Silent Reservoirs: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococci (MRS) in Migrant Communities

UMBI is pleased to share a published scientific report arising from the PhD research of Ms. Nurul Amirah Mohamad Farook under the supervision of Associate Professor Dr. Neoh Hui-min. Published in IJID Regions, the study examines the nasal carriage of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among migrant workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Nepal living in Malaysia’s Klang Valley, highlighting an important but often overlooked public health issue affecting migrant worker communities in the country.

A total of 258 healthy individuals were screened, revealing that nearly听15% carried methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), underscoring the potential role of healthy carriers as silent reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria within the community. Distinct MRS species dominance was also observed among different nationalities. The study further identified a significant link between听overcrowded housing conditions听and the presence of these pathogens, particularly among workers employed in the听domestic and manufacturing sectors. Molecular analysis showed that many bacterial isolates exhibited听multidrug resistance, raising concerns for silent transmission within the community. These findings emphasize the need for better听health surveillance听and improved living standards for migrant populations to manage public health risks. Ultimately, the source serves as the first investigation into how听socioeconomic factors听may contribute to the spread of resistant staphylococci among these communities in Malaysia.

These findings further demonstrate UMBI鈥檚 growing contribution to translational and community-focused molecular medicine research, particularly in understanding antimicrobial resistance, pathogen transmission, and population health challenges affecting vulnerable communities.

Read the full article to learn more about the study findings, antibiotic resistance patterns, and their implications for public health research in Malaysia:

Mohamad Farook NAM, Pereira AA, Seelan T, Di Gregorio S, Muhammad Azami NA, Neoh HM. Community carriage of methicillin-resistant staphylococci among migrant communities living in Klang Valley, Malaysia. IJID Regions. 2026;18:100849.

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#UMBI #每日大赛app #UMBIResearchSpotlight #MolecularMedicine #AntimicrobialResistance #AMR #InfectiousDiseases #PublicHealth #MRSA #Microbiology #CommunityHealth

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SDG 3 | SDG 4 – Health/Wellbeing, Education, Quality of life

Decoding the Roles of TGF尾 Isoforms in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

UMBI is pleased to share a published article from our researchers, led by Dr. Ezanee Azlina Mohamad Hanif, exploring the distinct molecular roles of TGF尾 isoforms in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive and treatment-challenging breast cancer subtypes.

Using transcriptomic analysis of 486 TNBC patient samples, the study revealed that TGF尾1, TGF尾2, and TGF尾3 regulate different gene networks, with TGF尾1 demonstrating the largest genomic influence. Despite these differences, all three isoforms converged on critical biological pathways linked to metabolic reprogramming, cellular polarity, and Rap1 signalling 鈥� mechanisms strongly associated with tumour progression, metastasis, and drug resistance.

Importantly, the team identified several promising prognostic biomarkers, including CAMK2N1 and COL1A1, which were associated with patient survival outcomes and may contribute toward future precision medicine strategies in TNBC management.

This work highlights UMBI鈥檚 continued contribution to advancing molecular oncology, translational medicine, and biomarker discovery research aimed at improving personalised cancer therapeutics and patient outcomes.

We invite colleagues and collaborators to explore the full study:

Mohamad Hanif, E.A., Ahmad Daud, N.N. & Azman, A.A. Deciphering intra-tumoral roles of TGF尾 isoforms in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Egypt J Med Hum Genet 27, 31 (2026).

#UMBI #每日大赛app #UMBIResearchSpotlight #BreastCancerResearch #TNBC #CancerResearch #MolecularOncology #PrecisionMedicine #TranslationalResearch #Biomarkers

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SDG 3 | SDG 4 – Health/Wellbeing, Education, Quality of life

Decoding AML: Graph-Based Method for Potential Gene Discovery

UMBI is pleased to share a recent publication from our researchers, led by Dr. Muhammad-Redha Abdullah-Zawawi, exploring novel genes associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using a graph-based clustering approach and protein-protein interaction network analysis.

By analysing complex molecular interaction networks, the team identified 16 potential AML-associated genes showing significant differential expression across multiple AML subtypes, including PML-RAR伪 and CD34-positive AML. The findings revealed that these genes are strongly linked to ribosome biogenesis, translational control, chromatin organization, and key pathways such as PI3K/AKT signalling and hematopoietic dysregulation.

