MyMedR

Polymorphism of 9 STRs in ethnic Chinese population of Malaysia

Panneerchelvam S, Kumara KT, KokFai L, Saravanakumar M, Sumathy V, Yuvaneswari KC, et al.

J Forensic Sci, 2004 Sep;49(5):1132-3.

PMID: 15461127

Allele frequency distribution for 9 STR loci in the Tamil population of Malaysia

Panneerchelvam S, Thevan KK, KokFai L, Saravanakumar M, Sumathy V, Yuvaneswari KC, et al.

J Forensic Sci, 2004 Jul;49(4):863-4.

PMID: 15317219

Fulltext Ancient Genetic Signatures of Orang Asli Revealed by Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Gene Polymorphisms

NurWaliyuddin HZ, Norazmi MN, Edinur HA, Chambers GK, Panneerchelvam S, Zafarina Z

PLoS One, 2015;10(11):e0141536.

PMID: 26565719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141536

The aboriginal populations of Peninsular Malaysia, also known as Orang Asli (OA), comprise three major groups; Semang, Senoi and Proto-Malays. Here, we analyzed for the first time KIR gene polymorphisms for 167 OA individuals, including those from four smallest OA subgroups (Che Wong, Orang Kanaq, Lanoh and Kensiu) using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) analyses. The observed distribution of KIR profiles of OA is heterogenous; Haplotype B is the most frequent in the Semang subgroups (especially Batek) while Haplotype A is the most common type in the Senoi. The Semang subgroups were clustered together with the Africans, Indians, Papuans and Australian Aborigines in a principal component analysis (PCA) plot and shared many common genotypes (AB6, BB71, BB73 and BB159) observed in these other populations. Given that these populations also display high frequencies of Haplotype B, it is interesting to speculate that Haplotype B may be generally more frequent in ancient populations. In contrast, the two Senoi subgroups, Che Wong and Semai are displaced toward Southeast Asian and African populations in the PCA scatter plot, respectively. Orang Kanaq, the smallest and the most endangered of all OA subgroups, has lost some degree of genetic variation, as shown by their relatively high frequency of the AB2 genotype (0.73) and a total absence of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2 genes. Orang Kanaq tradition that strictly prohibits intermarriage with outsiders seems to have posed a serious threat to their survival. This present survey is a demonstration of the value of KIR polymorphisms in elucidating genetic relationships among human populations.

Distribution of HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 alleles in the Kensiu and Semai Orang Asli sub-groups in Peninsular Malaysia

Tasnim AR, Allia S, Edinur HA, Panneerchelvam S, Zafarina Z, Norazmi MN

Hum Immunol, 2016 Aug;77(8):618-619.

PMID: 27296326 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2016.06.009

The earliest settlers in Peninsular Malaysia are the Orang Asli population, namely Semang, Senoi and Proto Malays. In the present study, we typed the HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 loci of the Kensiu and Semai Orang Asli sub-groups. Sequence-based HLA typing was performed on 59 individuals from two Orang Asli sub-groups. A total of 11, 18 and 14 HLA-A, -B and -DRB1 alleles were identified, respectively. These data are available in the Allele Frequencies Net Database under the population name "Malaysia Kedah Kensiu" and "Malaysia Pahang Semai".

Cell Cycle Modulation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 by a Sub- Fraction of Strobilanthes crispus and its Combination with Tamoxifen

Yaacob NS, Nik Mohamed Kamal NN, Wong KK, Norazmi MN

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 2015;16(18):8135-40.

PMID: 26745050

BACKGROUND: Cell cycle regulatory proteins are suitable targets for cancer therapeutic development since genetic alterations in many cancers also affect the functions of these molecules. Strobilanthes crispus (S. crispus) is traditionally known for its potential benefits in treating various ailments. We recently reported that an active sub-fraction of S. crispus leaves (SCS) caused caspase-dependent apoptosis of human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Considering the ability of SCS to also promote the activity of the antiestrogen, tamoxifen, we further examined the effect of SCS in modulating cell cycle progression and related proteins in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells alone and in combination with tamoxifen. Expression of cell cycle- related transcripts was analysed based on a previous microarray dataset.

