MiGC13 Abstract Book

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item Page

Congress at a Glance 2

Scientific Programme (Mendel, Plenary, Lead & Oral) 3

List of Poster Presentations

TRACK 1 Medicine & Health Sciences

TRACK 2 Food, Agriculture & Horticulture

TRACK 3 Forestry, Conservation & Biodiversity

11 12 14

Abstract of Mender Lecture 16

Abstract of Invited Speakers 17

Abstract of Oral Presentation




33 47 71

Abstract of Poster Presentation




79 93

123

2

CONGRESS AT A GLANCE

19 November 2019 (Tuesday)

Time Event

7:30 – 8:30 Registration

8:30 – 10:00 OPENING CEREMONY (Venue – Melur Hall)

10:00 – 10:30 Refreshment

10:30 – 11:30 MENDEL LECTURE (Venue – Melur Hall)

SYMPOSIUM 1(Venue: Melur Hall)

11:30 – 12:00 TRACK 1 Medicine & Health Sciences (Plenary 1)

12:00 – 12:30 TRACK 2 Food, Agriculture & Horticulture (Plenary 2)

12.30 – 13.00 Poster Viewing (Venue: Melur Hall Lobby)

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch & Exhibition Tour

SYMPOSIUM 2

14:00 – 14:30 TRACK 3 Forestry, Conservation & Biodiversity (Plenary 3) (Venue – Melur Hall)

14.30 – 15.00 TRACK 1 Medicine & Health Sciences (Plenary 4) (Venue – Melur Hall)

TRACK 1 Medicine & Health

Sciences Venue : Matahari I

TRACK 2 Food, Agriculture &

Horticulture Venue : Melur Hall

TRACK 3 Forestry, Conservation &

Biodiversity Venue : Matahari II

15.00 – 17.35 Lead Paper (LM1) Oral (OM1 – OM9)

Lead Paper (LF1) Oral (OF1 – OF9)

Lead Paper (LB1) Oral (OB1 – OB9)

17.35 Refreshment & Adjourn

20 November 2019 (Wednesday)

SYMPOSIUM 3 (Plenary Session: Melur Hall)



9:30 – 10:00 TRACK 3 Forestry, Conservation & Biodiversity (Plenary 7)

10:00 – 10:30 Refreshment

SYMPOSIUM 4

TRACK 1 Medicine & Health

Sciences Venue : Matahari I


Horticulture Venue : Melur Hall


Horticulture Venue : Matahari II

10:30 – 12.50 Lead Paper (LM2) Oral (OM10 – OM16)



12.50 – 14:00 Lunch & Exhibition Tour

SYMPOSIUM 5 (Plenary Session: Melur Hall)

14:00 – 14:30 TECHNOLOGY TALK



15:30 – 16:00 TRACK 3 Forestry, Conservation & Biodiversity (Plenary 10)

16:15 CLOSING CEREMONY (Venue: Melur Hall)

3

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMME (MENDEL, PLENARY, LEAD & ORAL)

MiGC13

Tentative Program Schedule

19 November 2019 (Tuesday)

Time Event / Activities

0730 Arrival and Registration of Conference Participants

0800 Arrival of Invited Guests & VIPs

0830 Opening Ceremony of MiGC13

1000 Refreshment, Exhibition Booth and Poster Visit

MENDEL LECTURE Venue – Melur Hall

Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Abd Rahman Milan (Universiti Malaysia Sabah)

1030 Title / Theme: GENETIC INNOVATIONS TO REVERSE AGEING: DREAM OR REALITY? Speaker: PROF. EMERITUS DATO’ DR. WAN ZURINAH WAN NGAH Designation/Organisation: UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA

SYMPOSIUM 1 Venue: Melur Hall

Chairperson: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chan Soon Choy (Perdana University)

1130

TRACK 1: MEDICINE & HEALTH SCIENCES PLENARY 1 Title / Theme: GENETIC AND PHENOTYPIC DIFFERENTIATION IN THE MALARIA PARASITE Plasmodium knowlesi Speaker: PROF. DR. FONG MUN YIK Designation/Organisation: UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

1200

TRACK 2: FOOD, AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE PLENARY 2 Title / Theme: PROTEOMICS OF STARCH METABOLISM IN RICE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURE AND ELEVATED CO2 CONDITIONS Speaker: PROF. DR. TOSHIAKI MITSUI Designation/Organisation: NIIGATA UNIVERSITY, JAPAN

1230 POSTER VIEWING

Venue: Melur Hall Lobby

1300 Lunch & Exhibition Tour

SYMPOSIUM 2 Venue – Melur Hall

Chairperson: Dr. Norwati Muhammad (Forest Research Institute Malaysia)

1400

TRACK 3: FORESTRY, CONSERVATION & BIODIVERSITY PLENARY 3 Title / Theme: USE OF GENETICS IN CONSERVATION Speaker: ASSOC. PROF. DR. FARIDAH QAMARUZ ZAMAN Designation/Organisation: UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA

1430

TRACK 1: MEDICINE & HEALTH SCIENCES PLENARY 4 Title / Theme: BUILDING BRAINS: CEREBRAL ORGANOIDS AS TOOLS TO UNDERSTAND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS Speaker: DR. JOHN MASON Designation/Organisation: THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, UNITED KINGDOM

4

SYMPOSIUM 2 – Continue

Venue: Matahari I Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Zarina

Abdul Latiff (Pusat Perubatan Universiti

Kebangsaan Malaysia)

Venue: Melur Hall Chairperson: Dr. Syarifah

Aisyafaznim Sayed Abdul Rahman (University of Malaya)

Venue: Matahari II Chairperson: Dr. Azzreena

Mohamad Azzeme (Universiti Putra Malaysia)

TRACK 1

Medicine & Health

Sciences

TRACK 2

Food, Agriculture &

Horticulture

TRACK 3

Forestry, Conservation &

Biodiversity

1500

Lead Paper 1 (LM1)

Title / Theme: UNDERSTANDING THE

LANDSCAPE OF COLITIS- ASSOCIATED CANCER

Speaker: PROF. DR. NORFILZA MOHD MOKHTAR

Designation/Organisation: UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN

MALAYSIA

Lead Paper 2 (LF1)

Title / Theme: TRUE-TO-TYPE MICROPROPAGATED PLANTS OF

PARA RUBBER (Hevea Brasiliensis Müll. Arg.) VIA SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS

Speaker: DR. SURIYAN CHA-UM Designation/Organisation:

NATIONAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

AGENCY, THAILAND

Lead Paper 3 (LB1)

Title / Theme: DNA MARKERS SHED LIGHT ON THE NATURAL

HISTORY OF MALAYSIAN INSECTS: A SELECTION OF CASE

STUDIES USING INSECTS OF ECOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL

AND CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE

Speaker: DR. SHAWN CHENG Designation/Organisation:

FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE MALAYSIA

1520

OM1 ONCOGENIC

MICROORGANISMS “MOLECULAR MECHANISM”

Prof. Dr. Falah Abbas Mohamad Salih

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

OF1 ALLELE-SPECIFIC SINGLE

NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHIC MARKERS FOR

DIFFERENTIATING Elaeis guineensis GERMPLASM

MATERIALS WITH HIGH AND LOW VITAMIN E CONTENT Dr. Sulaiman Rufai Babura

Bayero University, Kano Nigeria

OB1 GENETIC ISOLATION AND

DRIFT IN THE ASIAN SNAKEHEAD FISH (Channa

striata) OF SABAH, NORTHERN BORNEO

Rolando Robert Sabah Forestry Department

1535

OM2 MOLECULAR TYPING OF

METHICILLIN-RESISTANCE Staphylococcus aureus

(MRSA) ISOLATES FROM A STUDENT POPULATION Dr. Nurshahira Sulaiman Universiti Putra Malaysia

OF2 TELOMERE LENGTH DIVERSITY

UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF HEAT AND FEED RESTRICTION

STRESSES IN BROILER CHICKEN

Kazeem Badmus Ajasa Universiti Putra Malaysia

OB2 GENETIC IDENTIFICATION OF

CRITICALLY ENDANGERED ORANGUTANS IN EX-SITU

CENTERS Prof. Dr. Badrul Munir Md-

Zain Universiti Kebangsaan

Malaysia

1550

OM3 ABROGATION OF

APOPTOSIS IN VITRO BY GLUCOMORINGIN

ISOTHIOCYANATE ON H2O2

INDUCED CYTOTOXICITY IN DIFFERENTIATED SH-SY5Y

CELLS Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faizal

Abdull Razis Universiti Putra Malaysia

OF3 PBMCS CULTURE

OPTIMIZATION USING TAGUCHI DESIGN: A CASE OF

THREE DEER BREEDS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Dr. Muhammad Sanusi Yahaya Universiti Putra Malaysia

OB3 GENOME ANALYSIS OF

TROPICAL RAINFOREST SOIL BACTERIA Paenibacillus Spp.

AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ITS ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE

ENZYME Herman Umbau Lindang

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

5








TRACK 1

Medicine & Health

Sciences

TRACK 2

Food, Agriculture &

Horticulture

TRACK 3


Biodiversity

1605

OM4 KNOWLEDGE OF CANCER GENETICS AND ATTITUDE

TOWARDS CANCER GENETIC TESTING AMONG

RURAL COMMUNITIES Sharifah Azween Syed Omar

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

OF4 DIVERSITY AND GENETIC

POTENTIAL OF PEAS (Pisum sativum L.) INDONESIA LANDRACE BASED ON

MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS IN LOWLANDS

Dr. Budi Waluyo Brawijaya University, Indonesia

OB4 BAMBOO MICROBIOME

ANALYSIS CONSUMED BY CAPTIVE GIANT PANDA IN ZOO NEGARA, MALAYSIA Dr. Suganthi Appalasamy

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan

1620

OM5 CARNITINE-

ACYLCARNITINE TRANSLOCASE AND

CARNITINE PALMITOYL TRANSFERASE 2

DEFICIENCY; RARE CAUSES OF SUDDEN DEATH IN MALAYSIAN INFANTS

Dr. Anasufiza Habib Institute for Medical

Research Kuala Lumpur

OF5 EVENING ELEMENTS IN ODO1 PROMOTER DETERMINE THE

TIMING AND COMPOSITION OF VOLATILE EMISSION BY

PETUNIA FLOWERS Dr. Nur Fariza M.Shaipulah

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

OB5 THE INDIVIDUAL

IDENTIFICATION OF Rusa unicolor FROM FECAL

PALLETS Mohd Lutfi Abdullah

Department of Wildlife and National Parks

1635

OM6 THE ASSOCIATION

BETWEEN TAS1R2 GENE VARIANT AND SWEET TASTE PERCEPTION

AMONGST OBESE AND NON-OBESE SUBJECTS

Ahmad Riduan Bahauddin Universiti Malaysia Sabah

OF6 DEVELOPMENT OF RICE FOR

DROUGHT AND SALINITY PRONE ENVIRONMENTS

THROUGH MARKER ASSISTED QTLS PYRAMIDING STRATEGY

Dr. Noraziyah Abd Aziz Shamsudin


OB6 DNA BARCODING OF

POPULAR INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES OF FISH

INTRODUCED IN MALAYSIA Lavanya Malini Vythalingam

University of Malaya

1650

OM7 GENOME EDITING: A

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFICIENCY OF

DIFFERENT CRISPR/CAS9 SYSTEMS USING HIV AS A

MODEL SYSTEM Dr. Kumitaa Theva Das

Universiti Sains Malaysia

OF7 SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEAT

IDENTIFICATION AND MARKER DEVELOPMENT FOR KOPYOR

MUTANT AND NORMAL COCONUT BASED ON NGS

GENOME DATA Andi Nadia Nurul Lathifa Hatta Bogor Agricultural University,

Indonesia

OB7 INSIGHT INTO MALAYAN

PANGOLIN GENETICS USING MITOCHONDRIAL GENOME AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO

WILDLIFE FORENSICS Frankie Thomas Sitam

Department of Wildlife and National Parks

6








TRACK 1

Medicine & Health

Sciences

TRACK 2

Food, Agriculture &

Horticulture

TRACK 3


Biodiversity

1705

OM8 MOLECULAR AND

CELLULAR ANALYSIS OF NEURAL STEM CELLS

GENERATED FROM FULL-TERM AMNIOTIC FLUID

STEM CELLS Dr. Norshariza Nordin

Universiti Putra Malaysia

OF8 INDUCTION OF VACUOLAR

PROCESSING ENZYMES ACTIVITIES IN THE PLANT

HOST INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY RESPONSE TO

FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 INFECTION IN BANANA

Wan Muhamad Asrul Nizam Universiti Putra Malaysia

OB8 FINE-SCALE POPULATION

STRUCTURE AND ECOTYPES OF ANADROMOUS HILSA SHAD (Tenualosa ilisha) 2

ACROSS COMPLEX AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS REVEALED BY

NEXTRAD GENOTYPING Dr. Li Lian Wong

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

1720

OM9 CULTURE MEDIUM

SELECTION FOR LARGE-SCALE EXPANSION OF WJ-

MSCs Dr. Jia Xian Law


OF9 SEMEN QUALITY OF AYAM

KAMPUNG MARDI ROOSTERS Dr. Habsah Bidin

Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute

OB9 MOLECULAR SYSTEMATIC

AND POPULATION GENETICS OF NEWLY RECOGNIZED

SCHLEGELS BANDED LANGUR (Presbytis neglectus) IN

MALAYSIA Dr. Muhammad Abdul Latiff

Abu Bakar Universiti Tun Hussein Onn

Malaysia

1735 Refreshment & Adjourn

7

MiGC13

Program Schedule

20 November 2019 (Wednesday)

Time Event / Activities


Chairperson: Prof. Dr. Thong Meow Keong (University of Malaya)

0830

TRACK 1: MEDICINE & HEALTH SCIENCES PLENARY 5 Title / Theme: GENOMICS AND GENETICS OF BREAST CANCER IN MALAYSIAN WOMEN Speaker: DATIN PADUKA PROF. DR. TEO SOO HWANG Designation/Organisation: CANCER RESEARCH MALAYSIA

0900

TRACK 2: FOOD, AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE PLENARY 6 Title / Theme: GENETIC DISSECTION OF THE MAJOR QTLS FOR THE HIGH YIELD POTENTIAL OF CHINA ‘SUPER-RICE Speaker: PROF. DR. LIN ZHANG Designation/Organisation: YANGZHOU UNIVERSITY, CHINA

0930

TRACK 3: FORESTRY, CONSERVATION & BIODIVERSITY PLENARY 7 Title / Theme: EVALUATION OF VERTEBRATE SPECIES DIVERSITY IN PASOH USING CAMERA TRAP AND ENVIRONMENTAL DNA Speaker: DR. MANABU ONUMA Designation/Organisation: NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, JAPAN

1000 Refreshment

SYMPOSIUM 4

Venue: Matahari I Chairperson: Dr. Radha

Kodiappan (Perdana University)

Venue: Melur Hall Chairperson: Dr. Mohd Din

Amiruddin (Malaysian Palm Oil Board)

Venue: Matahari II Chairperson: Dr. Habsah Bidin

(Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute)

TRACK 1

Medicine & Health

Sciences

TRACK 2

Food, Agriculture &

Horticulture

TRACK 2

Food, Agriculture &

Horticulture

1030

Lead Paper 4 (LM2)

Title / Theme: THE UTILITY OF SURROGATE MARKERS IN

PREDICTING HLA ALLELES ASSOCIATED WITH ADVERSE

DRUG REACTIONS IN A MULTI-ETHNIC MALAYSIAN

POPULATION Speaker: ASSOC. PROF. DR. NG

CHING CHING Designation/Organisation:

UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA

Lead Paper 5 (LF2)

Title / Theme: INTEGRATED APPROACHES FOR

IDENTIFYING CANDIDATE GENES FOR RESISTANCE TO NECROTROPHIC FUNGUS: A

CASE OF ASCOCHYTA BLIGHT RESISTANCE IN CHICKPEA

Speaker: PROF. DR. BUNYAMIN TAR'AN

Designation/Organisation: UNIVERSITY OF

SASKATCHEWAN, CANADA

Lead Paper 6 (LB3)

Title / Theme: APPLICATION OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE

TECHNOLOGY (ART) FOR THE CONSERVATION AND

PROPAGATION OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCE

Speaker: DR. ABDUL RASHID BABA

Designation/Organisation: MEMBER OF ANIMAL FEED

COUNCIL MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND AGROBASE INDUSTRY MALAYSIA

8







TRACK 1

Medicine & Health

Sciences

TRACK 2

Food, Agriculture &

Horticulture

TRACK 2

Food, Agriculture &

Horticulture

1050

OM10 HIGH PREVALENCE OF

METHICILLIN-RESISTANT Staphylococcus haemolyticus

ISOLATED FROM COMMENSALS IN HEALTHY

ADULTS Farhan Haziq Azharollah

Universiti Teknologi MARA

OF10 PHENOTYPIC

CHARACTERIZATION AND GENETIC VARIATION OF NILE

TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) FROM WILD AND CULTURE POPULATIONS

Prof. Dr. Agbebi, Olubunmi Temilade

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

OF18 CHARACTERIZATION AND

FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF Pathogenesis related-1 (PR-1) VARIANTS FROM Musa spp.

AGAINST Meloidogyne incognita INFESTATION

Arullthevan Rajendram University of Malaya

1105

OM11 THE ASSOCIATION

BETWEEN STAHMIN EXPRESSION AND

MICROTUBULE STABILITY IN TRANSFORMATION GROWTH FACTOR-β1-

MEDIATED BRONCHIAL EPITHELIAL-ESENCHYMAL

TRANSITION Nur Amilia Hanie Mohamad

Hasan Universiti Putra Malaysia

OF11 GENOTYPING AND

PHENOTYPING FOR RICE SELECTION RESISTANT TO

BLAST, BACTERIA LEAF BLIGHT AND TOLERANT TO

DROUGHT Ibrahim Silas Akos

Universiti Putra Malaysia

OF19 BOTTLENECK ANALYSIS OF

BRAHMAN CATTLE BREED IN MALAYSIA BASED ON

MICROSATELLITE MARKERS Dr. Haytham Hago Abdelwahid

University of Bahri, Sudan

1120

OM12 ANTI-OBESITY EFFECT OF

Strobilanthes crispus LEAVES EXTRACT BY INHIBITION OF

HUMAN VISCERAL PREADIPOCYTE CELLS AND

INCREASED GENE EXPRESSION OF PRO-

INFLAMMATORY ADIPOCYTOKINES

Dr. Norhasnida Zawawi Universiti Putra Malaysia

OF12 Erwinia mallotivora OMICS

AND FUNCTIONAL STUDIES: INSIGHTS INTO

PATHOGENESIS MECHANISM AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT

STRATEGY Dr. Norliza Abu Bakar Malaysian Agricultural

Research and Development Institute

OF20 HAPLOINSUFFICIENCY ON SHELL GENE TO IMPROVE

PREDICTION OF FRUIT FORMS IN OIL PALMS Fong Po Yee

Sime Darby Technology Centre Sdn. Bhd.

1135

OM13 HUMAN DNA GENOTYPING FROMTROPICAL BED BUG: APPLICATION IN FORENSIC

ENTOMOLOGY Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Hafiz

Ab Majid Universiti Sains Malaysia

OF13 BIOPROSPECTION,

CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION OF MICROBIAL

GENETIC RESOURCES RELATED TO AGRICULTURE:

MARDIS EFFORT Dr. Tosiah Sadi

Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development

Institute

OF21 EFFECT OF WATER DEFICIT ON

THE AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS AND SDS-PAGE PROTEIN PATTERN OF

THREE SABAH DRYLAND RICE VARIETIES

Poey Shao Jiann Universiti Malaysia Sabah

9







TRACK 1

Medicine & Health

Sciences

TRACK 2

Food, Agriculture &

Horticulture

TRACK 2

Food, Agriculture &

Horticulture

1150

OM14 INACTIVATION OF RICTOR-

MTORC2 IMPAIRED AKT AND ITS DOWNSTREAM

ACTIVITIES IN DYSTROPHIN-DEFICIENT

MYOBLASTS Dr. Muhammad Da’in Yazid


OF14 PHYLOGENETIC

RELATIONSHIPS OF PARASITOIDS SPECIES ON DOMINANT PEST OF OIL

PALM, Metisa plana (LEPIDOPTERA: PSYCHIDAE)

USING COI AND 28S DNA SEQUENCES

Aqilah Sakinah Badrulisham Universiti Kebangsaan

Malaysia

OF22 THE GENETICS OF UNIQUE COCONUT (Cocos nucifera)

KOPYOR ENDOSPERM MUTANTS FROM INDONESIA

Prof. Dr. Sudarsono Bogor Agricultural University,

Indonesia

1205

OM15 A PILOT STUDY TO

DETERMINE IMMUNE RESPONSE FOLLOWING 2

DOSE HPV VACCINATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOL FEMALES IN TAMPIN,

NEGERI SEMBILAN Dr. Nuruliza Roslan

Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia

OF15 PRELIMINARY STUDY OF

PATERNAL EFFECT ON THE CHARACTERS OF ‘MUSANG

KING’ DURIAN (Durio zibethinus L.) FRUIT FROM

CROSS POLLINATION Muhammad Afiq Tajol Ariffin


Institute

OF23 GENETIC PARAMETERS

ESTIMATION AND SELECTION OF Pisum sativum ACCESSIONS

IN LOWLANDS Dr. Darmawan Saptadi

Brawijaya University, Indonesia

1220

OM16 ASSOCIATION OF IL-23

WITH THE SEVERITY OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Dr. Imelda Rey Universitas Sumatera Utara,

Indonesia

OF16 EVALUATION OF YIELD AND

IMPORTANT AGRONOMIC TRAITS OF POTENTIAL

MUTANT PURPLE SWEET POTATO (Ipomoea batatas (L.)

Lam) GENOTYPES Nurul Afza Karim


Institute

OF24 POLYMORPHISM

INFORMATION CONTENT AND HETEROZYGOSITY VALUES OF SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEATS

MARKERS IN HARUMANIS AND OTHER MANGO CULTIVARS

Arina Yusuf Universiti Malaysia Perlis

1235

OF17 In-planta EXPRESSION OF

Meloidogyne incognita 16D10 GENE FOR GLOBAL

INTERACTOME ANALYSIS OF BANANA-16D10 GENE VIA

AFFINITY TAGGING PURIFICATION-MASS

SPECTROMETRY (AP-MS) APPROACH

Nur Hikmah Mostaffa University of Malaya

OF25 CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT

PLAN TO ENSURE SUSTAINABILITY FOR GIANT

FRESHWATER PRAWN NATURAL POPULATIONS: 15

YEARS OUTLOOK FROM MALAYSIAN PERSPECTIVE Assoc. Prof. Subha Bhassu

University of Malaya

10

1250 Lunch & Exhibition Tour


Chairperson: Dr. Norshariza Nordin (Universiti Putra Malaysia)

1400 Technology Talk

1430

TRACK 1: MEDICINE & HEALTH SCIENCES PLENARY 8 Title / Theme: CELLULAR SENESCENCE ALTERS THE CIRCADIAN CLOCK VIA INTRACELLULAR NAD+

Speaker: ASSOC. PROF. DR. YASU NAKAHATA Designation/Organisation: NAGASAKI UNIVERSITY, JAPAN

1500

TRACK 2: FOOD, AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE PLENARY 9 Title / Theme: MOLECULAR PERSPECTIVE OF THE UNIQUE DOMESTICATION, ABUNDANT GENETIC DIVERSITY AND RAPID ADAPTATION OF BUFFALO AND CHICKEN IN ASIA Speaker: DR. JIANLIN HAN Designation/Organisation: INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK RESEARCH INSTITUTE, KENYA

1530

TRACK 3: FORESTRY, CONSERVATION & BIODIVERSITY PLENARY 10 Title / Theme: RECONSTITUTED CYANOBACTERIAL CIRCADIAN CLOCK IN COLD CONDITIONS Speaker: ASSOC. PROF. DR. HIROSHI ITO Designation/Organisation: KYUSHU UNIVERSITY, JAPAN

1600 Refreshment

1615

CLOSING CEREMONY

(Venue; Melur Hall)

Certificate Presentation

Closing Remarks by the Chairman of the Organising Committee

11

LIST OF POSTER PRESENTATIONS

POSTER ID

PAPER TITLE PRESENTER

TRACK 1: MEDICINE & HEALTH SCIENCES PM1 CHARACTERIZING MUTATIONS IN BCR-ABL KINASE DOMAIN

DETERMINES RESPONSIVENESS TO TYROSINE KINASE INHIBITORS TREATMENT IN CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKAEMIA

Aliza Mohd Yacob National Institute of Health

PM2 DEVELOPMENT OF SCORING ANALYSIS METHOD FOR DICENTRIC ASSAY TECHNIQUE USING PAN-CENTROMERIC PROBE

Rahimah Abdul Rahim Malaysian Nuclear Agency

PM3 PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SELF NANO-EMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM LOADED WITH CITRAL AND ITS ANTIPROLIFERATIVE EFFECT ON COLORECTAL CANCER CELLS IN VITRO

Mira Nadiah Mohd Izham Universiti Putra Malaysia

PM4 KEFIR WATER REDUCES HUMAN AMYLOID-BETA 1-42 AGGREGATION AND ATTENUATES HYDROGEN PEROXIDE-INDUCED APOPTOSIS IN SH-SY5Y CELLS

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noorjahan Banu Mohamed Alitheen Universiti Putra Malaysia

PM5 CASE STUDY: CONFIRMATION OF A NOVEL SLC16A2 GENE EXONIC DELETION AND CARRIER TESTING USING QUANTITATIVE PCR (QPCR) METHOD

Yusnita Yakob Institute for Medical Research

PM6 IDENTIFICATION OF TWO NOVEL SRCAP GENE MUTATIONS IN FLOATING-HARBOR SYNDROME PATIENTS FROM MALAYSIA

Lua Seok Hian Institute for Medical Research

PM7 POTENTIAL OF GENE EDITING IN AVOIDING BROKEN FAMILY LINEAGE IN A PATIENT WITH PEUTZ-JEGHER SYNDROME

Dr. Nurul Diyanah Kamarudin Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II

PM8 QUALITY ANALYSIS OF DNA EXTRACTED FROM DIFFERENT BLOOD COMPOSITIONS FROM INFERTILE MALAY WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)

Fatin Munirah Md Aris Universiti Putra Malaysia

PM9 CHONDROITIN/DERMATAN SULPHATE DISACCHARIDE PROFILING: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR POTENTIAL SMALL MOLECULES AS PHARMACOLOGICAL CHAPERONE FOR TREATMENT OF MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSES TYPE II

Balqis Kamarudin Institute for Medical Research

PM10 MITOCHONDRIAL DNA MUTATION VARIATION OF MALAYSIAN POPULATION: PRELIMINARY STUDY

Siti Nur Zahidah Zahari Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

PM11 VITAMIN D AND HEMOSTASIS PARAMETERS FOR HIV/AIDS PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS COINFECTION IN HAJI ADAM MALIK GENERAL HOSPITAL MEDAN

Elrica University of Sumatera Utara

PM12 SOY-CATFISH-ANCHOVY-RICE SUPPLEMENTATION INCREASE 25(OH)D SERUM LEVELS IN TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS WITH COMPLICATION

Dr. Dina Keumala Sari University of Sumatera Utara

PM13 VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

Dr. Dina Keumala Sari University of Sumatera Utara

PM14 VON HIPPEL–LINDAU AND HEREDITARY PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA / PARAGANGLIOMA SYNDROMES: MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS AID IN THE PRECISION MEDICINE AND GENETIC COUNSELLING

Rifhan Azwani Mazlan Pusat Perubatan Universiti Malaya

12

POSTER ID


TRACK 2: FOOD, AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE PF1 AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF TEN SELECTED POTENTIAL KENAF

MUTANT LINES AT BESERI, PERLIS Dr. Zaiton Ahmad Malaysian Nuclear Agency

PF2 RADIOSENSITIVITY RESPONSE TO ACUTE AND CHRONIC GAMMA IRRADIATION IN TARO (Colocasia esculenta)

Nurul Shafika Mohd Nasir Universiti Teknologi MARA

PF3 RADIOSENSITIVITY RESPONSE TO ACUTE GAMMA IRRADIATION IN MR284, MALAYSIAN RICE VARIETY (Oryza sativa L.)

Nurul Nadia Jaafar Universiti Teknologi MARA

PF4 MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF BIOMETRIC TRAITS IN BRAKMAS CATTLE

Mohd Hafiz Abd Wahab Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute

PF5 PRACTICAL GENOME-ENABLED LEGITIMACY ASSAY FOR OIL PALM BREEDING AND SEED PRODUCTION

Siti Dalila Muaz Sime Darby Plantation Technology Centre Sdn. Bhd.

PF6 SCREENING OF SELECTED RICE MUTANT LINES FOR ANAEROBIC GERMINATION AND SUBMERGENCE TOLERANT

Faiz Ahmad Malaysian Nuclear Agency

PF7 THE EFFECT OF CHRONIC GAMMA IRRADIATION IN INDUCING EARLY FLOWERING IN MALAYAN TALL COCONUTS IN MARDI BAGAN DATUK

Sentoor Kumeran Govindasamy Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute

PF8 GENOTYPE-BASED CLUSTERING OF CLONAL VARIETIES TO IMPROVE RUBBER BREEDING PROGRAM

Nurshazwani Amalina Sudirman & Muhamad Nizam Haron Sime Darby Plantation Technology Centre Sdn. Bhd.

PF9 DNA METABARCODING APPROACH FOR FOOD PREFERENCES AND DIET ANALYSES OF JUVENILES TOR TOMBROIDES USING GASTROINTESTINAL CONTENTS

Nur Farhana Mohd Yusoff Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

PF10 MORPHOMETRIC VARIATIONS OF Oreochromis niloticus FROM THREE WILD POPULATIONS IN SOUTH-WEST (ELEYELE, OWALLA AND OWENA) NIGERIA

Prof. Dr. Agbebi, Olubunmi Temilade Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

PF11 GUS EXPRESSION STUDY OF TRANSGENIC ARABIDOPSIS OVEREXPRESSED WITH OIL PALM EARLY NODULIN 93 PROTEIN GENE (EgENOD93)

Intan Ernieza Farhana Nizan Malaysian Palm Oil Board

PF12 VARIATIONS IN COAT COLOR, HEAD PROFILE, EAR AND HORN PATTERN ON KATJANG-BOER CROSSBRED

Izuan Bahtiar Ab Jalal Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute

PF13 LIBIDO AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF KATJANG X BOER F2 BUCKS IN MARDI KLUANG

Julie Marzlinda Mohd Razaki Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute

PF14 POLYMORPHISM OF THE GROWTH HORMONE GENE IN KATJANG HYBRID GOAT

Amie Marini Abu Bakar Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute

PF15 PRELIMINARY STUDY OF NEW MARDI’S COCONUT VARIETIES (Cocos nucifera) USING SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEATS

Dr. Khairun Hisam Nasir Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute

PF16 ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Lactobacillus spp. FROM KEFIR SAMPLES IN MALAYSIA

Noorshafadzilah Talib Universiti Putra Malaysia

13

POSTER ID


FOOD, AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE PF17 MATURE SIZE AND RATE OF MATURING OF KATJANG-BOER GOAT

BASED ON BRODY GROWTH CURVE MODEL Mohamad Hifzan Rosali Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute

PF18 UNDERSTANDING THE RICE OsSAP8 PROMOTER REGULATION IN RESPONSE TO ABIOTIC STRESS

Dr. Nurulhikma Md Isa Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

PF19 INVESTIGATIVE METABOLITE PROFILING OF OIL PALM TISSUES BY GC/Q-TOF: FROM EXTRACTION TO DATA ANALYSIS

Nurul Liyana Rozali Malaysian Palm Oil Board

PF20 BUILDING A METADATA-BASED CATALOG OF MARDI RICE GENEBANK PHENOTYPIC DATASETS IN GENESYS

Azuan Amron Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute

PF21 MPOB-NIGERIA POPULATION 12 OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) GERMPLASM LINKED TO DWARFNESS

Norziha Abdullah Malaysian Palm Oil Board

PF22 IDENTIFICATION OF REFERENCE GENES IN WHOLE RICE GRAIN OF LOCAL PIGMENTED AND NON-PIGMENTED VARIETIES FOR NORMALIZATION OF QUANTITATIVE PCR-BASED GENE EXPRESSION DATA

Dr. Yun Shin Sew Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute

PF23 VALIDATION OF SIMILARITY BETWEEN BRINJAL T-64 AND BT BRINJAL EVENT EE-1

Dhabitah Kamaruzzaman Forest Research Institute of Malaysia

PF24 COMPLETE WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCE OF A MEAT-DERIVED PROBIOTIC BACTERIUM, Lactobacillus paracasei IIA-1A5

Dr. Cahyo Budiman Universiti Malaysia Sabah

PF25 ANALYSIS OF ETHYL METHANESULPHONATE (EMS)-INDUCED M2 MUTANT POPULATIONS OF EGGPLANT (Solanum melongena)

Ranjita Subramaniam Universiti Malaysia Sabah

PF26 APPLICATION OF MARKER-ASSISTED SELECTION (MAS) IN DEVELOPMENT OF RICE RESISTANT AGAINST BACTERIAL LEAF BLIGHT DISEASE IN RICE (Oryza sativa L.)