Importantly, this systems-level approach provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying AML progression and highlights several candidate genes that may serve as future biomarkers or therapeutic targets for this aggressive blood cancer. The study also demonstrates the potential of graph-based computational biology in advancing precision diagnostics and personalised treatment strategies in hematological malignancies.

These findings further reflect UMBI鈥檚 growing strength in molecular oncology, bioinformatics, systems biology, and translational cancer research aimed at improving disease understanding and patient outcomes.

We invite colleagues and collaborators to explore the full review:

Muhamad Azuan et al. Oncologie (2026)

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#UMBI #每日大赛app #UMBIResearchSpotlight #AcuteMyeloidLeukemia #AML #CancerResearch #MolecularOncology #PrecisionMedicine #Biomarkers #Hematology #ComputationalBiology

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SDG 3 | SDG 4 – Health/Wellbeing, Education, Quality of life

饾悇饾惐饾惄饾惀饾惃饾惈饾悽饾惂饾悹 饾悅饾悺饾悮饾惀饾惀饾悶饾惂饾悹饾悶饾惉 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾悎饾惂饾惌饾悶饾悹饾惈饾悮饾惌饾悽饾惎饾悶 饾悞饾惃饾惀饾惍饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂饾惉 饾悽饾惂 饾悞饾悽饾惂饾悹饾惀饾悶-饾悅饾悶饾惀饾惀 饾悎饾惁饾惁饾惍饾惂饾惃饾惀饾惃饾悹饾惒

UMBI is pleased to share a recent review article by our researchers, led by Dr. Nor Adzimah Johdi, published in 饾懓饾拵饾拵饾挅饾拸饾拹饾拲饾拹饾拡饾拪饾拕 饾懝饾拞饾挃饾拞饾拏饾挀饾拕饾拤, examining current challenges and emerging approaches in immune cell annotation within single-cell studies.

饾悞饾悽饾惂饾悹饾惀饾悶-饾悳饾悶饾惀饾惀 饾悜饾悕饾悁 饾惉饾悶饾惇饾惍饾悶饾惂饾悳饾悽饾惂饾悹 (饾惉饾悳饾悜饾悕饾悁-饾惉饾悶饾惇) has significantly advanced immunology research by enabling high-resolution profiling of individual immune cells. However, accurately identifying immune cell populations remains complex, particularly when transcriptomic signals do not always correspond directly with protein expression. This review discusses how these biological and technical challenges can influence 饾悵饾悮饾惌饾悮 饾悽饾惂饾惌饾悶饾惈饾惄饾惈饾悶饾惌饾悮饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂 in areas such as cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders.

The article provides an 饾惃饾惎饾悶饾惈饾惎饾悽饾悶饾惏 饾惃饾悷 饾悶饾惁饾悶饾惈饾悹饾悽饾惂饾悹 饾惁饾惍饾惀饾惌饾悽饾惁饾惃饾悵饾悮饾惀 饾惌饾悶饾悳饾悺饾惂饾惃饾惀饾惃饾悹饾悽饾悶饾惉, including CITE-seq and spatial transcriptomics, which combine transcriptomic, proteomic, and spatial information to support more reliable immune cell characterization. It also highlights 饾惈饾悶饾悳饾悶饾惂饾惌 饾悵饾悶饾惎饾悶饾惀饾惃饾惄饾惁饾悶饾惂饾惌饾惉 饾悽饾惂 饾悳饾惃饾惁饾惄饾惍饾惌饾悮饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂饾悮饾惀 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾悰饾悽饾惃饾悽饾惂饾悷饾惃饾惈饾惁饾悮饾惌饾悽饾悳饾惉 饾悷饾惈饾悮饾惁饾悶饾惏饾惃饾惈饾悿饾惉 designed to improve the integration and interpretation of multi-omics datasets.

Why these matters?

Improving the accuracy of immune cell annotation is increasingly important for advancing precision medicine and translational research. More robust analytical approaches may contribute to better understanding of disease mechanisms, improved therapeutic stratification, and the identification of potential treatment targets.

This publication also reflects UMBI鈥檚 continued efforts to contribute to the broader scientific community through interdisciplinary research spanning immunology, genomics, and computational biology.