RESULTS: SCS significantly caused G1 arrest of both types of cells, similar to tamoxifen and this was associated with modulation of cyclin D1, p21 and p53. In combination with tamoxifen, the anticancer effects involved downregulation of ERα protein in MCF-7 cells but appeared independent of an ER-mediated mechanism in MDA-MB-231 cells. Microarray data analysis confirmed the clinical relevance of the proteins studied.

CONCLUSIONS: The current data suggest that SCS growth inhibitory effects are similar to that of the antiestrogen, tamoxifen, further supporting the previously demonstrated cytotoxic and apoptotic actions of both agents.

Fulltext Vaccines for TB: Lessons from the Past Translating into Future Potentials

Tye GJ, Lew MH, Choong YS, Lim TS, Sarmiento ME, Acosta A, et al.

J Immunol Res, 2015;2015:916780.

PMID: 26146643 DOI: 10.1155/2015/916780

Development of vaccines for infectious diseases has come a long way with recent advancements in adjuvant developments and discovery of new antigens that are capable of eliciting strong immunological responses for sterile eradication of disease. Tuberculosis (TB) that kills nearly 2 million of the population every year is also one of the highlights of the recent developments. The availability or not of diagnostic methods for infection has implications for the control of the disease by the health systems but is not related to the immune surveillance, a phenomenon derived from the interaction between the bacteria and their host. Here, we will review the immunology of TB and current vaccine candidates for TB. Current strategies of developing new vaccines against TB will also be reviewed in order to further discuss new insights into immunotherapeutic approaches involving adjuvant and antigens combinations that might be of potential for the control of TB.

Allele frequencies of human platelet antigens in Banjar, Bugis, Champa, Jawa and Kelantan Malays in Peninsular Malaysia

Wan Syafawati WU, Norhalifah HK, Zefarina Z, Zafarina Z, Panneerchelvam S, Norazmi MN, et al.

Transfus Med, 2015 Oct;25(5):326-32.

PMID: 26132409 DOI: 10.1111/tme.12220

The major aims of this study are to characterise and compile allelic data of human platelet antigen (HPA)-1 to -6 and -15 systems in five Malay sub-ethnic groups in Peninsular Malaysia.

Molecular blood group typing in Banjar, Jawa, Mandailing and Kelantan Malays in Peninsular Malaysia

Abd Gani R, Manaf SM, Zafarina Z, Panneerchelvam S, Chambers GK, Norazmi MN, et al.

Transfus Apher Sci, 2015 Aug;53(1):69-73.

PMID: 25819336 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2015.03.009

In this study we genotyped ABO, Rhesus, Kell, Kidd and Duffy blood group loci in DNA samples from 120 unrelated individuals representing four Malay subethnic groups living in Peninsular Malaysia (Banjar: n = 30, Jawa: n = 30, Mandailing: n = 30 and Kelantan: n = 30). Analyses were performed using commercial polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer (PCR-SSP) typing kits (BAG Health Care GmbH, Lich, Germany). Overall, the present study has successfully compiled blood group datasets for the four Malay subethnic groups and used the datasets for studying ancestry and health.

Sequence polymorphisms of mtDNA HV1, HV2, and HV3 regions in the Malay population of Peninsular Malaysia

Nur Haslindawaty AR, Panneerchelvam S, Edinur HA, Norazmi MN, Zafarina Z

Int J Legal Med, 2010 Sep;124(5):415-26.

PMID: 20502908 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-010-0469-x

The uniparentally inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is in the limelight for the past two decades, in studies relating to demographic history of mankind and in forensic kinship testing. In this study, human mtDNA hypervariable segments 1, 2, and 3 (HV1, HV2, and HV3) were analyzed in 248 unrelated Malay individuals in Peninsular Malaysia. Combined analyses of HV1, HV2, and HV3 revealed a total of 180 mtDNA haplotypes with 149 unique haplotypes and 31 haplotypes occurring in more than one individual. The genetic diversity was estimated to be 99.47%, and the probability of any two individuals sharing the same mtDNA haplotype was 0.93%. The most frequent mtDNA haplotype (73, 146, 150, 195, 263, 315.1C, 16140, 16182C, 16183C, 16189, 16217, 16274, and 16335) was shared by 11 (4.44%) individuals. The nucleotide diversity and mean of pair-wise differences were found to be 0.036063 ± 0.020101 and 12.544022 ± 6.230486, respectively.

