Cancer 2004;43: S1-394.
2. H Alfizah, A Aminuddin, MR Isa, I Sagap, AY Jasmi, AM Rizal & M Ramelah. 2004. Clinical relevance of the babA2- positive Helicobacter pylori isolates in Malaysia. Med. J. Malaysia 2004; 59 (Supp C): 39.
3. Y A Mohd Yusof, A H Harliansyah, M Noor Azian and W Z Wan Ngah. Effects of Zinziber officinale on superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and glutathione content in HepG2 cell line. Free Radical Biology and Medicine 2004; 36 (Suppl 1): S133
4. S Makpol, Z A Bakkar, M Mazlan and W Z Wan Ngah. Effect of hydrogen peroxide and tocotrienol on human lymphocyte proliferation with aging. Free Radical Biology and Medicine 2004; 36 (Suppl 1): S125
5. S M Then, M Musalmah M T Gapor and W Z Wan Ngah. Neuroprotective effects of tocotrienol and - tocopherol against H2O2 induced oxidative stress in astrocytes culture. Free Radical Biology and Medicine 2004; 36 (Suppl 1): S89
6. I Nor Isnida, M Musalmah and W Z Wan Ngah. Effect of gamma-tocotrienol on DNA damage by Comet assay.
Free Radical Biology and Medicine 2004; 36 (Suppl )1: S83
7. A H Noor Aini, J A Goon, A H K Aminuddin, A L Azian, M Nabishah, Z Zaiton, B Jamilah, H Rosyida, M Musalmah and Wan Ngah W Z. Effect of exercise (Tai Chi) on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes activity among population in retirement age group. Free Radical Biology and Medicine 2004; 36 (Suppl 1):
S57
8. Zulhabri O, Wan Ngah WZ, Sagap I, Sukumar M, Melati K, Isa MR, Jamal AR. Telomerase activity in human colorectal cancer. Med J Malaysia ; 59 (Suppl C): 81.
9. Philip R, Dinsuhaimi S, Rosdan S, Samsudin AR, Shamsuria O, Mohd Zaki S, Jamalulail SM. In vitro evaluation of the growth enhancing or cytotoxic effect of Sticophus species (Gamat) on established human fibroblast cell lines and antimicrobial activity. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (Supp B): 95-96
10. B H I Ruszymah. Autologous human fibrin as the biomaterial for tissue engineering. Med J Malaysia. 2004;59 (Suppl. B): 30-31
11. A H M YBadrul, B S Aminuddin, I Sharaf, O C Samsudin, S Munirah, B H I Ruszymah. The effects of autologous human serum on the growth of tissue engineered human articular cartilage. Med J of Malaysia 2004; 59 (Suppl. B): 11-12
12. B Azmi, B S Aminuddin, I Sharaf, O C Samsudin, S Munirah, K H Chua, B H I Ruszymah. The significance of using pooled human serum in human articular cartilage tissue engineering. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (Suppl. B) : 13-14
13. K H Chua, B S Aminuddin, N H Fuzina , B H I Ruszymah. Interaction between insulin-like growth factor-1 with other growth factors in serum depleted culture medium for human cartilage engineering. Med J Malaysia 2004;
59 (Suppl. B) : 7-8
14. M H Angela Ng, B S Aminuddin, K K Tan, G H Tan, B H I Ruszymah. The use of bone marrow stem cells for bone tissue engineering. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (Suppl. B) : 41-42
15. S Munirah, B S Aminuddin, K H Chua, N H Fuzina, M R Isa, B H I Ruszymah. Tissue engineered human articular neocartilage using serial expanded chondrocytes. Med J Malaysia 2004;59 (Suppl. B) : 9-10
16. A L Mazlyzam, B S Aminuddin, B S Lokman, M R Isa, H Fuzina, O Fauziah, B H I Ruszymah. Quality evaluation analysis of bioengineered human skin. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (Suppl. B): 39-40.
17. OC Samsudin, B S Aminuddin, S Munirah, K H Chua, N H Fuzina, M R Isa, B Azmi, A H M Y Badrul,B H I Ruszymah. In vitro development of autologous tissue engineered human articular neocartilage for orthopaedic surgery. Med J Malaysia 2004;59 (Suppl. B) : 15-16
18. A N Nur Adelina, B S Aminuddin, S Munirah, K H Chua, N H Fuzina, L Saim, B H I Ruszymah. Phenotypic expression of collagen type II and collagen type I gene in monolayer culture of human auricular chondrocytes.