Siti Norhidaya Yazid Universiti Putra Malaysia

PF27 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HYBRID PERFORMANCE AND GENETIC DISTANCE, SPECIFIC COMBINING ABILITY AND HETEROSIS AMONG PARENTAL INBRED LINES IN FORAGE CORN

Prof. Dr. Ghizan Saleh Universiti Putra Malaysia

PF28 PRELIMINARY STUDY ON POLYEMBRYONIC HARUMANIS MANGO (Mangifera indica) SEEDLINGS

Zul Helmey Mohamad Sabdin Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute

PF29 Mariposa christia vespertilionis GREEN: PLANTING MATERIAL PRODUCTION

Dr. Siti Salwana Hashim Forest Research Institute Malaysia

PF30 Alstonia angustiloba: STEM CUTTING TECHNIQUE Abdul Rrazak Sahril Forest Research Institute Malaysia

PF31 EFFECTS IN DURATION OF ROOTING FOR MICROCUTTINGS PROPAGATION OF STEVIA USING A MIST-CHAMBER PROPAGATION BOX

Nur Izzati Azizan Universiti Teknologi MARA

PF32 INDUCED MUTATION BY GAMMA RADIATION ON BANANA CV. BERANGAN (Musa sp.) FOR IN VITRO SHOOT INDUCTION

Aisyah Athirah Hasim Universiti Teknologi MARA

PF33 GENETIC VARIATION FOR MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF EGGPLANT (Solanum melongena L.) GERMPLASMS EVALUATED UNDER TWO DIFFERENT CROPPING SYSTEMS USING ANOVA AND MULTIVARIATE TOOLS

Nur Nadzirah Mat Sulaiman Universiti Putra Malaysia

PF34 SCREENING AND DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH YIELDING DROUGHT TOLERANCE RICE LINES THROUGH MARKER ASSISTED BACKCROSSING (MABC)

Noor Asma'a Awang Universiti Putra Malaysia

14

POSTER ID


TRACK 2: FOOD, AGRICULTURE & HORTICULTURE PF35 MARKER-ASSISTED INTROGRESSION OF MULTIPLE RESISTANCE

GENES CONFERS BROAD SPECTRUM RESISTANCE AGAINST BACTERIAL LEAF BLIGHT AND BLAST DISEASES IN PUTRA-1 RICE VARIETY

Dr. Samuel Chibuike Chukwu Universiti Putra Malaysia

PF36 FRUIT QUALITY EVALUATION OF LIMAU MADU ACCESSIONS IN MARDI KLUANG

Noor Baiti Abdul Aziz Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute

POSTER ID


TRACK 3: FORESTRY, CONSERVATION & BIODIVERSITY PB1 INFERENCES OF HISTORICAL DEMOGRAPHIC OF COD SPECIES USING

WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCES Dr. Nadiatul Hafiza Hassan Universiti Putra Malaysia

PB2 ALLELIC LADDERS FOR ACCURATE GENOTYPE DETERMINATIONS IN FORENSIC ANALYSIS OF Shorea platyclados (MERANTI BUKIT)

Dr. Ng Chin Hong Forest Research Institute Malaysia

PB3 THE CHARACTERIZATION OF GENETIC POLYMORPHISM WITHIN FECUNDITY GENES (BMP15, BMPR1B AND GDF9) AMONG THE MALIN SHEEP BREED POPULATIONS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Siti Nabilah Mahdzar Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

PB4 1ST NATIONAL TIGER SURVEY: A NON-INVASIVE METHOD FOR WILDLIFE INVENTORY

Dr. Jeffrine J. Rovie-Ryan Department of Wildlife and National Parks

PB5 OPTIMIZATION OF PARENTAGE TESTING USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS THROUGH CONVENTIONAL PCR IN MALIN SHEEP

Suriaty Ramli Department of Veterinary Services

PB6 SUN BEAR (Helarctos malayanus) DIET ANALYSIS THROUGH SHOTGUN SEQUENCING OF SCAT SAMPLES

Hartini Ithnin Department of Wildlife and National Parks

PB7 IDENTIFICATION OF AGRODYKE-INDUCED GENES AND PATHWAYS POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH DEFENSE RESPONSE IN ACACIA HYBRID AGAINST CERATOCYSTIS INFECTION

Nur Nabilah Alias Forest Research Institute Malaysia

PB8 CRESTED ARGUS FROM PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: FIRST RECORD OF MOLECULAR DATA

Norsyamimi Rosli Department of Wildlife and National Parks

PB9 WILD IPOMOEA SPECIES INHABITING COASTAL AREA OF MALAYSIA Siti Sofiah Mohamad Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute

PB10 LYTIC AND DEGRADATION ENZYME PRODUCTION UNDER SOLID STATE FERMENTATION BY ENDOPHYTIC Trichoderma virens 159C

Lee Pei Lee Angel Malaysian Palm Oil Board

PB11 IDENTIFICATION OF MANGROVE PLANT SPECIES THROUGH DNA BARCODING APPROACH

Hazwani Humaira' Zakaria Forest Research Institute Malaysia

PB12 FRUITS MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND LEAF VENATION OF Baccaurea brevipes Hook. f. AND B. motleyana (Mull.Arg.) Mull. Arg

Khadijah Awang Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute

PB13 IDENTIFICATION OF WRKY TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR EXPRESSED IN ROOT OF TONGKAT ALI: PRELIMINARY STUDY

Dr. Norlia Basherudin Forest Research Institute Malaysia

PB14 PRELIMINARY RESULTS ON HIGH THROUGHPUT IN VITRO MICROPROPAGATION OF Aquilaria malaccensis

Nurnadiah Roslan Forest Research Institute Malaysia

15

POSTER ID


TRACK 3: FORESTRY, CONSERVATION & BIODIVERSITY PB15 UNVEILING THE GENETIC RELATIONSHIP OF TARO CULTIVARS BY

MATK Zulhairil Ariffin Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute

PB16 PRELIMINARY STUDY ON ENCAPSULATION OF Aquilaria malaccensis AND Endospermum malaccense FOR IN VITRO GERMINATION AND PROPAGATION

Nor Asmah Hassan Forest Research Institute Malaysia

PB17 SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF Shorea roxburghii (MERANTI TEMAK NIPIS) SEEDLINGS UNDER FOREST CANOPY

Nor Asmah Hassan Forest Research Institute Malaysia

PB18 PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATION OF DIPTEROCARP AND NON-DIPTEROCARP TREES ON ASSESSING IMPACT OF CO2 INCREASE THROUGH FREE AIR CARBON DIOXIDE, CO2 ENRICHMENT (FACE) STUDY IN TEKAM, PAHANG

Nadiah Salmi Nadzri Forest Research Institute Malaysia

PB19 EARLY NURSERY GROWTH MEASURES INDICATE SUCCESSFUL TRANSFER OF DESIRABLE TRAITS TO 3RD CYCLE DERIVATIVES FROM OIL PALM ORIGINALLY PROSPECTED FROM NIGERIA

Goh Hua Lek IOI Group Pamol Plantation Sdn. Bhd.

PB20 DECIPHERING THE PHYLOGENY AND GENETIC ADAPTIVE VARIATIONS IN THE COMMON HOUSE CROW OF SOUTH ASIA BY POPULATION MITOGENOMICS

Farheena Iqbal Monash University Malaysia

PB21 STUDY ON POLYPLOIDY STABILITY IN Aquilaria malaccensis (KARAS), CLONE FT-fAm

Dr. Siti Suhaila A Rahman Forest Research Institute Malaysia

16

ABSTRACT OF MENDEL LECTURE

GENETIC INNOVATIONS TO REVERSE AGEING: DREAM OR REALITY?

Wan Zurinah Wan Ngah

Emeritus Professor of Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine, Hospital Tunku Chancellor Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

Studies into the science of ageing itself has encountered much difficulty due to its highly complex nature compounded by multifactorial elements. The ageing process has been reported to be influenced by genetics, in utero exposure, early life factors, environmental risks and lifestyle. Furthermore the dynamics of change differ at different stages of the lifespan. However, there has been some exciting and promising recent advances that researchers have reported that ageing research have come of age and become mainstream. This is evidenced by the millions of USD that investors have committed to ageing research related to the maintenance of healthspan and the extension of lifespan now given the term Geroscience. So have any of these research shifted and translated to genetic innovations? This is particularly relevant with the omics technology after the complete elucidation of the human genome in 2003. And how has these findings been translated to prevent and reduce the effects of the ageing process? Genetic innovations in the broadest sense would include not just manipulations at gene level but also use of products as a result of these manipulations. These include reprogramming ageing cells such as in the use of inducible pluripotent stem cells, smoothing cell nuclei wrinkling and gene deletions. For instance, in ageing skin research, L’Oreal has used molecular signatures of skin to develop products to keep skin young and called this Beouteomique. The gene activities of young skin is compared to that of old skin and used in the production of anti-ageing serum. Moving to more serious problems of ageing are diseases that are age-related, now included as an extension code in WHO ICD-11. The high risk of other degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes mellitus occurring with increasing age is of concern in an ageing world where 22% of the world population will be over 60 years by 2050. The management of these risks by whatever means including genetic innovations will be very much a dream in making reality efforts to keep healthy ageing (healthspan and possibly lifespan) as an important and prominent agenda in the community and society at large.

17

ABSTRACT OF INVITED SPEAKERS PLENARY 1

GENETIC AND PHENOTYPIC DIFFERENTIATION OF IN THE MALARIA PARASITE PLASMODIUM KNOWLESI

Fong Mun Yik

Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Plasmodium knowlesi is a blood parasite of longtail and pigtail monkeys in Southeast Asia. The first natural human infection by this parasite occurred in a US Army surveyor in theforest of Pahang in 1965. In 2004, a large number of human knowlesi malaria was reported inKapit, Sarawak. To date, more than 10,000 knowlesi malaria cases have been documented, mainly in Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. Other countries in Southeast Asia too have reported human knowlesi malaria. Plasmodium knowlesi has now overtaken P. vivax (a human malaria parasite) as the main cause of human malaria in Malaysia. My studies on the molecular epidemiology of P. knowlesi based on haplotype network analyses of several genes (Duffy Binding proteins, PkA-type 18S rRNA, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, PkCOXI) revealed that P. knowlesi from Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo are genetically distinct. This finding is recently augmented via full genome analysis conducted by other researchers. The next quest is to investigate whether this genetic dichotomy has resulted in phenotypic differences between the P. knowlesi from these two regions. One of my studies discovered significant difference in the binding level of erythrocyte binding protein (PkDBPαII) of P. knowlesi isolates from these two regions to human erythrocytes. It was also discovered that PkDBPαII binds stronger to human Duffy FyAB erythrocytes than to Duffy FyA erythrocytes. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.

18

PLENARY 2

PROTEOMICS OF STARCH METABOLISM IN RICE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURE AND ELEVATED CO2 CONDITIONS

Toshiaki Mitsui

Niigata University, Japan [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Global warming is one of the most serious environmental issues. Increasing greenhouse gas CO2 concentrations resulting from human activity caused most of the observed temperature increase since the mid-20th century. The infrared radiation from the earth's surface is adsorbed by the greenhouse gas, and the thermal radiation from the greenhouse gas again pours to the surface. Global climate models predict an increase in global mean temperature and a higher frequency of intense heat spikes during this century. Cereals such as rice (Oryza sativa L.) are more susceptible to heat stress, mainly during the gametogenesis and flowering stages. In addition, heat stress during grain filling often causes serious damage to the grain quality of rice and, therefore, yield losses. In order to understand the metabolic activities in rice plant exposed to heat, omics-based approaches have been carried out in past decade. Especially, the omics analyses of developing caryopses have been intensively performed, since this is the most heat-sensitive organ in terms of grain quality. When rice plants were exposed to heat during the flowering to grain filling stages, sever grain chalking and reduction in grain weight were occurred. A series of omics studies revealed that the key starch synthesis-related enzymes including granule-bound starch synthase (GBSSI) and starch branching enzyme (BEIIb) were downregulated, however conversely, a group of starch degrading enzymes (Amy1A, Amy1C, Amy3A, Amy3D and Amy3E) were dramatically upregulated under heat stress conditions. Furthermore, the ectopic overexpression and suppression of α-amylases affected occurrence of grain chalkiness, indicating that α-amylases are involved in occurring chalky grains under heat stress.

Proteomic analyzes of rice chalky grains revealed deregulations in the expression of multiple proteins implicated in diverse metabolic and physiological functions, such as protein synthesis, redox homeostasis, lipid metabolism, in addition to starch biosynthesis and degradation. As the mechanism of grain chalkiness caused by heat stress may be highly complex, other factors involved in grain chalkiness also required detailed analysis. We show recent progress of proteomics of starch metabolism in rice under high temperature and elevated CO2 conditions, and discuss factors involved in grain chalkiness.

19

PLENARY 3

USE OF GENETICS IN CONSERVATION

Faridah Qamaruz Zaman Universiti Putra Malaysia

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

The genetic structure of a population of any species is its evolutionary life insurance policy. The variability exists in the genepool of the population is the raw material for Natural Selection. It is essential to permitting the species to continue adapting to its changing environment. When populations decline to a few individuals, the genetic variability can be reduced or lost. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) were used to partition genetic variation within and between all populations of the rare British orchid Orchis militaris. The three populations of O. militaris were shown to be genetically distinct. Conservation strategies to ensure long-term survival of this species were developed on the basis of the molecular results. A similar molecular study of the slipper orchid Paphiopedilum rothschildianum, an endemic from Sabah was conducted. Illegal logging poses a significant threat to the sustainability of Malaysian forest ecosystems. DNA fingerprinting is a useful tool in forensic forestry investigations. Twelve good quality STR loci (Nhe004, Nhe005, Nhe011, Nhe015, Nhe018, Hbi161, Sle392, Sle605, Slu044a, Shc03, Shc04 and Shc07) were identified. DNA fingerprinting databases of Neobalanocarpus heimii (chengal) are ready to be used for forensic investigations.

20

PLENARY 4

BUILDING BRAINS: CEREBRAL ORGANOIDS AS TOOLS TO UNDERSTAND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

John O. Mason

Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh Medical School, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

Many neurodevelopmental disorders have major impacts on the lives of patients and their families. Such disorders are thought to arise in utero as a consequence of the normal developmental mechanisms that control embryonic development of the brain going awry. Improving our understanding of the developmental roots of such disorders will be of great value in devising effective treatment strategies for patients. Mouse models are commonly used as tools to investigate the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, there are significant differences in brain development between mouse and human, so there are limits to how much we can learn using mice. The recent advent of brain organoids allows us, for the first time, to study development of the human embryonic brain in an accessible way. Brain organoids are small 3D pieces of tissue grown from human stem cells that contain the cell types found in embryonic brain, arranged in the same way as in an embryo. We are using human cerebral organoids to investigate the mechanisms underlying FOXG1 Syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the FOXG1 gene. FOXG1 Syndrome patients have a wide range of symptoms including severe intellectual disability, seizures and involuntary movements, such as jerking movements of the arms and legs. Most affected children never learn to sit or walk without assistance. FOXG1 encodes a transcription factor known to be essential for normal brain development. Using CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, we shall generate a set of human iPSC lines containing patient-specific FOXG1 mutations. Careful investigation of the behaviour of neural progenitors and early born neurons in cerebral organoids grown from these iPSC lines will reveal the root causes of FOXG1 Syndrome.

21

PLENARY 5

GENOMICS AND GENETICS OF BREAST CANCER IN MALAYSIAN WOMEN

Soo-Hwang Teo Cancer Research Malaysia

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

In Asia, breast cancer is increasing in incidence rapidly because of changes in reproductive and lifestyle factors, and today, more women die of breast cancer in Asia than in Europe or North America. Whilst early detection of breast cancer is possible through mammography, there is neither the justification nor funding to support population-wide screening of breast cancer, except in high income Asian countries with a higher population incidence of breast cancer like Japan, Korea and Singapore. In the absence of such population-wide screening, the most feasible approach in low and middle income Asian countries may be to offer screening to those at highest risk. In my talk, I will present review what we know about genetic and lifestyle factors which are associated with an increased risk to breast cancer in Asian women, and the potential impact of such research on risk stratified approaches to screening in Asian women. I will present an update on the national mainstreaming genetic counselling for genetic testing of BRCA1 and BRCA2 and the lessons learned from these efforts to improve access to genetics in an Asian setting. In the second part of my talk, I will describe our efforts in mapping the genomic landscape of breast cancers in Asians, highlighting how the molecular differences in cancers arising in women of Asian and Euorpean descent point to point to potential differences in therapy and survival.

mailto:[email protected]

22

PLENARY 6

GENETIC DISSECTION OF THE MAJOR QTLs FOR THE HIGH YIELD POTENTIAL OF CHINA ‘SUPER-RICE

Lin Zhang

Yangzhou University, China [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The global crop production is facing huge challenge due to the increasing population with limited arable land. Rice is the major staple especially for Asians, and its high yield guarantees the food security of many countries. In the past decades, China has gained a large breakthrough for yield improvement known as "super rice project", and a hybrid variety called "Yongyou 12" has set a rational yield record of 14.5 tons per hectare in 2012. To facilitate the MAS breeding project, we aimed to clarify the underlying QTLs/genes determining the high yield potential of the super rice. QTL analysis was performed for traits about plant architecture and panicle size, which are the yield determinant of "Yongyou 12". By substitution mapping, two QTLs named qWS8 and qPL6 were clarified. We found that qWS8 cover a tandom repeat releasing the expression of IPA1 epi genetically, while the qPL6 is the functional allele of APO1 gene. Both alleles can generate strong culms and large panicle, and pyramiding of them can build the new plant type rice quickly, but they would compete for the secondary branches. A three-loci interaction analysis suggests the QTL qWS5 could balance the competition of qWS8 and qPL6, providing a new target for gene mapping and breeding application. We are applying efficient strategies to fasten the QTL identification and cloning, which is exemplified by QTLs identification for plant height and leaf size. Facilitated by genetic study, we are able to take advantage of multiple superior alleles to rapidly improve the modern varieties cultivated in China, and push forward the rational design breeding strategy.

23

PLENARY 7

EVALUATION OF VERTEBRATE SPECIES DIVERSITY IN PASOH USING CAMERA TRAP AND ENVIRONMENTAL DNA

Manabu Onuma

Ecological Risk Assessment and Control Section Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem

National Institute for Environmental Studies 16-2, Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

Pasoh Forest Reserve is located 70 km southeast from Kuala Lumpur (2º98′N 102º31′E) and surrounded by approximately 140 km2 oil palm and rubber plantations. Most of the vegetation of the reserve comprises of regenerating secondary forest from timber harvesting in the 1950‘s with continual selective logging to the present. Extensive camera trapping throughout the Pasoh Forest Reserve was proposed to understand the present situation of vertebrate species diversity. Camera trap pictures taken from 47 trap locations throughout the reserve. Bushnell TROPHYCAM (Model 119636) was used for the present survey. Forty-seven camera traps were set in the reserved approximately 2 km interval from April 2016 to May 2018. Fifty-eight species were observed in 119,383 photos and the most common species was Wild boar (Sus scrofa). In addition 12 species of IUCN threatened species were observed namely, Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica, CR), Asian Giant Tortoise (Manouria emys, CR), Flat-headed Cat (Prionailurus planiceps, EN), Malay Tapir (Tapirus indicus, EN), Binturong (Arctictis binturong, VU), Sumatran Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis, VU), Sun bear (Helarctos malayanus, VU), Southern Pig-tailed Macaque (Macaca nemestrina, VU), Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosi, VU), Leopard (Panthera pardus, VU), Malay Peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron malacense, VU) and Sambar (Rusa unicolor, VU). The most significant result was the capturing of predation video image of a leopard preying on a Spectacled Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus). This video demonstrated that the fragmented forest like Pasoh Forest Reserve is still able to provide prey to feline species. In addition to camera trapping, environmental DNA analysis was applied to evaluate species diversity using surface waters collecting at nine locations in the reserve. The result of the analysis showed that the sequences from seven mammalian species were confirmed from the environmental DNA extracted from surface waters collected in the Pasoh forest reserve. This result suggested that environmental DNA analysis using surface waters is one of the options to detect terrestrial wildlife distributing tropical forests.

24

PLENARY 8

CELLULAR SENESCENCE ALTERS THE CIRCADIAN CLOCK VIA INTRACELLULAR NAD+

Yasu Nakahata

Nagasaki University, Japan [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Over the last decade, a wide array of evidence has been accumulated that disruption of circadian clock is prone to cause age-related diseases and premature aging. On the other hand, aging has been identified as one of the risk factors linked to the alteration of circadian clock. These evidences suggest that the processes of aging and circadian clock feedback on each other at the animal level. However, whether these two processes regulate each other at the cellular level is still largely unknown. We have recently reported that the primary fibroblast cells derived from Bmal1-/- mouse embryo, in which circadian clock is completely disrupted, do not demonstrate the acceleration of cellular aging, i.e., cellular senescence. On the other hand, we also have revealed that cellular senescence affects the circadian clock. Interestingly, we found that senescent cells possess a longer circadian period with delayed peak-time and that the variability in peak-time is wider in the senescent cells compared to their proliferative counterparts, indicating that senescent cells show alterations of circadian clock. Since we have revealed that circadian clock and NAD+ metabolism are mutually regulated and that intracellular NAD+ amount decreases with aging, we made the hypothesis that “intracellular NAD+ amount modulates the period length of circadian clock”. So far, we found that the boost of intracellular NAD+ shorten the circadian period in the senescent cells and one of the NAD+-dependent enzyme is the candidate to regulate the period length of circadian clock. I would be very pleased that I could discuss our latest results with you.

25

PLENARY 9 MOLECULAR PERSPECTIVE OF THE UNIQUE DOMESTICATION, ABUNDANT GENETIC DIVERSITY AND

RAPID ADAPTATION OF BUFFALO AND CHICKEN IN ASIA

Jian-Lin Han1,2

1CAAS-ILRI Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China

2International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi 00100, Kenya [email protected]

ABSTRACT

History of livestock and poultry domestication, including their demographic trajectory, dating and wide geographic ranges to rapidly adapt to diversified environmental, climatic and management conditions, are still a popular debate because the genetic mechanisms underlying their domestication and response to natural/artificial selection remained poorly explored. To address these questions and challenges, ILRI Livestock Genetics program, supported by the ILRI - CAAS Joint Laboratory on Livestock and Forage Genetic Resources (CAAS, China) and the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) programme based at the University of Edinburgh and SRUC (Roslin Institute, UK), as well as by the long-term strategic collaboration with many national partners in Asia, have been generating abundant whole genome sequences of all major livestock and poultry species and their indigenous breeds in most Asian countries (e.g. 1000 chicken and junglefowl genomes). In order to fill important geographic gaps, meta-analyses was done on complete mitochondrial and nuclear genomic DNA sequences of all new and published livestock and poultry across Eurasia. Our new findings offer novel insights into the unique domestication and rapid genomic adaptations of Asian indigenous livestock (e.g. buffaloes) and poultry (e.g. chickens) breeds to extreme environments and management systems via long-term natural selection and more importantly the recent genomic introgression from relative (wild) species (e.g. junglefowls). The genetic diversity and associated genomic resources of these unique and locally-adapted animal generated through our regional and/or continental level collaboration pave a promising way towards future research on the sustainable livestock and poultry breeding in response to the ever-increasing human demand for animal-sourced foods, climate change and emerging disease challenges.

26

PLENARY 10

RECONSTITUTED CYANOBACTERIAL CIRCADIAN CLOCK IN COLD CONDITIONS

Hiroshi Ito Kyushu University, Japan

[email protected]

ABSTRACT

Cyanobacteria show circadian rhythms at the physiological level, e.g. production rate of oxygen, fixation of nitrogen, etc. The three responsible genes for production of circadian rhythms, kaiA, kaiB and kaiC, were identified in the end of last century (Ishiura et al. Science 1998). Some years later, we found that these three genes are enough for production for circadian rhythms through reconstitution of circadian clock in a test tube. It had been reported that the phosphorylation level of KaiC protein can oscillate with a period of 24 hours in a cell (Iwasaki et al. PNAS 2002). We biochemically succeeded in reconstitution of the phosphorylation cycle by just mixing the recombinant KaiABC prtoteins together with ATP (Nakajima et al. Science 2004). The reconstituted biochemical oscillator contributed to recent exciting progresses in cyanobacterial circadian biology. Our group is now focusing on effects of low temperature on circadian rhythms. Chilly environment generally abolishes circadian rhythms of poikilotherm or plants, e.g. Drosphila, Neurospora and Aradibopsis. We recently found cyanobacteria also lose its rhythmicity around 20 ºC (Murayama et al. PNAS 2017). We also clarified mathematical mechanism for cold-induced nullification of cyanobacterial clock. Some scenarios for loss of self-sustained oscillation have been proposed in the field of nonlinear dynamics. Hopf bifurcation is one of the scenarios, a transition from self-sustained oscillation into a damping oscillation. Diminishing oscillation amplitude around the transition is a remarkable symptom for Hopf bifurcation. We examined temperature dependency on amplitude and confirmed that Hopf bifurcation occurred in both in vitro Kai oscillator and in vivo population of cyanobacterial cells. In additions, the damped oscillation amplitude of the clock under low temperature was recovered through resonance with periodical environmental stimulations. In this presentation, I will present the universality of Hopf bifurcation beyond species and the possible scenario for evolution of circadian rhythms together with an ongoing project in Malaysia.

27

LM1

UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE OF COLITIS-ASSOCIATED CANCER

Norfilza Mohd Mokhtar Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory condition of gastrointestinal tract. Two major subtypes are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). The incidence and prevalence of IBD in Asia is still relatively low and the data is still lacking. Our recent data showed the increased in trend of new cases diagnosed. Among the reasons to explain the increased incidence and prevalence in this part of the world is associated with environmental factors. Choice of more westernised diet, smoking, and obesity may interact with the intestinal microenvironment leading to inflammation in the gut. The inappropriate immune response to environmental changes directing to oxidative stress in the mucosal layer of the GI tract. Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) develops from underlying chronic inflammatory diseases. Approximately 10-15% of patients with UC may potentially developed colorectal cancer within 30 years of disease onset and CAC is the most unwanted long-term complication of IBD. High throughput technologies have enabled a better understanding on the molecular part of IBD and CAC. We studied the underlying molecular changes, in particular, the transcriptome of UC. Our result showed that, genes that are related to CAC were differentially expressed in UC patients who suffered the disease for a long duration of time. These genes interact in molecular pathways, with PI3K-Akt signaling being the most prominent pathway that was linked to cancer. Experiments in CAC using animal models suggested that the genes in PI3K-Akt pathway were most likely regulated by microRNA. Remarkable advances in omics technology has reshaped the way we understand the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer with an underlying chronic inflammatory process.

28

LM2

THE UTILITY OF SURROGATE MARKERS IN PREDICTING HLA ALLELES ASSOCIATED WITH ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN A MULTI-ETHNIC MALAYSIAN POPULATION

Ng Ching Ching

University of Malaya [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) could be life-threatening reactions. HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-B*58:01 alleles are strongly associated with carbamazepine- and allopurinol-induced SCARs, respectively. Screening for these two alleles before prescribing the drugs has been recommended in some populations. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region of chromosome 6 are tightly linked to HLA allele. These SNPs may serve as surrogate markers of the HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-B*58:01 alleles. Our study aimed to evaluate the performance of two selected SNPs in predicting HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-B*58:01 alleles in a multi-ethnic Malaysian population. SNP genotyping was performed in 350 and 336 subjects with known HLA-B alleles. Results showed that the SNP was in low to moderate linkage with HLA-B*15:02 Malay, Indian and Chinese and high to moderate linkage with HLA-B*58:01 in Malay, Chinese and Indian. High Sensitivity, Specificity and Negative Predictive Value for predicting the HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-B*58:01 carriers. The SNPs should be used with caution as surrogate markers for the HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-B*58:01 alleles because of their imperfect linkage with the respective HLA-B alleles.

29

LF1 TRUE-TO-TYPE MICROPROPAGATED PLANTS OF PARA RUBBER (Hevea brasiliensis Müll. Arg.) VIA

SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS

Rujira Tisarum1, Siriwan Thaisakun1, Cattarin Theerawitaya1, Thapanee Samphumpuang1, Wittaya Prommee2, Suriyan Cha-um1

1National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Pathum Thani Thailand

2Chachoengsao Rubber Research Center, Rubber Research Institute, Chachoengsao Thailand [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Plant micropropagation via somatic embryogenesis is a powerful technique for rapid, simple and mass propagation, especially in para rubber. Therefore, a large amount of plant growth regulators were studied to induce development from callus and somatic embryos. This led to observation of abnormal traits i.e. albino, leafy, dwarf plant, hyperhydricity plants, etc. Therefore, it is important to identify true-to-type plants derived from somatic embryogenesis due to the occurrence of somaclonal variation. To date, DNA fingerprinting tools such as RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic), Star Codon Targeted (SCoT), and SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeats) are commonly used to confirm genetic fidelity of each plant derived from somatic embryos. The aim of this study was to develop a somatic embryogenesis protocol from inner integuments of immature seeds. The plantlets were then acclimatized, transplanted into soil and subjected to field trials. The fidelity of each plant was validated using DNA fingerprinting techniques. We found that para rubber plants cv. RRIM600 and plants derived from somatic embryogenesis showed the same pattern of DNA fingerprint. This result was confirmed by RAPD, SCoT and SSRs technique. However, RRIT 226, PB 235, PB 251, PB 255 and BMP 24 showed different fingerprint patterns Based on these results, we confirmed that the individual plant of para rubber cv. RRIM 600 that was derived from somatic embryogenesis was true-to-type to RRIM 600 master stock. Keywords: DNA fingerprinting, para rubber, RAPD, RRIM 600, SCoT, SSRs

30

LF2

INTEGRATED APPROACHES FOR IDENTIFYING CANDIDATE GENES FOR RESISTANCE TO NECROTROPHIC FUNGUS: A CASE OF ASCOCHYTA BLIGHT RESISTANCE IN CHICKPEA

Bunyamin Tar’an, Amit Deokar, Mandeep Sagi & Ketema Daba

Department of Plant Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5A8 [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is the world’s second most important grain legumes. It is a major source of protein for hundreds of millions of people particularly in Asia and Africa. Canada is one of the major chickpea producing countries. Ascochyta blight (AB) disease caused by Ascochyta rabiei is one of the major constraints of chickpea production globally. The use of resistant varieties is considered the most economical and sustainable approach for controlling the disease. However, the molecular mechanism leading to the resistance is still unclear. Identifying candidate genes involved in the resistance would help to understand the genetic and molecular mechanism of ascochyta blight resistance. Four recombinant inbred populations were genotyped using GBS and were screened for their reaction to AB under multiple field and greenhouse trials. A total of 16 QTLs associated with AB resistance across eight chickpea chromosomes were identified in all four mapping populations. GWAS on a panel of 281 diverse chickpea accessions identified additional SNPs associated with ascochyta blight under field and greenhouse conditions. These SNPs were located in 7 out of 8 chickpea chromosomes. To further gain insight into the potential resistance mechanism, we applied RNA-seq using two resistant and one susceptible varieties at different time points after inoculation with the A. rabiei fungus. More than 90% of the transcriptome reads were mapped to the chickpea reference genome sequence. DEG analysis showed that several pathogenesis-related genes, cell wall-mediated pathogen resistance genes, enzymes involved in defense mechanisms, and different classes of stress responsive transcription factors were significantly up-regulated in the resistant varieties. The candidate genes that are overlapped with the QTL associated with AB resistance were further tested for their expression using qRT-PCR. Sequence variants associated with AB resistance and differentially expressed genes in the resistant chickpea varieties are currently being tested for assisted selections for improvement of AB resistance. Keywords: chickpea, ascochyta blight, QTL, GWAS, RNA-Seq, candidate genes

31

LF3

APPLICATION OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY (ART) FOR THE CONSERVATION AND PROPAGATION OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES

Abdul Rashid Baba1 and Habsah Bidin2

1Independent Consultant, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia 2Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI HQ, 50774 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been successfully used for the genetic improvement and propagation of livestock to provide food, clothing, medical and other by-products for our welfare and wellbeing. This presentation is a review of the application of ART in Malaysia mainly in livestock production in small and large ruminant sectors. The ability to control the reproductive functions such as oestrus cycle and gamete production of both male and female animals has further enhanced the application of ART in livestock improvement such as growth and milk production The discovery of the ability for long term cryopreservation of gametes has made ART a viable option for the conservation and global widespread distribution of genetic resources for breed improvement. ART has been used as tools for (i) enhancement and improvement of genetic selection, (ii) long term storage and preservation of genetic materials for conservation, (iii) dissemination of breed locally or internationally, (iv) breed multiplication and reduction of disease risk(s). There are two main applications of ART related to the in vivo and in vitro technique. In the in vivo application of ART such as artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), ovum pickup (OPU) technique, male and female gamete collection and gamete sexing has made it feasible to be used in increasing the production and ensuring sustainability of the various livestock breeds. A brief review will also be presented on the development of a more affordable and portable DIY (do it yourself) laparoscopic technique (MobiLap) and video vaginascope for AI and OPU in small ruminants. In vitro ART refers to the manipulation of cells or gamete under laboratory conditions. Laboratory production of embryos by in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) are relatively more advanced reproductive biotechnologies with many potential applications in livestock production in this country. In vitro embryo production or IVEP is an important technology to mass produce embryos at low cost and could be used to develop the ruminant industry in Malaysia. However, the success of IVEP programme depends on the development of improved in vitro techniques and better understanding of the composition of culture medium required for embryo development. Cloning by SCNTis an advanced reproductive biotechnology procedure with many potential applications in livestock production. Some highlights on the progress of SCNT research in MARDI are discussed. ICSI is another important ART with vast application in the treatment of male infertility and the conservation of endangered animal species. Currently more interest has been shown in the application of ART in the conservation of wildlife species in Sabah with the setting up of specialised laboratory facilities at University Malaysia Sabah with the cooperation of the Wildlife Department Sabah and Borne Rhino Alliance (BORA). Keywords: assisted reproductive technology (ART); genetic improvement; animal conservation

32

LB1 DNA MARKERS SHED LIGHT ON THE NATURAL HISTORY OF MALAYSIAN INSECTS: A SELECTION OF CASE STUDIES USING INSECTS OF ECOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND CONSERVATION IMPORTANCE

Shawn Cheng

Forest Research Institute Malaysia [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Populations of the iconic, synchronously flashing firefly, Pteroptyx tener (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), are increasingly threatened by habitat destruction and land conversion activities in Malaysia. Concerns on how this may have impacted the species led us to undertake an analysis of P. tener genetic diversity here. We also investigated how P. tener arrived at its present distribution along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia using maps of Pleistocene sea levels in Southeast Asia and information on its mitochondrial DNA haplotype distribution. We detected three genetically distinct populations in Malaysia, one each on the east and west coasts of Peninsular Malaysia and the other in Sarawak/Borneo. We found strong support for a scenario where an ancestral P. tener population diverged to form the Sepetang and Selangor River firefly populations when it became disconnected from the Malacca River system as sea levels rose during the late Pleistocene. An introduction event subsequently occurred when the Selangor and Sepetang River populations contributed to the formation of the Linggi River population. Lastly, the admixture event leading to the founding of the Linggi River population most likely occurred when it was connected to the Malacca River system during periods of changing sea levels in the late Pleistocene.

33

ABSTRACT OF ORAL PRESENTATION

TRACK 1: Medicine & Health Sciences OM1

ONCOGENIC MICROORGANISMS “MOLECULAR APPROACH”

Falah Abass Mohamad Salih

1, Janan Hadi

1, Jan Broz

2, Sarah Salih

2

1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Malaysia, Sabah

2 Department of Internal Medicine, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic

Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

With the advancement of molecular technology, cancer research is growing rapidly. However, cancer fundamentally is still a poorly understood disease. It is unclear whether cancer is due to external factors, that is, an infectious agent or due to ageing-related pathologies leading to cell degeneration and cancer. Currently there is no potential cure and the disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Cancer is a genetic disease, due to change in the genome structure and stability which may occur at any time during life span. Microorganism infection is a major contributor to the global cancer burden. Viruses and bacteria are the causes of approximately 20%-25% of human cancers. Mainly seven known oncogenic viruses and few other microorgansims like bacteria and some parasides promote tumorigenesis through shared host cell targets and pathways. There are less reports on the molecular mechanism and tumorigenesis due to these infectious agents. Most reported papers deal directly with genetic mutations as the cause of cancer, but not infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria and parasites. A comprehensive understanding in the mechanism of how microorganisms induce cancer tumorigenesis may lead to the development of therapeutic or preventive strategies for microorganisms- associated cancers. The purpose of this review is to analysis and discus the latest within the molecular levels on the development of cancer due to infectious microorganisms as well the possible strategy for cancer prevention and diagnosis. We shall focus mainly on the most common microorganism causing cancer, Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Keywords: Oncogenic microorganisms, molecular mechanism

34

OM2 MOLECULAR TYPING OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANCE Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ISOLATES FROM STUDENT

POPULATIONS

Nurshahira Sulaiman, Nabilah Azzmi, Mohd Nasir Mohd Desa Universiti Putra Malaysia


ABSTRACT Methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections is one of the most reported multidrug-resistant infections in healthcare setting worldwide. Although MRSA was rarely found in healthy person, they are not excluded from being exposed to subsequent infections of this bacteria that were transmitted by MRSA carriers. This study was carried out to determine nasal carriage prevalence of S. aureus isolated from student populations and to identify the genetic variability of MRSA strain. Nasal carriage samples were obtained from 166 students age between 18-25 years old in Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia. The S. aureus isolates were confirmed based on the colour changes on MSA. All S. aureus isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by using Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion method. PCR was carried out to screen for MRSA by the detection of mecA gene (533bp). The mecA-positive isolates were subjected to random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis using 1254 primer. A dendogram was constructed using the RAPD data generated by PyElph 1.4 program. Out of 166 samples, 50 of the nasal swabs grown on the MSA plates were positive with S. aureus and six isolates (3.61%) were positive for mecA gene. Furthermore, antimicrobial susceptibility test showed that the highest frequency of resistance was observed for penicillin 82% (41), followed by cefoxitin 26% (13). Based on the dendogram analysis, the MRSA isolates produced two distinct but related RAPD clusters which were well distinguished. There were moderate rate of S. aureus carriage and low frequencies of MRSA were detected in healthy students. The data from this study can be used to determine the risk factors contributed to MRSA colonization in carrier. OM3

ABROGATION OF APOPTOSIS IN VITRO BY GLUCOMORINGIN ISOTHIOCYANATE ON H2O2-INDUCED CYTOTOXICITY IN DIFFERENTIATED SH-SY5Y CELLS

Mohammed Sani Jaafaru, Norshariza Nordin, Rozita Rosli Khozirah Shaari, Hauwa’u Yakubu Bako,

Noramaliza Mohd Noor, Ahmad Faizal Abdull Razis Universiti Putra Malaysia

Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The antioxidant and neuroprotective activity of glucomoringin isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC) have been reported in in vivo and in vitro models of neurodegenerative diseases. However, its neuroprotective role via mitochondrial-dependant pathway in a noxious environment remains unknown. The main objective of the present study was to unveil new markers affected by the presence of GMG-ITC in terminally differentiated neurons, when exposed to oxidative stress condition, and the link between mitochondrial apoptotic signalling pathway and GMG-ITC neuroprotective activity. The results showed that pre-treatment of differentiated SH-SY5Y cells with 1.25 µg/mL purified isolated GMG-ITC, significantly reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production level, compared to H2O2 control group, as evidenced by flow cytometry-based evaluation of ROS generation. The presence of GMG-ITC prior to the development of oxidative stress condition, downregulated the expression of cyt-c, p53, Apaf-1, Bax, CASP3, CASP8 and CASP9 genes with concurrent upregulation of Bcl-2 gene in mitochondrial apoptotic signalling pathway. Protein multiplex revealed significant decreased in cyt-c, p53, Apaf-1, Bax, CASP8 and CASP9 due to GMG-ITC pre-treatment in oxidative stress condition. The present findings suggested that pre-treatment with GMG-ITC mitigated oxidative stress condition in neuronal cells by abrogating ROS production and protected the cells against apoptosis via mitochondrial intrinsic signalling pathway.