Paternal lineage affinity of the Malay subethnic and Orang Asli populations in Peninsular Malaysia

SharifahNany RahayuKarmilla S, Aedrianee AR, Nur Haslindawaty AR, Nur Azeelah A, Panneerchelvam S, Norazmi MN, et al.

Int J Legal Med, 2018 Jul;132(4):1087-1090.

PMID: 29052042 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1697-0

Peninsular Malaysia is populated by the Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Orang Asli. We have analyzed 17 Y-STRs loci for 243 randomly unrelated individuals, which include 153 Malays (7 Acheh, 13 Champa, 11 Rawa, 9 Kedah, 23 Minang, 15 Bugis, 43 Kelantan, 14 Jawa, and 18 Bugis) and 90 Orang Asli [54 Semang (16 Kensiu, 13 Lanoh, 25 Bateq); 30 Senoi (21 Semai, 9 Che Wong); and 6 Proto-Malay (6 Orang Kanaq)] from selected settlements in Peninsular Malaysia using the AmpFlSTR Yfiler™ kit (Applied Biosystems™). The overall haplotype diversity is 0.9966, i.e., 0.9984 for the Malays and 0.9793 for the Orang Asli. A total of 158 haplotypes (65.02%) were individually unique. The p value and pairwise Rst analysis was calculated to show the genetic structure of the samples with other world populations (from YHRD website). Based on the Y-STR data, Champa, Acheh, Kedah, Minang, and Kelantan are clustered together. Lanoh and Kensiu (Semang) are very closely related, suggesting similar paternal ancestry. Jawa Malays and Indonesian Java, plus the Bugis Malays and Australian Aborigines shared high degree of paternal lineage affinity. This study presents data for very precious relict groups, who are the earliest inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia.

Correction to: Paternal lineage affinity of the Malay subethnic and Orang Asli populations in Peninsular Malaysia

SharifahNany RahayuKarmilla S, Aedrianee AR, Nur Haslindawaty AR, Nur Azeelah A, Panneerchelvam S, Norazmi MN, et al.

Int J Legal Med, 2018 07;132(4):1091.

PMID: 29134364 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-017-1729-9

The original version of this article contains an error. The Author Abd Rashid Nur Haslindawaty has been added as to the above author group as third author. The original article was corrected.

TCR-like domain antibody against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) heat shock protein antigen presented by HLA-A*11 and HLA-A*24

Dass SA, Norazmi MN, Acosta A, Sarmiento ME, Tye GJ

Int J Biol Macromol, 2020 Jul 15;155:305-314.

PMID: 32240734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.03.229

T cell receptor (TCR)-like antibodies, obtained with the use of phage display technology, sandwich the best of the both arms of the adaptive immune system. In this study, in vitro selections against the latency associated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) heat shock protein 16 kDa antigen (16 kDa) presented by HLA-A*011 and HLA-A*24 were carried out with the use of a human domain phage antibody library. TCR-like domain antibodies (A11Ab and A24Ab) were successfully generated recognizing 16 kDa epitopes presented by HLA-A*011 and HLA-A*24 molecules respectively. Both antibodies were found to be functional in soluble form and exhibited strong binding capacity against its targets. The results obtained support the future evaluation of these ligands for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for tuberculosis infection.

Fulltext Immunogenicity of recombinant Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guèrin clones expressing T and B cell epitopes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens

Mohamud R, Azlan M, Yero D, Alvarez N, Sarmiento ME, Acosta A, et al.

BMC Immunol, 2013;14 Suppl 1:S5.

