UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute - UMBI

𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐍𝐨.𝟏/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐄𝐩𝐂𝐀𝐌: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐬𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐠𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧

UMBI is pleased to share a peer-reviewed publication led by Ts. Dr. Aiman Mohtar in PeerJ. The team explored the potential role of EpCAM in the development and progression of esophageal adenocarcinoma (ESCA).

Key highlights from the study include:

• 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬
Researchers investigated the role of the Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in esophageal adenocarcinoma by using a unique EpCAM-null cell line (FLO-1) to observe the direct effects of the protein without background interference.

• 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
The reintroduction of EpCAM into these cells significantly increased their pro-tumorigenic behaviors, including enhanced cell migration, adhesion, invasive capacity, and overall survival.

• 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠
RNA sequencing revealed that EpCAM acts as a major genetic regulator, significantly altering the expression of 797 genes primarily linked to cell motility, adhesion, and transmembrane activity.

• 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠
The study identified specific "hub genes," notably COL1A1 and PXDN, which are upregulated by EpCAM to remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM), effectively creating a supportive environment for the cancer to spread.

• 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
By mapping this EpCAM signaling axis, the research positions EpCAM and its downstream ECM-remodeling effectors as critical therapeutic vulnerabilities and promising biomarkers for future targeted ESCA treatments.

At UMBI, we continue to support research efforts that contribute to a deeper understanding of cancer biology and its translation into meaningful clinical insights.

We invite colleagues and collaborators to explore the full study:
Mohtar MA et al., PeerJ (2026)

We hope this work contributes to ongoing efforts in understanding esophageal cancer and supports future studies aimed at improving patient outcomes.

𝐏𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐣𝐚 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐈 𝐊𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐚

𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐏𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐣𝐚 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 kepada semua pekerja tidak kira sama ada anda bekerja di pejabat, makmal atau lapangan. Teruskan komitmen anda semua untuk mencapai matlamat organisasi dan negara.

Semoga kita akan terus maju jaya.

Selamat Menyambut Hari Pekerja
1 Mei 2026

Sekalung tahniah kepada kakitangan UMBI atas pelantikan sebagai Ketua Unit mulai 1 Mei 2026 sehingga 30 April 2029.

𝟏. 𝐓𝐬. 𝐌𝐮𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐤 - 𝐊𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐤 & 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐤 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐢𝐭
𝟐. 𝐏𝐧. 𝐍𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐡𝐚𝐡 𝐀𝐛𝐝 𝐉𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐥 - 𝐊𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤
𝟑. 𝐂𝐡𝐌. 𝐀𝐛. 𝐀𝐳𝐢𝐳 𝐈𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐤 - 𝐊𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐤

Pihak Pengurusan Tertinggi dan seluruh Warga UMBI mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi tahniah dan syabas atas pelantikan ini. Semoga menjadi pendorong untuk terus menyumbang dalam perkhidmatan di UMBI dan UKM.

Sekalung tahniah kepada 𝐓𝐬. 𝐌𝐮𝐡𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐤 atas pelantikan sebagai 𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐑𝐔𝐒 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐔𝐍𝐀𝐍 𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐈 mulai 1 Mei 2026 sehingga 30 April 2029.

Pihak Pengurusan Tertinggi dan seluruh Warga UMBI mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi tahniah dan syabas atas pelantikan ini. Semoga menjadi pendorong untuk terus menyumbang dalam perkhidmatan di UMBI dan UKM.

Sekalung tahniah kepada Pn. Zam Zureena Mohd Rani dan ChM. Nur Nadia Razali atas pelantikan sebagai 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐈 mulai 1 Mei 2026 sehingga 30 April 2029.

Pihak Pengurusan Tertinggi dan seluruh Warga UMBI mengucapkan setinggi-tinggi tahniah dan syabas atas pelantikan ini. Semoga menjadi pendorong untuk terus menyumbang dalam perkhidmatan di UMBI dan UKM.

𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐈 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐑 𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

🔬 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑: 𝐓𝐒. 𝐃𝐑. 𝐌𝐎𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐎𝐇𝐓𝐀𝐑 🧬

With an unwavering commitment to cancer research, he specializes in leveraging advanced laboratory techniques such as CRISPR technology, quantitative proteomics and synthetic biology to understand the pathogenesis of cancer as well as to develop anti-cancer tools.

Join us and learn from one of the best in the field! 🚀

📅 28 April - 14 May 2026
📍UKM UMBI, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
💰Fee: RM3,300

🔈 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

🔎 Contact us:
📩 Ts. Dr. Saiful Effendi Syafruddin ([email protected])
📩 Nurul Izza Umar ([email protected])
☎️ 03-9145 6321

𝟐𝟓 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 | 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐍𝐀 𝐃𝐚𝐲

💡 Have you ever wondered what makes you unique? The answer lies in your DNA—the extraordinary blueprint made up of three billion letters that define how you grow, how you look, and how your body works.

DNA Day commemorates two landmark scientific achievements: the 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐍𝐀 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐱 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟑, and the completion of the 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟑. These breakthroughs have revolutionised our understanding of genes and opened new frontiers in biomedical research. The interesting part is that 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝟗𝟗% 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐃𝐍𝐀, yet these minor variations within our genetic code that make each of us unique, be it in the way we look, or how we respond to the world around us.

