Reseach ClusterTropical Medicine & Emerging Diseases
Our research focuses on Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases, specifically aimed at understanding, preventing, and mitigating the spread of pathogens in low-resource and high-burden environments. We are particularly interested in the connections between climate change, vector ecology, and zoonotic spillover. Additionally, we work on developing innovative diagnostic tools and surveillance systems for early outbreak detection. Given the increasing global impact of parasitic, bacterial, and viral diseases, we aim to contribute to integrated approaches that combine epidemiology, fieldwork, and One Health frameworks. Our long-term goal is to support resilient healthcare systems and inform evidence-based policies, particularly in regions most vulnerable to the burden of tropical diseases. We believe that cross-disciplinary collaboration and data-driven research are essential for predicting and controlling future pandemics, making our work both urgent and impactful.
HEAD OF CLUSTER: ASSOC. PROF. DR. ROMANO NGUI
Bioinformatics/ Genomics
Bioinformatics, specifically genomics, involves the use of computational tools to analyze and interpret large-scale genetic data. Current research activities focus on human genomics, population genetics, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), alongside growing interest in metagenomic analyses involving viruses, parasites, and gut microbiota. Much of this work centers on Indigenous Southeast Asian communities, whose unique ancestry, lifestyles, and environments offer valuable insights into human diversity and adaptation. These efforts aim to use bioinformatic tools to explore human origins and understand how long-term interactions with diverse environments and microbes have shaped our genetic evolution.
Malaria
Malaria, a tropical disease that still affects at least 80 countries, remains a health concern, including in Malaysia. Increasing reports of reduced drug efficacy for current antimalarial drugs are driving continued efforts to search for new antimalarial compounds. Research activities in our laboratory are focused on assays for the discovery of leads with antimalarial activity. The main aim of our work is to eventually develop these leads into viable options and contribute to the list of viable chemotherapeutics against malaria.
Immunopharmacology; Vascular Drug Targeting
Endothelial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a key pathological feature in many tropical and emerging infectious diseases, such as dengue and malaria. These infections often trigger systemic inflammation and vascular injury, leading to complications such as plasma leakage, hemorrhage, and multi-organ failure. As such, targeting endothelial dysfunction presents a relevant approach to managing inflammation-associated vascular complications, particularly within the context of tropical medicine.
Our current interest focuses on the investigation of bioactive compounds, such as xanthones and other polyphenols isolated from plants available in Sarawak, for their potential to restore endothelial function by modulating inflammation in activated endothelial cells. Specifically, we examine their ability to inhibit key signaling pathways, including those mediated by tyrosine kinases and transcription factors. By understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, this study offers insight into the therapeutic potential of plant-derived compounds in addressing inflammatory diseases, especially those prevalent in tropical and resource-limited regions.
Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)
Our group is dedicated to advancing research in parasitology and tropical medicine through an interdisciplinary approach that combines epidemiology, bioinformatics, and spatial analysis. We study the distribution, transmission dynamics, and genetic diversity of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), with a strong emphasis on Malaysia and other underserved tropical regions. By mapping disease patterns and analyzing molecular data, we identify transmission hotspots, supporting early detection and targeted interventions. Our work informs public health strategies, strengthens surveillance systems, and contributes to the global fight against NTDs.