35

OM4

KNOWLEDGE OF CANCER GENETICS AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS CANCER GENETIC TESTING AMONG RURAL COMMUNITIES

Sharifah Azween Syed Omar

1,2, Zuria Mahmud

1, Zarina Abdul Latiff

2, Ruslin Amir

1, Nurin Hazirah Osman

1,

Syed Mohamed Aljunid3, 6, Syed Zulkifli Syed Zakaria2, Azimatun Noor Aizuddin3, Fuad Ismail4, Salleh Amat1, Shamsul Azhar Shah3, Haniza Rais5, Ch’ng Gaik Siew7, Keng Wee Teik7, Gerard Lim Chin Chye8,

Fong Chin Heng9 1Faculty of Education, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

2Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob

Latiff, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 3Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif,

Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 4Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob

Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 5Department of Education Psychology & Counseling, International Islamic University Malaysia, P.O. Box 10,

50728 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 6Department of Health Policy and Management, Kuwait University, P. O. Box 24923, Safat 13110 Kuwait

7Department of Genetics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Pahang, 50586 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 8National Cancer Institute, 4, Jalan P7, Presint 7, 62250 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Malaysia

9Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Hospital Pulau Pinang, Jalan Residensi, 10990 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia


ABSTRACT

Availability of genetic test to detect hereditary cancer in at-risk individuals requires an individual to correctly interpret and understand the significance of genomic risk information, and making the knowledge gained by them being transferred into behaviour and practice. This cross-sectional study was designed to determine the knowledge of cancer genetics and attitude towards cancer genetic testing among community in Batu Gajah, Perak and Changlun, Kedah. Convenient sampling was applied, and information gathered through a guided structured questionnaire consisted of thirty-seven items, which include twenty-four items on knowledge and nine statements on attitude towards cancer genetic testing. A total of 370 respondents were recruited, with a mean age of 38.4 years, 74% of which were women, 97% of Malay ethnic, and 64.5% having a secondary school education. Mean score of knowledge was 46% with significant differences in relation to location, age, gender, education level and household income and mean score for attitude was 61.25%. The proportions of respondents with low, moderate and high level of cancer genetics knowledge were 76%, 19% and 4%, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitude towards cancer genetic testing, which respondents with a low level of knowledge has less favourable attitude towards cancer genetic testing as compared to high knowledge group. To our knowledge, this is a first report that measures the correlation between cancer genetic knowledge and attitude towards cancer genetic testing in Malaysia, which indicates a need for increased community awareness. Keywords: Cancer genetics, cancer genetic testing, attitude, knowledge, Malaysia

36

OM5

CARNITINE-ACYLCARNITINE TRANSLOCASE AND CARNITINE PALMITOYL TRANSFERASE 2 DEFICIENCY; RARE CAUSES OF SUDDEN DEATH IN MALAYSIAN INFANTS

Anasufiza Habib

1, Muhammad Irfan Bukhari

1, Nor Azimah Azize

2, Yusnita Yakob

2, Ngu LH

3, Simon Olpin

4

1Biochemistry Unit, Specialised Diagnostic Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Specialised Diagnostics Centre, Institute for Medical Research,

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 3Department of Genetic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

4Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Sheffield, United Kingdom.


ABSTRACT

Carnitine-Acylcarnitine Translocase (CACT); OMIM 212138 and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 2 (CPT 2) deficiency; OMIM 600649 are rare inherited metabolic disorder (IMD) of the mitochondrial long chain fatty acid oxidation. Clinical presentation includes hypoketotic hypoglycemia, hyperammonemia, cardiomyopathy/arrhythmias, skeletal muscle damage, hypothermia and liver dysfunction. Biochemically, both CACT and CPT2 deficiencies may show predominantly elevated C16 esters and mild dicarboxylic aciduria in the typical cases. We described five patients with diagnosis of CACT/CPT2 deficiency. The clinical, biochemical and molecular presentation in these patients were reviewed to improve the diagnostic strategy. From 23,188 dried blood spots that were received for metabolic screening from 2009 until 2018, only five case had elevation of the long chain acylcarnitines and/or acylcarnitine ratio of C16+C18:1/C2. Two patients were misdiagnosed as multiple acyl CoA dehydrogenase deficiency at the time of screening. Only 2/5 had dicarboxylic aciduria and low plasma carnitine. Four out of five patients had family history of neonatal death while the parents of two patients had history of consanguinity. Out of the five patients, two had elevated lactate and liver transaminitis and 3 had hyperammonia, metabolic acidosis and hypoglycemia. Only one patient had documented hepatomegaly and cardiomyopathy. In addition, two patients died within 24 hours after delivery and the other three patients died at the age less than six months. Screening by tandem mass spectrometry did not universally show characteristic elevation of the C16 esters, but all five cases showed low concentration of C2 acylcarnitines and elevation of C16+C18:1/C2 ratio above the cut-off. Enzyme assay in one patient showed very low activity of CACT enzyme. SLC25A20 gene sequencing of the same patient revealed a homozygous splice site mutation at c.199-10T>G in intron 2, predicted to cause exons skipping and lead to truncation of the protein that subsequently destroyed the function of CACT protein. In conclusion, CACT/CPT2 deficiency are extremely rare IMD in Malaysia with high rate of infant mortality. The incorporation of C16+C18:1/C2 ratio improved the specificity of CACT/CPT2 deficiency. However, definitive diagnosis of either CACT or CPT2 deficiency requires enzyme assay and molecular analysis. Keywords: Inherited metabolic disease (IMD), CACT, CPT2, enzyme assay, molecular analysis

37

OM6 THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN TAS1R2 GENE VARIANT AND SWEET TASTE PERCEPTION AMONGST OBESE AND

NON-OBESE SUBJECTS

Ahmad Riduan Bahauddin1, Roselina Karim

2, Nazamid Shaari

2 and Zalilah Mohd Shariff

3

1 Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jln. UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

2Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43000, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

3Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia,

43000 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

A growing evidence supported that variation of sweet taste perception, mediated by TAS1Rs gene variants could lead to excess sweetened food and beverages intake and also obesity. However, obesity may also alter individuals’ taste sensitivity and perception. Thus, it is best to further investigate whether the individuals’ sweet taste sensitivity and acceptance are associated with variation in TAS1R2 gene and body mass index (BMI) status. A total of 88 obese and 92 non-obese subjects aged 20-45 years old were genotyped for TAS1R2 gene variant at rs12033832. Suprathreshold sensitivity for sucrose solutions was assessed using general Labeled Magnitude Scales. Intensity rating and hedonic test were carried out on two food samples (tea drink and rose flavoured agar) to examine subject’s intensity rating and liking at different sugar contents. Our results showed that rs12033832 of TAS1R2 gene is associated with sweet taste perception among obese and non-obese subjects. No interaction effect between BMI status and TAS1R2 gene variant (rs12022832) was found on sweet taste measures. Overall, non-obese subjects with AA genotype on rs12033832 had the highest sweet taste sensitivity and dislike high sugar content products the most. The effect was reverse among the obese subjects with GG homozygous. These findings suggest that TAS1R2 gene variation plays an important role in sweet taste perception among individuals and may have nutritional implications and obesity. Keywords: TAS1R2 gene, sweet, taste perception, obesity

38

OM7 GENOME EDITING: A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFICIENCY OF DIFFERENT CRISPR/CAS9 SYSTEMS USING

HIV AS A MODEL SYSTEM

Ravichantar Nithya1, Oluwasuen Ayodeji

1, Tan Benjy Jek Yang

1, 2, 3, Ong Jing Kai

1, 4, Theva Das Kumitaa

1

1Infectomics Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 13200, Malaysia

2Division of Genomics & Transcriptomics, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University

3Laboratory of Retroviral Genomics & Transcriptomics, International Research Center for

Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University 4Pusat PERMATApintar Negara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi,

Selangor Darul Ehsan. Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Genome engineering refers to the act of DNA manipulation, including inserting, deleting or modifying DNA sequences. The earlier generations of the genome editing tools include zinc finger nucleases (ZFN) and transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENS). More recently, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR/Cas9) system has gained popularity, and now, most genome editing work is primarily done with CRISPR. The straight-forward mechanism of CRISPR has enabled many researchers to execute genome modification. However, with the first generation of CRISPR/Cas9, there were concerns that the simple mode of ‘binding and cutting’ would cause CRISPR to be promiscuous and bind to several locations, causing off-target and toxicity. As a consequence, scientists then mutated one of the active sites of the Cas protein, so that in the nickase system, CRISPR/Cas9 D10A would require a pair of the CRISPR to work together to create a double-stranded break. However, that gave rise to the question of whether a paired system would function as efficiently as the wild type nuclease CRISPR/Cas9. In this paper, we studied if the nuclease system is better than the nickase system in terms of efficacy and safety. We also studied if targeting two sites within a same gene gave better results compared to targeting one site. Lastly, we also investigated whether targeting two genes simultaneously gave a better knockdown compared to one gene. As we targeted HIV, efficacy of the systems was evaluated based on viral load count using p24 ELISA. In our work, we discovered that the cut system works better than nickase system, targeting two sites within a gene is better than one, and targeting two genes simultaneously gives a better knockdown than one. We will be employing the knowledge gained from this study to further improve our genome editing in other disease models. Keywords: CRISPR/Cas9, gene editing, genome engineering, HIV

39

OM8

MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ANALYSIS OF NEURAL STEM CELLS GENERATED FROM FULL-TERM AMNIOTIC FLUID STEM CELLS

Norshariza Nordin

1,2, Winnie Khor

1, Khairul Akmal Abdul Rahman

1, Nur Izzati Mansor

1,2, Adila A Hamid

1,2,4,

Thilakavathy Karuppiah1,2, Zulida Rejali3, Mohamad Nazri Yazid3 1Department of Biomedical Science, 2Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre,

3Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Malaysia

4Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar

Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The ability of non-brain sourced stem cells to transdifferentiate into neural stem cells (NSCs) has opened new hope for their future application in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (ND). Finding stem cells with efficient ability to transdifferentiate into NSCs, therefore, is essential. Recent studies have shown that amniotic fluid (AF) cells can be differentiated into neural lineage. However, studies on AF collected at full-term during delivery are still lacking. Using human and rat stem cells obtained from amniotic fluid at full-term gestation, we aimed to establish the transdifferentiation protocol and unravel the ability of these cells to generate NSCs. Full term human (38-40 weeks gestation) and rat (20 days gestation) AF stem cell (AFSC) lines were cultured in vitro and characterized for the expression of stem cell specific markers. The neurogenic potential was investigated by transdifferentiated AFSC lines into NSCs and confirmed by their ability to form neurospheres. The quality of neurospheres formed was assessed at cellular level based on their diameter size. The potential was further assessed at molecular level by the expression of NSCs specific markers through immunocytochemistry. Both human and rat lines were observed to show a high proliferative capacity with high expression of stem cell markers (Oct-4, Sox2 and Nanog). Upon induction using newly established method, transdifferentiated AFSC lines expressed NSC specific markers (Nestin and Sox1) and formed good

quality neurospheres, with diameter size between 100-150 m. These results clearly mark the cells to be highly proliferative NSCs. These results noticeably suggest that full-term human and rat AFSCs as the potential resource that harbours highly potent stem cells that might be useful for future therapeutic potential, especially in treating ND.

Keywords: Amniotic fluid cells, neurospheres, neural stem cells, full-term gestation

40

OM9

CULTURE MEDIUM SELECTION FOR LARGE-SCALE EXPANSION OF WJ-MSCs

Jia Xian Law1, Muhammad Najib Fathi Bin Hassan

1, Muhammad Da’in Bin Yazid

1, Mohammad Heikal. Bin

Mohammad Yunus2, Yogeswaran Lokanathan

1, Min Hwei Ng

1

1Tissue Engineering Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latif, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


ABSTRACT Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) expanded using the fetal bovine serum (FBS) is not ideal for clinical applications as they carry the risk of animal pathogen transmission and foreign protein contamination. In this study, we compared the efficacy of multiple culture mediums, i.e. MSC-Brew GMP Medium, StemMACS MSC Expansion Media, MesenCult-XF Medium, MesenCult-hPL Medium, DMEM-LG with 10% hPL and DMEM-LG with 10% FBS, for the expansion of WJ-MSCs. In addition, the influence of cell seeding density (1000-5000 cells/cm2) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) supplementation on WJ-MSC proliferation was also determined. MesenCult-XF Medium failed to support cell attachment at P0 and dropped from the study. WJ-MSCs expanded using MSC-Brew GMP Medium, StemMACS MSC Expansion Media and DMEM-LG with 10% hPL demonstrated the shortest population doubling time and highest cell yield from passage 1 to passage 3. Only these 3 media were selected to study the influence of seeding density and bFGF supplementation. It was found that WJ-MSCs cultured with StemMACS MSC Expansion Media and DMEM-LG with 10% hPL gave higher yield compared to MSC-Brew GMP Medium when the cells were seeded at low seeding density (1000 and 3000 cells/cm2). Supplementation with bFGF did not enhance the WJ-MSC proliferation. In summary, StemMACS MSC Expansion Media and DMEM-LG with 10% hPL appear to be superior for the expansion of WJ-MSCs as they significantly improve the proliferation rate and cell yield even at low cell seeding density. In the future, MSC phenotyping, trilineage differentiation and functional assay will be performed to determine the quality of the cells. Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cells, up-scaling, clinical application

41

OM10

HIGH PREVALENCE OF METHICILLIN-RESISTANT Staphylococcus haemolyticus ISOLATED FROM COMMENSALS IN HEALTHY ADULTS

Farhan Haziq Azharollah

1, Aziyah Abdul-Aziz

1, 3, Mohd Faiz Foong Abdullah

1,

Siti Farah Alwani Mohd Nawi 2

School of Biology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor. Clinical Training Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor.


ABSTRACT S. haemolyticus is known to be commensals that resides on human skins. However, their ability to develop pathogens has become increasingly vital. This notorious species started to emerge among healthy community without prior exposure to the hospitals. In this study, a total of 49 non-duplicated samples of S. haemolyticus was isolated from the skin of healthy adults. Our study showed that 59.2% of S. haemolyticus was found to be methicillin-resistant S. haemolyticus (MRSH) while the remaining 40.8% was methicillin-resistant S. haemolyticus (MSSH). The S. haemolyticus isolates were further subjected to the Staphylococcus Cassette Chromosome (SCCmec) typing. A majority of the isolates were discovered to harbour SCCmec type II (79.6%) while the remaining were SCCmec type V (38.8%), SCCmec type I (20.4%), SCCmec type IV (16.4%) and SCCmec type III (2.0%). But, one of the isolates, T187, was found to be non-typeable. The results also revealed that six of the S. haemolyticus isolates harbour SCCmec type II even though they are negative for mecA gene. It is suggested that the evolution of hospital-acquired S. haemolyticus in recent event due acquisition of SCCmec typing have been circulated among commensal strains. These data also suggested that intra- and inter-species transfer of SCCmec typing discovered among other Staphylococcal species vary, indicating a diverse spreading route. Keywords: Commensals, mecA, MRSH, MSSH, SCCmec


42

OM11

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN STAHMIN EXPRESSION AND MICROTUBULE STABILITY IN TRANSFORMATION OF GROWTH FACTOR-Β1-MEDIATED BRONCHIAL EPITHELIAL-MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION

Nur Amilia Hanie Mohamad Hasan

1, Hanis Hazeera Harith

1, Daud Ahmad Israf Ali

1, Tham Chau Ling

1

1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.


ABSTRACT

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a mechanism that contributes to bronchial remodelling which underlies chronic inflammatory airway diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and asthma. In cancer cells, EMT involves the dysregulation of microtubule dynamics, in which a microtubule destabilizer, stathmin, is found to be highly expressed, and is implicated in microtubule instability and increased migratory capability. This study aims to determine the association between stathmin expression and microtubule stability in bronchial EMT using an in vitro model. Human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were cultured in LHC-9 medium and induced with transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) at 10 ng/mL, alone or together with a TGF-β1 inhibitor, SB431542 for 48 or 72 hours. The expression of selected EMT markers, stathmin and acetylated-α-tubulin, a marker of stable microtubule was assessed by immunoblotting. The link between microtubule stability and cell migration capability was assessed using the scratch assay. TGF-β1-induced cells showed significantly reduced expression of an epithelial marker, E-cadherin and increased expression of a mesenchymal marker vimentin, which was inhibited in the presence of SB431542, at both 48 and 72 hours. TGF-β1-mediated EMT was also associated with a significant downregulation of stathmin and upregulation of acetylated-α-tubulin in BEAS-2B cells. The scratch assays showed no significant effects in response to TGF-β1 induction even up to 72 hours. In contrasts with reports in cancer cells, these findings indicate that the loss of stathmin was inversely associated with microtubule stability in bronchial EMT. Enhanced microtubule stability may explain the lack of effect on cell migratory capability following TGF-β1-mediated bronchial EMT in BEAS-2B cells. Further investigation is required to understand the role of stathmin in bronchial EMT and its potential as a therapeutic target in conditions associated with bronchial remodelling. Keywords: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, bronchial remodelling, stathmin, microtubule stability, bronchial epithelial cells

43

OM12

ANTI-OBESITY EFFECT OF Strobilanthes crispus LEAF EXTRACTS BY INHIBITION OF HUMAN VISCERAL PREADIPOCYTE CELLS AND INCREASED GENE EXPRESSION OF PRO-INFLAMMATORY ADIPOCYTOKINES

Zulaikha Tajuddin¹, Norsharina Ismail

1, Chan Kim Wei

1, Maznah Ismail

1, Norhasnida Zawawi

1,2

¹Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia, ²Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang,

Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Strobilanthes crispus, a native plant to countries from Madagascar to Indonesia, has been used traditionally to treat several non-communicable diseases such as obesity but the scientific reports regarding the anti-obesity effects of this plant are scarce. To evaluate the roles of S. crispus on obesity, we investigated the chemical compounds from S. crispus leaf methanol extracts (SCE) and its anti-adipogenic effects on human visceral preadipocyte (HVOP) cells. The major chemical compound in SCE was identified as the flavonoid homoesperetin-7-rutinoside by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry (LCMS). The homoesperetin-7-rutinoside content in SCE was quantified to be approximately 1.9 g/kg dry weight. Effects of SCE on HVOP cells lipid accumulation levels were determined using Oil-Red O staining and a triglyceride content assay. The treatment of HVOP cells either with SCE rich in homoesperetin-7-rutinoside resulted in decreased lipid accumulation and dose-dependently decreased the triglycerides content. In addition, HVOP cells were differentiated in the presence of different concentrations of SCE. The highest inhibition of lipid accumulation was observed at SCE concentration of 10 µg/ml. The gene expression of pro-inflammatory adipocytokines, IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin were investigated in HVOP cells and were found to be increased by SCE treatment. In summary, the results of this study demonstrate that SCE rich in homoesperetin-7-rutinoside inhibits lipid accumulation and increased the expression of IL-6, leptin and adiponectin in HVOP cells. Thus, further studies on the effects of SCE in an in vivo model should be undertaken to confirm the nutraceutical properties of this extract for the prevention and treatment of obesity. Keywords: Strobilanthes crispus, obesity, human visceral preadipocytes, omoesperetin 7-rutinoside OM13

HUMAN DNA GENOTYPING FROM TROPICAL BED BUG: APPLICATION IN FORENSIC ENTOMOLOGY

Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid, Lim Li Household & Structural Urban Entomology Laboratory, Vector Control Research Unit, School of Biological

Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800 Minden, MALAYSIA Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The ability to isolate and generate DNA profile from human DNA recovered from tropical bed bugs, Cimex hemipterus, for human host identification can be useful for the field of forensic and urban entomology. DNA samples were successfully recovered from both male and female bed bugs of post blood meal until 45 days with DNA concentrations recovered from male bed bugs ranged from 12.93 to 65.97 ng/µL while DNA concentrations from female bed bugs ranged from 8.93 to 44.53 ng/µL. Based on quantification of PCR products and BLAST search, HRV1 locus was less sensitive than D18S51 locus. DNA concentrations after PCR of D18S51 locus from male bed bugs ranged from 4.20 to 35.50 ng/µL while 4.31 to 22.47 ng/µL for female bed bugs. Positive results on sequences of D18S51 for female bed bugs at 30 days after blood meal were also observed

44

OM14

INACTIVATION OF RICTOR-mTORC2 IMPAIRED AKT AND ITS DOWNSTREAM ACTIVITIES IN DYSTROPHIN-DEFICIENT MYOBLASTS

Muhammad Dain Yazid

1,2, Chen Hung-Chih

2,3, Neil A. Hotchin

2,

1Tissue Engineering Centre, 12th Floor, Clinical Block, UKM Medical Centre, Jalan Yaacob Latiff, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

2School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom. 3Academia Sinica, No. 28, Lane 70, Section 2, Yanjiuyuan Rd, Nangang District, Taipei City, Taiwan 115.


ABSTRACT

Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is characterised by progressive skeletal muscle weakness and defects in muscle proteins due to the loss of dystrophin. Dystrophin plays an important role in providing stability to the cell membrane and connects the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton components via the sarcolemma membrane. It is well ascertained that mTORC2 controls the actin cytoskeleton in cell, thus we attempt to investigate the mTORC2 in dystrophin-deficient myoblast derived from mdx mouse (DMD model). In this study, dfd13 (dystrophin-deficient) and C2C12 (non-dystrophic) myoblasts were cultured in low mitogen condition for 10 days to induce differentiation. Analyses of protein expression has been done by using immunoblot technique and immunofluorescence. The results showed that dfd13 myoblasts are incapable to achieve terminal differentiation. Differentiation analyses showed that less myotubes were formed, and no/less F-MyHC expression was detected. Desmin expression in both myoblasts was also examined and was found to be drastically increased upon differentiation, in C2C12 myoblasts. In differentiating dfd13 myoblasts, desmin expression gradually increased over the 10 days and was significantly higher. Our preliminary data found that rictor is inactivated in both undifferentiated and differentiated dystrophin-deficient myoblast, however, the regulator for rictor activation in myoblasts remains unknown. Our results showed Akt is inactivated in dfd13 myoblasts, as phosphorylation at Ser473 or Thr308 was not detected. However, in C2C12 myoblasts, Akt was phosphorylated at Ser473 and the activated form accumulated upon differentiation. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that phosphorylated-Akt (Ser473) is localised to the membrane of C2C12 myotubes but found less often in dfd13 myoblasts. Our data also showed that phosphorylated-p70S6K at Thr389 is decreased in dfd13 myoblasts after differentiation. This indicates that mTORC1 is inactivated, in line with the inactivation of Akt. As a conclusion, inactivation of mTORC2 disturbed protein synthesis regulation that consequently might misregulated the actin cytoskeleton in ‘differentiating’ dfd13 myoblasts. Keywords: Rictor-mTORC2, Akt, myoblasts, duchenne muscular dystrophy

45

OM15

A PILOT STUDY TO DETERMINE IMMUNE RESPONSE FOLLOWING 2 DOSE HPV VACCINATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOL FEMALES IN TAMPIN, NEGERI SEMBILAN

Amirah Mat Arifin

1, Nazefah Abdul Hamid

1, Zheng Quan Toh

2, Paul V Licciardi

2,3, Nuruliza Roslan

1

1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

3Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia. Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is known as the primary infectious agent to cause cervical cancer. Currently, HPV vaccines are available to prevent HPV-related diseases including cervical cancer. The immune mechanism for HPV vaccine is still unclear, although neutralizing antibodies (NAb) are thought to be the primary mediators of protection. To date, in Malaysia there is no immunogenicity study done on quadrivalent HPV vaccine (4vHPV) even though it has been introduced into National Immunization program as a school-based program since 2010. This study aims to determine the antibody response following the 2-dose regimen of 4vHPV vaccine in adolescent girls in Malaysia. A total of 60 girls aged 13 years old were recruited from two schools in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan. Blood samples was collected at 0 month (baseline) and 28-days post last dose. The NAb titer was measured against 4vHPV vaccine types (HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18) accordingly using established pseudovirion-based neutralization assay (PBNA). For cytokine gene expression, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from the blood for RNA extraction and the expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) transcripts (IFN-ɣ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-4) was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. All subjects (100%) were seronegative at month 0. At 28-days post-immunization, the seroconversion rates were 100% for all 4 HPV types. For gene expression, the fold changes of all cytokines post 4vHPV vaccination was increased (IFN- ɣ=2.80; TNF-α=1.57; IL-6=2.82; IL-10=1.58; IL-12=1.63; IL-4=3.53). The strongest correlation was significantly observed between IFN-ɣ and IL-6 (R= 0.87), IFN-ɣ and IL-10 (R= 0.82), IFN-ɣ and IL-4 (R=0.83), and IL-10 and IL-4 (R=0.83). The NAbs titer were higher after one month of last injection compared than pre-vaccination. In addition, a significant increment and strong correlation found between anti-inflammatory cytokines itself suggest that immune response was induced following vaccination. Keywords: Human papillomavirus, immunogenicity, cervical cancer

46

OM16

ASSOCIATION OF IL-23 WITH THE SEVERITY OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS

Imelda Rey1,2

, Rustam Effendi-Ys1,3

and Khairani Sukatendel4

1 Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Universitas Sumatera Utara

2 Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, 20136 3 Pirngadi General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, 20234

4 Obstetri Gynaecology Department, Universitas Sumatera Utara, 20136 Corresponding author: [email protected]; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a key cytokine that involved in immune and inflammatory response in chronic liver diseases. Previous studies showed IL-23 important role in chronic liver disease with hepatitis B or C infection. The main of this study was to analyse whether there was association of serum IL-23 with the severity degree of cirrhosis hepatic. The study was done from May 2018 until July 2019 in Internal Medicine Department, Gastroenterohepatology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara. This study was a cross sectional study, analytic comparation. The subject were cirrhosis patients that fulfilled informed consent and inclusion criteria. In 77 subjects, most common gender was male (58.4%). Mean age was 51.24±10.65 years old. The cirrhosis patients with severity Child-Pugh A, B, and C were 1, 34, and 42 patients, respectively. Hepatic encephalopathy was found in 34 (49.4%) subjects. Haemoglobin level was 9.6 (9.6±1.9) gr/dl. Serum level IL-23 was 20.9 (16.7-29.5) pg/ml. There was not any significant differences of IL-23 levels in patient with Child-Pugh B and C 22.5 (17.3-42.1) pg/ml and 20.3 (16.57-25.4) pg/ml, respectively; p=0.109). There was no significant difference of serum IL-23 between Hepatitis and Non-Hepatitis patients 20.3 (17.15-41.7) and 20.9 (16.7-27.5), respectively p=0.578). There was no significant difference of IL -23 among severity of cirrhosis, and hepatitis status. Keywords: IL-23, cirrhosis, severity



47

TRACK 2: Food, Agriculture & Horticulture OF1

ALLELE-SPECIFIC SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHIC MARKERS FOR DIFFERENTIATING Elaeis guineensis GERMPLASM MATERIALS WITH HIGH AND LOW VITAMIN E CONTENT

Sulaiman Rufai Babura1 and Siti Nor Akmar binti Abdullah2

1Bayero University, Kano Nigeria

2Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Genomic DNA sequences from six accessions with known vitamin E content were used to identify functional SNPs in HGGT and HPT genes. Sequencing and multiple sequence alignment revealed four SNPs at position 193, 2225, 2429 and 6932 in the HGGT gene to be associated with vitamin E content. SNPs at 193 and 2429 positions lead to non-conservative amino acid changes from proline in low vitamin E to serine in high vitamin E palms and from methionine in low to isoleucine in high vitamin E palms, respectively. Mismatch allele-specific primers were developed around these two SNPs and used to screen the genomic DNA extracted from 41 accessions of Angolan and Tanzanian populations with variable vitamin E content for validation. These two SNP markers showed ability to differentiate low and high vitamin E palms with 100% accuracy. Two functional SNP markers established could be used to provide genotype information for differentiation and selection of high or low vitamin E germplasm lines from Angolan and Tanzanian materials and robust mismatch allele-specific primers were generated for this SNP markers analysis.

48

OF2

TELOMERE LENGTH DIVERSITY UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF HEAT AND FEED RESTRICTION STRESSES IN BROILER CHICKEN

K.A. Badmus

1, I. Zulkifli

1, Y.M. Goh

1, A.F. Soleimani

1, Q.S. Sazili

1, M.A. Ernie-Muneerah

1 Kamalludin M.H.

1

1Department of Animal Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia 2Department of Veterinary Pre-clinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Corresponding Author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Telomere is nucleoprotein and noncoding sequence of DNA which protects end of chromosome from degradation. It becomes shortened with exposure to various types of stress and knowledge on how it is affected by heat and feed restriction stresses remains unclear. This work is designed to evaluate telomere length as well-being biomarkers in chickens exposed to both conditions of stress. The experiment was carried out at Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, UPM livestock unit. Forty broiler birds of equal weight (1700 g ± 100 g) were selected from 300 Cobb broilers at 36 days of age and subjected to treatments namely heat stress, heat stress negative control, feed restriction and feed restriction negative control. Ten birds were placed in each treatment group. The heat stress group were allotted into climatic chamber and exposed to 34˚C for 6 hrs while the feed restriction group were exposed to 60% feed reduction of the feed given to the control groups in previous day. It was observed that there were significant changes (P < 0.05) in the body weight and body conformation traits of the birds exposed to the stresses when compared to the control groups. It was observed that the telomere length was reduced in feed restricted birds in week 1 and 2. Heat stress also led to telomere length attrition in both weeks. There is inverse correlation between telomere length and body weight. Telomere length had a strong and negative correlation with body length in week 1 (-0.98, P < 0.05). This study revealed that feed restriction and heat stress reduced the growth performance of the birds and the telomere length of the birds under stressed conditions. The study also revealed that shorter telomere is associated to higher body mass index. It is therefore concluded that telomere length could be used as an important physiological stress biomarkers in chickens. Keywords: Telomere length, broiler, heat stress and feed restriction


49

OF3

PBMCS CULTURE OPTIMIZATION USING TAGUCHI DESIGN: A CASE OF THREE DEER BREEDS IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Muhammad Sanusi Yahaya

1,4, Mohd Shahrom Salisi

2, Nur Mahiza Md Isa

3, Abdwahid Haron

1

1Department of clinical studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Universiti Putra Malaysia 2Department of preclinical studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Universiti Putra Malaysia

3Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Universiti Putra Malaysia 4Department of Theriogenology and Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,

Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria Corresponding author’s email: [email protected], [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Cell culture and the subsequent cell arrest at metaphase is an important aspect of cytogenetic studies. Different levels of growth and arrest factors are required to achieve this in different cell types. This research was aimed at establishing the requirement of PBMCs growth and arrest at metaphase in three breeds of deer using Taguchi experimental design. Twenty-four individuals were used in the study. Culture medium, fetal bovine serum, shaking frequency, time of colecemid introduction and the duration of cell in KCL were the factors investigated. These factors were set at two levels in an L 2˄5 orthogonal array. The medium was RPMI 1640 with or without glucose 16.6mM and glutamine 4mM as level 1 and 2, respectively, 10% or 20% FBS, once or twice shakings of culture per day, early (90 minutes) or late (60 minutes) colecemid introduction and 20 or 30 minutes of KCL treatment. Upon harvest, the combination of factors, which produced optimal results in each breed was noted as the optimal level for that breed and use in subsequent cultures. Rusa timorensis had RPMI 1640 + glucose 16.6mM and glutamine 4mM, 20% FBS, once per day shaking, early Colecemid introduction and 35 minutes of KCL treatment as the optimal factor levels. Rusa unicolor on the other hand had RPMI 1640 + glucose 16.6mM and glutamine 4mM, 20% FBS, twice per day shaking, early Colecemid introduction and 20 minutes of KCL treatment as the optimal factor levels. Axis axis had RPMI 1640 + glucose 16.6mM and glutamine 4mM, 20% FBS, twice per day shaking, early Colecemid introduction and 35 minutes of KCL treatment as the optimal factor levels. Our result has confirmed the existence of difference in requirements for PBMCs from different breeds of animals. The result also demonstrated the usefulness of Taguchi design in optimizing PBMC culture in the deer. We therefore recommend the use of these factors at these levels for optimal number of metaphase spreads. Keywords: Cell culture, optimization, cytogenetics, metaphase, deer

50

OF4

DIVERSITY AND GENETIC POTENTIAL OF INDONESIA PEA (Pisum sativum L.) LANDRACE BASED ON MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS IN LOWLANDS

Budi Waluyo

1, Darmawan Saptadi

1, Chindy Ulima Zanetta

2

1Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Jalan Veteran, Malang, 65145, East Java, Indonesia

2School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia Jalan Ganesa 10, Bandung, 40132, West Java-Indonesia


ABSTRACT

Pisum sativum is an important vegetable for biofortification of Selenium, Zinc, Fe, Mg, and a number of important minerals that can be used to improve public health. This plant has long been cultivated in some highlands in Indonesia. Landrace can be formed from cultivation of plants in local geographical. Pea selection was an attempt to obtain adaptive lines in the lowlands of the tropics. The research objective was to study diversity and genetic potential of Indonesia peas landrace based on morphological characters. Research was conducted in greenhouse of Seed and Nursery Industry, Agrotechnopark, Universitas Brawijaya, Jatikerto (340 m asl), Malang from February to May 2019. The study used sixty-one lines from Berastagi (Karo), Cilawu (Garut), Bandungan (Semarang), Parakan (Temanggung), Ngadisari (Probolinggo), and Junrejo (Batu). Planting each line is carried out in a single row. Characters variability was analyzed using principal component analysis. Pea lines diversity was analyzed by agglomerative hierarchical clustering. The research found that there were first eleven principal components having an eigenvalue >1 contributing to total variability of 76.67%. Characters that high variability in each principal are plant, stem, leaf, leaflet, stipule, petiole, flower, peduncle, pod, seed, and cotyledon. Based on morphological characters, diversity of pea lines is divided into six groups. Grouping clearly shows origin of different geographic regions. Influence of the region is very strong in forming genetic differences through morphological variability. Indonesia pea landrace has high genetic potential to be developed as a superior and adaptive cultivar in the tropical lowlands. Keywords: Indonesia, Pisum sativum, numerical taxonomy, landrace, lowlands

51

OF5

EVENING ELEMENTS IN ODO1 PROMOTER DETERMINE THE TIMING AND COMPOSITION OF VOLATILE EMISSION BY PETUNIA FLOWERS

Nur Fariza M. Shaipulah

1,2, Maaike Boersma

1, Michel A. Haring

1, Robert C. Schuurink

1

1 Department of Plant Physiology, University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Science, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

2 Pusat Pengajian Sains Marin dan Sekitaran, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia


ABSTRACT

Floral volatiles serve as olfactory cues to attract pollinators. The release of volatile compounds from flowers is time-specific and coincides with the foraging behaviour of pollinators. In Petunia hybrida cv. Mitchell, ODORANT1 (ODO1) is a regulator of floral volatile benzenoids and phenylpropanoids (FVBP) biosynthesis in petals. ODO1 transcript levels increase just before the onset of the dark period and precede the emission of FVBP at night. The 1.2 kbp of the ODO1 promoter is sufficient to regulate rhythmic expression of ODO1. To investigate the contribution of the ODO1 promoter to the rhythmic emission of volatiles further, we investigated the role of two evening elements (EE) within this promoter fragment. For comparison, we isolated the ODO1 promoter from another fragrant petunia cultivar, P. hybrida cv. V26. The absence of one EE in P. hybrida cv. V26 ODO1 promoter correlated with earlier expression of ODO1 in flowers of the V26 cultivar. Subsequently we used the V26 promoter to drive ODO1 expression in transgenic P. hybrida cv. Mitchell. The earlier expression of ODO1 resulted in earlier emission of volatiles in Mitchell flowers. A similar phenotype was obtained in transgenic Mitchell plants expressing ODO1 under control of an ODO1 promoter with both EEs mutated. Our results indicate that EEs in ODO1 promoter determine time-specific expression of ODO1 and, consequently, volatile emission and volatile composition in petunia flowers. Keywords: Petunia hybrida, evening elements, ODO1, volatile

52

OF6

DEVELOPMENT OF RICE FOR DROUGHT AND SALINITY PRONE ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH MARKER ASSISTED QTLs PYRAMIDING STRATEGY

Noraziyah Abd Aziz Shamsudin, Mohd Ikmal Asmuni, Nur Athirah Zubbri, Amira Ismail Puteri Dinie

Ellina Zulkafli, Syeth Shahrir Biology Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi,

Selangor, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Development of rice cultivars which is tolerant to multiple abiotic stresses is essential to improve food security.