Today, DNA plays a crucial role in modern medicine. It helps doctors make more precise decisions, enables scientists to better understand diseases, and allows individuals to explore their ancestry. Though small in size, this molecule has a profound impact on our lives.

Read more on Research Highlights from UMBI [𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧].

Happy DNA Day!

𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐈 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐑 𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

🔬 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐑: 𝐓𝐒. 𝐃𝐑. 𝐒𝐀𝐈𝐅𝐔𝐋 𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈 𝐒𝐘𝐀𝐅𝐑𝐔𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐍 🧬

Get insights from a leading expert in molecular genetics & cancer biology with over a decade of research experience in CRISPR gene editing and cancer therapeutics. His groundbreaking work has been featured in high-impact journals like Nature, Cancer Discovery, and Cell!

Join us and learn from one of the best in the field! 🚀

📅 28 April - 14 May 2026
📍UKM UMBI, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
💰Fee: RM3,300

🔈 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

🔎 Contact us:
📩 Ts. Dr. Saiful Effendi Syafruddin ([email protected])
📩 Nurul Izza Umar ([email protected])
☎️ 03-9145 6321

24 April 2026 | Heartiest congratulations to Ms. Chia Yuh Chai as she successfully delivered her 𝐏𝐡𝐃 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 at the 𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐈 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐨.𝟏𝟏/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 this morning.

Under the expert guidance of her supervisors, Ts. Dr. Mohamad Aimanuddin Mohtar, Ts. Dr. Saiful Effendi Syafruddin and Dr. Muhammad Redha Abdullah Zawawi, Ms. Yuh Chai presented her sophisticated research titled, "𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐏𝐑-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝟐 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫." Her work leverages cutting-edge gene-editing tools to unravel the complexities of breast cancer progression, offering vital insights into how specific genetic drivers can be identified and potentially targeted.

The session was enriched by the presence of esteemed industry experts who provided invaluable external perspectives and commentary. We were honored to host Dr. Ewa Choy (Head of Division - Genetic Engineering, Cryocord Sdn. Bhd.) and Dr. Chin Xiao-Teng (Technical Services Director, Impaco LTD). Their participation highlights the importance of bridging the gap between academic discovery and industrial application, ensuring that high-level research like Ms. Yuh Chai’s remains grounded in real-world clinical and biotechnological needs.

Ms. Yuh Chai’s journey toward this final presentation has been defined by international recognition and academic excellence. Recipient of the prestigious King's Scholarship (Biasiswa Yang di-Pertuan Agong), her dedication to her field has earned her esteemed travel grants to South Korea, New Zealand, and France, where she represented UMBI-UKM and shared her findings on a global stage. These accolades are a testament to the caliber of her work and her commitment to advancing cancer research.

We would like to formally acknowledge Ms. Yuh Chai for her unwavering perseverance and the high standard of scholarship she has maintained throughout her candidature. As she moves into the final stages of her journey, we wish her the very best of luck with her final thesis preparation and her upcoming viva voce. We have no doubt she will continue to excel and make meaningful contributions to the scientific community.

Sekalung tahniah dan syabas diucapkan kepada kakitangan UMBI yang telah terpilih sebagai penerima 𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐇 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐊𝐇𝐈𝐃𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐍 𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐀𝐇𝐔𝐍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 (𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐢 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓) UMBI:

🌟 Dr. Siti Aishah Sulaiman
🌟 Puan Syahidatun Najwa Abu Zahid
🌟 Puan Nur Alyaa Afifah Md. Shahri
🌟 Puan Norwahida Mohd Yunus

Semoga anugerah ini dapat menjadi penyuntik dan pembakar semangat serta kekuatan untuk terus menabur bakti menyumbang tenaga serta keringat demi kecemerlangan UMBI.

Syabas diucapkan 💐💐💐

𝐑𝐂𝐏𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 | 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

One week on, we reflect with pride on the successful conclusion of the 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 (𝐑𝐂𝐏𝐇 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔) — a landmark gathering that brought together clinicians, researchers, public health specialists, industry partners and policymakers from across Malaysia and the region.

Organised by UMBI in partnership with PPPKAM, RCPH 2026 created a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration and forward-thinking dialogue in precision health.

A defining feature of the conference was its dual-track approach, Precision Medicine and Precision Health — enabling rich, interdisciplinary conversations that bridge science, clinical practice and population health.

A key milestone was the official 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐞, marking a significant step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s genomic research ecosystem and advancing precision medicine initiatives.

We extend our sincere appreciation to:

• 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 for their invaluable support
• 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 for their insightful and inspiring contributions
• 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 for their active engagement and presence
• 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 for the high-quality abstract submissions that enriched scientific discourse

Your collective contributions have made RCPH 2026 a meaningful and impactful event.

As we move forward, the conversations, collaborations and ideas sparked here will continue to shape the future of 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲. 𝐖𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐑𝐂𝐏𝐇.