BIOTEC Thailand Strengthens International Collaboration with Sarawak Biodiversity Centre on Sarawak’s Algae Genomes
Kuching, Sarawak – The National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), a leading institution under Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) undertook a three-day collaborative visit to the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) on 10th to 12th July 2024.
During the visit, BIOTEC and SBC researchers focused on a very important nature-based solution to fight against bacteria that have acquired antibiotic resistance. The solution called antimicrobial peptides (AMP) is found in genomes of algae collected in Sarawak.
AMP are derived from proteins translated from the DNA sequences in the genomes of algae. This joint effort aims to uncover valuable genetic traits that could be harnessed for innovative biotechnological applications, including pharmaceuticals and biologics against deadly pathogens.
Under the collaboration, BIOTEC will utilise their expertise in genomic screening technologies and bioinformatics tools, while SBC provides the genomes of algae from its library. The joint effort could potentially unravel new therapeutics from over 600 species of algae in SBC’s library.
This partnership underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing genomic research for technology sharing and addressing the need to fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problems. Through such partnerships, both SBC and BIOTEC continue to uphold their commitment to scientific excellence and innovation, driving progress and development globally.
According to Dr. Apiradee Hongsthong, the Principal Researcher, Biosciences and System Biology Team Leader and Assistant Research Group Director, Biochemical Engineering and System Biology Research Group of BIOTEC, “Hidden valuable information is aligned within genome sequences, our AI-based platform for bioactive peptide identification and prediction can extract such information, for example, the potential of an algae to be a protein source for antimicrobial peptide production. During the first period of this partnership, we are looking forward to effectively utilize Sarawak’s native microalgae to make new product(s) to fight antibiotics resistant problems due to over/mis-used of antibiotics, which would have a direct impact on environment, human health and economy.”
Chief Executive Officer of SBC, Dato Dr Yeo Tiong Chia adds, “The World Health Organization (WHO) identified antimicrobial resistance as one of the top global health challenges of the 21st century. The collaboration between SBC and BIOTEC is our response to a Global Action Plan that emphasizes the critical need to effectively combat AMR. Algae and other biological resources in Sarawak are naturally occurring in biodiversity that can be explored”.