PMID: 23458635 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2172-14-S1-S5

Recombinant Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guèrin (rBCG) expressing three T cell epitopes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) Ag85B antigen (P1, P2, P3) fused to the Mtb8.4 protein (rBCG018) or a combination of these antigens fused to B cell epitopes from ESAT-6, CFP-10 and MTP40 proteins (rBCG032) were used to immunize Balb/c mice. Total IgG responses were determined against Mtb8.4 antigen and ESAT-6 and CFP-10 B cell epitopes after immunization with rBCG032. Mice immunized with rBCG032 showed a significant increase in IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies against ESAT-6 and MTP40 (P1) B cell epitopes and IgG3 against both P1 and P2 B cell epitopes of MPT40. Splenocytes from mice immunized with rBCG018 proliferated against Ag85B P2 and P3 T cell epitopes and Mtb8.4 protein whereas those from mice-immunized with rBCG032 responded against all Ag85B epitopes and the ESAT-6 B cell epitope. CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ lymphocytes from mice immunized with rBCG018 produced primarily Th1 type cytokines in response to the T cell epitopes. Similar pattern of recognition against the T cell epitopes were obtained with rBCG032 with the additional recognition of ESAT-6, CFP-10 and one of the MTP40 B cell epitopes with the same pattern of cytokines. This study demonstrates that rBCG constructs expressing either T or T and B cell epitopes of MTB induced appropriate immunogenicity against MTB.

Fulltext COVID-19 Lethality in Sub-Saharan Africa and Helminth Immune Modulation

Fonte L, Acosta A, Sarmiento ME, Ginori M, García G, Norazmi MN

Front Immunol, 2020;11:574910.

PMID: 33117371 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.574910

Tuberculosis vaccine candidates based on mycobacterial cell envelope components

Sarmiento ME, Alvarez N, Chin KL, Bigi F, Tirado Y, García MA, et al.

Tuberculosis (Edinb), 2019 03;115:26-41.

PMID: 30948174 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2019.01.003

Even after decades searching for a new and more effective vaccine against tuberculosis, the scientific community is still pursuing this goal due to the complexity of its causative agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Mtb is a microorganism with a robust variety of survival mechanisms that allow it to remain in the host for years. The structure and nature of the Mtb envelope play a leading role in its resistance and survival. Mtb has a perfect machinery that allows it to modulate the immune response in its favor and to adapt to the host's environmental conditions in order to remain alive until the moment to reactivate its normal growing state. Mtb cell envelope protein, carbohydrate and lipid components have been the subject of interest for developing new vaccines because most of them are responsible for the pathogenicity and virulence of the bacteria. Many indirect evidences, mainly derived from the use of monoclonal antibodies, support the potential protective role of Mtb envelope components. Subunit and DNA vaccines, lipid extracts, liposomes and membrane vesicle formulations are some examples of technologies used, with encouraging results, to evaluate the potential of these antigens in the protective response against Mtb.

Generation of a T cell receptor (TCR)-like single domain antibody (sDAb) against a Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (Mtb) heat shock protein (HSP) 16kDa antigen presented by Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-A*02

Dass SA, Norazmi MN, Dominguez AA, Miguel MESGS, Tye GJ

Mol Immunol, 2018 09;101:189-196.

PMID: 30007228 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2018.07.001

The discovery of heat shock protein 16 kDa antigen protein has deepen the understanding of latent tuberculosis since it was found to be primarily expressed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis during latent phase leading to the rapid optimization and development in terms of diagnosis and therapeutics. Recently, T cell receptor-like antibody has been explored extensively targeting various diseases due to its dual functionality (T cell receptor and antibody). In this study, a TCR-like domain antibody (A2/Ab) with the binding capacity to Mtb heat shock protein (HSP) 16 kDa antigen presented by major histocompatible complex (MHC) HLA-A*02 was successfully generated via biopanning against human domain antibody library. The generated antibody (A2/Ab) exhibited strong functionality and binding capacity against the target assuring the findings of this study to be beneficial for the development of latent tuberculosis diagnosis and immunotherapeutics in future.

Fulltext Mitochondrial DNA sequence of the horseshoe crab Tachypleus gigas

Sarmiento ME, Chin KL, Lau NS, Aziah I, Norazmi MN, Acosta A, et al.