With the objective of improving grain yield (GY) under low water input (RS), three drought yield QTLs

qDTY2.2, qDTY3.1 and qDTY12.1 had successfully pyramided into Malaysian mega-variety rice, MR219 via marker assisted QTLs pyramiding (MAQP) technique. Donor of the QTLs were the near isogenic lines developed by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Three selected pyramided lines (PLs) were evaluated for their yield potential under RS and non-stress (NS), and survivability under salinity stresses (SS). Pyramided lines produced higher yield compared to recipient parent, MR219 in RS and NS trials. PL-5 became the most promising PL for drought prone ecosystem as it gave a yield advantages of 461.15 kg/ha and 1360.00 kg/ha under RS and NS conditions. These three PLs were further evaluated with other seven rice genotypes included salt tolerant genotype, Nona Bokra under three salinity level, 0 dS/m (control), 8 dS/m dan 15 dS/m at vegetative stage. Morpho-physiological screening under SS was carried out by using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Result showed that salinity level was negatively correlated with all traits (survival rate (SR), shoot dry weight (SDW), dry matter of root (RDW), plant height (PH), root length (RL) and chlorophyll content (CC)). PL-68 and PL-91 has the highest survival rate (SR) under 8 dS/m (88.89%) and 15 dS/m (40.00%), both values were higher than SR of Nona Bokra (66.67% under 8 dS/m and 29.40% under 15 dS/m). These PLs also showed high SDW, RDW, PH, RL and CC under SS conditions. MAQP could be an effective strategy to enhance abiotic stresses tolerance in rice. Promising PLs identified in this study can be recommended for cultivation in either normal or unfavourable rice ecosystems in Malaysia as it may help in stabilizing rice production and improving food security. Keywords: Drought, salinity, marker assisted QTL pyramiding, pyramided lines, food security

53

OF7

SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEAT IDENTIFICATION AND MARKER DEVELOPMENT FOR KOPYOR MUTANT AND NORMAL COCONUT BASED ON NGS GENOME DATA

Andi Nadia Nurul Lathifa Hatta

1, Dewi Sukma

1, Ismail Maskromo

2, Sudarsono Sudarsono

1

1Plant Molecular Biology Lab., Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor Agricultural University, Jl. Meranti, IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia

2Indonesian Palms Research Institute, Agency for Agricultural Research and Development. Jl. Raya Mapanget, Mapanget, Talawaan, Manado 95001, North Sulawesi, Indonesia


ABSTRACT Kopyor coconut is a natural coconut mutant from Indonesia having abnormal endosperm phenotype. Kopyor coconut is highly looked for in Indonesia and it has high economic values. The abnormal endosperm is soft and peel off from the shell. The mutant phenotype is governed by a single or most probably two loci having recessive allele. Kopyor characters is not an easy character to breed because of its recessive nature. Therefore, developing molecular marker associated with kopyor coconut would be beneficial. This study aimed to develop SSR markers using kopyor coconut and normal coconut NGS genomic data, use the developed markers to evaluate the genetic diversity and identify the markers associated with the Kopyor characters. Partial coconut genomic data have been generated from Kopyor and Normal coconuts, the raw reads were assembled using De novo assembly, and the assembled genomic data were used to identify the SSR sequence library. We have identified as many as 4.500.078 and 5.797.081 scaffolds with the scaffold sizes of 100 and 180kb for Kopyor and Normal coconuts, respectively. Thousands of SSR sequences were identified from the assembled genome data and some of them were successfully used to design SSR primers. Validation of designed primers to generate SSR markers were conducted and the validated primers were used to evaluate genetic diversity of Indonesian coconuts. The ultimate goals of this research were to identify SSR markers associated with Kopyor mutant phenotypes which can be used to support Kopyor coconut breeding program. Progress of this research and update of its results will be presented in the conference. Keywords: Coconut mutant, abnormal endosperm, SSR markers, genome sequences, genetic diversity

54

OF8

INDUCTION OF VACUOLAR PROCESSING ENZYMES ACTIVITIES IN THE PLANT HOST INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY RESPONSE TO Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense TROPICAL RACE 4 INFECTION IN BANANA

Wan Muhamad Asrul Nizam Wan Abdullah

1, Janna Ong-Abdullah

1, Noor Baity Saidi

1, Mohd Termizi Yusof

2,

Chien-Yeong Wee3, Wai-Keat Yam4, Kok-Song Lai5, 1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti

Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, 2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia,

43400 Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia, 3Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre,

Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, 4Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Data Science, Perdana University,

43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, 5Health Science Division, Abu Dhabi Women’s College, Higher Colleges of Technology,

41012 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Corresponding author’s e-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (FocTR4) is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt disease, which have been a major threat in global banana production. FocTR4 is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen and the infection process involves activation of programmed cell death (PCD) in the host plant. Here, seven Musa acuminata vacuolar processing enzyme (MaVPE1-MaVPE7) genes associated with PCD were successfully identified through systemic in-silico analysis of banana genome. Phylogenetic analysis and tissue specific expression categorised these MaVPEs into the seed and vegetative types. FocTR4 infection induced majority of the MaVPEs expression in the susceptible cultivar, ‘Berangan’ as compared to the resistant cultivar, ‘Jari Buaya’. Consistently, upon FocTR4 infection, high caspase-1 activity was detected in susceptible cultivar while low-level of caspase-1 activity was recorded in resistant cultivar. Inhibition of MaVPEs activity via caspase-1 inhibitor in susceptible cultivar reduced tonoplast rupture, decreased lesion formation, and enhanced stress tolerance against FocTR4 infection. Additionally, Arabidopsis VPE-null mutant exhibited higher tolerance to FocTR4 infection, indicated by reduced sporulation rate, low-level of H2O2 content, and high- level of cell viability. Comparative proteomic profiling analysis revealed an increased in the abundance of cysteine proteinase in the inoculated susceptible cultivar as opposed to cysteine proteinase inhibitors in the resistant cultivar. In conclusion, increased of VPE-mediated PCD serves crucial roles in modulating susceptibility response in compatible interaction, which facilitated FocTR4 colonization on the host. Keywords: Biotic stress, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4, Fusarium wilt, Musa acuminata, programmed cell death, vacuolar processing enzymes


55

OF9

SEMEN QUALITY OF AYAM KAMPUNG MARDI ROOSTERS

Habsah Bidin, Halida Ateeka, J., Anis Ibtisam, M.N. Advanced & Reproductive Technology Program,

Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI HQ, 50774 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


ABSTRACT

Semen quality of males plays an important role in determining potential breeders in animal breeding. Evaluation of rooster semen quality is necessary prior to its utilization in an artificial insemination (AI) program which is regarded as an important breeding tool in genetic improvement. Unfortunately, the hot and humid tropical climate conditions in Malaysia are known to affect and deteriorate rooster semen quality. Rooster spermatozoa are morphologically unique and have very short lifespan. Therefore, a study was conducted to identify potential Ayam Kampong MARDI (AKM) breeding roosters based on their semen quality. In the present study, a total of 30 adult local roosters were tagged from A01-A30 and had their semen collected by abdominal massage. Semen ejaculates were collected three times a week. Seminal attributes such as ejaculate volume, mass activity, semen colour, sperm concentration, proportion of live spermatozoa and proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology were examined. An eosin-nigrosin stain was used on semen smears to determine sperm morphology, sperm viability and abnormalities. The results of the present study showed that only 20 roosters yielded semen while only 12 individuals had the potential as breeders with more than 60% live sperm and less than 20% sperm abnormalities. The mean of ejaculate volume, mass activity, sperm colour, semen concentration, proportion of live spermatozoa and proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology were 166.25 + 9.17 µl, 3.17 + 0.16, 2.25 + 0.08, 1.29 + 0.08 x 106/ml, 82.29 + 2.7% and 74.32 + 1.93%, respectively. Of all the seminal attributes evaluated in the present study, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in semen volume, colour, concentration and proportion of normal live spermatozoa. This could be stress-related as to how an individual rooster responded to the abdominal massage during semen collection. In conclusion, this study showed that the semen qualities for 11 breeding roosters were within normal range although variations were observed in some parameters evaluated. Keywords: Ayam kampung MARDI, semen evaluation, seminal attributes, potential breeder


56

OF10 PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION AND GENETIC VARIATION OF NILE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) FROM

WILD AND CULTURE POPULATIONS

Agbebi, Olubunmi Temilade1, Fakunle, Kikelomo Rebecca

1, Oyaleke, Odunayo Bisola

1,

Nwekoyo, Vitalis1, Sanni, Muyideen Timothy2 1Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB),

Ogun State, Nigeria. PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria 2Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun

State, Nigeria. PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria Corresponding author’s email: [email protected], [email protected]

+234 803 704 5898, +234 7065365185, +2347030766439, +2348060299192

ABSTRACT The phenotype and gene diversity studies provide basic information of the fish species as it gives the level of diversity and population expansion within them. This study was designed to describe the phenotypic (morphological and meristic) characterization and genetic variations of wild and culture Oreochromis niloticus from two different populations (Oyan Lake and a private farm) in Ogun State, Nigeria. One hundred fish samples were collected for the study comprising 50 samples from each population. Twenty samples from each population were used for genomic studies. The data on morphometric and meristic characters were subjected to T-test and cluster analyses at α = 5% using SPSS. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the morphometric traits (except the Post Orbital Length) and meristic parameters (except dorsal fin spines, pectoral fin ray right and number of vertebrae) between the two populations. Both populations had high genetic variation among population and low genetic variation within species based on the distinctive classification from the cluster analysis. All sampled populations were polymorphic, but Nile tilapia from the wild were more polymorphic than the culture. The wild population could be a viable reservoir for high variability stock useful in fish breeding and future conservative programmes. Keywords: Cluster analysis, phenotype, polymorphism, tilapia, variation


http://www.scialert.net/asci/result.php?searchin=Keywords&cat=&ascicat=ALL&Submit=Search&keyword=genetic+variation

http://www.scialert.net/asci/result.php?searchin=Keywords&cat=&ascicat=ALL&Submit=Search&keyword=genetic+variation

57

OF11

GENOTYPING AND PHENOTYPING FOR RICE SELECTION RESISTANT TO BLAST, BACTERIA LEAF BLIGHT AND TOLERANT TO DROUGHT

Ibrahim Silas Akos

1,2, Mohd Yusop Rafii

1,3, Mohd Razi Ismail

1,3, Shairul Izan Ramlee

3, Noraziyah Abd Aziz

Shamsudin4, Asfaliza Binti Ramli5, Samuel Chibuike Chukwu1 1Laboratory of Climate-Smart Food Crop Production, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security,

Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.

2Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kaduna State University, Kafanchan Campus, Nigeria. 3Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang,

Selangor, Malaysia. 4School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti

Kebangsaan Malaysia. 5Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute, Rice Research Centre, Persiaran Mardi-UPM,

43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Corresponding author: [email protected] (+60193096876)

ABSTRACT

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a semi aquatic plant, and staple food crop of the world, most especially the developing countries. It provides over 21% of the global food needs of the world population and about 76% calorie intake of Southeast Asian population. Fungal blast caused by Magnaporthe grisea anamorph Pyricularia oryzae, Bacteria leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and drought stress are the major stresses affecting rice cultivation. These stress conditions can decimate yield drastically. Estimated global yield losses because of the incidences of blast disease ranged from 1 - 50%. High incidences of BLB has led to 100% loss of yield. Drought could lead to even 100% loss of yield depending on the severity, duration and stage of growth within which water scarcity occurs. The objectives of the study included survey for polymorphic markers among parents and select improved lines with multiple traits of resistance/tolerance to these stress conditions. Marker assisted selection approach which enable breeders select with precision plants with the requisite genes/QTLs of resistances/tolerance conditions was used. Polymorphic markers for the three traits of study selected and used conform to previous researches, thus; blast (Putra1); RM6836 (Piz, Pi2,Pi9) and RM8225 (Piz) were polymorphic and linked to R genes of M. grisea. For BLB(IRBB60); RM164, RM224 (Xa-4), RM122, RM13 (xa-5), RG136, Xa13Prom (xa-13), RM21, pTA248 (Xa-21). MR219 IR99784-156-137-1-3 Drought tolerance (MR219 IR99784-156-137-1-3) (RM1261; qDTY12.1, RM511; qDTY12.1, RM520; qDTY3.1, RM236; qDTY2.2). Successfully introgressed genes and QTLs were confirmed by genotyping (PCR amplification and electrophoresis analysis-Southern blot). While phenotyping carried out to test for resistance at F4 generation

for single crosses, F3(2) double and F3 three-way crosses showed generally resistance and tolerance to requisite pathogens and water deficit conditions, respectively. The developed resistance lines challenged with pathogens and drought stress were resistant, moderately resistant and tolerant, respectively according to standard evaluation system (SES) IRRI scoring, and this agrees with the result of genotyping (Southern blot analysis). Keywords: Rice selection, genotyping and phenotyping, resistant to blast, bacteria leaf blight, drought tolerance

58

OF12 Erwinia mallotivora OMICS AND FUNCTIONAL STUDIES: INSIGHTS INTO PATHOGENESIS MECHANISM AND

DISEASE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Norliza Abu Bakar1, Nor Mustaiqazah Juri

1, Ros Azrinawati Abu Bakar, Rafidah Badrun

1, Amin Asyraf Tamizi

1,

Mohd Zulfadli Sohaime, Mohd Azhar Hassan2 1Biotechnology & Nanotechnology Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute,

43400 MARDI Head Quarter Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. 2HorticultureResearch Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute, 43400 MARDI Head

Quarter Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Erwinia mallotivora is a Gram negative bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family and the causal agent for the devastating papaya dieback disease in Malaysia. The pathogen is responsible for the rapid decline in papaya production amounting to ~60% decreased in Malaysian papaya production. In MARDI, holistic approaches were taken to find solutions to manage the disease. In this study, we highlight researches conducted in MARDI to manage the disease using biotechnological tools. Studies were conducted to understand the molecular mechanisms in the pathogenicity of E. mallotivora in order to pave the way for the management of this disease. Erwinia mallotivora genome was already sequenced and bioinformatic tools were used to predict genes that promote pathogenesis. Identification of potential genes associated with hypersensitive response and pathogenicity (hrp) from E. mallotivora was also carried out via transcriptomic and bioinformatic technology in which comparative transcriptome of E. mallotivora library across early infection time points (6 h, 24 h and 48 h) on papaya seedling Carica papaya (Eksotika I) was obtained. In order to define the pathogenesis of E. mallotivora, targeted gene knockouts for several genes in E. mallotivora were carried out and functional analyses were performed to assess the mutants. Assessment of chemicals and proteins were also conducted to determine systemic acquired resistance (SAR) potential candidates that can activate and increase the expressions of papaya defence genes. These technologies perhaps can pave the way to revitalise papaya production in Malaysia and increase the market value of papaya exports that are deteriorating due to this disease. Keywords: Erwinia mallotivora, functional studies, pathogenesis, disease management

59

OF13 BIOPROSPECTION, CONSERVATION AND UTILIZATION OF MICROBIAL GENETIC RESOURCES RELATED

TO AGRICULTURE: MARDI’S EFFORT

Tosiah Sadi1, Nor Ayshah Alia Ali Hassan

1, Jeffrey Lim Seng Heng

2

1Soils Science, Water and Fertilizer Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development

Institute, MARDI Headquarter, Serdang 43400 Selangor. 2Agrobiodiversity and Environment Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development

Institute, MARDI Headquarter, Serdang 43400 Selangor Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Microorganisms are an important component in the world biodiversity. Its role in the biogeochemical cycle of carbon, nitrogen, sulphur and various other elements in the ecosystem allows these materials to be degraded into a simpler form that can be used by other living organisms. The enormous genetic diversity of microorganisms has been explored for its usage in agricultural, food industries pharmaceutical and biotech industries since long time ago. Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (MARDI) is the country’s major custodian of the nation’s crops genetic resources has begun conducting research related to microorganisms since its commencement. Early research regarding microorganisms were focused on plant protection, post-harvest losses by pathogens, and fermented food such as soy sauce, tapai and tempe. The advancement in research technology, information evolution, public awareness on environmental and health has indirectly influenced the pattern of research relating to microorganisms at MARDI. Hence MARDI put an effort to conserve some of these microorganisms for further used in research and product development. MARDI established the microbial collections in 1984 and consistently maintained the culture until now. There are two main collection in MARDI, i.e, Collection of Functional Food Culture (CFFC) and Collection of Agricultural Related Microorganisms. The collections were separated based on its functional activities and to minimize maintenance cost. However, for the record in World Data Centre for Microorganism (WDCM) we agree to register the collections as one and name it as MARDI Microorganism Culture Collection (MMCC). The total number microbial strains conserved in the Collection are 2277 in which 505 are related to food and 1772 beneficial microorganisms for agriculture and plant pathogens. Keywords: Microbial culture collection, fungi, bacteria, food and agriculture

60

OF14

PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS OF PARASITOIDS SPECIES ON DOMINANT PEST OF OIL PALM, Metisa plana (LEPIDOPTERA: PSYCHIDAE) USING COI AND 28S DNA SEQUENCES

Aqilah Sakinah Badrulisham, Madihah Halim, Salmah Yaakop

Centre for Insect Systematics, Faculty Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia


ABSTRACT

Parasitoids play an important role as one of biological control agent in suppressing bagworm populations. The dominant oil palm pest, Metisa plana is parasitised by several species of parasitoid wasps. In the present study, phylogenetic relationships of parasitoid individuals were compared by using two different molecular markers namely COI (mtDNA) and 28S (nDNA) to identify effectiveness of molecular markers to explain genetic relationship between them. These parasitoid individuals emerged from the Metisa plana collected from three highly infested oil palm plantations in Selangor, Perak and Johor of Peninsular Malaysia. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed on 20 parasitoid individuals from six different families (Ichneumonidae, Eurytomidae, Chalcididae, Eulophidae, Eupelmidae and Braconidae). Phylogenetic relationship of parasitoids using COI and 28S was analyzed and visualized using Neighbor-Joining (NJ) and Maximum Parsimony (MP) trees. Both NJ and MP trees of COI shows a clear separation between two main clades of superfamily Ichenumonoidea and Chalcidoidea. Meanwhile, in phylogenetic topologies for 28S, a group of species (Buysmania oxymora and Goryphus bunoh) which belong to a superfamily Ichenumonoidea has diverged earlier than the other group of same superfamily. Two main clades from both markers show the parasitoid individuals were successfully clustered into their own group of species supported with bootstraps values range between 60% to 100%. The effectiveness of both markers has successfully resolved the phylogenetic trees with a little different on the topology formation between COI and 28S. Thus, COI region gives better resolution for species level identification. Keywords: Oil palm, bagworm, mitochondria, 28S, natural enemies


61

OF15

PRELIMINARY STUDY OF PATERNAL EFFECT ON THE CHARACTERS OF ‘MUSANG KING’ DURIAN (Durio zibethinus L.) FRUIT FROM CROSS-POLLINATION

Muhammad Afiq Tajol Ariffin

1, Mohd Musanif Ghazali

1, Ahmad Norhisyam Abdullah

4, Salehudin Md.

Radzuan1, Nur Azlin Razali2, Siti Aisyah Abdullah2, Wan Mahfuzah Wan Ibrahim1, Mohd Asrul Sani3, Razali Mustaffa2, Rozlaily Zainol2, Pauziah Muda2.

1Horticulture Research Centre, MARDI Sintok, 06050 Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, Malaysia. 2Horticulture Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Post Office Box 12301, General Post Office,

50774 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 3Director General Office, MARDI Alor Setar, Post Office Box 105, Jalan Kuala Kedah,

05710 Alor Setar, Kedah, Malaysia. 4Koperasi Pegawai-pegawai MARDI (KOMARDI), 12, Lkk Cempaka 1, Bandar Amanjaya,

08000 Sungai Petani, Kedah, Malaysia Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research was to study the paternal effect of ‘Musang King’ Durian (Durio zibethinus L.) fruit characters from cross-pollination with selected popular durian clones. The study was conducted at Top Fruits Sdn. Bhd. durian orchard in Parit Sulong, Batu Pahat, Johor. Four conducted treatments were assisted cross-pollination using pollen from durian clone ‘D24’, ‘D168’, ‘D190’, and ‘D200’. Observations on fruit setting were made every two weeks until abscission of fully ripe fruit. Cross-pollination with ‘D24’, ‘D168’, ‘D190’, and ‘D200’ produced 7.14%, 13.04%, 8.70%, and 12.50% fruit set, respectively. Preliminary data on harvested fruits showed that there was no significant difference on fruit weight, fruit circumference, length of stalk, thickness of stalk, spine length, rind thickness, number of locules per fruit, number of locules without pulp unit, seed weight per fruit, seed number per fruit, percentage of deflated seed, percentage of edible portion, flesh thickness, and total soluble solid content (TSS). Their flesh colour ranged from light yellow to yellow orange (RHS 11A, 11B, 12A, 12B, 12C). Pollen from different durian cultivars can affect percentage of fruit setting in ‘Musang King’. There was no paternal effect from ‘D24’, D168, ‘D190’, and ‘D200’ on characteristics and morphology of ‘Musang King’ fruit. Preliminary sensory evaluation found that different pollen source could affect ‘Musang King’ pulp taste. Further study with more fruit samples and respondent could be done to further evaluate these findings. Keywords: Self-incompatibility, metaxenia, mix-planting, single cultivar, fruit set

62

OF16

EVALUATION OF YIELD AND IMPORTANT AGRONOMIC TRAITS OF POTENTIAL MUTANT PURPLE SWEET POTATO (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) GENOTYPES

Nurul Afza Karim

1, Thiyagu Devarajan

1, Sobri Hussien

2, Rozlaily Zainol

3

1 Industrial Crop Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute (MARDI), MARDI Bachok, Kg. Aur Mukim Telong, 16310 Bachok, Kelantan

2Agrotechnology & Biosciences Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor 3Industrial Crop Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute (MARDI), MARDI

Headquarters, Persiaran MARDI-UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Understanding the nature and magnitude of variability among sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) genotypes for traits of economic importance is vital to plan effective breeding program. The objective of this study was to estimate the genetic variability of yield and other agronomic traits among potential lines of sweet potato. Three stable elite lines of mutant (gamma ray induced) purple sweet potato designed as V6D1-13, V6D3-2, V6D3-18 was introduced and ANGGUN3 as control. The performance of yield and other important agronomic traits were carried out on a BRIS (Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales) soils at Bachok, Kelantan (east coastal Peninsular Malaysia). The genotypes V6D3-18 revealed highly significant differences (P<0.01) among the genotypes for most of the traits except for the dry matter content (%), genotype V6D3-2 had highest DMC (34.27%) content. The phenotypic coefficient variance for all traits was higher than genotypic coefficient of variation indicating the influence of environment on the expression of these traits. Root yield (kg) plot-1 and root yield (t ha-1) showed high heritability estimates with above than 50% but low in genetic advance with 17.33% and 5.78% respectively. Traits for number of marketable roots also showed high heritability estimates (46.22%) along with high genetic advance (43.78%) and mean of genetic gain as 33.39%. The traits with high heritability estimates associated with high genetic advance indicating the presence of additive gene effect. In this study, the highest yield with good agronomic traits which probably may have farmer desirable traits possessed by genotype V6D3-18. This study provides the theoretical bases on the progress and challenges in sweet potato breeding in Malaysia for improved yield and quality characteristics. Keywords: agronomic traits, genetic variability, Ipomoea batatas, sweet potato, yield performance

63

OF17 IN PLANTA EXPRESSION OF MELOIDOGYNE INCOGNITA’S 16D10 GENE FOR GLOBAL INTERACTOME ANALYSIS

OF BANANA-16D10 VIA AFFINITY TAGGING PURIFICATION-MASS SPECTROMETRY (AP-MS) APPROACH

Mostaffa N. H1, Dahniar Aafandi N.

1, Carpentier S.

2, Sayed Abdul Rahman S. A.

1

1Programme of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur.

2 Laboratory of Tropical Crop Improvement, Division of Crop Biotechnics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium


ABSTRACT

Banana is an important crop in agriculture and significantly contributes to global food security. With the global production value of 12 million USD per year, banana is also regarded as a cash crop as it contributes to 75% of household income for farmers. However, this cash crop is susceptible to many pathogen infections including the root-knot nematodes (RKN), Meloidogyne incognita. This nematode species penetrates the plant root system using its stylet and moves towards the vascular bundle to induce the formation of `giant cells' that serve as its nutrient sink. Successful parasitism deprives the plants from obtaining nutrients from the soil, hence the stunted growth phenotype observed in the infected plants. To date, no banana cultivars is known to be resistant to M. incognita whilst the current nematode management such as nematicide application is not sustainable. In 2016, 16D10 gene of M. incognita was reported to be involved in hijacking plant's defence system by interacting with plant's defence protein. However, the intrinsic mechanism of the hijack remains elusive. The current study aims to reveal banana proteins that involve in the first line plant molecular defence upon interaction with M. incognita’s 16D10 parasitism gene via Affinity Tagging Purification-Mass Spectrometry (AP-MS) approach. 16D10 gene ligated to a pCAMBIA1304 construct was transiently expressed in banana roots as a ‘bait’ to ‘prey’ for interacting banana roots protein. Out of four 16D10 gene constructs designed, two constructs were successfully expressed in Agrobacterium tumefaciens but only one mature 16D10 construct expression was successfully detected in planta. Based on GUS histochemical assay results, a newly developed A. tumefaciens mediated transformation method used in this study had efficiently increased the number of transformed banana root tissues. Eight protein bands were observed in SDS-PAGE gel that was electrophoresed with purified 16D10 peptide-plant protein complex confirming our hypothesis that banana root proteins interact with 16D10 peptide upon M. incognita infestation in banana root tissues. Keywords: Banana, root-knot nematode, AP-MS, agrobacterium-mediated transformation


64

OF18

CHARACTERISATION AND FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF PATHOGENESIS RELATED-1 (PR-1) GENE VARIANTS FROM Musa spp. AGAINST Meloidogyne incognita INFESTATION

Arullthevan Rajendram

1, Nur Ardiyana Rejab

1, Mushafau Adebayo Oke

2, Khanom bt Simarani

2,

Syarifah Aisyafaznim Sayed Abdul Rahman1 1Programme of Genetics and Molecular Biology,

2Programmee of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University Malaya

50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are a major threat to many crops including banana (Musa spp.) Plant-parasitic nematode (PPN) infestation on banana plants were known to cause 20% of yield losses. Current nematode management approaches utilize carcinogenic compounds. In a safer perspective, a molecular approach on producing resistant banana is suggested. Pathogenesis related (PR) protein production in response to pathogen attack is known to be part of the systemic-acquired resistance (SAR) in plants. In a compatible host-nematode interaction, the secretion of avirulent effector molecules will suppress plant’s defence system. A background proteomics study conducted on a compatible banana-M. incognita interaction revealed that Pathogenesis related-1 (PR-1) protein was present at a significantly low abundance level (p < 0.05) in nematode-inoculated root samples when compared to control samples. This observation substantiates the critical role of PR-1 gene in banana’s defence mechanism against nematode infestation. Based on the peptide sequence detected in the background study, a total of 85 clones of both genomic and expressed PR-1 gene sequences were isolated and characterised from two banana cultivars namely Berangan and Grand naine. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolated PR-1 clones clustered into four distinct groups. This result was corroborated by Southern blot analysis, indicating the presence of PR-1 gene sequence variants. Two variants of the expressed gene were chosen based on the phylogenetics analyses and cloned into pET30a(+) vector system. The recombinant PR-1 proteins were expressed in E. coli and purified using His-Gravitrap column. The presence of expressed PR-1 protein was confirmed using Western blot analysis. Finally, Laminarin-dinitrosalicyclic acid assay using the purified PR-1 proteins suggests our recently isolated banana PR- 1 gene functions as β-1,3-glucanase. Keywords: Banana, pathogenesis related-1 (PR-1) gene, systemic acquired resistance (SAR), meloidogyne incognita, β-1,3-glucanase

65

OF19 BOTTLENECK ANALYSIS OF BRAHMAN CATTLE BREED IN MALAYSIA BASED ON MICROSATELLITE MARKERS

H.H. Abdelwahid

1, J.M. Panandam

2, R.S.K. Sharma

3, H. Yaakub

4

1Department of Animal Breeding and Genetic, Faculty of Animal Productions, University of Khartoum, Sudan 2Ecotone Worldwide Sdn. Bhd., Suite 912, Block A, Kelana Centre Point, 3 Jalan SS 7/19, Kelana Jaya, 47301

Petaling Jaya, Selangor D.E., Malaysia 3Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine,

Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia 4Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang,

Selangor, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Brahman is the famous Zebu cattle; it is originated from India and distributed all over the world. Due to its adaptability and the productive performance, Brahman is considered as a successful breed, as well as a breed for crossbreeding in the formation of synthetic breeds. A bottlenecked population is a population which has been severely reduced in size sometime in the past. It is important to identify bottlenecked populations, because bottleneck reduces genetic diversity, which leads to inbreeding depression. Consequently, this reduces the adaptive potential and increases the chance of a population to become extinct. The aim of this study was to assess the bottleneck event in the Brahman breed using microsatellite markers. Animal material of the study consisted of 32 animals raised in nucleus herd at DVS Livestock Center in Kuala Berang, Terengganu. The bottleneck event was checked with 30 microsatellite markers, amplified in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) according to recommendation of FAO/ ISAG advisory group for genetic diversity studies in cattle. Bottleneck was analysed by two way; the first one was to evaluate heterozygosity excess and the second was to evaluate allele frequency distribution (mode-shift) using a bottleneck software. The result showed that there are no genetic bottlenecks in Brahman cattles and Brahman cattles in Malaysia have not undergone recent genetic bottleneck. Keywords: Bottleneck, microsatellite, brahman cattle

66

OF20

HAPLOINSUFFICIENCY ON SHELL GENE TO IMPROVE PREDICTION OF FRUIT FORMS IN OIL PALMS

Fong Po Yee, Siti Dalila Muaz, Teh Chee Keng, Praveena Tangaya, Ong Ai Ling Biotechnology and Breeding, Sime Darby Plantation R&D Centre, Selangor Malaysia


ABSTRACT

The oil palm, Elaeis guineensis is commercially planted as a major vegetable oil crop in Southeast Asia. Thin-shelled tenera palms derived from thick-shelled dura and shell-less pisifera contribute 30% more oil than their dura parents. The shell thickness trait is controlled by a codominant SHELL gene. In this study, five published SNPs on the SHELL gene were successfully validated using various breeding materials of Sime Darby Plantation, except some introgressed palms. This suggested plausible presence of other novel mutations. Furthermore, two independent SNP effects on SHELL SEP-like protein heterodimerization and DNA binding revealed that haploinsufficiency is the main causative mechanism for the codominant fruit forms. A single functional copy of SHELL gene in a diploid genome is insufficient to maintain the wild-type function i.e. dura. To date, only trans-compound heterozygous pisifera palms (two mutations on different homologous chromosomes) that produce zero functional copy were reported. The possible presence of cis-compound heterozygous tenera palms that produce one functional copy can be wrongly predicted as pisifera. Hence, continuous screening of germplasm is strongly recommended while the known SNPs are being used by smallholders as markers to eliminate the dura contamination at seed or nursery stage. With the access to parent stock, seed producers can remove both dura and tenera contaminations through legitimacy test to achieve better seed purities. Keywords: SHELL, oil palm, fruit forms, haploinsufficiency, cis-trans heterozygous OF21

EFFECT OF WATER DEFICIT ON THE AGRONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS AND SDS-PAGE PROTEIN PATTERN OF THREE SABAH DRYLAND RICE VARIETIES

Poey Shao Jiann, Mohamadu Boyie Jalloh, Mohd. Dandan Alidin, Azwan Awang

Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Locked Bag No.3, 90509 Sandakan, Sabah. Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Water is the major limiting factor to rice production worldwide. Therefore, screening for water-deficit stress tolerance rice varieties is important for sustainable rice production. Three Sabah dryland rice varieties, Beruang, Kelopak and Tiga Bulan were assessed in two conditions, irrigated (control) and water deficit using completely randomized design with five replicates. Two cycles of water deficit treatments were applied at 50% heading stage. Results found that early maturing Kelopak variety performed the best under control condition and exhibited the highest extrapolated yield (4.9 tonnes ha-1). Water deficit led to a significant decrease in relative water content, percentage in filled grain, and grain yield per plant. Early flowering Tiga Bulan variety, however, had the lowest percentage of yield reduction (28%) and gave the highest grain yield per plant (19.4 g plant

-1) under water deficit condition. Proteins extracted from the flag leaves of Tiga Bulan cultivated under

control and water deficit conditions were subjected to Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis to compare protein expression pattern. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed one and two bands were significantly up- and downregulated in response to water-deficit, respectively. These proteins may be involved in water-deficit stress mechanism. Keywords: Water stress, upland rice, grain yield, protein electrophoresis

67

OF22

THE GENETICS OF UNIQUE COCONUT (Cocos nucifera) KOPYOR ENDOSPERM MUTANTS FROM INDONESIA

Sudarsono Sudarsono1, Ismail Maskromo

1,2, Diny Dinarti

1

1Plant Molecular Biology Lab, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor

Agricultural University, Jl. Meranti, IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor 16680, West Java, Indonesia 2Indonesian Palms Research Institute, Agency for Agricultural Research and Development Jl, Raya Mapanget,

Mapanget, Talawaan, Manado 95001, North Sulawesi, Indonesia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

There are at least two known coconut abnormal endosperm mutants, i.e. Macapuno coconut from the Philippines and Kopyor coconut from Indonesia. Although they both having abnormal endosperm, their phenotypes are different. The genetic control of abnormal Kopyor endosperm has been the subject of PMB Lab., Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB, Bogor, Indonesia in the last decade. Summary of the results include:(1) the Kopyor endosperm in coconut is a naturally occurring coconut mutant existed in various location in Indonesia. The Kopyor producing palms existed in Lampung, Sumatra and in various provinces in Java islands; (2) the Kopyor endosperm phenotype is controlled by recessive alleles at two loci (K1 and K2 loci). The genetics of Kopyor endosperm must either be k1k1k1---, ---k2k2k2, or k1k1k1k2k2k2 (i.e. must be recessive homozygous at either one or both K loci); (3) under natural conditions, Kopyor coconut producing trees must be either K1k1--, --K2k2, or K1k1K2k2 (i.e. must be genetically heterozygous at either one or both K loci); (4) Under natural conditions, Kopyor-producing coconut palm yield ranges from 25% - 40% Kopyor nuts out of the total harvest, depending on the genetic makeup of the female and the contributing male parents; (5) Xenia is involved in the production of Kopyor nuts in the field. Therefore, the presence of normal coconut palms (i.e. coconut palm having homozygous genetic makeup at either one or both K loci) surrounding the Kopyor producing palms tend to reduce Kopyor nut yields. In the presentation, complete results on the genetics of unique coconut (Cocos nucifera) Kopyor endosperm mutants from Indonesia will be elucidated. Moreover, the advanced progress highlights in the understanding of the genetic control and molecular characterization of the Kopyor endosperm in coconut will also be elaborated. Keywords: Coconut mutant, abnormal endosperm, Kopyor coconut, genetic control, molecular characterization

68

OF23

GENETIC PARAMETERS ESTIMATION AND SELECTION OF Pisum sativum ACCESSIONS IN LOWLAND

Darmawan Saptadi1, Mayang Ayudya Handini

2, Nurul Hikmah

2, Budi Waluyo

1

1Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia

1Undergraduate Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Peas are classified in the Fabaceae family which has high economic value. In Indonesia, peas are only developed in the highlands. Efforts to expand the cultivation area need to be done to increase production capacity. Breeding needs to be done to get the pea genotype that adapts to the lowlands. Successful selection requires information about genetic parameters such as genetic variability and heritability. This research was conducted to estimate the value of some genetic parameters and to obtain genotypes that have high yield potential in the lowlands. Eighty-two accessions of peas originating from several areas in Indonesia were planted in experiments that followed augmented design together with three comparative genotypes. Based on the character of dry pod weight per plant and dry seed weight per plant, three accessions were selected, namely, 03 (16) (2) -1, Batu-1-1 and Batu-2. Keywords: Genetic variability, heritability, lowland, adaptation

69

OF24

POLYMORPHISM INFORMATION CONTENT AND HETEROZYGOSITY VALUES OF SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEAT MARKERS IN ‘HARUMANIS’ AND OTHER MANGO CULTIVARS

Arina Yusuf

1, Ahmad Mukhlis Abdul Rahman

1, Zarina Zakaria

1, Vijay Kumar Subbiah

2, Mohd Azinuddin

Ahmad Mokhtar 3

1Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Sungai Chuchuh, 02100 Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia.

2Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

3Genomic Department, FGV R&D Sdn. Bhd., FGV Innovation Centre (Biotechnology), PT23417 Lengkok Teknologi, 71760 Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

‘Harumanis’ is a mango cultivar that is exclusively cultivated in Perlis for its high commercial value and market potential. Most farmers and consumers rely on morphological characteristics to differentiate ‘Harumanis’ from other mangoes for sapling and fruit purchasing purpose. Sellers greatly exploited this situation by substituting ‘Harumanis’ with other cheaper mangoes such as ‘Sala’, ‘Susu’ and ‘Tong Dam’ since they have almost similar morphological characteristics. Despite the relative ease of use and rapidity, identification by morphological marker is inefficient as this marker is compounded with the problem of low stability as it is highly affected by environmental factors. A significant genetic improvement in ‘Harumanis’ can be accelerated by using molecular-based approaches like Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) as it has high association with expressed genes and directly contributing to a phenotype. Here, we described a set of SSRmarkers which can be applied to discriminate ‘Harumanis’ and other mango cultivars. Sixteen DNA samples of different mango varieties including ‘Harumanis’, ‘Tong Dam’ and ‘Sala’ were obtained from different locations in Perlis. A total of 39 SSR markers were examined using PCR and PAGE. We then performed genetic statistical analyses to determine heterozygosity values and polymorphism information content (PIC). From the 39 SSRs screened, 17 SSRs produced clear and reproducible bands. These SSRs were then selected for subsequent downstream analyses. A total of 443 alleles from 17 SSR loci were detected in the 16 mango samples, with an average number of alleles at 2.65 per locus. The PIC values ranged from 0.16 to 0.61. SSR 7, LMMA 10 and LMMA 8 were considered as high performing markers as they attained PIC values higher than 0.5. In addition, it was found that the observed heterozygosity (Ho) was higher than the expected (He), which is indicative of high genetic variability in the samples. The SSR markers identified in this study are useful for evaluating genetic variability of ‘Harumanis’ as well as for comparison with other cultivars towards the development of DNA profiles of the mango. Keywords: ‘Harumanis’, simple sequence repeats (SSR), polymorphism information content, heterozygosity


70

OF25

A CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN TO ENSURE SUSTAINABILITY OF GIANT FRESHWATER PRAWNS’ NATURAL POPULATIONS: 15 YEARS OUTLOOK FROM MALAYSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Subha Bhassu and Tan Soon Guan

Genetics and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Corresponding author email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT In aquaculture industry, when there is a demand for aquatic resources, there will be a need for genetic resources to be used for breeding and hatchery production. This demand therefore will drive many players to choose brood-stocks from natural resources which in this case, is highly abundant in all major river systems. The conservation issues are taken into least consideration as the resources are in high number and the demand for high selected brood-stocks resulted from Neo female technology is imported to meet aquaculture demands. From a geneticist point of view, we would like to establish a conservation management plan which need to be considered and incorporated for the future management plan to manage the Giant Freshwater prawns’ (GFP) natural resources based on population genetics approach. We will present the management plan in relation to the studies performed since the last 15 years on =GFP diversity, and highlight the occurrence of cryptic speciation within the Malaysian location. We will also highlight the importance of population genetics to decipher the compounding factors such as gene flow and selection that can affect genetic diversity and how low diversity effects impact survival and fitness of the population. The study performed here would be an evidence-based approach to address the right conservation management strategies to be implemented to ensure sustainability in maintaining the natural resources in our country. Keywords: Conservation plan, giant freshwater prawns, sustainability


71

TRACK 3: Forestry, Conservation & Biodiversity OB1

GENETIC ISOLATION AND DRIFT IN THE ASIAN SNAKEHEAD FISH (Channa striata) OF SABAH, NORTHERN

BORNEO

Rolando Robert1, Noor Haniza Amit2, Nor Marianne Sukarno2, Richard Joseph Majapun1, Subbiah Vijay Kumar2

1Forest Research Centre, Sabah Forestry Department, Jalan Sepilok, 90175 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia 2Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,


ABSTRACT Channa striata is native to East and Southeast Asia including Borneo and the species has been used as the ‘model organism’ for freshwater biogeographical studies in these regions. Here, we investigated how reproductive isolation and genetic drift have shaped the genetic structure of C. striata populations in Sabah, Northern Borneo. A total of 242 individuals were obtained from nine river localities throughout the state and the genetic structure of these populations was inferred based on the allelic variation at six neutral microsatellite loci. Although C. striata is a relatively popular fish caught and bred for food, human-mediated translocation had only affected populations adjacent to the capital city of Sabah. Natural populations were highly structured in that there was a lack of connectivity (p < 0.01) between neighbouring habitats. This was likely reinforced by low tendency for migration in the species. Meanwhile, phylogenetic reconstructions revealed that C. striata populations in Sabah comprise of two reciprocally monophyletic clades: one along the eastern coast and another along the western coast. In contrast to the relatively recent divergence between populations within each group, the eastern and western clades were suspected to have been separated much earlier. Genetic drift had therefore occurred at different time-scales in C. striata, which may also reflect the evolutionary processes operating on the freshwater ecosystems the species inhabit. Keywords: Channa striata, population genetics, freshwater biodiversity, hylogeography

72

OB2

GENETIC IDENTIFICATION OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED ORANGUTANS IN EX-SITU CENTERS

Badrul Munir Md-Zain1,4

, Siti Norsyuhada Kamaluddin1, Muhammad Nurismadee Abdul-Manan

1,

Muhammad Abu Bakar Abdul-Latiff2, Abd Rahman Mohd-Ridwan

1,3,

Sabapathy Dharmalingam4

1School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

2Centre of Research for Sustainable Uses of Natural Resources (CoR-SUNR), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), 84000,

Muar, Johor, Malaysia 3Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300,

Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia 4Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation, Bukit Merah, Perak, Malaysia


ABSTRACT Much of the genetic status of orangutans in ex-situ centers is not exactly known, which complicates the process of conservation management. We carried out molecular systematic studies to identify captive orangutans in Malay Peninsular particularly at subspecies level using mitochondrial DNA (D-loop region) and nuclear DNA (vWF introns 11 and 12) sequences. Orangutan genetic samples were provided by the Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island, Zoo Negara, Zoo Taiping and A’ Famosa. Data analyses were carried out using distance and character based approaches. MtDNA results indicated that orangutan samples were successfully identified at subspecies level (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus, P. p. morio, P. p. wurmbii) with high bootstrap value support. However, nuclear DNA marker showed a clear separation at species level only. The results obtained in this study can improve the understanding of captive orangutans’ genetic identification, and indirectly, help the authorities in developing plans for the management in captivity and conservation of primates in Malaysia using molecular data.

73

OB3

GENOME ANALYSIS OF TROPICAL RAINFOREST SOIL BACTERIA Paenibacillus spp. AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ITS ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ENZYME

Herman Umbau Lindang, Cahyo Budiman, Vijay Kumar, Kenneth F. Rodrigues

Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Tropical rainforest soil bacteria have been reported to secrete alkaline phosphatases (ALP), which is a group of phosphate solubilizing enzymes that govern the rainforest’s unique phosphorous partitioning properties. The differences on the phosphorus properties between the tropical forest in Sabah and non-forest soil are assumed due to the unique features of their microbial diversity. It is postulated that the ALP producing bacteria are highly abundant in the tropical rainforests of Borneo such as the primary rainforest of Danum Valley (DV), Sabah. The predominantly lowland dipterocarp rainforest of DV may serve as a good source of ALP producing bacteria. This study aims to screen, isolate and characterize the phosphate solubilizing bacteria and its phosphatase enzyme from DV rainforest. A total of 30 number of soil samples were initially screened. From this screening, five bacterial isolates with remarkable tricalcium phosphate solubilizing activity were identified as Staphylococcus pasteuri, Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas oryzyhabitan, and Paenibacillus spp. (designated as Paeni-DV01) based on their 16s rRNA sequences. As there is no study on phosphatase activity of Paenibacillae family, Paeni-DV01 was selected for further characterization. The genomic DNA of this mesophilic Gram- negative rod-shaped bacterium was subsequently sequenced using a Pacific Biosciences’ single molecule real time long-read DNA sequencing platform. The draft genome size was determined as 7,323,160 bp with a G+C content of 53.2%. The analysis of the genome using RAST revealed 43 annotated genes for phosphoric monoester hydrolases (EC 3.1.3) of which two genes encoded for ALP (EC 3.1.3.1) were specifically categorized under two subsystems. The specific phosphatase activity of extracellular fraction of this bacterium was 7378.12 U mg-1 which was the highest activity compared to previous studies. Further experimental work is required to unravel the full potential application of Paeni-DV01 alkaline phosphatase for agricultural application.

Keywords: Tropical soil, soil microbes, phosphate, enzymatic assay

74

OB4

BAMBOO MICROBIOME ANALYSIS CONSUMED BY CAPTIVE GIANT PANDA IN ZOO NEGARA, MALAYSIA

Suganthi Appalasamy1,2

, Dee Koh Han1, Jayaraj Vijaya Kumaran

1,3, Seri Intan Mokhtar

4, Mohd Tajuddin

Abdullah3, Mat Naim Bin Ramli

5, Ten Dennis Choon Yung

6, Abdul Kadir bin Abu Hashim

6, Dengsheng Li

7, &

Chai Wu Li7 1 Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kelantan, Malaysia

2 Highland Research Centre, Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kelantan, Malaysia 3 Institut Penyelidikan Kenyir (IPK), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

4 Faculty of Agro Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kelantan, Malaysia

5 Zoo Negara, Hulu Kelang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia 6 Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Semenanjung Malaysia, Km 10, Jalan Cheras, 56100,

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Malaysia 7 China Conservation and Research Centre the Giant Panda, China


ABSTRACT

The microbial community inside three species of bamboo plants consumed by giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in Malaysia was investigated using 16S metagenome analysis. Three species of bamboo namely Bambusa heterostachya, Dendrocalamus casper and Gigantochloa albiciliata were obtained from Zoo Negara, Selangor, Malaysia and high-quality bacterial DNA was isolated. Hypervariable regions (V3-V4) were sequenced using Illumina MiSeq. A total of 352 bacterial ASVs (from 233, 966 sequence tags) were found across all three plant samples, while only 17 ASV were common in all three. G. albociliata showed the highest alpha diversity across all indices while B. heterostachya had the lowest, furthermore G. albociliata showed the highest species evenness. Gammaproteobacteria was found to be the most dominant class of bacteria found in the three microbiomes. This result is consistent with that of found in the previous study on giant panda gut microbiome. Captive giant panda was found to have more Proteobacteria than the wild giant panda and this study provide an evidence for the source of high number of Proteobacteria found in their gut. OB5

THE INDIVIDUAL IDENTIFICATION OF Rusa unicolor FROM FAECAL PELLETS

Mohd Lutfi Abdullah, Nur Alizati Nabila Giarat Ali, Noorazleen Kulaimi, Badmananthan Muniasamy, Jeffrine Rovie Ryan Japning, Leonora Tuah Merawin, Firdaus Ariff Jamaludin, Siti Azizah Mohd Noor

Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Seven pairs of tetranucleotide microsatellite marker were screened for individual identification of randomly collected faecal pellets of Rusa unicolor of three captive populations. The markers were designed based on nuclear sequences of Sitka black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) deposited in the GeneBank. All markers screened were consistently amplified and genotyped with low error rate. Of the 170 faecal samples collected, 86 unique individuals were detected. The probability of identity PI=0.003 and probability of siblings PISIB=0.025, respectively, for seven loci. The microsatellite primer sets serves as a new tool for deer species identification, either from captive or natural population. However, its utility for wild population estimation is yet to be validated.

75

OB6

DNA BARCODING OF POPULAR INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES OF FISH INTRODUCED IN MALAYSIA.

Lavanya Malini Vythalingam1,3

, Motalib Hossain2,3

, Subha Bhassu1,2,3

1 Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603,

Malaysia. 2 Division of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of

Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 3 Nanotechnology and Catalysis Research Centre (NANOCAT), Institute of Graduate Studies, University of

Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia. Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Malaysia is home to various species of freshwater and saltwater aquatic organisms. Recently, there has been a decline in native population of fishes throughout the country due to the loss in aquatic biodiversity. The introduction of non-native fishes or better known as Invasive Alien Species (IAS) for the aquaculture and aquarium industry is one of the primary causes that led to a biological invasion that threatens the population of native species as well as damaging the ecosystem. Currently, the identification process relies upon visual identification. This has proven to be highly tedious and inaccurate. Thus, DNA barcoding was proposed as a practical alternative. DNA barcoding was successfully carried out using Cytochrome C oxidase I gene (COI) for six popular invasive alien species of fish. The species were represented by multiple specimens and a total of 28 sequences were generated. The barcodes successfully identified all the fish species present and DNA sequencing carried out gave concordant results. Phylogenetic analysis of the data obtained was carried out to determine the efficiency of the barcoding. The neighbour-joining tree revealed distinct clusters in correspondence with the taxonomic status of the fishes studied. This study demonstrated high efficiency in identification of invasive fish species in Malaysia. Keywords: DNA barcoding, invasive alien species, conservation, species identification, Betta fishes



76

OB7 INSIGHT INTO MALAYAN PANGOLIN GENETICS USING MITOCHONDRIAL GENOME AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO

WILDLIFE FORENSICS

Frankie Thomas Sitam1,2

, Jeffrine Japning Rovie-Ryan

1, Ross McEwing

5, Kyle Ewart

5, Noor Azleen Mohd

Kulaimi1,2, Norsyamimi Rosli1, Kayal Vizi Karuppannan1, Tan Poai Ean1, Norazlinda Razak1, Han Ming Gan3, Lee Yin Peng3, Ranjeev Hari4, Mohd Tajuddin Abdullah2

1Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Headquarters, Km. 10 Jalan Cheras, Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur. 2Institut Penyelidikan Kenyir, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

3Monash University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

4Centre of Bioinformatics, School of Data Sciences, Perdana University, Jalan MAEPS Perdana, 43400 Serdang, Selangor.

5TRACE Wildlife Forensic Network, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.


ABSTRACT

Eight species of pangolin; four from Asia and four from Africa; are one of the most illegally traded mammals in the world. It was reported that over a million pangolins have been poached in the last decade, but lack of studies has been done on pangolin compared to other major species. We collected a number of reference specimen for the purpose of developing wildlife DNA reference database. Full mitochondrial genome (mitogenomes) were sequenced using Illumina next-generation sequencing platform. The constructed mitogenomes comprises of 37 coding genes including 2 rRNA, 22 tRNA and 13 protein-coding genes; and a non-coding control region. We performed a comparative analysis among mitogenomes along with sequences retrieved from the GenBank. Phylogenetic trees constructed based on Maximum-likelihood, Maximum-parsimony and Beyesian inference revealed interesting insights on the evolution of the species. Mitogenomes reported here are important as reference for wildlife forensic identification, as well as to scale up resources for the conservation and sustainability of the critically endangered species. Keywords: Mitogenome, next generation sequencing, wildlife forensics, pangolin, phylogenetic


77

OB8

FINE-SCALE POPULATION STRUCTURE AND ECOTYPES OF ANADROMOUS HILSA SHAD (Tenualosa Ilisha) 2 ACROSS COMPLEX AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS REVEALED BY NEXTRAD GENOTYPING

Md Asaduzzaman

1, Md A. Wahab

2, Md J. Rahman

2, Md Nahiduzzzaman

2, Malcom W. Dickson

2, Yoji

Igarashi3, Shuichi Asakawa3, Li Lian Wong4, 5 1Department of Marine Bioresource Science, Faculty of Fisheries, Chattogram Veterinary and

Animal Sciences University, Khulshi 4225, Chattogram, Bangladesh 2WorldFish, Bangladesh and South Asia Office, Banani, Dhaka, 1213, Bangladesh

3Laboratory of Aquatic Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Aquatic Bioscience, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bukkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan

4Institute of Tropical Aquaculture, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

5Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu,

Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The anadromous Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) live in the Bay of Bengal and migrate to the estuaries and freshwater rivers for spawning and nursing of the juveniles. This has led to two pertinent questions: i) do all Hilsa shad that migrate from marine to freshwater rivers come from the same population? and ii) is there any relationship between adults and juveniles of a particular habitat? To address these questions, NextRAD sequencing was applied to genotype 31,276 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci for 180 individuals collected from six strategic locations of riverine, estuarine and marine habitats. FST OutFLANK approach identified 14,815 SNP loci as putatively neutral and 79 SNP loci as putatively adaptive. We observed that divergent local adaptations in differing environmental habitats have divided Hilsa shad into three genetically structured ecotypes: turbid freshwater (Western Riverine), clear freshwater (Eastern Riverine) and brackish-saline (Southern Estuarine-Marine). Our results also revealed that genes involved in neuronal activity may have facilitated the juveniles’ Hilsa shad in returning to their respective natal rivers for spawning. This study emphasized the application of fundamental population genomics information in strategizing conservation and management effort of anadromous fish such as Hilsa shad that intersect diverse ecotypes during their life-history stages. Keywords: SNP, population genetics, parental assignment, migratory fish, local adaptation

78

OB9

MOLECULAR SYSTEMATIC AND POPULATION GENETICS OF NEWLY RECOGNIZED SCHLEGEL’S BANDED LANGUR (Presbytis neglectus) in MALAYSIA

Abdul-Latiff, M.A.B.

1, Najmuddin M.F.

1, Mohd-Ridwan, A.R.

2,3 Md-Zain, B.M.

2

1Centre of Research for Sustainable Uses of Natural Resources (CoR-SUNR), Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (Pagoh Campus), KM1, Jalan Panchor, 84600, Muar Johor,

Malaysia 2School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti

Kebangsaan Malaysia, 436000, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia 3 Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak,94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia


ABSTRACT Schlegels’s Banded Langur (Presbytis neglectus) previously known as Banded Langur (Presbytis femoralis femoralis) which are distributed in Johor has been missing from radar in scientific studies for many years. The few numbers of studies conducted on this species is insufficient to form a body of knowledge on the evolutionary history of the species. Aside from being classified as different subspecies as compared to Presbytis femoralis robinsoni (Northern Peninsular Malaysia) and Presbytis femoralis percura (Sumatra), the population genetics of this species also remains a mystery to primatologist and conservationist. Thus, this research was conducted to understand the taxonomic position and population genetics of the population in Johor, by employing comparative phylogenetic and population genetic study by utilizing D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA. A total of 501bp segment of the HVSI gene has been successfully obtained from all the samples revealing 36 unique haplotypes from Southeast Asian Presbytis. A closer affinity of P. neglectus (Peninsular Malaysia) to other taxa in Presbytis as compared to P. f. robinsoni was detected, including the lowest genetic distance to P. potenziani (0.074), lowest nucleotide diversity (π) with P. melalophos sumatrana (0.027), smaller net nucleotide divergence (Da) with P. melalophos mitrata (0.048), and lowest population subdivision with P. m. mitrata (Fst = 0.566 and Nst = 0.557). The phylogenetic analysis established that P. neglectus are clearly separated from Sumatran and Bornean populations, with significant statistical test results (1.0 posterior probability [Bayesian inference, BI], 98% [neighbour-joining, NJ], and 99% [maximum parsimony, MP]). These findings supported with a long and confusing historical taxonomic description of the species, justified the conclusion to elevate P. neglectus as a different species, making it the only endemic species of primates in Johor, Malaysia. Keywords: Schlegel’s banded Langur, presbytis neglectus, langurs, Malaysia, primates

79

ABSTRACT OF POSTER PRESENTATION

TRACK 1: Medicine & Health Sciences PM1

CHARACTERIZING MUTATIONS IN BCR-ABL KINASE DOMAIN DETERMINES RESPONSIVENESS TO TYROSINE KINASE INHIBITORS TREATMENT IN CHRONIC MYELOID LEUKAEMIA

Aliza Mohd Yacob1, Chang Kian Meng2, Nor Asiah Muhamad3, Yuslina Yusoff1, Latifah Ibrahim4,

Ivyna Bong Pau Ni1 1Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institute of Health, Setia Alam;

2Haematology Department, Ampang Hospital, Selangor;

3Evidence Based Sector, National Institute of Health,

Setia Alam; 4Special Resource Centre,

Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur.


ABSTRACT Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) is treated using Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs), a targeted therapy with high success rate. Non-responsiveness to imatinib, a first generation TKI occurred in 20-30% of CML patients is found to be partly due to the presence of mutation that hinders the binding of imatinib to ABL kinase domain. Second or third generation TKIs are therefore given as replacement and were monitored to determine the suitability of TKIs for CML treatment. The objective of this study is to look at the type of mutations present and its relation to responses towards TKI treatment in CML patients. Outcomes from fully-nested RT-PCR that amplied the entire ABL kinase domain of BCR-ABL transcript followed by direct sequencing to identify mutations were obtained from Haematology Clinic, Ampang Hospital. Cases studied were from 24 CML patients that are non-responsive to imatinib therapy. Six mutations were identified from 10 (42%) patients. Patients with E255K, M244K, T315I and H396P mutations that were treated with bosutinibnand nilotinib, nilotinib, ponatinib and bosutinib respectively, were in chronic phase and responded well to TKIs given. Contrarily, for one patient with L387F mutation who was in late chronic phase while another with G250E mutation who were in accelerated phase, both were treated with nilotinib. Meanwhile, patient with double mutations Y253H and H396P and treated with dasatinib, was in blast crisis and succumbed to death. E255K, M244K, T315I and H396P mutations were shown to be manageable with the current TKIs used while G250E and double mutation Y253H and H396P required further analysis. Therefore, type of mutation in the ABL kinase domain in CML patient could determine how responsive the patient will be to the TKI used. In conclusion, characterizing mutation in CML patients that are non-responsive to TKI could predict treatment response and enables selection of appropriate TKI for effective treatment. Precision medicine such as this enables treatment success for responders and allows development of better treatment regimens for non-responders to TKI therapies. Keywords: Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia, BCR-ABL, Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors, mutation

80

PM2

DEVELOPMENT OF SCORING ANALYSIS METHOD FOR DICENTRIC ASSAY TECHNIQUE USING PAN-CENTROMERIC PROBE

Rahimah Abdul Rahim, Mohd Rodzi Ali, Noraisyah Mohd Yusof and Juliana Mahamad Napiah

Biodosimetry Laboratory, Medical Technology Division, Agensi Nuklear Malaysia Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor


ABSTRACT Dicentric chromosome is an abnormal chromosome with two centromeres. It is formed through the fusion of two chromosome segments, each with a centromere, resulting in the loss of acentric fragments (lacking a centromere) and the formation of dicentric fragments. Quantitative cytogenetic analysis of structural chromosome aberrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes is widely used as an assay to detect and quantify exposure to a variety of clastogens. Unstable chromosome rearrangements, dicentric chromosomes and centric ring chromosomes, are routinely used as biomarkers to assess human exposure to ionizing radiation. The centromeric region of chromosomes is essential for chromosomal inheritance and genome stability. The pan-centomeric probe is a design probe capable to target human highly repetitive sequences located at and around the centromeric region of each human chromosome. Dicentric assay technique is very specific and sensitive to radiation. The assay is time consuming and highly technique-dependent. Therefore, causes the scoring and analysis to be slow. The purpose of this study is to show that pan-centromeric probe technique is a helpful method to reduce time required for scoring and analysis of dicentric chromosome in metaphase cells. Two blood samples were exposed to radiation, cultured and processed according to standard dicentric assay technique. Then, fluorescence in situ hybridization using pan-centromeric probe was done to detect the centromere of each chromosome. The result showed that all centromeres of each chromosome were positive for green fluorescent signal and were able to be observed. This will help researcher to identify and score the chromosome with one or two centromere easily. Thus, in the case of an emergency radiation accident, this method can be applied to reduce the analysis time and the report could be issued quickly. Keywords: Dicentric, centromere, pan-centromeric probe

81

PM3

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SELF NANO-EMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM LOADED WITH CITRAL AND ITS ANTIPROLIFERATIVE EFFECT ON COLORECTAL CANCER CELLS IN VITRO

Mira Nadiah Mohd Izham

1, Yazmin Hussin

1, Muhammad Nazirul Mubin Aziz

1, Swee Keong Yeap

2, Heshu

Sulaiman Rahman3,4, Mas Jaffri Masarudin1, Nurul Elyani Mohamad1, Rasedee Abdullah5, Noorjahan Banu Alitheen1

1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia;

2China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia Sepang, Malaysia

3Department of Clinic and internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani, 0046 Sulaymaniyah, Republic of Iraq

4Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Komar University of Science and

Technology, Sarchinar District, Sulaymaniyah, Republic of Iraq 5Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia;

Corresponding author’s email: [email protected], [email protected](M.N.M.I.); [email protected] (Y.H.); [email protected] (M.N.M.A.); [email protected]

(N.E.M), [email protected] (M.J.M.), [email protected]

ABSTRACT Citral is an active compound naturally found in lemongrass, lemon, and lime. Although this pale-yellow liquid confers low water solubility, the compound has been reported to possess good therapeutic features including antiproliferative and anticancer modalities. Self nano-emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) is a type of liquid-lipid nanocarriers that is suitable for the loading of insolubilized oil-based compound such as Citral. This study reports the design and optimization of a SNEDDS formulation, synthesis and characterization as well as loading with Citral (CIT-SNEDDS) followed by an assessment of the antiproliferative effects of CIT-SNEDDS towards colorectal cancer cells. SNEDDS composed of coconut oil, DMSO and Tween 80. CIT-SNEDDS was prepared via gentle agitation of SNEDDS with 0.5% Citral for 72 hours at room temperature. The physicochemical characterizations were done using several physicochemical analyses. The average particle size of CIT-SNEDDS is 16.86 ± 0.15 nm, zeta potential of 0.58 ± 0.19 mV and polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.23 ± 0.01. In vitro drug release of Citral from CIT-SNEDDS was recorded at 79.25% and for Citral release percentage was 93.56% over 72 hours. MTT assay was done to determine the cytotoxicity effect of CIT-SNEDDS in human colorectal cancer cell lines, HT29 and SW620. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of CIT-SNEDDS

on SW620 was 16.50 0.87 µg/mL and Citral was 22.50 2.50 µg/mL over 72 hours. The IC50 of CIT-SNEDDS on

HT29 was 34.10 0.30 µg/mL and for Citral was 21.77 0.23 µg/mL after 72 hours of treatment. This study strongly suggests that CIT-SNEDDS has permitted sustained release of Citral and CIT-SNEDDS is a potential soluble drug nanocarrier effective against colorectal cancer cells. Keywords: Citral, lemongrass oil, self nano-emulsifying drug delivery system, nanocarrier, colorectal cancer


82

PM4

KEFIR WATER REDUCES HUMAN AMYLOID-BETA 1-42 AGGREGATION AND ATTENUATES HYDROGEN PEROXIDE-INDUCED APOPTOSIS IN SH-SY5Y CELLS

Noorjahan Banu Mohamed Alitheen

1, Muganti Rajah Kumar

1, Yeap Swee Keong

2, Muhammad Nazirul

Mubin Aziz1, Yazmin Hussin1, Nurul Elyani Mohamad1, Janna Ong Abdullah1, Mas Jaffri Masarudin1, Melati Khalid3, Adam Leow Thean Chor1

1 Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia;

2 China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia Sepang, Malaysia;

[email protected] 3 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor;

Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]; [email protected] (N.B.M.A.); [email protected] (M.R.K.); [email protected] (M.N.M.A.);

[email protected] (Y.H.); [email protected] (N.E.M), [email protected] (J.O.A.); [email protected] (M.J.M.); [email protected] (A.L.T.C.); [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is predominantly due to progressive accumulation of amyloid-beta and hyperphosphorylation of tau proteins. These would result in a progressive synaptic loss, damage and degeneration of neurons which, in turn, would lead to loss of memory, severe cognitive impairment and inability to perform daily activities. To date, specialized drugs available for treating AD are limited, and these drugs are only capable of providing symptomatic relief marginally. Moreover, the use of these drugs often results in various side effects including cholinergic and hepatotoxicity. There is a growing interest in the use of dietary interventions as a means for highly successful disease management and drug development. Modifications of dietary intake are suggested as one of the measures that could elicit changes at the molecular level through diet-genome interactions. Thus, the present study was carried out to investigate the neuroprotective effects of Kefir water samples in vitro. Kefir is a self-carbonated refreshing fermented drink that is known for its various health benefits including anti-inflammatory and immune system stimulatory effects and has been consumed over hundreds of years. Different Kefir samples were obtained, cultured and tested on hydrogen peroxide-induced neuronal death in SH-SY5Y cells. Kefir samples at up to 10 mg/mL were found to significantly attenuate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell death in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells as evidenced by MTT assay (p<0.05) and morphological analyses. FRAP and DPPH radical scavenging assays revealed that Kefir B exhibited the highest antioxidant activities (p<0.05) in comparison to Kefir E and Kefir C. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the presence of multiple bioactive compounds in Kefir samples including lactic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid and rutin. Anti-oxidative, anti-apoptosis and neuroprotective effects of Kefir at 10 mg/mL were found to be mediated by the upregulation of superoxide dismutases (SODs) and catalase as well as modulation of apoptotic genes (AKT, ERK1/2, NF-Kβ, JNK, p53 and p38 MAPK). The Kefir samples also showed potential in vitro anti-aggregation effect on human Aβ1-42 peptide under transmission electron microscopy. It was also found to affect the processing of human amyloid precursor protein (APP) via transcriptional regulation of AD-related genes. To date, Kefir has not been used for the management of AD. The data from this study will implicate the potential application of Kefir water as a functional food for the management of AD. Keywords: Kefir water, amyloid-beta, neurodegeneration, oxidative stress, inflammation


83

PM5

CASE STUDY: CONFIRMATION OF A NOVEL SLC16A2 GENE EXONIC DELETION AND CARRIER TESTING USING QUANTITATIVE PCR (qPCR) METHOD

NurJannah Arifin

1, Keng Wee Teik

2, Yusnita Yakob

1

1 Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Specialised Diagnostic Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2Department of Genetics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

SLC16A2 gene, located on the Xq13.2 chromosome, is the only gene known responsible for Monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) deficiency. MCT8 deficiency is a disorder caused by impairment in the transcellular transport of thyroid hormones. A routine laboratory strategy involving a conventional PCR amplification followed by sequencing of SLC16A2 gene was done on a 2-year-old boy suspected of having MCT8 deficiency. A failure in amplification of exons 5 and 6 suggested a hemizygous deletion of those exons. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the exonic hemizyous deletion in the patient as well as to determine carrier status of his mother using qPCR method. The qPCR was performed using singleplex Taqman assays designed to target the exon 5 and 6 of SLC16A2 gene and the B2M gene used for normalisation. Prior validation of PCR efficiency was carried out for both genes using standard curves. The amplification efficiency was found to be similar for both genes, indicating the reproducibility of the assays. Patient and maternal samples were then run together with appropriate control samples. Data analysis was performed using a delta-delta Ct method (ΔΔCt). Relative quantitation of both exon 5 and 6 were undetectable in the patient, thus confirming the hemizygous deletions. As for his mother, the relative quantitation was within normal copy number, hence she is not a carrier and therefore the mutation detected in her son was likely de novo. Deletion spanning exons 5 and 6 has not been previously reported elsewhere. The qPCR method is particularly useful in detecting copy number variations (CNVs) which proven to be a limitation in conventional PCR. Delta-delta CT quantitation is a suitable analysis tool as it estimates the relative expression ratio of the genes. However, in this case, germline mosaicism cannot be excluded although it has not been previously reported for this gene. Keywords: qPCR, exonic deletion, Delta-delta CT quantitation, SLC16A2 gene, MCT8 deficiency


