Dept. ofParaclinical Science

Infectious Diseases (e.g., HPV, MRSA)

Description
Our current research focuses on bioprospecting extracts from local natural resources including plants, edible bird nests and fishes to identify promising candidates for novel drug discovery. The present research topics correspond to several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: 1) Bioprospecting of extracts and their wound healing potential against opportunistic and soft tissue pathogens including multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), ocular and water-borne pathogens, 2) Antibiotic resistance / antimicrobial stewardship: Isolation and Characterization of MRSA genome to establish subtyping database and antibiotic resistance monitoring in Sarawak, Malaysia. The strengths of the research group include sound strategic focus on drug discovery through translation science using sustainable biodiversity (SDGs 6, 14, 15) and strong partnership in collaboration with State agencies including Sarawak Biodiversity Centre and other national and international institutions in particular University of Kent (UK), Taylor’s University (Msia) and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) (SDG17). 
Below is a list of studies conducted (past and current): 
  1. A cross-sectional study of MRSA prevalence among students in a University Malaysia Sarawak. 
  2. Prevalence of community-acquired multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in rural Sarawak. 
  3. An epidemiological study of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from the community in Sarawak, Malaysia.  
  4. The investigation of anti-bacterial properties of plant extracts which are traditionally used by the various local Sarawak indigenous tribes for ocular infections (F05/SpTDG/1728/2018).
  5. Water safety: How safe is our drinking water? 
  6. Isolation and Characterisation of Wallago leeri (Tapah) and Channa straitus (Haruan) skin collagen hydrolysates as alternative antibacterial biomaterial for wound healing (F05/SpTDG/1781/2018).
  7. From a wound healing prospective: Relationships between inflammatory cytokines, antioxidants and bacteria isolated from wounds on the extremities of diabetic patients (Dr. Haniza Sahdi).
  8. An investigation into isolation and characterization of Clinacanthus nutans extracts (aqueous or solvent extraction) for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in response to wound healing process.
  9. Investigation of the Role of Microbial Cell Preparation (Probiotics) in a Clinical Trial Setting and Polymethoxy Flavones as potential therapeutic agents in the Management of Obesity.

Vector Borne Diseases

Description

Forensic Entomology

Description

Forensic entomology research at FMHS has started in 2007. Our research focus on documenting the fauna of medically important insects associated with carcass decomposition. Using animal model, we researched on carcass in various conditions, geographical locations and environmental conditions that affect insect succession pattern and carcass decomposition rate. The outcome of researches in forensic entomology allow determination of post mortem interval (PMI) time that can serve as referral to medico-legal cases.

Drug Discovery for Neurological Disorders

Description
Many neurological disorders are in need of more efficacious drugs. Neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease still lack effective treatments. There is no neuroprotective drug to salvage penumbral tissue after stroke. Superior drugs for many psychiatric disorders are intensely sought after by the pharmaceutical industry. The vast majority of approved drugs for central nervous system diseases are, or are derived from, natural products. Our group aims to identify potential central nervous system drugs from plants of the Borneon rainforest. We begin by collecting the target plants and then process the plants by extraction and fractionation. Where necessary we process the extracts to isolate pure compounds for structural identification.

We then test the compounds for activity in our in vitro screens. We use cellular models including for stroke, depression and other psychiatric disorders. Various biochemical assays are used to investigate potential molecular mechanisms. Finally we can evaluate the clinical potential of these compounds using animal models.

Cancer Research (Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Colorectal Cancer)

Description
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the common cancers in Asia and South East Asia. Various etiological factors are associated with NPC, such as genetics (including chromosome rearrangements), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, diet and other environmental factors. Our group is investigating on the possible carcinogenesis process, which may involve apoptosis. We have established confident association between NPC and apoptosis mediated by oxidative stress and bile acid. Current interest is to investigate the role of EBV reactivation as well as EBV genes expression in the carcinogenesis process. In addition, identification of local natural products targeting NPC is also of great interest.

We are also looking at genomically imprinted genes that may be associated with NPC. For this purpose we utilise bioinformatics and previously published data on loss of heterozygosity on NPC. There are limited number of bonafide genomically imprinted genes. By superimposing these two phenomena we are be able to pinpoint the genes that may play a pertinent role in nasopharyngeal carcinogenesis. We have successfully identified from primary NPC samples some potential candidate genes. The next step is to elucidate the role of these genes in NPC. This technique is also utilised in other type of cancers to locate the genes that may be important in the genesis of that particular cancer type.

In the field of cancer, chemoprevention is defined as effective intervention strategies through modulation of gene expression to prevent cancer or treatment of identifiable pre-cancer. Our research also focuses on structure-activity relationship of phytochemicals as therapeutics for the treatment of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Research in this laboratory is now focusing on understanding mechanistic pathways associated with cell proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis through modulation of gene expression by phytochemicals from local medicinal plants. This has spearheaded the discovery of several flavones and their derivatives as potential chemopreventive agents leading to several collaborations with Taylor’s University, Malaysia and University of Kent, UK. The long term aim of this work is to:

  1. screen for promising chemopreventive agents against cancer, particularly colorectal cancer,
  2. identify potential prognostic biomarkers from clinical samples,
  3. delineate specific genes of interest from targeted mechanistic pathways in clinical samples, and
  4. provide added medicinal and agricultural values to potential local plants/crops.  The overall definitive goal is to improve the lives of cancer suffers (Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health) through sustainable use of plants (SDG 15: Life on Land) with collaborative global partnerships for common goals (SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).

One Health (Field Epidemiology, Antimicrobial Resistance and Emerging Diseases)

Description
One health (OH) embodies the optimal health of people, animal and environment. Currently the threat of emerging infectious diseases from the interplay of people-animal-environment boundary has become eminent. Various hotspots as sleeping threat are identified around the world. Diseases such as Avian influenza, Ebola virus disease, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have threatened the world population. Therefore, this demands an OH approach to disease prevention and control.

In UNIMAS we are currently engaged in OH research areas that focuses on Zoonotic diseases at the Animal-Human interface, Vector-borne diseases, Surveillance of emerging diseases, OH Communication, Collaboration and Creating awareness of OH through education.

We have a strong integrated Field epidemiology study at UNIMAS. Where we study the epidemics and outbreaks so that proper measures can be implemented to protect and improve the health of the public. Field epidemiology training for postgraduate is an annual affair. The postgraduate students do undertake OH related topics for research. Our staff is also engaged in Knowledge, Attitude and Practice study in collaboration with Sarawak Veterinary Service and Sarawak State Health Department. Our staff has also engaged in psychosocial research on the current COVID-19 pandemic involving nationwide survey which includes an international collaboration involving South East Asian countries, China and Iran. On another note, in collaboration with Center for Tropical and Emerging Diseases, we are keen to look at the Antimicrobial Resistance among the pathogen responsible for the emerging diseases and communicable diseases.

Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is part of the Malaysian One Health University Network (MyOHUN). We have staff and students trained under various aspects of One Health through MyOHUN. In a broader aspects UNIMAS is also part of South East Asia One Health University Network (SEAOHUN) through its collaboration with MyOHUN. We train students and staff in many aspects of One Health not only in Malaysia but also in our neighbouring countries. To get the students involved we have created UNIMAS One Health Student Club (UOHSC). UOHSC is active not only regionally but also internationally. We create awareness and inculcate One Health Core Competencies among Staff and Students of UNIMAS. We have used Problem Based Learning to inculcate Systems Thinking among students. System thinking is one of the core competency of OH. In return this avenue leads to many untapped research areas of One Health education at UNIMAS.