Mitochondrial DNA B Resour, 2021 May 23;6(6):1710-1714.

PMID: 34104748 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2021.1930213

This paper reports on the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of a horseshoe crab, Tachypleus gigas (T. gigas), in Kuala Kemaman, Terengganu, Malaysia. Whole-genome sequencing of hemocyte DNA was performed with Illumina HiSeq system and the generated reads were de novo assembled with ABySS 2.1.5 and reassembled using mitoZ against Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda and Limulus polyphemus, resulting in a contig of 15 Kb. Phylogenetic analysis of the assembled mt genome suggests that the Tachypleus gigas is closely related to Tachypleus tridentatus than to Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda.

Comparative transcriptome profiling of horseshoe crab Tachypleus gigas hemocytes in response to lipopolysaccharides

Sarmiento ME, Chin KL, Lau NS, Aziah I, Ismail N, Norazmi MN, et al.

Fish Shellfish Immunol, 2021 Oct;117:148-156.

PMID: 34358702 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2021.08.001

Horseshoe crabs (HSCs) are living fossil species of marine arthropods with a long evolutionary history spanning approximately 500 million years. Their survival is helped by their innate immune system that comprises cellular and humoral immune components to protect them against invading pathogens. To help understand the genetic mechanisms involved, the present study utilised the Illumina HiSeq platform to perform transcriptomic analysis of hemocytes from the HSC, Tachypleus gigas, that were challenged with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The high-throughput sequencing resulted in 352,077,208 and 386,749,136 raw reads corresponding to 282,490,910 and 305,709,830 high-quality mappable reads for the control and LPS-treated hemocyte samples, respectively. Based on the log-fold change of > 0.3 or

Immune TB Antibody Phage Display Library as a Tool To Study B Cell Immunity in TB Infections

Hamidon NH, Suraiya S, Sarmiento ME, Acosta A, Norazmi MN, Lim TS

Appl Biochem Biotechnol, 2018 Mar;184(3):852-868.

PMID: 28884285 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-017-2582-5

B cells and in particular antibodies has always played second fiddle to cellular immunity in regard to tuberculosis (TB). However, recent studies has helped position humoral immunity especially antibodies back into the foray in relation to TB immunity. Therefore, the ability to correlate the natural antibody responses of infected individuals toward TB antigens would help strengthen this concept. Phage display is an intriguing approach that can be utilized to study antibody-mediated responses against a particular infection via harvesting the B cell repertoire from infected individuals. The development of disease-specific antibody libraries or immune libraries is useful to better understand antibody-mediated immune responses against specific disease antigens. This study describes the generation of an immune single-chain variable fragment (scFv) library derived from TB-infected individuals. The immune library with an estimated diversity of 109 independent clones was then applied for the identification of monoclonal antibodies against Mycobacterium tuberculosis α-crystalline as a model antigen. Biopanning of the library isolated three monoclonal antibodies with unique gene usage. This strengthens the role of antibodies in TB immunity in addition to the role played by cellular immunity. The developed library can be applied against other TB antigens and aid antibody-derived TB immunity studies in the future.

Fulltext Role of Interferons in the Development of Diagnostics, Vaccines, and Therapy for Tuberculosis

Chin KL, Anis FZ, Sarmiento ME, Norazmi MN, Acosta A

J Immunol Res, 2017;2017:5212910.

PMID: 28713838 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5212910

Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). About one-third of the world's population is latently infected with TB and 5-15% of them will develop active TB in their lifetime. It is estimated that each case of active TB may cause 10-20 new infections. Host immune response to Mtb is influenced by interferon- (IFN-) signaling pathways, particularly by type I and type II interferons (IFNs). The latter that consists of IFN-γ has been associated with the promotion of Th1 immune response which is associated with protection against TB. Although this aspect remains controversial at present due to the lack of established correlates of protection, currently, there are different prophylactic, diagnostic, and immunotherapeutic approaches in which IFNs play an important role. This review summarizes the main aspects related with the biology of IFNs, mainly associated with TB, as well as presents the main applications of these cytokines related to prophylaxis, diagnosis, and immunotherapy of TB.

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