DOST ipinakita kung papano pinapaganda ng genomics ang PH
Bagong tuklas na sakit, forensic apps mula sa genomics isinapubliko
KINILALA ang Department of Science and Technology (DOST) ng isang United States Embassy Science and Technology Fellow at National Science Foundation Program Director Dr. Sally O’Connor para sa magandang gawa nito sa pag-translate nito sa “basic research into useful products” at sa pagtulong sa pagbuo ng startups.
Sa isang assessment report, sinabing “Investments in genomics research also found immeasurable success in battling the spread of SARS CoV2 through public surveillance of outbreaks, tracking of the spread of specific variants, and influencing policy to prevent further spread of the virus.” Ito ay nabanggit dahil sa mabilis nap ag responde ng DOST sa paghain ng mga programa na may kinalaman sa pagsusuri, pagmamatyag at iba pang teknolohiya.
Bilang pagtutuloy ng magagandang programa, nilabas din ng DOST ang isang new discovery derived from genomics that affected exclusively, ang mga tao na may Filipino ancestry. Tinawag na X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) or lubag, it is a debilitatingly severe neurodegenerative disease affecting males with maternal ancestry tracing back to the Panay region of the Philippines. It is a progressive disease that usually affects males from the age of 35 to 45 years of age. It is also a disease that can be inherited.
The DOST is working to characterize the genetic prevalence of the causative gene that will provide a better understanding of the burden of disease in the Philippines and help decision makers to determine where investments in health care should be targeted for this uniquely Filipino disease.
Genomics studies in the country have also expanded to the Philippine Population Database Utilizing DNA Fragment Analysis, Capillary Sequencing, and Next Generation Sequencing for Forensic Applications. Its studies include the history, evolution, origins and applications of Filipino genomes. This study also helped resolve child sexual abuse cases.
According to DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. “Investing in R&D is critical for the Philippines’ future. The DOST Genomics Program is an excellent example of how investing in R&D can lead to significant advancements in various fields, creating new products and business opportunities and employing additional staff, resulting in income-generating partnerships with private institutions. By investing in programs like this, the Philippines is creating a more resilient and sustainable society, driving innovation, economic growth, and improving the quality of life for its citizens.”
In agriculture, DOST provided strategic science-based interventions to address low productivity of swine thru the development of the DNA marker aided selection (MAS) technology. DNA-marker selection technology has higher selection efficiency and offers a great opportunity to hasten genetic improvement (in terms of improving productivity, production efficiency and meat quality, and elimination of genetic defects) in swine as compared to the traditional method of selection.
DOST also showcased the exhibits of spinoff companies created due to successful R&D programs like the Manila Health Tek Covid-19 Test Kit, Andali Rapid Test Kit for ASF, biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, and new breakthroughs or technology on genomics.
“The DOST Genomics Program’s impact spans diverse sectors, including human health, agriculture, forestry, and marine resources. Its contributions have been indispensable in the fight against a health crisis,” said DOST Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia. “R&D is critical to our ability in addressing the challenges of today and the unknowns of tomorrow.”
