Nine researchers from the International Medical University (IMU) had successfully secured more than RM1.34 million in research funding from the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) 2018.
| The researchers are: |
|---|
| Prof Victor Lim, Pro Vice Chancellor of Institutional Advancement |
| Prof Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika from the School of Pharmacy |
| Dr Then Yoon Yee from the School of Pharmacy |
| Dr Ho Ket Li from the School of Pharmacy |
| Dr Liew Yun Khoon from the School of Pharmacy |
| Prof Seow Liang Lin from the School of Dentistry |
| A/Prof Chye Soi Moi from the School of Health Sciences |
| Dr Chan Kok Keong from the School of Health Sciences |
| A/Prof Cho Min Naing from the Institute for Research, Development, and Innovation (IRDI) |
The summary of the projects for the recipients are as follows:
| Prof Victor Lim |
|---|
| Project Title: Carriage Rate of Upper Respiratory Tract Pathobionts and their Association with Host Metabolomics Profiles and Gut Microbial Composition in Diabetic Patients |
| Synopsis: This study aims to understand how the changes in microorganisms in human gut (gut microbiota) and host metabolite profiles (host metabolome) contribute to upper respiratory tract (URT) infections between type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients. |
| Prof Mallikarjuna Rao Pichika |
| Project Title: Role of 6-shogaol, an Active Component of Ginger in the Amelioration of Atherosclerosis |
| Synopsis: Dry ginger is used for medicinal purposes and fresh ginger is used for cooking. The expected outcomes of the project would provide an answer why this is so. |
| Dr Then Yoon Yee |
| Project Title: Role of Superhydrophobic Surface to Alleviate Hemolysis and Biofilm Formation for Blood Containing Medical Devices |
| Synopsis: This project aims to study the ability of superhydrophobic blood-repellent surface in enhancing and retaining blood compatibility as well as in inhibiting the adhesion of bacteria in blood-contacting medical devices. |
| Dr Ho Ket Li |
| Project Title: The Influence of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDA) Cells and Pancreatic Stellate Cells (PSC) on Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSC) Immunosuppressive Properties |
| Synopsis: This study aims to understand the interaction between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells (PDAC), pancreatic stellate cells (PSC and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC). As PDAC and PSC are important components of pancreatic cancer microenvironment, their roles in modulating cancer immunology by interacting with MDSCs (which are important pro-tumoral immunosuppressive cells) needs to be elucidated to allow the development of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. |
| Dr Liew Yun Khoon |
| Project Title: Influence of IsaA Gene Disruption on Staphylococcal Phenotypic Characters, Genes and Protein Expression Profiles |
| Synopsis: This project is to investigate the characteristics of IsaA gene of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria that might influence the changing behaviours in the bacteria. |
| Prof Seow Liang Lin |
| Project Title: Evaluating the Effect of Varying Implant Position, Angulation and Diameter on Biomechanical Behavior, Crestal Strain and Retentive Strength of Two-implant-retained Mandibular Overdentures |
| Synopsis: It is well established that complete dentures attached with dental implants do not move in the mouth and are comparatively more tight-fitting than the conventional ones. The purpose of this clinical trial is to improve the fit of the complete denture with implant attachments in lower jaws of patients. |
| A/Prof Chye Soi Moi |
| Project Title: Molecular mechanism of Novel Anti-phospho-tau Serine 396/404 and Serine 199/202 Single-chain Variable Fragment (scFv) Antibodies on the Reversal of Tau Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease |
| Synopsis: This study aims to generate novel antibodies called anti-phospho-tau scFv antibodies which can help to stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Besides, the mechanisms involved in the elimination of hyperphosphorylated tau which is the protein deposited in our brain cells will also be elucidated. |
| Dr Chan Kok Keong |
| Project Title: Deconvoluting the Molecular Mechanisms of Kinase Inhibitor Induced Cardiotoxicity |
| Synopsis: Kinase inhibitor has been marketed as a cancer drug therapy. Nevertheless, it has been reported to cause toxicity to heart cells. This study aims to investigate the molecular pathways involved by the kinase inhibitor while causing damage to the heart cells. |
| A/Prof Cho Min Naing |
| Project Title: The Role of Cytokines (Interluekin and Tumour Necrosis Factors) and the Gene-gene Interaction in a Hospital Based Case-control Study |
| Synopsis: This is a hospital-based case-control study to look into the role of cytokines (proteins having effects on communications and interactions between cells) and the gene-gene interaction in Helicobacter pylori infected gastric cancer. |
FRGS grant is awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) to promote basic research that can develop theories, concepts, and new ideas towards knowledge development. Such research serves as the backbone to new discoveries and innovative creations contributing towards increasing intellectual level, creation of new technologies, and enriching a dynamic culture in line with our national aspiration.
Congratulations to all the recipients of FRGS Grants 2018 and all the best!