We invite colleagues and collaborators to explore the full review:

George, S., Johdi, N.A. Immune cell annotation in the single-cell studies: technologies, challenges, and integrative solutions. 饾懓饾拵饾拵饾挅饾拸饾拹饾拲 饾懝饾拞饾挃 饾煏饾煉, 46 (2026)

As single-cell and multi-omics technologies continue to evolve, integrative approaches such as these may help strengthen future research in immunology and precision health.

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#Research #SingleCell #Immunology #Multiomics #PrecisionMedicine #BiomedicalResearch #Bioinformatics #UMBI #每日大赛app #Innovation

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SDG 3 | SDG 4 – Health/Wellbeing, Education, Quality of life

饾悇饾惄饾悦饾悁饾悓: 饾悡饾悺饾闷 饾悊饾闷饾惂饾闷饾惌饾悽饾悳 饾悇饾惂饾悹饾悽饾惂饾闷 饾悆饾惈饾悽饾惎饾悽饾惂饾悹 饾悇饾惉饾惃饾惄饾悺饾悮饾悹饾闷饾悮饾惀 饾悦饾悮饾惂饾悳饾闷饾惈 饾悁饾悹饾悹饾惈饾闷饾惉饾悽饾惃饾惂

UMBI is pleased to share a peer-reviewed publication led by Ts. Dr. Mohamad Aimanuddin 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:

• 饾悞饾惌饾惍饾悵饾惒 饾悈饾惃饾悳饾惍饾惉

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.

• 饾悇饾惂饾悺饾悮饾惂饾悳饾闷饾悵 饾悁饾悹饾悹饾惈饾闷饾惉饾惉饾悽饾惎饾闷饾惂饾闷饾惉饾惉

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

• 饾悡饾惈饾悮饾惂饾惉饾悳饾惈饾悽饾惄饾惌饾惃饾惁饾悽饾悳 饾悜饾闷饾惄饾惈饾惃饾悹饾惈饾悮饾惁饾惁饾悽饾惂饾悹

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.

• 饾悓饾悽饾悳饾惈饾惃饾闷饾惂饾惎饾悽饾惈饾惃饾惂饾惁饾闷饾惂饾惌 饾悜饾闷饾惁饾惃饾悵饾闷饾惀饾悽饾惂饾悹

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.

• 饾悦饾惀饾悽饾惂饾悽饾悳饾悮饾惀 饾悎饾惁饾惄饾惀饾悽饾悳饾悮饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂饾惉

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.

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#Research #CancerBiology #CancerGenomics #TranslationalResearch #PrecisionMedicine #UMBI #每日大赛app #BiomedicalScience

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SDG 3 | SDG 4 – Health/Wellbeing, Education, Quality of life

By: Dr. Lee Pey Yee & Ahmad Termidzi Mohd Azhar

Have you ever wondered what makes you unique? The answer lies in your DNA鈥攖he 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 饾悵饾悽饾惉饾悳饾惃饾惎饾悶饾惈饾惒 饾惃饾悷 饾惌饾悺饾悶 饾悆饾悕饾悁 饾悵饾惃饾惍饾悰饾惀饾悶 饾悺饾悶饾惀饾悽饾惐 饾惉饾惌饾惈饾惍饾悳饾惌饾惍饾惈饾悶 饾悰饾惒 饾悏饾悮饾惁饾悶饾惉 饾悥饾悮饾惌饾惉饾惃饾惂 饾悮饾惂饾悵 饾悈饾惈饾悮饾惂饾悳饾悽饾惉 饾悅饾惈饾悽饾悳饾悿 饾悽饾惂 饾煆饾煑饾煋饾煈, and the completion of the 饾悋饾惍饾惁饾悮饾惂 饾悊饾悶饾惂饾惃饾惁饾悶 饾悘饾惈饾惃饾悾饾悶饾悳饾惌 饾悽饾惂 饾煇饾煄饾煄饾煈. These breakthroughs have revolutionised our understanding of genes and opened new frontiers in biomedical research. The interesting part is that 饾悺饾惍饾惁饾悮饾惂饾惉 饾惉饾悺饾悮饾惈饾悶 饾惁饾惃饾惈饾悶 饾惌饾悺饾悮饾惂 饾煑饾煑% 饾惃饾悷 饾惌饾悺饾悶饾悽饾惈 饾悆饾悕饾悁, 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.

