Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Research

Advances in the prevention and treatment of cancer are the result of hard work, patience, ingenuity, careful planning, and significant investments of time and resources. Capitalising on these investments requires looking back at how far we have come and looking forward to identifying the areas in which we can do our best work. Cancer research in IMU has made, and continues to make, critical advances in the understanding of cancer. As part of the IMU Institute for Research, Development and Innovation (IRDI), the Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell (CCR) will conduct basic, translational, and clinical research — from fundamental research on the origins of cancer, to clinical trials that test promising discoveries, to development of novel therapies and prevention approaches to cancer. Our goal is to work in tandem with our academic and industry colleagues to share discoveries made here as broadly as possible.
By maintaining a clear focus on our purpose, we will build synergy around a seamless, integrated, and continuous discovery, development, and delivery process. Our research will be targeted to those areas of pursuit that show greatest promise. New development will promote the most compelling interventions based on evidence emerging from that discovery. The delivery of evidence-based interventions will be universal. What we learn in public health and medical practice will foster our understanding of the biology of cancer and make possible increasingly more effective interventions.

Purpose

The purpose of the Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Research is multifaceted, aimed at advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer and diseases related to stem cells. The key objectives include:

01

Research and Innovation

Conduct cutting-edge research to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cancer and stem cell biology. This includes understanding how cancers develop, progress, and respond to treatments, as well as how stem cells can be used in regenerative medicine and therapy.

02

Translational Medicine

Bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical applications. Develop new therapies, drugs, and treatment protocols based on research findings, and work to bring these innovations to patients through clinical trials.

03

Education and Training

Provide education and training for the next generation of scientists, physicians, and healthcare professionals. This includes offering graduate and postdoctoral programmes, workshops, seminars, and continuing medical education opportunities.

04

Patient Care and Support

Improve patient outcomes by integrating research with clinical practice. Develop personalized medicine approaches tailored to individual patients’ genetic and molecular profiles. Offer support services for patients and their families, including counseling, rehabilitation, and palliative care.

05

Collaboration and Partnerships

Foster collaboration between researchers, clinicians, academic institutions, and industry partners. Participate in national and international research networks and consortia to share knowledge, resources, and technology.

06

Public Outreach and Advocacy

Raise public awareness about cancer and stem cell research. Engage with the community through public lectures, educational materials, and outreach programmes. Advocate for policies that support research funding, patient rights, and access to advanced treatments.

07

Ethical and Regulatory Compliance

Ensure that all research and clinical practices adhere to ethical guidelines and regulatory standards. Address ethical issues related to stem cell research, such as the use of embryonic stem cells and gene editing technologies.

By fulfilling these objectives, the Center of Cancer and Stem Cell Research aims to contribute significantly to the fight against cancer and the advancement of regenerative medicine, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for patients worldwide.

Focus Area

The focus areas of the Center of Cancer and Stem Cell Research typically encompass a broad range of specialized topics within cancer biology, stem cell science, and translational medicine. Key focus areas include:

01

Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics

Investigating the genetic and epigenetic changes that drive cancer development and progression. This includes studying mutations, gene expression patterns, and epigenetic modifications in cancer cells.

02

Tumor Microenvironment

Exploring the interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding environment, including immune cells, blood vessels, and stromal cells. Understanding how these interactions influence tumor growth, metastasis, and response to therapy.

03

Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine

Studying the properties and behaviors of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Investigating their potential for tissue regeneration and repair.

The other focus areas are:

  1. Cancer Stem Cells
  2. Immunotherapy and Cancer Vaccines
  3. Targeted Therapies and Precision Medicine
  4. Stem Cell Therapy
  5. Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
  6. Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
  7. Translational Research and Clinical Trials
  8. Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI)

Core Facilities

The Center of Cancer and Stem Cell Research has a range of core facilities to support its multidisciplinary research. These core facilities provide essential services, equipment, and expertise to facilitate cutting-edge research and clinical translation. Key core facilities include:
null

Bioinformatics Core

Offers computational resources and expertise in genomic and transcriptomic data analysis. The Bioinformatics Core supports a wide range of applications, from identifying genetic mutations associated with diseases to studying gene regulatory networks and conducting comparative genomics. It serves as a vital hub for researchers needing robust computational support to enhance their understanding of biological processes and accelerate discoveries in genetics and molecular biology.
null

Proteomics Core

Equipped with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and other proteomics technologies including polyacrylamide agar gel electrophoresis (PAGE). ICP-MS provides a sensitive elemental analysis to trace elements and metalloproteins involved in cancer progression and stem cell differentiation. PAGE facilitates the separation of proteins based on size and charge, aiding in the identification of protein markers and studying protein interactions critical for cancer biology and regenerative medicine.
null

Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting Core

Provides flow cytometry and cell sorting services for analyzing and isolating specific cell populations based on their surface markers and other properties. Essential for studying cancer and stem cell biology.
null

Imaging Core

Equipped with advanced imaging technologies such as multiphoton microscopy, live-cell imaging, and high-content screening. Provides support for visualizing cellular and molecular processes.
null

Animal Facility and Preclinical Models Core

Provides housing and care for laboratory animals, as well as expertise in developing and using animal models for cancer and stem cell research. Includes facilities for generating genetically modified animals and performing in vivo studies.
null

Cell Culture Core

Provides facilities and expertise for culturing and maintaining cancer cells, stem cells, and other cell types. Includes specialized equipment for sterile work, cell incubation, and monitoring.
null

Histology and Pathology Core

Offers services for tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining. Provides expertise in histological and pathological analysis of tissue samples, including immunohistochemistry.
null

Clinical Trials Core

Supports the design, implementation, and management of clinical trials. Provides services such as protocol development, regulatory compliance, patient recruitment, data management, and statistical analysis.
null

Biobanking Core

Collects, stores, and manages biological specimens such as blood, tissue, and cell samples. Provides annotated biospecimens for research and supports biobanking best practices and ethical guidelines.
null

Stem Cell Core

Provides expertise and resources for working with various types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and adult stem cells. Offers services such as cell reprogramming, differentiation, and characterization.
null

Biostatistics and Epidemiology Core

Provides statistical analysis and study design support for research projects. Offers expertise in biostatistics, epidemiology, and data interpretation.
null

Ethics and Regulatory Affairs Core

Ensures compliance with ethical guidelines and regulatory standards. Provides support for Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, informed consent processes, and research ethics training.

Strategic Plan

Strategic Goals and Objectives

  • Enhance Research Excellence
  • Expand Translational Research and Clinical Trials
  • Advance Stem Cell Research and Therapy
  • Promote Education and Training
  • Foster Collaboration and Partnerships
  • Ensure Sustainable Growth and Funding
  • Uphold Ethical Standards and Regulatory Compliance

Services Offered

The Center of Cancer and Stem Cell Research offers a comprehensive range of services to support its multifaceted mission. These services will cater to researchers, clinicians, patients, and the broader community. The list of services include:
null

Bioinformatics and Data Analysis

  • Computational data analysis
  • Bioinformatics tools and software support
  • Data integration and interpretation

null

Proteomics Services

  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
  • Polyacrylamide agar gel electrophoresis (PAGE)

null

Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting

  • Cell population analysis
  • Cell sorting based on surface markers
  • Multiparametric flow cytometry

null

Advanced Imaging

  • Confocal and multiphoton microscopy
  • Live-cell imaging
  • High-content screening

null

Animal Models and Preclinical Studies

  • Housing and care for laboratory animals
  • Development of genetically modified animals
  • In vivo efficacy and safety studies

null

Cell Culture and Stem Cell Services

  • Culture and maintenance of cancer and stem cells
  • Stem cell reprogramming and differentiation
  • Characterization of stem cell properties

null

Histology and Pathology

  • Tissue processing, embedding, and sectioning
  • Histological staining and analysis
  • Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization

null

Clinical Trials Support

  • Protocol development and regulatory compliance
  • Patient recruitment and enrollment
  • Data management and statistical analysis

null

Drug Discovery and Development

  • High-throughput screening
  • Medicinal chemistry support
  • Preclinical drug testing

null

Training Programmes

  • Graduate and postdoctoral programmes
  • Fellowships and scholarships
  • Workshops and seminars

null

Public Education and Outreach

  • Public lectures and educational materials
  • Community engagement and awareness programmes
  • Patient and family education sessions

null

Grant Writing and Funding Support

  • Assistance with grant applications
  • Identification of funding opportunities
  • Budget planning and resource allocation

null

Collaboration and Partnership Development

  • Establishing and managing research partnerships
  • Facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Networking with academic, industry, and government partners

null

Ethics and Regulatory Compliance

  • Ethics training and education
  • Support for Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions
  • Ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines

null

Biobanking

  • Collection, storage, and management of biological specimens
  • Providing annotated biospecimens for research
  • Ensuring biobanking best practices and ethical guidelines

null

Statistical and Epidemiological Support

  • Statistical analysis and study design
  • Data interpretation and reporting
  • Epidemiological research and analysis

null

Facility and Equipment Access

  • Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment
  • Technical support and training for equipment use
  • Shared research spaces and resources

Expertise / Team

Centre Head

Prof Purushotam Krishnappa

Department of Pathology, School of Medicine

Bioinformatics Core Facility

Dr Nurul Hanis Binti Ramzi

Institute for Research, Development and Innovation