First Review Article on Heat Shock Protein 47

Our first review article on Heat Shock Protein 47 (HSP47) is now published on Wiley’s Encyclopaedia of Life Sciences (eLS). It can be accessed here.

Abstract:

“Heat shock protein 47 (HSP47), a noninhibitory serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN, clade H1) family member, is a unique collagen‐specific molecular chaperone. The binding of HSP47 to collagen has been the subject of intense investigation, as it binds to and only to collagen. This binding specificity presents a relatively unexplored potential of using HSP47 as a target for treatment of collagen‐related diseases and abnormalities. Homology model studies and structural determination have revealed the important amino acid residues for HSP47‐collagen binding interaction. HSP47‐knockout experiment in mice proved the importance of HSP47 for correct folding of collagen triple helices, thus critical for normal development. Various diagnostic and treatment strategies based on the unique HSP47 functions are now being investigated and proposed.” (eLS, DOI: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0028005)

The Malaysian Code of Responsible Conduct in Research (MCRCR)

The National Science Council, in collaboration with MIGHT, has recently launched the The Malaysian Code of Responsible Conduct in Research (MCRCR). MCRCR outlines the principles of responsible conduct in research, and the practice. Quoting Prof. Tan Sri Dr. Zakri Abdul Hamid, FASc in his foreword: “adherence and compliance with the Code will ensure that research in Malaysia will be pursued earnestly and honestly, with integrity and accountability. It denotes that our researchers and research entities – universities, research institutes, laboratories, research programmes – embrace the accepted code of conduct so crucial in ensuring that research is being pursued vigorously and with propriety. This will boost our Science inherently and internationally.”

It can be freely accessed at MIGHT’s website, or downloaded here.

Congratulations Rusna Shakira, Siti Noor Aisyah and Siti Amirah!

Congratulations Rusna Shakira, Siti Noor Aisyah and Siti Amirah on successfully defending their MSc (Biotechnology) mixed mode dissertation on 16 January 2018!

Rusna optimised bacterial starch degradation, and Siti Noor Aisyah was working with bacterial consortium for higher starch degradation and biohydrogen production using starch wastewater. Siti Amirah investigated the effects of heat pre-treatment on cassava-processing sludge for mixed bacterial culture biohydrogen generation.

All the best in your future endeavour.

 

Yong, Mah and Nurzulaina Won Awards at FYUP Symposium

Congratulations Yong Jing Xuan, Mah Ming Hui and Nurzulaina Ahmad Zulkifli on winning awards at the recent FYUP Symposium on 15-16 June 2017. Yong received the best poster and best presenter awards, Mah received the best poster award, while Nurzulaina was awarded the best presenter.

Also congratulations Ooi Zhi Sin and Saidatul Umiyah on successfully completing their FYUP presentation in the symposium.

Congratulations Shonia!

Congrats Shonia Nair on successfully submitting her MSc dissertation. Shonia has isolated and identified starch degrading bacteria from cassava processing industry. The bacteria has potential applications in wastewater treatment, and biofuel production.

Well done Shonia!

Gram staining of the starch degrading bacterial isolate.