饾悜饾闷饾惉饾闷饾悮饾惈饾悳饾悺 饾悋饾悽饾悹饾悺饾惀饾悽饾悹饾悺饾惌饾惉 饾悷饾惈饾惃饾惁 饾悢饾悓饾悂饾悎

UMBI continues to lead high-impact DNA research, translating genomic discoveries into practical healthcare solutions aligned with precision medicine and national priorities.

饾悦饾悮饾惂饾悳饾闷饾惈 饾悊饾悶饾惂饾惃饾惁饾悽饾悳饾惉

• UMBI leverages next-generation sequencing (NGS) and advanced bioinformatics to identify genetic drivers of cancer and treatment response. Current focus areas include biomarker discovery and druggable mutations to enable early detection and targeted therapies.

饾悕饾惃饾惂-饾悅饾惃饾惁饾惁饾惍饾惂饾悽饾悳饾悮饾悰饾惀饾悶 饾悆饾悽饾惉饾悶饾悮饾惉饾悶饾惉 (饾悕饾悅饾悆饾惉)

• Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and epigenetic profiling, UMBI investigates genetic and environmental factors underlying chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, with emphasis on population-specific risks.

饾悓饾悽饾悳饾惈饾惃饾悰饾悽饾惃饾惁饾悶 饾悜饾闷饾惉饾闷饾悮饾惈饾悳饾悺

• Research on the human microbiome is uncovering how microbial communities influence diseases, including cancer and metabolic conditions. These insights are driving the development of microbiome-based biomarkers and preventive strategies.

饾悘饾惃饾惄饾惍饾惀饾悮饾惌饾悽饾惃饾惂-饾悂饾悮饾惉饾悶饾悵 饾悜饾闷饾惉饾闷饾悮饾惈饾悳饾悺

• The Malaysian Cohort Project is a large-scale population study involving over 100,000 participants, contributing to the development of a national-scale biobank and big data resource. This initiative integrates genomic, lifestyle, and environmental data to better understand disease patterns among Malaysians. Insights from this cohort support risk prediction, early detection, and the advancement of precision public health strategies tailored to Malaysia鈥檚 diverse population. [More on The Malaysian Cohort Project]

饾悡饾悺饾闷 饾悓饾悮饾惀饾悮饾惒饾惉饾悽饾悮饾惂 饾悘饾悮饾惂饾悹饾悶饾惂饾惃饾惁饾悶

• Building on whole-genome sequencing of 4,000 individuals from 56 Malaysian sub-ethnic groups, UMBI has developed and launched the Malaysian Pangenome to better capture the country鈥檚 genetic diversity. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy of genetic studies, enhance disease risk prediction, and ensure that precision medicine approaches are more inclusive and relevant to local populations.

This DNA Day, take a moment to appreciate the science within you鈥攕imple, powerful, and uniquely yours.

Happy DNA Day!

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SDG 3 | SDG 4 | SDG 8 | SDG 16 | SDG 17 – Health/Wellbeing, Education, Quality of life, Global partnership.

By: Dr. Ezanee Azlina binti Mohamad Hanif

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a complex and highly heterogenous, made up of several intrinsic molecular subtypes that behave differently in patients.

One important group is the immunomodulatory subtype, which shows high immune cell infiltration, active immune gene expression, and engagement of immune checkpoints, reflecting a dynamic interaction between tumour cells and the immune system.

This immune landscape is closely linked with key oncogenic pathways, including BRCA-related DNA repair, PI3K鈥揂KT, TP53, and MAPK signalling, which together influence tumour growth, immune escape, and treatment resistance. These interactions highlight the potential role of immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, in selected TNBC patients.

However, in real-world clinical settings such as Malaysia, the high cost of immunotherapy limits its broad application. As such, careful biomarker-based patient selection is essential to maximize clinical benefit, improve cost-effectiveness, and support more equitable access to personalized treatment options.

On #TNBCDay, UMBI reaffirm our commitment to advancing research that supports smarter, more personalised cancer care.

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SDG 3 | SDG 4 | SDG 8 | SDG 16 | SDG 17 – Health/Wellbeing, Education, Quality of life, Global partnership.