84

PM6

IDENTIFICATION OF TWO NOVEL SRCAP GENE MUTATIONS IN FLOATING-HARBOR SYNDROME PATIENTS FROM MALAYSIA

LuaSeok Hian

1, Keng Wee Teik

2, Chew Hui Bein

2, Yusnita Yakob

1

1Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Specialised Diagnostic Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2Department of Genetics, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Floating-Harbor Syndrome (FHS; OMIM #136140) is an ultra-rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by short stature, delayed bone age, speech impairment and distinctive facial features. FHS is associated with heterozygous truncating mutations that almost exclusively clustered in exon 34 of the SRCAP gene (Snf2-related CREB-binding protein activator protein gene), on chromosome 16p11.2. To date, no case of FHS has been reported in Malaysia. Here, our objective is to present the first cohort of individuals with molecularly confirmed FHS in Malaysia. By PCR-Sanger sequencing method, molecular genetic analysis of exons 31-34 of SRCAP gene was performed on DNA samples from 16 individuals referred to our laboratory from year 2015 to 2019 whose phenotype resembled FHS. Sequence variants detected were evaluated with several common population databases (gnomAD, ExAC and 1000 Genomes Project), germline variant databases (Human Gene Mutation Database and ClinVar) as well as in-silico prediction tool (MutationTaster2). The pathogenicity of the DNA sequence alterations was interpreted according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) guidelines. Of 16 individuals studied, three were positive for heterozygous truncating variants located in exon 34. Two of them were novel frame-shift mutations (c.7418del and c.7225_7232del) which have not been described elsewhere and were predicted as disease causing by MutationTaster2. The remaining variant was a previously reported nonsense mutation (c.7303C>T), a known second recurrent mutation in FHS patients. These mutations would most likely result in truncated SRCAP proteins which were predicted to lose its functional domain, presumably lacking the putative three C-terminal AT-hook DNA binding motifs that could lead to a dominant negative effect. To our knowledge, this is the first study to delineate cases of FHS in Malaysia and, on top of that, the two novel mutations identified in this study have broadened the SRCAP mutation spectrum of FHS despite the rarity of the disease. Keywords: floating-harbor syndrome (FHS), SRCAP gene, novel mutations

85

PM7

POTENTIAL OF GENE EDITING IN AVOIDING BROKEN FAMILY LINEAGE IN A PATIENT WITH PEUTZ-JEGHERS SYNDROME

Nurul Diyanah Kamarudin

Forensic Medicine Department, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II Kota Bharu Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is an inherited autosomal dominant disorder characterized by intestinal hamartomatous polyps in association with a distinct pattern of skin and mucosal macular melanin deposition. A police report was lodged on the death of a patient. A post mortem analysis was conducted to determine the cause of the death. The patient was found to have an underlying PJS. Further investigation revealed that the sister of the deceased patient also had PJS. The sister who has been married had decided against having any offspring due to the heritable risk of PJS. The inability to conceive was devastating to the family as it breaks their family lineage. As PJS is due to mutations in the gene that encode a member of the serine/threonine kinase family which regulates cell polarity and functions as a tumor suppressor, we proposed here the potential use of CRISPR which could correct the genetic errors that cause the disease. With genetic manipulation, the defective genes in a number of viable human embryos can be corrected by deletion. By using this advanced technology in the genetic world, it is possible to reduce the burden of this heritable disease on the family. Success stories had been reported on the embryos that were injected with CRISPR-Cas9 machinery 18 hours after fertilization to cure several heritable diseases. With this technique, almost half did not show any mutations in the gene and practically no chance of developing the disease and another half were partially free of mutations. Therefore, we believed that there is a great hope for people with PJS to be treated with gene editing approach. Keywords: Post mortem, future, family lineage, CRISPR, embryos


86

PM8 QUALITY ANALYSIS OF DNA EXTRACTED FROM DIFFERENT BLOOD COMPOSITIONS FROM INFERTILE MALAY

WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)

Fatin Munirah Md Aris1, Norshariza Nordin

1,2,3, Maiza Tusimin

1, Habibah Abdul Hamid

1,

1Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology ,2Department of Biomedical Science, 3Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400,

Serdang, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

High quality and sufficient quantity of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) are important requisites for several molecular applications for clinical investigations. One such application is the screening for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) by high resolution melting analysis (HRM) for infertile patients with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In order to get the best HRM melting curve, it is important to get the most desirable concentration and purity of the extracted DNA. DNA quality has been shown to be different in blood compositions such as plasma and buffy coat as compared to whole blood. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the quality of DNA extracted from different compositions of blood, namely buffy coat and plasma as well as whole blood, from infertile patients with (n=50) and without (n=54) PCOS compared to normal subjects (n=6), recruited from Putrajaya, Serdang and Kajang Hospital [NMRR-18-3175-44106]. DNA extraction was done using QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit (51306, Qiagen). The concentration and purity of the extracted DNA were checked using a nanodrop spectrophotometer (BioRad). The purity was measured based on ratios of A260/A280 and A260/A230, for detection of protein and RNA contamination, respectively. The concentration of DNA extracted from buffy coat samples of both infertile patient groups was observed to be higher than the DNA extracted from whole blood, while the concentration of DNA extracted from whole blood of normal subjects was higher than those extracted from buffy coats. On the other hand, plasma was found to be yield the lowest concentration of DNA in both infertile and normal subjects. The purity of DNA was the best when DNA was extracted from buffy coat and whole blood as compared to plasma. Our results demonstrate that the best DNA quality of both infertile groups with and without PCOS could be obtained from buffy coat. For normal subjects, DNA quality is the best when extracted from whole blood. These findings clearly provide useful insights in deciding the appropriate blood composition as the best DNA source in obtaining good quality DNA from these patients for molecular applications, namely SNP screening. Keywords: Single nucleotide polymorphism, DNA, polycystic ovarian syndrome, buffy coat, whole blood

87

PM9

CHONDROITIN/DERMATAN SULPHATE DISACCHARIDE PROFILING: PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR POTENTIAL SMALL MOLECULES AS PHARMACOLOGICAL CHAPERONE FOR TREATMENT OF MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSES

TYPE II

Affandi Omar, Balqis Kamarudin, Julaina Abdul Jalil Inborn Errors of Metabolism & Genetics Unit, Nutrition, Metabolic & Cardiovascular Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Block C, National Institutes of Health Complex, No 1, Jalan Setia Murni U13/52, Bandar

Setia Alam, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, MALAYSIA Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Mucopolysaccharidoses Type II (MPS II) is a rare inherited disease caused by mutation in IDS gene encoding iduronate-2-sulphatase (IDS), an important enzyme in the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) degradation pathway of dermatan sulphate (DS) and heparan sulphate (HS). Currently, the treatments for MPS II patients are enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) or bone marrow transplantation (BMT). However, ERT is not effective in reducing the central nervous system manifestation while finding the suitable donor may be quite challenging in BMT. More recently, pharmacological chaperone (PC) has been used as an alternative approach for management of MPS II patient. Here, we described the inhibition study of chondroitin/dermatan (CD) sulphate disaccharide by identified small molecules using recombinant human iduronate-2-sulphatase (rhIDS). Potential PC labelled as ΔUA,2S-GalNAc, 4S (diB) (CD005), ΔUA,2S-GalNAc,6S(diD) (CD006), ΔUA,2S-GalNAc,4S,6S(triS) (CD007) and ΔUA,2S-GalNAc (CD008) were diluted into several concentrations before being incubated with rhIDS for 10 minutes at 0oC. 50 µL of 2 mM ρ-nitrocatechol sulphate was added into 50 µL of each concentration of the respective CD candidates in a microplate. The plate was incubated at 37oC for 24 hours before the reaction was terminated with 100 µL of 0.2 M sodium hydroxide. Liberated product of ρ-nitrocatechol was measured using spectrophotometer at 515nm. All CD candidates were also tested on ATCC cell for specificity testing. The inhibition concentration, IC50 of CD005, CD006, CD007 and CD008 were calculated as 221 µM, 385 µM, 44 µM and 44 µM. The inhibition constant, Ki were 0.6, 3.5, 24.4 and 2.2 for CD005, CD006, CD007 and CD008 respectively. There was no significant difference in the inhibition of IDS activity in ATCC cells (p>0.05). In conclusion, CD007 with the lowest IC50 and highest of Ki may become the potential small molecules to be used as pharmacological chaperone. Analysis of thermal stability and cell-based experiments will be followed later. Keywords: Lysosomal storage diseases, Mucopolysaccharidoses Type II, pharmacological chaperone, iduronate-2-sulphatase

88

PM10

MITOCHONDRIAL DNA MUTATION VARIATION OF MALAYSIAN POPULATION: PRELIMINARY STUDY

Shahrul Hisham Zainal Ariffin1, Rus Dina Rus Din

2, Siti Nur Zahidah Zahari

3, Rohaya Megat Abdul Wahab

4

1,3Pusat Bioteknologi dan Makanan Berfungsi, Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,

43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia 2Program Sains Forensik, Fakulti Sains Kesihatan, Forensik UKM, Basement 1PTSL, Universiti Kebangsaan

Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia 4Unit Ortodontik, Pusat Kesihatan Pergigian Keluarga, Fakulti Pergigian, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,

50300 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a powerful tool to study human evolutionary history and forensic genetics. The mtDNA control region contains highly condensed variation and is therefore routinely typed for population genetic studies. However, the information from control region alone is not sufficient. Therefore, it is relevant to identify mutation variations in the mtDNA coding regions that might be useful in mtDNA population studies. In this study, three locations of mtDNA coding region were analysed, namely cytochrome c oxidase I (COI), cytochrome B (CYB) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 6 (ND6). Three pairs of primers were designed based on these respective regions using Primer Designing Tool by NCBI. PCR amplifications using the designed primers were optimized using mtDNA from human peripheral blood of four maternally unrelated individuals (Malaysian population). mtDNA coding region mutation was determined using blastn program. The result showed that a total of 30 mutations were found in all samples based on mtDNA coding regions. For region COI, all samples have the same mutations at location 6500 and 7028. While in region CYB, all samples showed mutations at location 15326 and only three samples were positive for a mutation at location 15301. For region ND6, there were three samples that show the same mutation at location 14389. Based on previous studies, only six out of 30 mutations found in the Malaysian populations were also found in East Asian and Asian population. However, the mutation at location 6500 that were found in all samples in this study has not been reported for the Southeast Asian population. This study shows that the designed primers based on mtDNA coding region can be used for population studies. Keywords: Mutation variation, mtDNA, coding region

89

PM11

VITAMIN D AND HEMOSTASIS PARAMETERS FOR HIV/AIDS PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS COINFECTION IN HAJI ADAM MALIK GENERAL HOSPITAL MEDAN

Elrica

1, Dina Keumala Sari

2, Dewi Indah Sari Siregar

1Tropical Medicine Magister Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara

2Nutrition Departement, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara

3Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is still a cause of vitamin D deficiency and homeostasis abnormality related to disease progression and its complications. Examination of 25 (OH) D levels, prothrombin time (PT) and platelet indices in HIV/AIDS patients with and without pulmonary TB at Haji Adam Malik General Hospital Medan in the August-October 2019 period was carried out. The study group that took EFV-based ART and rifampicin-based OAT had the most 25(OH)D deficiency (51.5%) while the study group using EFV-based ART had lower 25(OH)D insufficiency (48.6%). There were no statistical differences in 25(OH)D, PT, and platelet index levels, except for the Platelet Distribution Width (PDW) level between the HIV/AIDS-pulmonary TB study group (33 subjects) and the HIV/AIDS study group (37 subjects) (p = 0.026). No statistical differences were observed in 25 (OH) D, PT, and platelet index levels, except for PDW levels between the study group with Total Lymphocyte Count (TLC) <1200 (11 subjects) and the study group with TLC ≥1200 (58 subjects) (p = 0.05). However, there were significant differences in Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) and PDW levels between pre- and post-use of EFV-based ART in less than 6 months (p≤0,05) in both HIV/AIDS-pulmonary TB study groups (29 subjects) and HIV/AIDS study group (26 subjects). There was a significant difference in platelet levels (p = 0.021) before and after the use of EFV-based ART within a period of 6 months (p = 0.05) in the HIV/AIDS-pulmonary TB group. No significant relationship was found between 25(OH)D levels with PT or the platelet indices. In conclusion, there is no relationship between 25(OH)D levels with PT or platelet indices in HIV/AIDS patients with and without pulmonary TB who are using EFV-based ART and rifampicin-based OAT in less than 6 months. Keywords: AIDS, platelet indices, prothrombin time, pulmonary tuberculosis, vitamin D

90

PM12

SOY-CATFISH-ANCHOVY-RICE SUPPLEMENTATION INCREASES 25(OH)D SERUM LEVELS IN TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS WITH COMPLICATION

Dina Keumala Sari

1, Ridha Dharmajaya

2, Mutiara Indah Sari

3, Dewi Masyithah

4

1Nutrition Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara

2Neurosurgery Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara

3Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara 4Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara


ABSTRACT Tuberculosis patients with complication (diabetes melllitus, HIV/AIDS) who are living in tropical regions experience vitamin D deficiency, especially in North Sumatera, Indonesia. The presence of polymorphism vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene TaqI and FokI has been identified as one of its predisposing factor besides other factors that includes disease progression, malnutrition, and higher inflammation markers. This study is carried out to assess the effect of 50 grams of soy-catfish-anchovy-rice (SCAR) porridge consumption per day for 14 days on 25(OH)D, calcium and biomoleculer serum levels in patients with vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism (TaqI or FokI). The study was a parallel clinical open trial that involved 43 subjects with VDR gene polymorphism that were selected using certain criterias and completed the study. The subjects were devided into two groups using block randomization. 22 subjects in intervention group (I) received SCAR porridge per day and dietary counseling, while 21 subjects in control group received only dietary counseling (C). All the subjects in I and C group completed the study. After the 14-day intervention, there was a significant increase in 25(OH)D serum level in I group while no change was observed in C group (p=0.01). There was no significant difference between both groups with regards to biomolecular analysis such as albumin, HS CRP, blood glucose, and calcium. In conclusion, the result shows that tuberculosis patients with complication along with vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism supplemented with SCAR porridge per day for 14 days. Keywords: Polymorphism, porridge, vitamin D, biomoleculer

91

PM13

VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AND HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS

July Yosa Mega1, Elrica

1, Dina Keumala Sari

2, Dewi Indah Sari Siregar

1Tropical Medicine Magister Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara 2Nutrition Departement, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara

3Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara


ABSTRACT People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have decreased levels of vitamin D and abnormal hematological parameters related to inflammation and thrombotic activity. The purpose of this study was to look at the relationship between vitamin D status and hematologic parameters in HIV/AIDS patients. This study was a cross sectional study involving 70 HIV/AIDS patients who were taking Efavirenz (EFV)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) in less than 6 months. The parameters examined were 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, prothrombin time (PT), and complete blood count at the Special Service Center (Pusyansus) of the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Clinic of the General Hospital Haji Adam Malik Medan.cThe results showed significant differences in platelet count, Mean Platelet Volume/Platelet count (MPV/PLT), and plateletcrit (PCT) level in the study group with 25(OH)D <21 ng/mL compared to the study group with 25(OH)D ≥21 ng/mL (p<0.05). Platelet and PCT levels were significantly higher in the study group with 25(OH)D <21 ng/mL compared to the study group 25(OH)D ≥21 ng/mL, but the MPV/PLT was higher in the study group with 25(OH)D ≥21 ng/mL compared with the study group with 25(OH)D <21 ng/mL. Significant difference in platelet count was found between the deficiency and the insufficiency of vitamin D groups (p = 0.02). Significant difference in MPV/PLT level was also found between the deficiency and the insufficiency of vitamin D groups (p = 0.009). Significant difference in PDW levels was found between the insufficiency and the deficiency of vitamin D study groups (p = 0.036). In conclusion, low levels of vitamin D are significantly associated with platelet indices in HIV/AIDS patients who are taking EFV-based ART. Keywords: 25-hydroxyvitamin D, deficiency, HIV / AIDS, mean platelet volume, platelet count

92

PM14

VON HIPPEL–LINDAU AND HEREDITARY PHEOCHROMOCYTOMA/PARAGANGLIOMA SYNDROMES: MOLECULAR DIAGNOSIS AID IN THE PRECISION MEDICINE AND GENETIC COUNSELLING

Rifhan Azwani Mazlan, Tae Sok Kun, Thong Meow Keong

Medical Genetics Unit, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Pheochromocytoma (PC) is a rare type of benign catecholamine-secreting tumour that is associated with more than 10 genes that have been identified as sites of mutations. Each of these genes would lead to different medical management and genetic counseling. We herein report a case series of 3 patients presented with PC with different pathogenic variants in SDHD, SDHB and VHL genes, respectively. Case 1, QYH was a 41-year old male who was presented with a severe headache and sweating at the age of 16 and was diagnosed to have PC. A pathogenic variant was identified in the SDHD gene associated with hereditary paraganglioma-pheochromocytoma (PGL-PCC) syndromes. 3 out of his 4 children were confirmed to have the similar pathogenic variant with one of his affected daughters was confirmed to have PC at 8 years old. Case 2 described an 11-year old female, LJY who was presented with PC at the age of 10. She was found to have a likely pathogenic variant in the VHL gene that was associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome. Parental test was done and neither parents had the pathogenic variant, hence deeming the mutation in LJY as a de novo mutation. Case 3 was a 12-year old female, THX who was initiall presented with PC, hypertension, profuse sweating, recurrent vomiting and palpitations at the age of 11. She was found to have a pathogenic variant in the SDHB gene that caused PGL-PCC syndromes. No parental test was done as yet due to financial restriction. Mutation in the VHL gene was highly associated with PC. Three percent of PC cases were associated with SDHD and SDHB genes. Each mutation in these cases, however, showed penetrance variability, a wide spectrum of tumour development, different range of the initial manifestations as well as diverse medical management. SDHD gene mutation in Case 1 has a pattern of paternal-origin variant transmission due to maternal imprinting. VHL and SDHB gene mutations strictly follow classical AD inheritance pattern. Hence, this information would warrant different genetic counseling approaches. In conclusion, molecular confirmation of PC is important to aid in precision medicine and proper genetic counseling. Keywords: Pheochromocytoma, von Hippel Lindau syndrome, hereditary paraganglioma - pheochromocytoma syndromes, genetic counselling

93

TRACK 2: Food, Agriculture & Horticulture PF1

AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF TEN SELECTED POTENTIAL KENAF MUTANT LINES AT BESERI, PERLIS

Zaiton Ahmad1, Faiz Ahmad1, Mustapha Akil1, Zulmadi Sani2, Affrida Abu Hassan1,

Mohammad Nazri Romli3 1

Agrotechnology and Biosciences Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi, 43000 KAJANG, MALAYSIA 2 Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor

3 National Kenaf and Tobacco Board, KM. 2, Jalan Kaki Bukit, Mukim Sena, 01000 Kangar Perlis


ABSTRACT Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.,) is a high value fibre plant commonly used as a raw material for various industries such as pulp, paper, furniture, construction and automotive. This plant was first introduced in Malaysia in the early 2000s as part of Malaysia’s government effort to replace tobacco in tobacco cultivation areas nationwide. The government through The National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (NKTB) has initially allocated approximately 2000 hectares for smallholder to cultivate kenaf, and the planting areas is expected to increase to 10,000 by 2020. Among the researches that have been carried out on kenaf in Malaysia were screening for locally-adapted varieties, development of good agronomic practices, mechanization of planting and harvesting processes as well as development of animal feed and bio-composite. In this project, gamma irradiation was used to induce genetic mutation in Kenaf V36 variety for the development of new varieties with improved traits such as high fibre yield and late flowering. The project, which was started in 2015, has generated a number of mutant lines carrying these traits. This paper discusses agronomic performances of ten selected M5 mutant lines at a field plot in Beseri, Perlis. All these selected mutant lines produced higher fibre yield as compared to the control whilst one of them (mutant code: 36-21) also has an additional improved trait (high number of seed pods per plant). Based on their agronomic characters, these mutant lines have the potential to be introduced as new planting materials for kenaf in Malaysia. Keyword: Kenaf, hibiscus cannabinus L., gamma irradiation, mutation breeding, mutant

94

PF2

RADIOSENSITIVITY RESPONSE TO ACUTE AND CHRONIC GAMMA IRRADIATION IN TARO (Colocasia esculenta)

Nasir S

1, Hasan N

1, UmiKalsum MB

2 and Ahmad F

3

1 Faculty of Applied Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Kampus Kuala Pilah, 72000, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

2 Pusat Penyelidikan Agrobiodiversiti & Persekitaran (BE), Persiaran MARDI-UPM, 43400, Serdang, Selangor DE, Malaysia.

3Agrotechnology and Biosciences Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi, 43000 Kajang


ABSTRACT Mutation breeding extensively been applied for many years for the enhancement of crops. Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is an economically important tubers, hence induced mutations offer the best way to induce genetic variation in breeding program. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acute and chronic gamma irradiation in taro cultivar. Research has been conducted at Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Malaysia. Dry corm of taro was exposed to acute gamma radiation (low dose) at 0Gy, 10Gy, 20Gy, 40Gy, 60Gy and 80Gy. The irradiated plants along with the control plant were sown in a greenhouse at Malaysian Nuclear Agency.Corms in pots were exposed to chronic gamma rays in Gamma Green House (GGH) at different dose rate from 0Gy, 10Gy, 20Gy, 40Gy, 60Gy and 80Gy. Control plants (0Gy) were placed in the greenhouse at Malaysian Nuclear Agency. The effects of gamma radiation were assayed after 14 days by measuring plant height, petiole height, width and length of leaf, number of leaf and plant survival rate. The result revealed that plant exposed with chronic gamma radiation demonstrated higher survival rate compared to acute gamma radiation with some morphology changes in leaf color and structure. High doses of gamma irradiation (acute, 80Gy) severely affect the growth of Taro. Based on the study, the lethal dose (LD50) for acute gamma irradiation was 31.79 Gy while LD50 for chronic gamma irradiation occurred at accumulated dose of 157.30 Gy. The findings in this study showed the possibility of using gamma ray as mutagen to create genetic variation in plant. Keywords: Acute gamma irradiation, chronic gamma irradiation, Colocasia esculenta, gamma radiosensivity test, Taro


95

PF3

RADIOSENSITIVITY RESPONSE TO ACUTE GAMMA IRRADIATION IN MR284, MALAYSIAN RICE VARIETY (Oryza sativa L.)

Jaafar N.N

1, Hasan N

1, Kogeetha R

2, Ahmad F

3, Harun AR

3, Sobri H

3

1 Faculty of Applied Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Kampus Kuala Pilah, 72000, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

2 Rice and Industrial Crops Research Centre, MARDI Seberang Perai, P.O. Box 203, 13200 Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia

3 Agrotechnology and Biosciences Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi, 43000 Kajang


ABSTRACT Rice is an important staple food and provides 20% of the world’s dietary energy supply. Presently, mutation-based breeding approach is extensively used in rice to induce genetic variation by improving yield, agronomic characters and increase disease resistant. Therefore, our aim was to determine the radio-sensitivity of acute gamma irradiation on Malaysian rice variety, MR284. Dry MR284 seeds were exposed to acute gamma irradiation (high dose rate radiation) (Caesium137) at 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 Gy at Malaysian Nuclear Agency. Effects of irradiation were measured in terms of shoot and root length. Our result showed that, irradiated seedling demonstrated a reduction in plant height with increasing doses of gamma irradiation. Based on the survival reduction rate of the treated genotype, the LD50 dose for MR284 was 390.74 Gy. At doses exceeding 600 Gy, physiological damage on the seedling height became severe and none of the varieties survived. Therefore, the study concludes that the LD50 for rice is in the range of 300 to 400 Gy and provides evidence that MR284 rice genotype displayed variable response towards gamma radiations after germination. Keywords: Acute gamma irradiation, Lethal dose (LD50), MR284, radio-sensitivity, Oryza sativa L., rice

96

PF4

MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF BIOMETRIC TRAITS IN BRAKMAS CATTLE

Mohd. Hafiz Abd. Wahab1, Mohamad Hifzan Rosali

2, Izuan Bahtiar Ab. Jalal

3, Faezal Ashraff Abdul Latiff

1

1Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Muadzam Shah, 26700 Muadzam Shah, Pahang

2Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, P/O Box 12301, General Post Office, 50774 Kuala Lumpur

3Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Kemaman, P/O Box 44, 24007 Kemaman, Terengganu Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The evaluation of body composition and growth performance are important to assess the animals’ potential. Body measurements of animals have been widely used to assess the skeletal growth and the changes in animal conformation against age. Principal component analysis could be used to determine the factors that explain the highest variation in the dataset over the dependent variable. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of body measurements namely body length (BL), height at withers (HW), hip height (HH), chest girth (CG) and rump width (RW) in 279 heads of female Brakmas cattle using principal component analysis. The correlation coefficients of the body measurements ranged from 0.963 to 0.999 where BL-CG and HH-BL showed the lowest and the highest relationship, respectively. Three principal components were extracted which contributed to 99.04 % of the variability from the original five traits. The first factor accounted for 96.03 % of the total variance and was interpreted as a measure of general size. The second factor which explained 2.01 % of the total variance was influenced by RW and CG, while the third factor (1 % from total variance) was influenced by BL. In conclusion, it is suggested that principal component analysis could be employed in animal breeding and selection programme as it can reduce the number of parameters to be considered in breed improvement programme. Keywords: Principal component analysis, body measurements, Brakmas cattle

PF5

PRACTICAL GENOME-ENABLED LEGITIMACY ASSAY FOR OIL PALM BREEDING AND SEED PRODUCTION

Siti Dalila Muaz, Teh Chee Keng, Lee Heng Leng, Hafiza Abidin, Ong Ai Ling, David Ross Appleton Biotechnology and Breeding, Sime Darby Plantation R&D Centre, Selangor Malaysia


ABSTRACT

The crosses between thick-shelled dura and shell-less female sterile pisifera result in thin-shelled fertile tenera progenies that produce 30% higher oil yield than the dura parents. Hence, tenera palms are preferred as commercial planting materials and used in progeny testing for selecting elite parents. Planting only correct crosses can avoid potential yield loss and result in more accurate breeding trials. Correct dura x pisifera crosses theoretically produce tenera only due to codominant monogenic inheritance of the fruit form. Non-tenera contamination traditionally can be measured when the palms start fruiting after three years of field planting. Early measurement using SHELL markers is now feasible, signifying a key improvement. In this study, we aim to push the envelope by deploying our in-house GS1000TM SNP panel to identify both dura and illegitimate tenera contaminants, which is not possible using the traditional fruit census or SHELL genetic marker test. Furthermore, the number of markers was optimised to 200 and is being deployed as a legitimacy assay, namely Legit200

TM for breeding and seed production in Sime Darby Plantation.

Keywords: S, SHELL, fingerprinting, legitimacy

97

PF6

SCREENING OF SELECTED RICE MUTANT LINES FOR ANAEROBIC GERMINATION AND SUBMERGENCE TOLERANT

Faiz Ahmad

1, Noraziyah Abd Aziz Shamsuddin

2, Sobri Hussein

1, Abdul Rahim Harun

1

1 Agrotechnolgy and Biosciences Division, Malaysian Nuclear Agency, Bangi, 43000, Kajang, Selangor. 2 School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi


ABSTRACT

Flooding is one of the major abiotic stresses that caused yield reduction in rice. The ability of rice to survive under flooded condition at germination and early growth stages especially in direct seeding planting system is important to maintain the stability of rice yield. In this study, five selected mutant rice lines developed by Malaysian Nuclear Agency (MNA) through gamma ray and ion beams together with their parent, MR219 and tolerant check variety, Swarna-Sub1 were screened for anaerobic germination and submergence tolerant at seedling stage. For anaerobic germination screening, the rice seeds were sowed in the tray and water level was maintained at 10 cm for 20 days. After 20 days, standing water were removed from the tray and data such as survival rate in percentage (SR), plant height (PH) and seedling vigour (SV) were recorded. For submergence screening during seedling stage, 14 days old seedlings were completely submerged for 10 days and water were removed after 10 days (de-submerged). Survival rate data were also collected after 10 days of de-submergence. Results show a high variation of SR (15 to 57.5%), PH (15 to 28.4 cm), and seedling vigour (2.25 to 14.32) at anaerobic germination screening. High variations of SR were also recorded in submergence screening where the SR ranged from 11.1% to 100%. Mutant line, NMR 151 showed highest SR (57.5%) and SV (14.32) during anaerobic germination as well as highest SR (55.6%) after submergence. This mutant line showed better SR and SV compared its parent MR 219 (SR:45%, SV:11.34) and check variety, Swarna sub-1 (SR:15%, SV:2.25) during anaerobic germination. Additionally, SR after submergence in mutant NMR 151 also showed high SR compared to MR 219 (20%), but t did not reach 100% survival rate compared with check variety, Swarna sub-1. Pearson correlation coefficient showed high positive correlation among all the traits evaluated during germination stage. Mutant line, NMR 151 has the potential to be used in breeding programme for improving the submergence tolerance in rice during germination and seedling stage. Keywords: Oryza sativa, rice mutant lines, abiotic stress, anaerobic germination, submergence tolerant

98

PF7

THE EFFECT OF CHRONIC GAMMA IRRADIATION IN INDUCING EARLY FLOWERING IN MALAYAN TALL COCONUTS IN MARDI BAGAN DATUK

Sentoor Kumeran Govindasamy

Industrial Crop Research Center (IC), MARDI Bagan Datuk, Peti Surat 25, 36307, Sungai Sumun, Perak Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Coconut or scientifically known as Cocos nucifera is also known as tree of life as almost all the tree parts can be used for food and other non-food purposes. One of the major food uses of coconuts in the world are in the form of coconut milk or locally known as santan. Coconuts can be divided into two major naturally occurring tall and dwarf types. The tall type yields extremely bigger nuts but quite a late bloomer compared to the dwarfs. Tall coconut trees start to yield nuts at 6-7 years after planting while dwarf coconut trees produce nuts in the third or the fourth year after field planting. In this study chronic gamma irradiation was used as treatment in 90 seedlings of Malayan tall variety to induce mutation favourably in their flowering period controlling genes thus producing early flowering tall coconut varieties. The Malayan tall nuts were collected from MARDI Jerangau and raised until one month old in polybags and sent to Gamma Green House (GGH) at Malaysian Nuclear Agency and were exposed to chronic gamma irradiation for almost a year time period. The polybags were arranged in five different distances from the source of radiation thus producing five different dosages of treatment. The radiated plants were planted in MARDI Bagan Datuk for field evaluation. The third year plant growth data analysis showed the number of rachis production (17.35) and leaflet length (92.36cm) showed significant differences at P=0.05 while girth size, petiole length, petiole width, rachis thickness, rachis length and leaflet width did not show any significant differences between the treatments. Keywords: Coconut, mutation breeding, MARDI Bagan Datuk

PF8

GENOTYPE-BASED CLUSTERING OF CLONAL VARIETIES TO IMPROVE RUBBER BREEDING PROGRAM

Nurshazwani Amalina Sudirman, Muhamad Nizam Haron, Nuha Hassim, Teh Chee Keng, Musa Bilal, Mohaimi Mohamed, David Ross Appleton

Biotechnology & Breeding Department, Sime Darby Plantation R&D Centre Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The purpose of rubber breeding is to select elite individuals derived from different clonal origins based on their unique morphological traits. However, correct assignment of rubber clones based on morphological characteristics is an expert skill and incorrect classification is a real risk. Hence, the aim of this study is to use DNA markers, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to cluster clonal varieties, instead of the conventional subjective method. A total of 50 rubber samples from three clonal varieties (BPC25, C20 and C34) were genotyped using 100 published SNP markers. In general, the SNP markers were able to assign most samples according to their clonal origins, even without knowing the morphological traits. Four off-type C34 samples were found to be clustered with C20 clonal variety, probably due to mislabelling or incorrect sorting at any point along the production pipeline. Rectification through relabelling or relocation became feasible. Furthermore, two illegitimate outliers i.e. C34/69 and C34/38 isolated from the C34 clonal variety, were able to be discarded from clonal trials. Alternatively, these illegitimate samples can be conserved as future breeding materials. In conclusion, the rubber industry should start deploying DNA markers for assignment and validation of clonal varieties to achieve higher accuracy in breeding programs. Keywords: Clone validation, cluster analysis, SNPs markers, rubber collection


99

PF9

DNA METABARCODING APPROACH FOR FOOD PREFERENCES AND DIET ANALYSIS OF JUVENILE Tombroides USING GASTROINTESTINAL CONTENTS

Nur Farhana Mohd Yusoff

1 and Shairah Abdul Razak

2

1School of Environmental Science and Natural Resources, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

2School of Biosciences and Biotehnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia


ABSTRACT Investigating the diet composition of an organism can help the researchers to learn about the biology of a single species and understand the roles of the species in the ecosystems. Yet, defining trophic habits in fish remains challenging as it relies on direct quantification of stomach content. Despite requiring taxonomic experts for prey identification, prey items are rapidly digested, thus the tissue harboured in the gut is often unidentifiable. Tor tombroides or commonly known as 'kelah' are highly sought after due to their commercial and aesthetical values. Intensive anthropogenic activities targeting the species consequently resulting in the rapid decline of wild fish populations. Alternatively, kelah are being cultured to meet the demand, and usually they were fed with commercial diet that was developed for general temperate freshwater species and sometimes supplemented with other metazoans. However, different diets could affect fish fertility and their optimal growth. We present the study utilizing DNA metabarcoding method for prey identification from the fish gut content with the aim to characterize food assimilation and feeding habits of kelah from wild and reared conditions. Juvenile fishes from four different locations of wild and farm habitats are collected and dissected for their gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The prey's DNA from GIT was extracted and later amplified using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).. DNA sequencing analyses were achieved using Next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform. The raw sequence data were analysed using related tools to compare the prey communities in gut content among fishes from the different locations. Even though the diet indicated that the fish is omnivorous, we expect to see greater diet breadth and resolution when using the DNA-based method as compared to using the classical approach. Wild kelah is also predicted to have more diverse prey communities and taxonomic composition; and would overlap with reared kelah's diet. Keywords: DNA metabarcoding, diet composition, freshwater fish, Tor tombroides, feeding ecology

100

PF10 MORPHOMETRIC VARIATIONS OF Oreochromis niloticus FROM THREE WILD POPULATIONS IN SOUTH-WEST

(ELEYELE, OWALLA AND OWENA) NIGERIA

Agbebi Olubunmi Temilade1, Amadi Chukwuemeka Kennet

1, Akinyemi Grace

1, Sanni Muyideen Timothy

2

1Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Nigeria. PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

2Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State, Nigeria. PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Corresponding author’s email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

ABSTRACT

One hundred and fifty (150) fish specimens of Oreochromis niloticus representing fifty (50) from each of the population were sampled from the fishermen landings to study their phenotypic variations. Fish samples were collected from Eleyele, Owalla and Owena (Oyo, Osun and Ondo States of South-West, Nigeria respectively). Data on morphometric and meristic were subjected to One-way ANOVA at 5% level of significance and Principal Component Analysis. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy for Eleyele (0.9), Owalla (0.8) and Owena (0.9) were adequate. Two principal components (PC) were extracted in two populations (Eleyele and Owalla) and one principal component in Owena. With Owena populations showing the highest percentage variability for PC1 (83.17%), followed by Owalla and Eleyele populations (78.1% and 71.35%), respectively. The existence of morphological variations in wild populations showed that Owena population is the biggest, followed by Owalla and Eleyele. This signifies that all morphometric parameters were important for the classification of Oreochromis niloticus. From this study, it was concluded that body depth, total length, standard length and head length had the highest and direct positive contribution to the enhancement of body size of the Oreochromis niloticus across the three rivers. Keywords: Fish, meristic, morphometric, Oreochromis niloticus, population



101

PF11

GUS EXPRESSION STUDY OF TRANSGENIC ARABIDOPSIS OVEREXPRESSED WITH OIL PALM EARLY NODULIN 93 PROTEIN GENE (EgENOD93)

Intan Ernieza Farhana Nizan1, Katialisa Kamaruddin1, Ong Pei Wen1, Rajinder Singh1, Chan Pek-Lan1

1Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia. Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Previous studies on oil palm Early nodulin 93 protein (EgENOD93) revealed that this gene has a significant role in somatic embryogenesis. Overexpression of this gene in Arabidopsis resulted in the enhancement of shoot numbers in homozygous transgenic lines as compared to controls. Furthermore, the quantification of this gene using reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) demonstrated higher level of EgENOD93 gene expression in transgenic Arabidopsis compared to controls. In this study, β-glucuronidase or GUS histochemical assay was used to localize the expression of EgENOD93 in transgenic Arabidopsis. Tissue culture experiment was carried out using 12 days old seedling of transgenic Arabidopsis Line 1 (Tg01), Line 2 (Tg02) and Line 3 (Tg03) as well as control plants (pMDC140 and wt_col). Histochemical GUS assay was subsequently performed on 12 days old seedling, callus (Day 9) and embryoid stage (Day 20) of the transgenic Arabidopsis and control. The results revealed that GUS expression was observed in 12 days old seedling of Tg01, Tg02 and Tg03 as compared to wt_col (as negative control). The expressions were stronger in Tg01 compared to Tg02 and Tg03. However, no GUS localization was observed in the callus and embryoid stage of all transgenic Line 1, 2 and 3 as well as wt_col. For positive control, pMDC140 showed strong GUS expression in 12 days old seedling, callus and embryoid stage. These observations confirmed that the 35S promoter was able to drive the expression of EgENOD93 in 12 days old seedling but not in the callus and embryoid stage of leaf tissue explants of transgenic Arabidopsis carrying EgENOD93. The results will be further described in this paper. Keywords: Oil palm Early nodulin 93 protein gene (EgENOD93), somatic embryogenesis, Arabidopsis thaliana, GUS assay

102

PF12

VARIATIONS IN COAT COLOR, HEAD PROFILE, EAR AND HORN PATTERN ON KATJANG-BOER CROSSBRED

Izuan Bahtiar Ab Jalal

1, Mohamad Hifzan Rosali

2, Mohd Hafiz Abd Wahab

3, Predith a/l Michael

4, Muhammad

Nasir Jamaludin4, Noor Athirah Mohd Azhan4, Saadiah Jamli2 1Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Kemaman, 24007 Kemaman, Terengganu

2Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, P/O Box 1230, 50774 Kuala Lumpur 3Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Muadzam Shah, 26700 Muadzam Shah, Pahang

4Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Kluang, 86009 Kluang, Johor


ABSTRACT The characterization of livestock breed morphology is important in breed development programmes as it will be applied to determine the qualitative and quantitative features for livestock breeding programmes. MARDI has embarked on a crossbreeding programme between Katjang and Boer goats to improve the performance of Katjang goats by manipulating Boer growth performance and good adaptation characteristics of Katjang goats. Observations have been performed on unique morphological features such as coat colour: Black-Brown/black (C-BBb), Black-Brown/white (C-BBw), White (C-W) and Patches (C-P); head profile: Wide-big (Hd-WB) and Small (Hd-S); horn shape: Taper (Hr-T) and Curve-downwards (Hr-CD) and ear shape: Taper (E-T) and Wide-downwards (E-WD). Data were collected from 183 goats at Small Ruminants Research Unit, MARDI Kluang, Johore. There were variations in the coat colour of C-BBb (21.7%), C-BBw (48.2%), C-W (12.0%) and C-P (18.1%). Sex-based observations showed that B-BW group showed the highest percentage for both males (39.6%) and females (60%). The horn and head shape of Katjang-Boer crossbred are influenced by Katjang goat for both male (66.7%) and female (91.4%) for Hr-T, while 56.3% and 71.4%, respectively in male and female for Hd-WB. The ear shape showed Boer goats characteristic with E-WD were the highest for males and females of 67.5% and 65.1%, respectively. This characteristic will be used to determine the uniformity of Katjang-Boer breeds and as selection basis for the development of new goat breed. Keywords: Phenotype, breed characterization, goat

103

PF13

LIBIDO AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF KATJANG X Boer F2 BUCKS IN MARDI KLUANG

Julie Marzlinda Mohd Razaki1 Muhammad Hifzan Rosali

2 Azrikin Shah Aziz.

1 Siti Aishah Haji Abdullah

1,

Muhammad Khairul Azwan Maslan1

1Animal Science Research Centre, MARDI Kluang, Lock Bag 525, 86009 Kluang, Johor 2Animal Science Research Centre, MARDI Serdang G.P.O.Box 12301, 50774 Kuala Lumpur


ABSTRACT In year 2017, the small ruminant population in Malaysia had decreased by 6.99% and self-sufficiency rate was only 10.23%. To increase the population and meet the meat demand in Malaysia, MARDI had imported Boer goats since early of 2001 due to its potential in high meat production. Unfortunately, in local environment, Boer goat showed poor growth and reproductive performances. Meanwhile, Katjang goat a local or indigenous breed is known for its good prolificacy but lower body weight. Therefore, Katjang x Boer crosses are being established in MARDI Kluang Research Station to utilize its beneficial traits from both breed to increase meat production and economic benefits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the semen characteristic and performances of Katjang x Boer F2 (KBF2) bucks. Results showed that the score for mean of sperm wave motion was 4.61 ± 0.07, semen volume (0.76 ± 0.05 ml), semen concentration (3.91 ± 0.26 x 109/ml), sperm motility (83.60 ± 1.15%), and time of first mount was 46.86 ± 5.80 sec. This study suggests, the semen characteristics of KBF2 were within the normal range. KBF2 tend to show higher semen concentration and sperm motility compared to Katjang (K: 2.78 ± 0.28 x 109/ml, 79.29 ± 2.24%) and Katjang x Boer F1 (KBF1: 2.06 ± 0.18 x 109/ml, 82.05 ± 2.94%) buck. However, KBF2 tend to have lower libido where mean time of first mount was 46.86 ± 5.80 sec compared to K (12.80 ± 1.98sec) and KBF1 (13.01 ± 1.76 sec). In conclusion, this study suggests that even though the quality was within the range, further research is required to determine causes of low libido to sustain an optimum reproductive performance in Katjang x Boer crosses. Keywords: Libido, sperm quality, Katjang x Boer buck PF14

POLYMORPHISM OF THE GROWTH HORMONE GENE IN KATJANG HYBRID GOAT

Amie Marini Abu Bakar1, Mohd. Firdaus Othman1, Mohamad Hifzan Rosali1

1Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, P.O. Box 12301, 50774 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


ABSTRACT The polymorphism of growth gene was analysed as a genetic marker candidate for growth traits in Katjang Hybrid goat. The objective of this study was to identify the polymorphism of growth hormone (GH) gene in composite breed Katjang x Boer using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Genomic DNA was obtained from goat blood samples and the growth hormone gene was amplified using PCR-RFLP technique. Two gene variants were identified in this study. The analysis of 422 bp GH1 fragment revealed polymorphisms with three genotypes AA (0.25), AB (0.75) and BB (null) in Katjang x Boer goat. Meanwhile, GH5 revealed three genotypes (GH, GG and HH) which differ in patterns from GH1. The genotype frequencies of GH5 were 0.33, 0.46 and 0.22 for GG, GH and HH genotypes, respectively. Previous studies reported that goats with AB genotype performed better in growth performance compared to those with AA genotyped, and GH5 variants (GH and GG) showed significances for post-weaning average daily gain (ADG) in goats. Keywords: Katjang hybrid, GH gene, polymorphism, PCR-RFLP

104

PF15

PRELIMINARY STUDY OF NEW MARDI’S COCONUT VARIETIES (Cocos nucifera) USING SIMPLE SEQUENCE REPEATS

Khairun Hisam Nasir

1, Mohd Shahril Firdaus Abd Razak

1, Muhammad Fairuz Mohd Yusof

1, Siti Norsaidah

Ibrahim1, Sentor Kumeran a/l Govindasamy2, Ahmad Ngalim2 1Omic and bioinformatics programme, Biotechnology Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters,

Serdang, 43400 Selangor 2 Industrial Crop Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Serdang 43400 Selangor


ABSTRACT

A total of 15 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers have been optimized and used to genotype coconut (Cocos nucifera) variety namely Camero, Nias, Parit tiga, Rennal and Sungai gulang-gulang. These five coconut varieties were integrated into 23 genotyped coconut varieties that were maintained at MARDI’s germplasm. Five SSR loci were polymorphic markers while the remaining SSR showed monomorphic and low call. The number of alleles ranged from 11 to 19 with a mean number of alleles per locus of 12.8. The expected heterozygosity values in each variety ranged from 0.3699 to 0.5516, with an average value of 0.4237. A UPGMA dendogram showed Camero, Nias, Parit tiga, Rennal, Sungai Gulang-gulang and West African Tall (WAT) clustered into the same group and different from the other 22 varieties. The genotyped information of these five new varieties will enhance SSR database of new varieties at MARDI’s coconut germplasm collection.

Keywords: Cocos nucifera, simple sequence repeat (SSR), polymorphic informatics content (PIC), MARDI coconut germplasm

105

PF16

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF Lactobacillus spp. FROM KEFIR SAMPLES IN MALAYSIA

Noorshafadzilah Talib1, Nurul Elyani Mohamad

1, Swee Keong Yeap

2, Yazmin Hussin

1, Muhammad Nazirul

Mubin Aziz1, Mas Jaffri Masarudin

1, Shaiful Adzni Sharifuddin

3, Yew Woh Hui

2, Chai Ling Ho

1,

Noorjahan Banu Alitheen1 1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti

Putra Malaysia, UPM, Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; 2China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, Sepang, 43900, Selangor, Malaysia; 3Department of Bioprocess Biotechnology, Malaysian Agriculture Research Development Institute, 43400

Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; *Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]; [email protected] (N.E.M);

[email protected] (Y.H); [email protected] (M.N.M.A); [email protected] (M.J.M); [email protected] (C.L.H); [email protected] (N.T); [email protected]

(A.W.Y.); [email protected] (Y.W.H.); [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Kefir is a homemade, natural fermented product comprised of a probiotic bacteria and yeast complex. Kefir consumption has been associated with many advantageous properties to general health, including as an anti-oxidative, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-tumor moiety. This beverage is commonly found and consumed by people in the United States of America, China, France, Brazil, and Japan. Recently, the consumption of kefir has been popularized in other countries including Malaysia. The microflora in kefir from different countries differs due to variations in culture conditions and the starter media. Thus, this study was aimed at isolating and characterizing the lactic acid bacteria that are predominant in Malaysian kefir grains via macroscopic examination and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The results revealed that the Malaysian kefir grains are dominated by three different strains of Lactobacillus strains, which are Lactobacillus harbinensis, Lactobacillus paracasei, and Lactobacillus plantarum. The probiotic properties of these strains, such as acid and bile salt tolerances, and adherence ability to the intestinal mucosa, were subsequently conducted and extensively studied. The isolated Lactobacillus spp. from kefir H maintained its survival rate within 3 h of incubation at pH 3 and pH 4 at 98.0 ± 3.3% and 96.1 ± 1.7% of bacteria growth and exhibited the highest survival at bile salt condition at 0.3% and 0.5%. The same isolate also showed high adherence ability to intestinal cells at 96.3 ± 0.01%. In addition, the results of antioxidant activity tests demonstrated that isolated Lactobacillus spp. from kefir G possessed high antioxidant activities for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content(TFC), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazine (DPPH) assay compared to other isolates. From these data, all Lactobacillus spp. isolated from Malaysian kefir serve as promising candidates for probiotics foods and beverage since they exhibit potential probiotic properties and antioxidant activities. Keywords: Lactic acid bacteria, Lactobacillus, kefir, kefir drink, probiotics


106

PF17

MATURE SIZE AND RATE OF MATURING OF KATJANG-BOER GOAT BASED ON BRODY GROWTH CURVE MODEL

Mohamad Hifzan Rosali

1, Izuan Bahtiar Ab Jalal

2, Mohd Hafiz Abd Wahab

3, Muhammad Nasir Jamaludin

4

1Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, P/O Box 1230, 50774 Kuala Lumpur 2Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Kemaman24007, Kemaman, Terengganu

3Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Muadzam Shah, 26700 Muadzam Shah, Pahang 4Livestock Science Research Centre, MARDI Kluang, 86009 Kluang, Johor


ABSTRACT

There is a dearth of information on age-weight relationship in indigenous and imported goat breeds raised in tropical region especially in South East Asia. Growth curve parameters estimated from non-linear function are useful to determine optimum market and slaughter weights. The objective of this study was to determine the growth pattern for body weight (BW), body length (BL), height at withers (HW), and chest girth (CG) of Katjang x Boer (KB) goats using Brody growth curve model. Cross-sectional data of BW, BL, HW, and CG from 108 male KB goats were collected and fitted into Brody growth model for estimation of mature size (A), constant of integration (B) and rate of maturing (k). The estimated body size, constant of integration and rate of maturing were 32.68± 1.31, 0.90± 0.03, and 0.13± 0.02 for BW, 53.94±0.82, 0.57± 0.03 and 0.40± 0.04 for BL, 63.07± 0.79, 0.56± 0.02 and 0.25± 0.02 for HW, and 71.09±1.05, 0.60±0.04 and 0.26±0.03 for CG, respectively. The correlation between both mature size (A) and rate of maturing (k) was found to be negative, indicating animal with heavier mature weight had a lower mature rate. Keywords: Goat, mature size, body measurement, non-linear growth model PF18

UNDERSTANDING THE RICE OsSAP8 PROMOTER REGULATION IN RESPONSE TO ABIOTIC STRESS

Nurulhikma Md Isa and Nur Farhana Roslan Centre of Biotechnology and Functional Food, Faculty of Science and Technology, 43600, Bangi, Selangor


ABSTRACT Plants frequently cope with abiotic stress as they exposed to external stimuli especially a diverse range of extreme climate conditions. Abiotic stress such as drought and salinity affect agricultural productivity by altering plant physiology and defence responses. Previous work in our lab has identified Stress Associated Protein 8 (OsSAP8) was differentially expressed in the salt-stress subtractive hybridization (SSH) library of salinity stress (150 mM Nacl). OsSAP8 belongs to the stress associated protein family and is characterized by the presence of two zinc finger binding motifs AN1 and A20. OsSAP8 overexpression showed a tolerance phenotype to 150 mM NaCl and 20% PEG compared to its mutant in Arabidopsis, atsap2. OsSAP8 overexpression line also showed an insensitive germination phenotype to high concentration of ABA compared to Col-0 and atsap2. This gene might have a potential role in regulating rice response to stress with relation to the major plant stress hormone, abscisic acid (ABA). Promoter analysis of OsSAP8 showed that several cis-elements related to stress response such as ABRE, MYB, NAC, DREB and bZIP were embedded in the promoter region. Further promoter analysis focuses on the ABA-dependant cis-elements in response to multiple abiotic stresses. Keywords: Abscisic acid, rice, abiotic stress, stress associated protein 8


107

PF19

INVESTIGATIVE METABOLITE PROFILING OF OIL PALM TISSUES BY GC/Q-TOF: FROM EXTRACTION TO DATA ANALYSIS

Nurul Liyana Rozali, Noor Idayu Mhd Tahir, Hasliza Hassan, Abrizah Othman, Umi Salamah Ramli

Malaysian Palm Oil Board, No 6. Persiaran Institusi Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor Corresponding author: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Oil palm is bestowed with magnificent physiology of efficient carbon assimilation and high productivity, which in consequence, produces high oil yield per unit area. The oil palm metabolomics protocols were established to extract the optimal number of metabolites belonging to different chemical classes ranging from amino acids, sugars, sugar alcohols and organic acids. Therefore, appropriate sample handling up to the analysis is very important to obtain high quality and reproducible results. Here, we describe a protocol for gas chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight (GC/Q-TOF) for metabolomics analysis of oil palm tissues that involves four steps which are sample collection, metabolite extraction, data acquisition and data analysis. Oil palm tissues of spear leaf, matured frond, stem, root and mesocarp were brought into contact with a solvent mixture of methanol:chloroform:water for metabolite extraction. The acquired data files were deconvoluted using MassHunter Qualitative software and were further processed in MassHunter Profinder for data alignment. For classification of the sample groups, unsupervised multivariate analysis of principle component analysis (PCA), supervised analysis of partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were applied onto the data sets using SIMCA P+ software. This established metabolomics protocol is now incorporated to investigate and determine differences or similarities between sample groups such as oil palm of distinctive planting conditions and different genetic background. Keywords: Metabolomics protocol, GC-Q/TOF, oil palm tissues

108

PF20 BUILDING A METADATA-BASED CATALOG OF MARDI RICE GENEBANK PHENOTYPIC DATASETS IN GENESYS

Azuan Amron

1, Site Noorzuraini Abd Rahman

2, Mohd Shukri Mat Ali@Ibrahim

3,

Muhammad Izzat Farid Musaddin4, Muhammad Luqman Hakim Muhammad Fuad

1,

Mohd Ramdzan Othman2, Nur Idayu Abd Rahim2 1MyGeneBank, Agrobiodiversity & Environment Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Persiaran MARDI-

UPM, 43400. Serdang, Selangor 2MARDI Rice Genebank, Agrobiodiversity & Environment Research Centre, MARDI Seberang Perai, Jalan

Paya Keladi, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang 3Horticultucal Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Persiaran MARDI-UPM, 43400. Serdang, Selangor.

4ICT Management Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Persiaran MARDI-UPM, 43400. Serdang, Selangor. Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Characterization and evaluation data recorded for MARDI rice germplasm are being widely used for rice improvement and maintaining rice genetic diversity in Malaysia. However, the sharing of such data for easy access of rice genetic resources can be challenging, especially with other contracting countries of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). Some phenotypic datasets come in several formats and contain different types of information. Thus, standards have not been agreed yet. Simple standardization approaches may result in loss of valuable information. Today, metadata help making datasets visible and reachable, and provide further information for re-using the data contained in the dataset. MARDI had developed 22 metadata of rice germplasm which contains an information about the datasets such as the locality where the work was performed, the methodologies, the list of researchers involved in the creation of the dataset, and the precise descriptors that were used for the characterization or evaluation. These datasets metadata, then been integrated and visible through Genesys - an online platform about PGRFA conserved in genebanks worldwide. MARDI datasets that have been selected for publication in the Genesys Catalog containing morphological characterization, bacterial leaf blight (BLB) evaluation, quality traits for amylose content and aroma evaluation, screened accessions for resistance to blast disease (FBD) and screened accessions for resistance against brown plant hopper (BPH) of rice conserved at MARDI Rice Genebank. The datasets extracted from MARDI Database (Agrobiodiversity Information System, AgrobIS) and annotation process were done following Multi Crop Passport Descriptors (MCPD V.2.1). In addition, internal written procedure and checklist was also developed and tested for metadata publication. Publishing MARDI rice datasets with the Genesys help to contribute to the documentation of PGRFA and the way we exchange this information globally.

Keywords: Metadata, dataset, rice germplasm, genebank

109

PF21

MPOB-NIGERIA POPULATION 12 OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) GERMPLASM LINKED TO DWARFNESS

Norziha, A., Fadila, A.M., Marhalil, M., Zulkifli, Y., Mohd Din, A. Malaysian Palm Oil Board. No. 6, Persiaran Institusi Bandar Baru Bangi,

43000 Kajang, Selangor Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Commercial oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) planting materials in Malaysia are derived from Deli dura x AVROS pisifera (DxP). Even though the DxP is high in yields, progenies arising from Deli dura x AVROS pisifera are relatively tall with current growth rate of 45-75 cm/year. MPOB’s Nigerian oil palm germplasm provided an important source of dwarf genes and efforts were made to breed for shorter palm with high increment of 20 – 30 cm/yr which is more amenable for mechanization. The MPOB-Nigeria Population 12 was known for its slow height increment and their progenies were selected for the same purpose. Six dura x dura (DxD) progenies derived from Nigerian population 12 parents planted at Trial 0.413, MPOB Research Station Hulu Paka, Terengganu were evaluated for dwarfness. The mean fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield of the trial was 163.37 kg/palm/year with oil to bunch (O/B) of more than 15% for most of the progenies. The height increment for the best progeny PK 2979 (0.150/2194 x 0.150/5375) was less than 30 cm/year and produced reasonable yield. Seven palms with height increment less than 25 cm/year, MFFB> 180kg/palm/year (based on four consecutive years) and O/B > 15% showed good potential as parent palms and were selected for further breeding programme.


110

PF22

IDENTIFICATION OF REFERENCE GENES IN WHOLE RICE GRAIN OF LOCAL PIGMENTED AND NON-PIGMENTED VARIETIES FOR NORMALIZATION OF QUANTITATIVE PCR BASED GENE EXPRESSION DATA

Yun Shin Sew, Muhamad Ridzuan Abd Rashid, Norliza Tendot Abu Bakar, Rabiatul Adawiyah Zainal Abidin,

Sanimah Simoh Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development

Institute (MARDI), MARDI Headquarters, Persiaran MARDI-UPM, Serdang 43400 Selangor. Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Selection of a stably expressed reference gene is a crucial step for generating reliable and reproducible quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) gene expression data. Here, we investigate and evaluate the stability of candidate reference genes for proper normalization of rice target gene expression among six different local rice varieties. These rice varieties consist of black rice (BALI), black glutinous rice (PH9), red rice (MRQ100 and MRM16), white aromatic rice (MRQ76) and white rice (MR297). A total of 13 commonly used reference genes from various plant species (GAPDH, actin, beta-tubulin, cyclophilin, 18S rRNA, 25S rRNA, 40S rRNA, UBQ5, UBCE2, UBoxE3, eLF, eEF 1-alpha and FB15) were amplified from the whole rice grain using gene specific primers in SYBR Green I - based qPCR experiments. Analysis showed that six out of 13 reference genes tested gave the desired effectiveness, with good PCR efficiencies and high primer specificities. Further analysis using RefFinder software which integrates the four leading softwares: geNorm, NormFinder, Bestkeeper and the comparative delta-Ct method revealed UBQ5 as the best candidate of reference gene. The usability of UBQ5 was further validated with rice transcripts of which their expressions were found to be significantly different across six rice transcriptomes generated from the same set of pigmented and non-pigmented rice varieties. The normalized qPCR data showed very similar gene expression profile with the mRNAseq profile validating the analysis results of UBQ5 to be the most suitable rice reference gene candidate. This study is the first survey on the suitable candidate reference genes in whole rice grain with different degree of pigmentation, which facilitate in obtaining a more accurate rice gene expression result. Keywords: Rice reference gene, quantitative PCR, pigmented and non-pigmented rice

111

PF23

VALIDATION OF SIMILARITY BETWEEN BRINJAL T-64 AND Bt BRINJAL EVENT EE-1

Dhabitah Kamaruzzaman1, Hazwani Humaira’ Zakaria

1, Norlia Basherudin

1, Norwati Muhammad

1, Nur

Nabilah Alias1, Norwati Adnan

2

1 Genetics Laboratory, Forestry Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia

2 Biosafety Department, Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Transgenic brinjal with insect resistance (Bt brinjal) was developed as an alternative to control large insecticide usage against fruit and shoot borers in brinjal crop. Bt brinjal termed as event EE-1, contains insect resistance gene (Cry1Ac) under the control of CaMV promoter and NOS terminator, with nptII gene as the selectable marker. Brinjal is one of the commonly consumed vegetables and has been continuously imported to meet the local market’s demand in Malaysia. Therefore, genetically modified (GM) detection is crucial to determine brinjal identity for food safety concern. However, EE-1 brinjal reference material is not commercially available and the requirement of long process of documentation to get the material from the developer has limited our effort to develop event specific detection method for EE-1 brinjal in Malaysia. Meanwhile, Biosafety Department of Malaysia has provided potential EE-1 brinjal seed (T-64) to be tested. The brinjal seed was validated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger DNA sequencing for evidence of similarity with EE-1 brinjal. The PCR conducted has successfully amplified all the DNA fragments of EE-1 brinjal. DNA sequencing result revealed that both T-64 and EE-1 brinjal have high similarity score. The result confirms that T-64 brinjal is indeed EE-1 brinjal and could be used in developing event specific detection method for EE-1 brinjal. Keywords: LMO detection, Cry1AC gene, Bt brinjal

112

PF24

COMPLETE WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCE OF A MEAT-DERIVED PROBIOTIC BACTERIUM, Lactobacillus paracasei IIA-1A5

Cahyo Budiman

1,2, Kenneth F Rodriguez

1, Vijay Kumar

1, Irma Isnafia Arief

2

1Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia. 2Department of Animal Product and Technology, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia.


ABSTRACT Lactobacillus paracasei IIA-1A5 is a member of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from Indonesian cattle, Peranakan Ongole, with remarkable antibacterial activity toward Gram negative and positive pathogenic bacteria. The ability of the strain to persist in fermented meat products with probiotic characteristics renders it as an ideal candidate for whole genome sequencing and subsequent analysis of genes associated with adaptation to survival in processed meat. To address this, genomic DNA was first extracted from an axenic log phase culture of L. paracasei IIA-1A5. A genomic DNA library with a 20-kb DNA insert size was then prepared using the PacBio SMRTbell. Whole genome sequencing was carried out using the Pacific Biosciences RSII Sequencer which revealed that this strain contained a single circular chromosome of 3,055,892 bp (46.59% G+C) and three plasmids (pIIA1 [80,927 bp], pIIA2 [64,291 bp] and pIIA3 [45,033 bp]). The overall G+C content was 46.4% while the three plasmids had an average G+C content of 46.3%. BLASTn revealed that the chromosome bears high similarities to strain L9, while plasmid pIIA2 had high similarities to the plasmid isolated from strain N115. The completed genome encodes 3,161 genes which included 3,007 known proteins, 78 RNA coding genes, 5S, 16S and 23S genes, 60 tRNAs and 3 ncRNAs. Sequence annotation with the Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology (RAST) server and the SEED viewer, followed by comparison with stains L9 and N115, revealed that the unique feature of IIA-1A5 was the presence of genes which are dedicated to the metabolism of monosaccharides, including xylulose kinase (EC 2.1.7.17). The genome also hosts a unique Phd-Doc and YdcE-YdcD toxin-antitoxin (programmed cell death) systems which is not present in other strains. This finding offers insights into the mechanism of adaptation of Lactobacilli to an environment which is devoid of lactose such as meat. Keywords: Probiotic, lactobacilli, whole genome sequencing, lactic acid bacteria

113

PF25

ANALYSIS OF ETHYL METHANESULPHONATE (EMS)-INDUCED M2 MUTANT POPULATIONS OF EGGPLANT (Solanum melongena)

Ranjita Subramaniam and Vijay Kumar

Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, 88400 Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is a crop of nutritional and economic importance. However, the lack of new eggplant varieties is hampering the development of the crop. Therefore, we aim to produce mutant populations with potentially new and novel traits using ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS)-based chemical mutagenesis. Seeds from four different eggplant cultivars (Surya, Pant Samrat, EP-47 Annamalai and Arka Nidhi) were obtained from the World Vegetable Center, Taiwan. EMS treatment of the seeds at 0.65-0.70 % v/v generated M1 mutant populations which were then self-pollinated to expose segregation of recessive mutations. In the M2 generation, a total of 44 M2 families of the mutant populations were selected for further cultivation. Multiple members of each M2 families were grown in glasshouse and visually screened for altered phenotypes, particularly those pertaining to plant architecture and flowering traits. We observed diverse mutant phenotypes encompassing dwarf statures, changes in leaf coloration, shapes and sizes, increased number of flowers, and late flowering. Following this, we then used PacBio’s long-read amplicon sequencing platform to screen for mutations in the Flowering Locus T (FT)/ Terminal Flower1 (TFL1) gene homologs which are key regulators in the flowering pathway. Initially, a genome-mining approach was employed to identify the members of the FT/TFL1 homologs by utilizing publicly available eggplant genome sequence. The genome encoded nine FT/TFL1 members. Primers were designed to amplify all nine genes for amplicon sequencing. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis categorized eggplant FT/TFL1 genes into three major subfamilies, namely FT-like, TFL1-like, and MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1 (MFT)-like subfamilies. The new variants produced represent a newly developed biological resource database. Keywords: EMS mutagenesis, eggplant, Flowering Locus T (FT), Terminal Flower 1 (TFL1)

114

PF26

APPLICATION OF MARKER-ASSISTED SELECTION (MAS) IN DEVELOPMENT OF RICE RESISTANT AGAINST BACTERIAL LEAF BLIGHT DISEASE IN RICE (Oryza sativa L.)

Siti Norhidaya Yazid

1, Khairulmazmi Ahmad

1, Mohd Shahril Firdaus Abd Razak

3

Kogeethavani Ramachandran2, Mohamad Bahagia Abdul Ghaffar2 1Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, 43400, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang,

Selangor, Malaysia. 2Research Innovation Centre Excellence, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI),

13200 Seberang Perai, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia. 3Centre for Marker Discovery and Validation (CMDV), Malaysia Agricultural Research and Development

Institute (MARDI), 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Marker-assisted selection is an essential approach in current backcross breeding strategies. It accelerates the selection process during gene pyramiding of the desirable inherited traits from the donor parent into the elite line. For decades, bacterial leaf blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae has become one of the impediments in rice production. A study was designed to counter the issue. A total of 28 BC3F5 backcrossed progenies of IRBB66 (donor parent for Xa7 BLB resistant gene) with commercial variety MR219 were challenged for resistance towards the disease. The resistant level of the plants was evaluated phenotypically by inoculation with an active causal agent Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (GenBank accession number: MK806465). Disease leaf area (DLA%), score and severity were recorded at every 5 days interval to examine the disease progress between the tested rice lines. Cluster analysis was done to set the rice population into three major groups of resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible. Six BC3F5 lines were identified as susceptible rice lines (including the recurrent parent, MR219), thirteen were identified as moderately resistant and nine were resistant (including the donor parent, IRBB66). These results were further verified by molecular assessment using Xa7 resistant gene closed-linked STS markers ID7 and ID15; as well as SSR marker RM20593 and RM2060. Molecular analysis result correlated with the phenotypic result revealing that all susceptible lines do not carried Xa7 resistant gene while the resistant lines carried a single band of Xa7 resistant gene. Single PCR bands of 653 bp, 449 bp, 406 bp, and 315 bp correlated to marker ID7, ID15, RM20601, and RM20593, respectively, were observed in progenies with Xa7 gene, indicating the existence of Xa7 resistance gene. These findings provide useful information to plant breeders in developing new BLB resistant rice varieties. Keywords: Bacterial leaf blight, Oryza sativa L., Xa7 genes, Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae

115

PF27

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HYBRID PERFORMANCE AND GENETIC DISTANCE, SPECIFIC COMBINING ABILITY AND HETEROSIS AMONG PARENTAL INBRED LINES IN FORAGE CORN

Ghizan Saleh

1, Maizura Abu Sin

1, Pedram Kashiani

2

1 Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

2 Department of Agriculture Science, Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia


ABSTRACT Selection of suitable parental lines for hybrid variety development using results of genetic distance analysis has been established and effectively used in many crops. Genetic distances among parental corn inbred lines based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to estimate the magnitude of biomass yield traits in crosses among them. Six selected maize inbred lines were crossed in a half-diallel manner to produce 15 single cross F1 hybrids. Biomass yield traits (fresh plant yield, fresh leaf yield, fresh stem yield and fresh ear yield) of the hybrids were evaluated along with their parents in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, in two environments (Field 10 and Field 15, Universiti Putra Malaysia). Combining ability analysis revealed that specific combining ability (SCA) effects were significant for all biomass yield traits in both environments separately and when environments were pooled. Compared with the average value of the parents for fresh plant yield (25 388 kg/ha), the 15 hybrids showed a significant (p < 0.01) yield advantage across environments, with an average of 151.9% mid-parent heterosis (MPH) when data from the environments were pooled. Highly significant positive correlations were observed between specific combining ability (SCA) and hybrid performance per se for fresh plant yield in Field 10, Field 15 and environments pooled (0.946, 0.900 and 0.796, respectively), while positive significant correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between genetic distance and MPH in Field 10 and environments pooled (-0.546 and -0.537, respectively). Hence, the findings revealed a weak association between genetic distance and F1 hybrid performance, although SCA remained to be an important factor in the determination of heterosis and hybrid performance per se. Keywords: Combining ability, heterosis, genetic distance, inbred lines, forage corn

116

PF28

PRELIMINARY STUDY ON POLYEMBRYONIC HARUMANIS MANGO (Mangifera indica) SEEDLINGS

Zul Helmey Mohamad Sabdin1, Muhammad Najib Othman Ghani

2, Muhamad Hafiz Muhamad Hassan

1,

Mohd Shahril Firdaus Abdul Razak3

1Horticulture Research Centre, MARDI Sintok, 06050 Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah 2Industrial Crop Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Persiaran MARDI-UPM 43400 Serdang, Selangor

3Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Persiaran MARDI-UPM 43400 Serdang, Selangor


ABSTRACT Harumanis mango (Mangifera indica) are classified as polyembryonic, which enable each seed to produce several seedlings. Identification of zygotic and nucellar seedlings is important for maintaining genetic characters which ensures field uniform performance of rootstocks. However, the seedlings from each seed differ in terms of vigour, plant size or height depending on whether they are nucellar or zygotic in origin. Therefore, this preliminary study was to evaluate the interactions between growth parameters on vigour of seedlings related to the nucellar or zygotic origin at seedbed stage. The experiment was conducted by collecting of Harumanis fruits at MARDI Sintok, Kedah to obtain the seeds. The flesh and seed coat of fifty-five mature fruits of Harumanis mango were then removed and washed with clean water and soak in fungicide before the seed being sown in the sandy seedbed. The observations were recorded after one-month germination of seedlings. The data were analyse using SAS Statistical software (SAS 9.4) and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was carried out to confirm the interaction between germination sequence, leaf number, plant height, stem diameter and leaf area on vigour of seedlings. In this study, there were significant correlation at (p ≤ 0.05) between germination sequence, leaf number, plant height, stem diameter and leaf area on growth of Harumanis seedlings. Furthermore, the germination sequence showed negative correlation with leaf number, plant height, stem diameter and leaf area. These results indicate that the first emergence of seedling not always nucellar or zygotic. However, leaf number showed positive correlation with plant height (r = 0.59770), stem diameter (r = 0.53223) and leaf area (r = 0.43671). In term of plant height, there were strongly positive correlation with stem diameter (r = 0.76701) and leaf area (r = 0.62909). These results also indicate that the most vigorous seedling is not always nucellar or zygotic. The identification of seedlings derived from nucellar or zygotic by morphological criteria is not possible or difficult to be confirmed. Thus, the use of molecular markers in the future is necessary to make the distinction for production of good quality planting materials. Keywords: Harumanis, seedling, polyembryonic, nucellar, zygotic

117

PF29 Mariposa christia vespertilionis GREEN: PLANTING MATERIAL PRODUCTION

Siti Salwana H, Abdul Rrazak S, Lokmal N, Ahmad Fuad Z

Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109, Kepong, Selangor Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Mariposa christia vespertilionis green (Rerama) is an herb species that has the potential to cure cancer. This finding has led to a high demand for raw materials in the form of dried leaves. Therefore, propagation and nursery techniques for this species are essential for large scale production to meet its market demand. Vegetative propagation through stem-cutting techniques have been carried out and tested using two types of plant media, namely 100% cleaned river sand and 3: 2: 1 soil mixture (soil: compost: sand). Our results showed that cuttings rooted successfully when propagated in soil mixture. After 5 to 6 months, the rooted-cutting plants produced flowers and seeds, at 70% shade with full daylight absorption. The next phase of the study was on the viability of the seeds and was evaluated through germination tests in the laboratory and at the nursery. Laboratory and on-site study results showed 70.5% germination rate.

PF30

Alstonia angustiloba : STEM CUTTING TECHNIQUE

Abdul Rrazak S, Siti Salwana H, Lokmal.N Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109, Kepong, Selangor


ABSTRACT

Pulai or Alstonia angustiloba is a pioneer species often dominant in the mixed forests of dipterocarps and swampy forests of Southeastern Asia up to about 400 m of altitude. This tree is a fast-growing plant with some medicinal values and other uses. The species is native to Borneo, Java, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra and Thailand. The species is commonly used in reforestation and has high ornamental and landscape value. It is easy to cultivate and fast growing in tropical gardens. The wood is light and tender and is used for common objects and in the paper industry. In addition to propagation via seeds, stem-cutting technique has also been used. The length of the cut is about 3-5 cm depending on the condition of the stem. The cuts are from a middle-aged stem that are neither too young nor too old and usually green in color slightly darker. Media used for this cuttings was 100% river sand and they are watered twice a day for 3 minutes. The percentage of rooted-cuttings from this study is about 60% within 8 to 10 weeks. The cuttings were transferred to polybags after 12 to 13 weeks and placed at the same place for acclimatization for 3 weeks before being transfered to the nursery.

