New PH Genomics Lab to Promote Human Genomes Research

Disease outbreaks can now be controlled with precision and in less time.

The Commission on Higher Education – Philippine California Advanced Research Institutes (CHED-PCARI) said the Shared Genomics Core Laboratory (SGCL) at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City would help local researchers identify known and unknown pathogens needed for rapid response, control, and treatment of disease through genomics.

Genomics is the branch of molecular biology focusing on the structure, function, evolution, and mapping of genomes or the genetic material of all living organisms.

“Genomics research is vital to human, animal, and plant health. Genomics and next-generation sequencing are also integral to the achievement of precision medicine, where a patient’s genes determine drug therapy and dosage,” said Dr. Eva Maria dela Paz, CHED-PCARI SGCL project leader.

Dela Paz added that the SGCL aims to build the capacity of local researchers to perform top-of-the-line genome research and to expand existing collaborations with the Philippine Genome Center network, which includes CHED institutions and public and private universities and research institutions nationwide.

Meanwhile, CHED chairman Prospero de Vera III said the genomics laboratory would enhance the collaboration and exchange of knowledge between the local and international scientific communities.

The facility is composed of seven rooms where sequencers, NGS-related equipment and microscopes are housed and will be used to provide services, such as library preparation, next generation sequencing, fluorometric quantitation, capillary electrophoresis, fragment size selection, focused ultrasonication and microscopy.

It was launched on February 20.

Department of Health (DOH) Assistant Secretary Lyndon Lee Suy said the facility would promote personalized treatment and intervention for all Filipinos.

“Ang DOH po ay maaaring mag-provide ng patients and cases, pangit man po pakinggan, para magamit sa pag-aaral at ma-enhance ang mga resources natin dito (The DOH can provide patients and cases, it may not be nice to hear, to be used in the study and enhancement of resources here),” he added.

The SGCL is a product of the grant from PCARI, a CHED project, which brings together top scientists, researchers and faculty of Philippine universities and the University of California to conduct joint research, faculty exchanges, scholarships and training on issues and problems facing the country.

On the sidelines of the launch, de Vera told reporters that PCARI’s budget is less than a billion pesos.

“For the first time, in 2018 and 2019, the budget for PCARI was not cut so we were able to maintain it at the same level as the previous year. So, we have money until, I think, about two more cycles of PCARI or two more years at the minimum,” he said.

To ensure its continuous funding, de Vera said it is important for the team to show that PCARI brings about good results. (PNA)