饾煉 饾悈饾悶饾悰饾惈饾惍饾悮饾惈饾惒 饾煇饾煄饾煇饾煍 | 饾悥饾惃饾惈饾惀饾悵 饾悦饾悮饾惂饾悳饾闷饾惈 饾悆饾悮饾惒 饾煇饾煄饾煇饾煍

On this World Cancer Day, UMBI reaffirms its commitment to 饾悮饾悵饾惎饾悮饾惂饾悳饾悽饾惂饾悹 饾悳饾悮饾惂饾悳饾悶饾惈 饾惈饾悶饾惉饾悶饾悮饾惈饾悳饾悺 饾惌饾悺饾惈饾惃饾惍饾悹饾悺 饾惄饾惈饾悶饾悳饾悽饾惉饾悽饾惃饾惂 饾惁饾悶饾悵饾悽饾悳饾悽饾惂饾悶, ensuring every patient receives care that is as unique as their cancer. United by science and driven by impact, UMBI continues to 饾惌饾惈饾悮饾惂饾惉饾惀饾悮饾惌饾悶 饾惁饾惃饾惀饾悶饾悳饾惍饾惀饾悮饾惈 饾悵饾悽饾惉饾悳饾惃饾惎饾悶饾惈饾悽饾悶饾惉 饾悽饾惂饾惌饾惃 饾悰饾悶饾惌饾惌饾悶饾惈 饾惃饾惍饾惌饾悳饾惃饾惁饾悶饾惉, improved quality of life, and hope for patients and families.

饾悢饾惂饾悽饾惌饾悶饾悵 饾悰饾惒 饾悢饾惂饾悽饾惇饾惍饾悶

.

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SDG 3 | SDG 4 | SDG 8 | SDG 16 | SDG 17 – Health/Wellbeing, Education, Quality of life, Global partnership.

19 December 2025 | Congratulations to Ms. Nur Fadhlina Mohamad Pakarulrazy and Ms. Nursyazwani Omar, two outstanding UMBI PhD candidates, on their exemplary final presentation in UMBI Research Update Series in Molecular Medicine (RUS) No. 37/2025.

Ms. Fadhlina shared insight on the intriguing subject of ‘Discovering the Role of ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporters in Iodide Uptake and Cell Proliferation in Lymph Node Positive and Radioactive Iodine-Refractive Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma’, while Ms. Nursyazwani presented a compelling topic on ‘Elucidating the Proteogenomic Signatures of cryptogenic Hepatocellular Carcinoma (cHCC)’.

Their presentations were thoughtfully summarized by their esteemed supervisor, AP Dr. Nurul Syakima Ab Mutalib and AP Dr. Nadiah Abu respectively.

The presence of industry representatives, Professor Dr. Leong Chee Onn (AGTC Genomics Sdn. Bhd.), Dr. Rose Iszati (Neoscience Sdn. Bhd.) and Dr. Noraini Nordin (Hematogenix Sdn. Bhd.) further highlighted the practical applications and industry relevance of the research by Ms. Fadhlina and Ms. Nursyazwani.

As they progress to the thesis writing and viva presentation phase, we extend our heartfelt best wishes to Ms. Fadhlina and Ms. Nursyazwani for a successful journey ahead. May they continue to exemplify excellence and complete their studies with flying colors.

Congratulations!!

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SDG 4 | Quality Education

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Congratulations to Associate Professor Dr. Nadiah Abu and her research team on successfully securing the Long-Term Research Grant Scheme (LRGS)! UMBI is proud of this remarkable achievement, which reflects the team鈥檚 dedication, excellence, and commitment to advancing impactful biomedical research. Well done and may this success continue to inspire future innovations!

1) SALVAGE: A Sustainable Platform Using Algal-Derived Lipid Vesicles for Advanced Health Solutions (RM 1,200,000.00)

• Research Team: Assoc. Prof Dr. Shaza Eva Mohamad (UTM) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khuriah Abdul Hamid (UiTM)

2) Mechanistic and Toxicological Evaluation of EV Uptake in Mammalian Cells (RM 378,700.00)

• Research Team: Prof. Dr. Mohd Cairul Iqbal Mohd Amin (Fac. of Pharmacy, 每日大赛app), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Razinah binti Sharif @ Mohd Sharif (H-Care, 每日大赛app), Ts. Dr. Saiful Effendi Syafruddin (UMBI, 每日大赛app) and Dr. Lee Pey Yee (UMBI, 每日大赛app)