Med J Malaysia. 2004;59 (Suppl. B): 188-189
19. B H Muhd Fakhruddin, B S Aminuddin, A L Mazlyzam, B H I Ruszymah. The effects of age on monolayer culture of human keratinocytes for future use in skin engineering. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (Suppl. B): 182-183
20. K K Tan , B S Aminuddin, G H Tan, M Sabarul Afian, M H Angela Ng, O Fauziah, B H I Ruszymah. Strategy for generating tissue-engineered human bone construct. Med J Malaysia 2004;59 (Suppl. B) : 43-44
21. K H Chua, B S Aminuddin, N H Fuzina, B H I Ruszymah. Human serum provided additional values in growth factors supplemented medium for human chondrocytes monolayer expansion and engineered cartilage construction. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (Suppl. B): 194-195
22. M M Norhayati, A L Mazlyzam, R Asmah, H Fuzina, B S Aminuddin,B H I Ruszymah, O Fauziah. Collagen fibers an important entity in skin tissues remodeling. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (Suppl. B): 184-185
23. B S Shamsul, B S Aminuddin, M H Angela Ng, B H I Ruszymah. Age and gender effect on the growth of bone marrow stromal cells in vitro. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (Suppl. B): 196-197
24. I Farah Wahida, B S Aminuddin, S Munirah, K H Chua, N H Fuzina, M R Isa, L Saim, B H I Ruszymah. Gene expression characteristic in human auricular cartilage tissue engineering. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (Suppl. B) : 190-191
25. L Saim, B S Aminuddin, S Munirah, K H Chua, A Izuddin Fahmy , N H Fuzina, M R Isa, B H I Ruszymah.
Formation of tissue-engineered human auricular cartilage via tissue engineering technique for future use in ear surgery. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (Suppl. B) : 192-193
26. S A H Norazril, B S Aminuddin, M M Norhayati, A L Mazlyzam, O Fauziah, B H I Ruszymah. Comparison of chitosan scaffold and chitosan-collagen scaffold: A preliminary study. Med J Malaysia 2004;59 (Suppl. B): 186- 187
27. M Y Phang, M H Angela Ng, K K Tan, B S Aminuddin, B H I Ruszymah, O Fauziah. Evaluation of suitable biodegradable scaffolds for engineered bone tissue. Med J Malaysia 2004; 59 (Suppl. B): 198-199
Proceedings
1. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah. Peranan antioksidan dalam menghalang kerosakan degeneratif terhadap Sindrom Down dan penuaan. Prosiding Seminar IRPA RMK-8 2004;1:177-185
2. Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah. Kajian kemointervensi menggunakan antioksidan vitamin E untuk mengurangkan stres oksidatif pada proses penuaan. Prosiding Seminar IRPA RMK-8 2004; 1: 86-193
3. Lim L. C., Azian A. L., Nor Aini A.H., Musalmah M., Yasmin A., Zaiton Z., Nabishah M., Aminudin A.K., Normiza R., Yusfairuz M. P., Noor Laili M.T., Rosyida H., Jamilah B., Norhana Y., Fatimah M. & Wan Ngah W.Z. Kesan umur ke atas aktiviti enzim katalase di kalangan penduduk Malaysia. Prosiding Seminar IRPA RMK-8 2004;
2:46-51
4. Ibahim M.J., Shahnaz M., Azian A.L., Noor Aini A.H., Noor Laili T., Zaiton Z., Aminudin A.K., Nabisha M., Yasmin A., Musalmah M., Chin S.F., Jamilah B., Rosyida H. & Wan Ngah W.Z. Perbandingan tahap respon imun dengan perubahan peringkat umur : Laporan Prelim. Prosiding Seminar IRPA RMK-8 2004; 2: 52-55
5. Normiza R., Azian A.L., Noor Laili M.T., Noor Aini A.H., Norhana Y., Fatimah M., Yasmin A., Musalmah M., Zaiton Z., Aminudin A.K., Nabishah M., Jamilah B., Rosyida H., Yusfairuz M.P., Ibahim M.J., Lim L.C., Chin S.F.
& Wan Ngah W.Z. Penentuan ujian fungsi hepar, profil lipid dan renal serta kiraan sel darah dalam kajian proses penuaan penduduk di Malaysia. Prosiding Seminar IRPA RMK-8 2004; 2:56-60
6. Yusfairuz M. P., Normiza R., Azian A.L., Noor Laili M.T., Noor Aini A.H., Norhana Y., Fatimah M., Yasmin A., Musalmah M., Zaiton Z., Aminudin A.K., Nabishah M.