118

PF31

EFFECTS IN DURATION OF ROOTING FOR MICROCUTTINGS PROPAGATION OF STEVIA USING A MIST-CHAMBER PROPAGATION BOX

Nur Izzati Azizan and Shamsiah Abdullah

Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia


ABSTRACT Stevia rebaudiana belongs to the family Asteraceae and are commonly known as sweet herb. Stevia was an introduced crop to Malaysia and garnered strong interest for commercialization due to its non-calorific natural sweetener properties which is 300 times sweeter than sucrose. This plant is suggested to be the perfect substitute for sugar especially for diabetic patients. Stevia sweetness is mainly due to the steviol glycosides (SG) that are present in the Stevia leaves. In this experiment, Mist-Chamber Propagation Box was used as it gives positive propagation result of Stevia and homogenous genetic uniformity of the plant. The effects of different duration given for microcuttings to root in the Mist-Chamber Propagation Box were determined. Evaluation was done based on number of roots and shoots produced and the survival of the microcuttings after transplant. From analysis of variance, there were significant differences between the various duration of microcuttings in the Mist-Chamber Propagation Box and the survival rate of the microcuttings after transplant (P < 0.05). Longer duration of microcuttings in the Mist-Chamber Propagation Box displayed higher number of roots and shoots. The percentage of survival of the microcuttings after transplant also increased with the duration of rooting in the Mist- Chamber Propagation Box. Keywords: Stevia rebaudiana, propagation, microcuttings

119

PF32

INDUCED MUTATION BY GAMMA RADIATION ON BANANA CV. BERANGAN (Musa sp.) FOR IN VITRO SHOOT INDUCTION

Aisyah Athirah Hasimband Shamsiah Abdullah

Faculty of Plantation and Agrotechnology, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.


ABSTRACT

The banana improvement through conventional breeding method has been very slow mainly due to narrow genetic variability, sterility and the polyploid nature of most banana cultivars. Mutation breeding is a promising technique that can be used to develop new cultivars for the improvement of banana. This research was conducted to study the effect of gamma radiation on the morphological and genetic variation in irradiated banana plant. Experiments combining mutation-inducing using gamma ray treatment and in vitro tissue culture through micro-cross section culture was conducted. The banana cv. Berangan pseudostem (2 x 0.6 cm) were exposed to gamma rays at doses ranging from 20 to 60 Gy. The radio-sensitivity of treated explant was assessed through the percentage of survived explants. The highest survival rate (13%) among treated explants was in 20 Gy treatment while the lowest (3%) in 60 Gy. The lethal dose (LD₅₀) which caused 50% mortality to the irradiated material was at 35 Gy. The result on shoot growth showed that the highest shoot number (5) per explant was at 30 Gy, followed by 4 shoots per explant at a dosage of 45 Gy and 35 Gy with 3 shoots per explant. Meanwhile, 25 Gy induced maximum root length, whereas explants irradiated with 55 Gy and 60 Gy caused the reduction in root length. Keywords: Mutation breeding, gamma ray, LD₅₀

120

PF33

GENETIC VARIATION FOR MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS OF EGGPLANT (Solanum melongena L.)

GERMPLASMS EVALUATED UNDER TWO DIFFERENT CROPPING SYSTEMS USING ANOVA AND MULTIVARIATE TOOLS

Nur Nadzirah Mat Sulaiman 1, Mohd Rafii Yusop1, Janejira Duangjit2, Shairul Izan Ramlee3,

Chalermpol Phumicai4 1. Laboratory of Climate-Smart Food Crop Production, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security,

University Putra Malaysia 2. Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University

3. Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University Putra Malaysia 4. Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Kasetsart University


ABSTRACT

Eggplants (Solanum melongena L.) have genetic diversity portrayed in morphological traits and its yield production is influenced by cropping system. With this background, the current research was undertaken among 29 eggplant accessions from Malaysia, Thailand, and China based on morphological traits under two cropping systems, namely fertigation system in the glasshouse and open field, to evaluate genetic diversity and establish relationships between their yield and yield components using multivariate analysis research. A total of 13 morphological traits were used to analyse ANOVA, and also clustered into UPGMA dendrogram and PCA using SAS 9.4 version and NTSYS-pc version 2.1 software respectively. The results obtained from the analysis of variance indicated a highly significant difference (P≤0.01) for most of vegetative and yield as well as yield components characteristics studied in both cropping systems. Six distinct clusters were formed, which showed the presence of high genetic variation among the germplasm. The varieties from different clusters could be used for hybridization. Hence, crosses between group I and VI could be used to attain higher heterosis among the genotypes. The information from this study can be utilized for a more effective agricultural production and as criterion selection of the eggplant germplasm for future breeding program. This result displayed importance for preserving eggplant germplasm for future varietal development and revealed that open field cropping system is more suitable under Malaysia’s agroecology. Keywords: Genetic variability, eggplant germplasms, cluster analysis, principal component analysis

121

PF34

SCREENING AND DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH YIELDING DROUGHT TOLERANT RICE LINES THROUGH MARKER ASSISTED BACKCROSSING (MABC)

Noor Asma’a Awang

1, Mohd. Razi Ismail

1, Mohd. Rafii Yusop

1, Zulkarami Berahim

1, Abdul Rahim Harun

2

1Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor 2Agrotechnology and Bioscience Division, Malaysia Nuclear Agency


ABSTRACT Recently, increasing rice (Oryza sativa) production is becoming more difficult due to biotic and abiotic stresses. Among the abiotic stresses, drought is the most devastating and harmful threat to high productivity of rice worldwide and is especially prevalent in Malaysia. A recent estimate on climate change predicts the water deficit to deteriorate further in years to come and the intensity and frequency of drought are predicted to become worse. Considering the above issues, development of drought tolerant high yielding rice variety is a crying need within the shortest timeframe. Marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC) selection can play a vital role in developing drought tolerant, high-yield or quality rice varieties by incorporating a gene of interest into an elite variety that is already cultivated by farmers. The main objective of this study therefore was to develop a high yielding drought tolerant rice variety by introgressing drought tolerant genes derived from a tolerant variety (IURON 6, 18, 29, 30) into the popular high-yielding but drought sensitive Malaysian rice variety MR219 through MABC. In this study, field experiments were conducted on morphological, physiological, and molecular screening of drought tolerance genotypes by evaluationg the plant response to drought stress. Results showed that leaf rolling responses was similar for all genotypes except IURON30 which had the highest leaf rolling score than all other genotypes. Parental screening for foreground selection was carried out with 125 simple sequence repeat markers (SSR). DNA of young fresh leaves was extracted using CTAB method. Out of 125 SSR markers, 21% showed clear polymorphism between drought sensitive and tolerant parent. Twenty-six markers appeared to be polymorphic and used to estimate the recovery of the recurrent parent in the backcross generations; BC1F1, BC2F1 and BC2F2. Keywords: Rice, drought, backcrossing

122

PF35

MARKER-ASSISTED INTROGRESSION OF MULTIPLE RESISTANCE GENES CONFERS BROAD SPECTRUM RESISTANCE AGAINST BACTERIAL LEAF BLIGHT AND BLAST DISEASES IN PUTRA-1 RICE VARIETY

Samuel C. Chukwu

Laboratory of Climate Smart Food Crop Production, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia


ABSTRACT This experiment was conducted with the aim of introgressing multiple resistance genes against bacterial leaf blight (BLB) and blast diseases through marker-assisted backcross breeding. Two dominant (Xa4 and Xa21) and two recessive (xa5 and xa13) BLB resistance genes were introgressed into a Malaysian elite rice variety Putra-1 with genetic background of three blast resistance (Piz, Pi2 and Pi9) genes and high yielding. Eight polymorphic tightly linked functional and SSR markers were used for foreground selection of target genes. 79 polymorphic SSR markers were used in background selection. The plants were challenged at initial stage of breeding and challenged again at BC2F2 with the most virulent Malaysian pathotypes of Xoo (P7.7) and Magnaporthe oryzae (P7.2) to test their resistance. Results obtained from foreground marker analysis showed that the BC1F1 and BC2F1 both fitted into the Mendel’s single gene segregation ratio of 1:1 for both Xoo and blast resistance. At BC2F2, result obtained indicated that foreground marker segregation fitted into the expected Mendelian ratio of 1:2:1 for blast resistance only. Marker-assisted background selection revealed high percentage of recurrent parent genome recovery (95.9%). It was concluded that resistance to Xoo pathotype P7.7 in IRBB60 was neither due to two independent gene action nor epistasis but substantially due to single nuclear gene action. Also, the inheritance of blast resistance in the pyramided lines to pathotype P7.2 was also attributed to single gene action. The incorporation of four bacterial leaf blight and three blast resistance genes (Xa4+xa5+xa13+Xa21+Pi9+Pi2+Piz) in the newly developed lines provides for broad spectrum and durable resistance against the two major diseases studied. PF36

FRUIT QUALITY EVALUATION OF LIMAU MADU ACCESSIONS IN MARDI KLUANG

Noor Baiti Abdul Aziz1, Amiran Ngah2, Mohamad Zaki Razali1, Sahak Dasuki1

1Horticulture Research Centre, MARDI Kluang, Johor 2General Director Office, MARDI Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu

Limau madu and limau langkat are two varieties of Citrus suhuiensis Hort. viz. and are commercially important citrus fruit crops in Malaysia. Both are popular loose-peel mandarins available locally and are widely grown in this country. Seven accessions of limau madu collection from all over Peninsular Malaysia, namely Ulu Tiram, Maran, Setiu, Lanchang, Dungun, Pokok Sena, and Jeli were evaluated. The evaluation was done on the plants at the age of six years after planting in Kluang, Johor. Fruit quality was assessed based on fruit weight, fruit width, fruit length, peel thickness, segment number per fruit, seed number per fruit and total soluble solid (TSS) content. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the accessions studied were of high significant difference for all the parameters evaluated except for fruit length, segment number per fruit and seed number per fruit. Lanchang produced the biggest size of fruit in term of weight, width and length (146.58 g, 6.65 cm and 5.69 cm) respectively. It also had the lowest reading of peel thickness (1.53 mm) but the highest in terms of TSS content (10.91 °Brix). Among the seven accessions evaluated, Lanchang emerged as a potential candidate for breeding purpose in terms of fruit quality.

Keywords: Limau madu, Citrus suhuiensis Hort, fruit quality, accessions evaluation

123

TRACK 3: Forestry, Conservation & Biodiversity PB1

INFERENCES OF HISTORICAL DEMOGRAPHIC OF COD SPECIES USING WHOLE GENOME SEQUENCES

Nadiatul. H H1,2, Suda. A3, Makino. T3, Kawata. M3 Centre of Foundation Studies and Agriculture Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang,

Selangor, Malaysia Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia

Graduate School of Life Science, Tohoku University, Aramaki Aoba-ku Sendai 980-8578, Japan Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) and Pacific cod (Gadus morhua) are economically and ecologically important in the North Pacific and Bering Sea. Their distributions are spatially and temporally overlapped since they invaded into the North Pacific through the Bering Straits 4 million years ago. A global climatic change during Pleistocene era induced sea level fluctuation and oceanic landscape and was suspected to alter the population’s dynamics of species inhabiting North Pacific area. In the present study, we sequenced the genome of two closely related species, Pacific cod (G. microcephalus) and Walleye Pollock (G. chalcogrammus) at 37.2x and 40.4x coverage, respectively. The diploid genomes were subjected to pairwise sequentially Markovian coalescent (PSMC) analysis for inferring dynamics of effective population sizes by using the information from distribution of heterozygote sites throughout the genome. This study suggests that even though the two species share habitat and experienced similar climatic change, they showed different patterns of historical demographic during the Pleistocene epoch. Additionally, our finding also suggests the ecological preferences of G. macrocephalus and G. chalcogrammus have strong influences on their response to environmental events and subsequently influenced the temporal effective population sizes during the Pleistocene era. Keywords: Walleye pollock, pacific cod, PSMC, historical demographic, pleistocene


124

PB2

ALLELIC LADDERS FOR ACCURATE GENOTYPE DETERMINATIONS IN FORENSIC ANALYSIS OF SHOREA PLATYCLADOS (MERANTI BUKIT)

Chin Hong Ng, Chai Ting Lee, Nurul Farhanah Zakaria, Lee Hong Tnah, Soon Leong Lee, Kevin Kit Siong Ng,

Amelia Azman, Suryani Che Seman Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong, Selangor


ABSTRACT

Short tandem repeat (STR) databases have been generated for several tropical timber species in Malaysia. Some of these databases have been utilised in timber tracking. In forensic DNA analysis, the accuracy of genotyping is critical, which depends on correct sizing of each allele. Here, we report the development of allelic ladders for 15 loci in an important tropical timber tree Shorea platyclados, a light hardwood of the family Dipterocarpaceae. For each locus, the allelic ladder consists of DNA fragments that represent the common alleles among the S. platyclados populations. Respective alleles were amplified separately for each locus and the PCR products were then pooled for use as allelic ladder. During fragment analyses, these allelic ladders could be run with every batch of samples to ensure precise allele sizing, in case of slight changes in instrument environmental conditions over time. They are also important for adjustments of different STR sizing obtained from different instrument conditions used by various laboratories. Keywords: Common alleles, short tandem repeat, allelic designation, genotyping

125

PB3

CHARACTERIZATION OF GENETIC POLYMORPHISM WITHIN FERTILITY GENES (BMP15, BMPR1B, GDF9) AMONG THE MALIN SHEEP BREED POPULATION IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

Siti Nabilah Mahdzar and Shairah Abdul Razak

School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.


ABSTRACT Current approach in livestock husbandry and industry focus on intensive livestock production with little attention to genetic conservation aspect. The intensification is achieved by maintaining the so-called high productivity breeds via homogenous mating system. In the mean time, the quantity and quality of neglected native breeds is deteriorating from one generation to another. Eventually, this could lead to inbreeding and slowly decreasing the genetic variation. Even worse, genetic diversity will be lost and the animal are no longer able to respond to extreme environmental changes within the population. In the long run, the native breed would be pushed to extinction resulting the loss of invaluable genetic profile. Malin (Malaysian Indigenous), is the only local native sheep breed that are currently scattered in small populations all over Peninsular Malaysia. They show low fecundity and poor reproduction performance and possibly experiencing inbreeding problems. However, there is inadequate information to confirm this. Therefore, this study will be conducted to properly characterize genetic polymorphism of Malin nationwide. In this research, sampling will be held at four different zones including North, South, Centre and East zones across Peninsular Malaysia. Location and phenotypic data of male and female sheep individuals will be gathered via questionnaires directed at breeders to record the distribution pattern of population and phenotype characterization of selected Malin sheep herds. Next, molecular study will be performed to characterize the genetic polymorphism within fecundity genes (BMP15, BMPR1B and GDF9) that are related to fertility traits and subsequently to analyse the phylogenetic relationship between studied populations. The representative individual blood samples will be collected from animals' jugular vein. DNA extraction will be performed followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. Data will be analysed using related statistical softwares. Information obtained from phenotypic characterization and molecular data will be combined for evaluation of multicomplex fecundity trait related to Malin’s reproductive performance and for inferring phylogenetic relationship between herds. Proper analyses of genetic polymorphism and population structuring are indeed crucial to provide comprehensive knowledge on breed characteristics and would be beneficial for long-term goals of formulating sustainable management program for this indigenous sheep breed. Keywords: Genetic polymorphism, fecundity genes, livestock malin sheep, peninsular Malaysia

126

PB4

1ST NATIONAL TIGER SURVEY: A NON-INVASIVE METHOD FOR WILDLIFE INVENTORY

Norsyamimi Rosli1,2

, Emy Rosyaidah Osman1,3

, Nurhidayu Ahmad1,3

, Liang Song Horng4, Azwarfarid Manca

4,

Liang Neo Song Wee4, Gan Boe Shyee

4, Goh Zee Yang

4, Jeffrine J. Rovie-Ryan

1,2

1National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory (NWFL), Ex-Situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Peninsular Malaysia, KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,

2Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia,

3Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Management & Science University, University Drive, Off Persiaran

Olahraga, Section 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, 4Pertubuhan Pelindung Alam Malaysia, B0606, CGC, Jalan Casa Green, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia.


ABSTRACT

The 1st

National Tiger Survey (NTS) launched in 2016 is an initiative by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) to conduct a nationwide survey that is aimed to determine the distribution and population of Malayan tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni) as well as many large mammals that include their prey species that can be detected by their secondary signs and camera-traps. This initiative is supported by several NGO partners; the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Malaysia, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)–Malaysia Program, and Pertubuhan Pelindung Alam Malaysia (PELINDUNG). In this pilot study that was conducted collaboratively between PERHILITAN and PELINDUNG, biological samples were collected by the survey teams at Plot 07 of the NTS areas covering several prime tiger habitats along the Titiwangsa Range. A total of 42 samples were collected from February until April 2019 and were analysed at the National Wildlife Forensic Laboratory in PERHILITAN. The samples were identified to species level using universal cytochrome b markers of the mitochondrial DNA. Out of the 42 samples, we manage to identify nine wildlife species; comprising of two mammals and seven avifauna species. Findings from this pilot study highlight the promising potential of the non-invasive sampling method as an additional and complementary method in the effort to document the wildlife diversity in Malaysia. Keywords: 1st National tiger survey, non-invasive, biological samples, mitochondrial DNA


127

PB5 OPTIMIZATION OF PARENTAGE TESTING USING MICROSATELLITE MARKERS THROUGH CONVENTIONAL PCR

IN MALIN SHEEP

Suriaty R.1, Mohd Hafiz A.R.

1, Halimaton Sa’adiah T.

1, Saifullizam A. K.1

1National Institute of Veterinary Biodiversity, Jerantut, Pahang. Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Parentage testing on sheep is an analysis on genetic inheritance from sires and dams to their offsprings using DNA fingerprinting technique. If there is any inequality in the DNA pattern, the sire or/and dam will be excluded from being the biological parent to the offspring. In Malaysia, parentage testing is usually performed to solve dispute cases for cattle and buffalo ownership but now it is widely used for other livestocks such as sheep. The applications of microsatellite markers is not limited to the use in identification of population structure and genome mapping but also can be used as a tool for parentage testing of sheep in Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to optimize microsatellite markers-based testing method using conventional PCR for Malin sheep in Malaysia. A total of twelve microsatellite markers recommended by International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG)/Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) were evaluated in this study: OARHH35, OARHH64, OARVH72, SRCRSP9, MAF209, OARJMP29, OARHH41, OARJMP8, MCM527, OARAE129, OARCP20 and OARHH47. Blood samples were collected using EDTA tube and genomic DNA was isolated using commercial DNA Extraction Kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Twelve microsatellite DNA regions were then amplified by conventional PCR technique (Verity Model Thermocycler, Applied Biosystem). PCR optimization was carried out using annealing temperature ranging from 53˚C to 64˚C. The successfully amplified DNA were carefully examined using 4% Metaphor gel visualized under UV light on a transilluminator and the PCR amplicon pattern and fragment size was determined using software GeneTools Ver. 3.08 (Syngene). There are three possible interpretation of the results. First is inconclusive data, which is when the allele size for microsatellite markers were found to be uninformative to include or exclude any sire or dam as the biological parent when compared to the alleles size of offspring. Second is inclusive data, which is when one allele of the offspring matched the sire’s or dam’s allele, and third is exclusive data, which is when the size of both alleles of sire and dam do not match to either one of the alleles of the offspring. This showed that the offspring has not inherited any gene from the dam and sire. From this study, a total of seven markers yielded inconclusive data while three and two markers produced inclusive and exclusive data, respectively. Keywords: Parentage testing, microsatellite markers, malin sheep


128

PB6

SUN BEAR (Helarctos malayanus) DIET ANALYSIS THROUGH SHOTGUN SEQUENCING OF SCAT SAMPLES

Hartini Ithnin

1, Mohammad Kamaruddin Zainul Abidin

2, Shukor Md. Nor

2

1Wildlife Genetic Research Laboratory (WGRL), Ex-situ Conservation Division, Department of Wildlife and

National Parks (PERHILITAN), KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 2Pusat Pengajian Sains Sekitaran dan Sumber Alam, Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi, Universiti Kebangsaan

Malaysia, 43600, Bangi Selangor. Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to assess the diet of wild and released sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) through the rehabilitation programme conducted by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia. The sampling was done during post-release monitoring at the released site in Sungai Deka, Terengganu. The diet of H. malayanus was assessed through morphological and genetic analysis of dung samples collected. Total genomic DNA was extracted and DNA amplification using a partial universal cytochrome-b marker was used for species identification of the dung samples. Shotgun sequencing using Illumina MiSeq platform was conducted for diet identification. A total of 21 family of animals, plants and fungi was blasted using DIAMOND from 82,267 number of reads produced. From the findings obtained in this study, a more targeted and specific analysis are needed to narrow down the species of plants and vertebrates consumed by H. malayanus. Keywords: Sun bear, diet, shotgun sequencing, scat samples

129

PB7

IDENTIFICATION OF AGRODYKE-INDUCED GENES AND PATHWAYS POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH DEFENSE RESPONSE IN ACACIA HYBRID AGAINST CERATOCYSTIS INFECTION

Nur Nabilah Alias

1, Norlia Basherudin

1, Mohd Faizal Abu Bakar

2, Samsuddin Ahmad Syazwan

1,

Mohd Farid Ahmad1, Mohd Zaki Abdullah1,Adibah Yahya3

1Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong, Selangor 2Malaysia Genome Institute (MGI), Jalan Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor

3Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 Skudai, Johor Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

In Malaysia, the productivity of Acacia plantations is being threatened by Ceratocystis wilt disease. To date, the molecular mechanisms regulating defense responses of Acacia towards Ceratocystis are not yet fully known. Currently, the application of an organic plant booster named Agrodyke is claimed to increase soil fertility and improve plant defense mechanism against pests and pathogens. In this study, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis was performed on treated (Agrodyke-sprayed) and non-treated samples of infected Acacia hybrid at four time points (1, 5, 10 and 15 days after inoculation) in order to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways in response to Agrodyke treatment. Across all of the time points tested, a total of 483,519 unique transcripts were obtained by de novo assembly of 302.11 million paired-end clean reads using Trinity pipeline. About 1,425 DEGs were identified after the Agrodyke treatment in Acacia hybrids. Based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, a majority of these DEGs were involved in the biosynthesis of antibiotic, phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, phenylalanine, starch and sucrose metabolism as well as metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450. Interestingly, genes that are associated with defense response were found to be up-regulated in treated Acacia hybrid upon 24 hours of treatment, indicating a quick response of the host tissue towards Agrodyke. These findings demonstrate that Agrodyke plays an important role in enhancing plant defense response in Acacia hybrid against Ceratocystis infection. The identified genes could be further studied and exploited to develop Ceratocystis-resistant Acacia varieties. Keywords: Transcriptome, plant-pathogen interaction, disease resistance, Agrodyke treatment, fertilizer

130

PB8

CRESTED ARGUS FROM PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: FIRST RECORD OF MOLECULAR DATA

Norsyamimi Rosli1,2

, Noor Azleen Mohd Kulaimi1,2

, Emy Rosyaidah Osman1,3

, Zainal Abidin Mat1,

Ismail Hj Mamat1, Jeffrine Japning Rovie-Ryan

1,2

1Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Peninsular Malaysia, KM 10 Jalan Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2Institute of Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia

3Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, Management & Science University, University Drive, Off Persiaran Olahraga,

Section 13, 40100 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The crested argus (Rheinardia ocellata) is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The subspecies R. o. nigrescens is endemic to Peninsular Malaysia and it is thought to be on the brink of extinction. During a patrol called ‘Boots on The Ground’ to combat poachers in Taman Negara, a carcass of a male crested argus was found trapped in a wire snare. Feathers and tissue samples from the carcass were collected for DNA identification. A partial cytochrome b sequences with 307-bp in length has been successfully sequenced and deposited to GenBank under accession number MK907491. This sequence is 100% identical to a record of R. ocellata in GenBank (Accession No. AF330060). This represents the first molecular data record of this elusive pheasant from Peninsular Malaysia. More sampling and further molecular research would be helpful to provide insight into the population genetics of R. o. nigrescens in order to formulate a comprehensive conservation and management plan for this spectacular species. Keywords: Crested argus, pheasant, cytochrome b, Rheinardia ocellata

131

PB9

WILD IPOMOEA SPECIES INHABITING COASTAL AREAS OF MALAYSIA

Siti Sofiah Mohamad1, Khadijah Awang

1, Mohd Nor Awaluddin

2, Mohd Khairuddin Othman

3,

Mohd Shukri Mat Ali4

1Industrial Crop Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia 2Agrobiodiversity and Environmental Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Selangor, Malaysia

3 Livestock Research Centre, MARDI Kluang, Johor, Malaysia 4Horticulture Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Selangor, Malaysia


ABSTRACT

Ipomoea is one of the largest genus in the family of Convolvulaceae. The genus consists of 600 – 700 species that can be found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. In Malaysia, nearly 40 species of Ipomoea have been reported and can be found in the highland, wetland and coastal zones. Inventory survey was conducted to determine the diversity of Ipomoea species in Malaysia from 2015 until 2019. From the survey, a total of 17 species of Ipomoea were found. One species was found in the highland, 12 species were found in the lowland (especially near swampy areas), while one species was found in both highland and lowland and 3 other species were found to inhabit along the coastal regions. The species that were found along the coastal area were namely Ipomoea pes-caprae (L.) R. Br., Ipomoea imperati (Vahl) Griseb and Ipomoea littoralis (Blume). Ipomoea pes-caprae was found in every state in Malaysia except Sarawak and has striking purple to pinkish purple corolla with obcordate leaves and a truncate base. The leaf is not lobed with length varying from 3 to 9 cm and 3 to 10 cm wide. The seed is pubescent, dark brown in colour and with broad ovate shape and covered in a pale brown capsule. Ipomoea littoralis can be found in 5 states including Johor, Perak, Terengganu, Pahang and Sabah, while Ipomoea imperati can be found in Johor, Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan. Both have unique leaves that vary in shape. The leaf of I. imperati varies from hastate to reniform shape with 3 to 5 lobes, while I. littoralis has reniform to cordate leaf shape with only 1 lobe. Ipomoea imperati has small leaf size which ranged from 2 to 4 cm long and 1 to 2 cm wide. The corolla is white in colour with yellow throat and semi-stellate limb, while the seed is pubescent, dark brown in colour and ovate in shape. Ipomoea littoralis leaves range from 1 to 8 cm long and 1 to 7 cm in width. The flower is pink in colour with darker pinkish throat and pentagonal limb. The seed is glabrous brown in colour and ovate in shape but is rarely found. The study revealed that there were no affinities between these three species by comparing polygonal diagram of the studied characters. Keywords: Wild Ipomoea, coastal area, morphological variation

132

PB10

LYTIC AND DEGRADATION ENZYME PRODUCTION UNDER SOLID STATE FERMENTATION BY ENDOPHYTIC Trichoderma virens 159c

Lee Pei Lee Angel

1, Shamala Sundram

1, Leslie Low Eng Ti

1

1Malaysian Palm Oil Board, No. 6, Persiaran Institusi, Bandar Baru Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia.


ABSTRACT

Solid state fermentation (SSF) is a microbial process that emphasizes the use of cheaper substrates and produces value-added products. The products include enzymes of interest, organic acids, secondary metabolites and antibiotics. Based on previous experiments, formulated medium combined with palm kernel cake (PKC) and palm pressed fibre (PPF) has increased Trichoderma virens 159c spore production by 7.4 fold compared to only PPF alone as a substrate. This experiment aims to evaluate the potential of T. virens 159c in the secretion of degradation enzymes (manganese peroxidase [MnP], laccase) and lytic enzymes (glucanase and chitinase) when they were mass produced on the formulated medium. Enzyme activities were compared between sawdust, PPF, PKC, formulated medium, and evaluated using biochemical methods. The enzyme analysis shows that T. virens 159c produced higher levels of enzymes in medium formulated with PKC. The amount of enzymes produced, especially chitinase, increased almost eight-fold when using formulated PPF and PKC as the growth medium compared to sawdust. Other than producing high spores, the resulting data further supports the use of oil palm waste as substrate for mass production of T. virens 159c to produce lytic and degradation enzymes. Mass production of spores using biowaste will be a practical, economical and environmentally-friendly approach instead of using potato dextrose agar. Keywords: Trichoderma virens, solid state fermentation, oil palm waste, palm kernel cake, palm pressed fibre, enzymes

133

PB11

IDENTIFICATION OF MANGROVE PLANT SPECIES THROUGH DNA BARCODING APPROACH

Hazwani Humaira’ Zakaria1, Tnah Lee Hong

1, Lee Chai Ting

1, Nurul Farhanah Zakaria

1, Kevin Ng Kit Siong

1,

Ng Chin Hong1, Amelia Azman

1, Siti Suhaila Mahruji

2, Khairuddin Perdan

2, Lee Soon Leong

1

1 Genetics Laboratory, Forestry Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia, 52109 Kepong,

Selangor, Malaysia 2 Forest Enforcement Division, Forestry Department Peninsular Malaysia, Jalan Sultan Salahuddin, 50660 Kuala

Lumpur, Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Identification of mangrove plants comprised of 16 families, 24 genera and 84 species on the basis of morphological characters is a challenging task. Mangrove species, which play a prominent role in balancing the coastal ecosystem, can be misidentified due to some overlapping morphological features between the species. DNA barcoding technology is proven to complement the limitations of traditional morphology-based taxonomy. It is an approach that uses standardised short DNA sequences generally conserved within species but different between species for species discrimination. In this study, DNA barcode reference database of 31 important mangrove plant species from 15 genera (Ardisia, Avicennia, Bruguiera, Ceriops, Excoecaria, Glochidion, Heritiera, Hibiscus, Intsia, Lumnitzera, Rhizophora, Scyphiphora, Sonneratia, Thespesia and Xylocarpus) was established using rbcL, trnH-psbA and ITS2 regions. This multi-tiered approach was evaluated using similarity BLAST and phylogenetic analysis. The relationship among species based on these three regions showed high species-level resolution (87.1%). The result demonstrates that DNA barcoding approach is a great complementary tool for mangrove plant species identification. Keywords: DNA barcoding, rbcL, trnH-psbA, ITS2, phylogenetic tree, species identification

134

PB12

FRUIT MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND LEAF VENATION OF Baccaurea brevipes HOOK. F. AND B. motleyana (MULL.ARG.) MULL.ARG

Khadijah Awang

1, Noraini Talip

2, Nurshahidah Mohd Rusli

3, Siti Sofiah Mohamad

1, Ahmad Syahman Mohd

Dalee1, Mohd Shukri Mat Ali4

1Industrial Crop Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Selangor, Malaysia 2School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

3Agrobiodiversity and Environment Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Selangor, Malaysia 4Horticulture Research Centre, MARDI Headquarters, Selangor, Malaysia


ABSTRACT

Baccaurea brevipes and B. motleyana belong to Phyllanthaceae family and are native to Malaysia. Leaf characters of these two species are almost similar and are difficult to distinguish during their vegetative stage. Therefore leaf anatomical characters would probably contribute useful information for their identification during vegetative stage. The objective of this study is to reveal the systematic significance of the fruit morphological and leaf venation characteristics especially for species identification. Methods used for morphological characterisation is through physical observation and observation under stereo microscope. For the anatomical study, the method used is leaf clearing method. Results have shown that the similarities and differences of fruit and leaf morphology and leaf venation characteristics are useful in the identification of these two species. Baccaurea brevipes has pubescent leaves on lower leaf surface, similar in B. motleyana. Both species have globose fruits, but different in size. B. brevipes has small fruit with fruit weight ranges from 1.3 – 4.9 g, length of 1.4 – 2.3 cm and width of 1.3 – 2.3 cm, while B. motleyana has a bigger fruit size with fruit weight ranges from 6.4 – 21.5 g, length of 2.3 – 3.8 cm and width of 1.5 – 3.2 cm. Baccaurea brevipes fruit rind is white in colour when matured, while the pulp colour is blue violet or purple and the fruit will split when it ripens. However, matured fruit of B. motleyana has a variation in fruit skin colour ranging from green, light yellow, yellow and sometimes brown, with white or translucent flesh and is not dehiscent. As for leaf anatomical characters, both species have incomplete ultimate marginal and areolar venation. B. brevipes were found to have less swollen ending veinlets, few glandular hairs and no druse. Meanwhile in B. motleyana, ending veinlets was not swollen, pubescents hairs were abundant on glandular area and prismatic crystals were found. Therefore, results of this study have proved that the fruit morphological and leaf venation characteristics can be used in the identification and differentiation of these two species and hence would have taxonomic value. Keywords: Phyllanthaceae, Baccaurea, morphological character, anatomical character, leaf venation

135

PB13

IDENTIFICATION OF WRKY TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR EXPRESSED IN ROOT OF TONGKAT ALI: PRELIMINARY STUDY

Norlia Basherudin, Nur Nabilah Alias, Nor Hasnida Hassan, Norwati Muhammad, Mohd Zaki Abdullah, Mohd

Faizal Abu Bakar1 , Mohd Noor Mat Isa1

Forest Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong, Selangor 1 Malaysia Genome Institute, Jalan Bangi, 43000 Kajang, Selangor


ABSTRACT

Tongkat Ali or scientifically known as Eurycoma longifolia is one of the most well-known herbal medicines in Southeast Asia. Tongkat Ali extract, especially obtained from the root, has widely been used in pharmaceutical industries and various secondary metabolites have been isolated. Due to their beneficial effects to health, biosynthesis of secondary metabolite has been a prime focus of research. Many transcription factors (TF) have been identified to play major roles in regulating secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways at the transcriptional level. Among TFs frequently reported to regulate plant secondary metabolism biosynthesis are the families of WRKY. Here we report 10 WRKY-related TFs which were expressed in the root of Tongkat Ali. The TFs were deduced from transcriptome analysis of 10- and 1-year-old Tongkat Ali root. RNA from both root samples were sequenced using Illumina Hi-Seq 2000 technology and the sequencing data was assembled using SOAPdenovo software. 60,753 non-redundant unigenes were finally generated. BLASTX search analysis showed that 60 unigenes were similar to WRKY TF and 33 unigenes were up-regulated in root of 10-year-old tree. Out of 33 TFs, only 10 were chosen for characterization. All TFs contain WRKY domain with a highly conserved WRKYGQK motif. Studies of TFs in Tongkat Ali root would provide useful information in transcription control of biosynthetic genes that regulate secondary metabolite production. Such information could potentially be used to engineer metabolic pathways to enhance the biosynthesis of potentially useful secondary metabolite in Tongkat Ali. Keywords: Eurycoma longifolia, transcriptome, secondary metabolites


136

PB14

PRELIMINARY RESULTS ON HIGH THROUGHPUT IN VITRO MICROPROPAGATION OF Aquilaria malaccensis

Nurnadiah Roslan, Siti Suhaila A Rahman, Mohd Syahiran Sulaiman, Normah Basir, Zamrudah Musa, Noor Ratul Maleka Sirajuddin, Norwati Muhammad

Center for Biotechnology Bioentrepreneur, Biotechnology Programme, Forestry Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109, Kepong, Selangor.


ABSTRACT

Conventional micropropagation technique of Aquilaria malaccensis includes multiplication of shoot tips and nodal segments in semi-solid media. However, limited number of explants used as starting materials, lead to low plantlets production as it would take three to five months to develop new shoots and branches. Therefore, the use of liquid media has been adopted for shoot proliferation of Aquilaria malaccensis at one time in a vessel unit. The objective herein is to improve shoot proliferation of Aquilaria malaccensis in liquid culture by testing two parameters; concentration of Benzylaminopurine; BAP (0.1mg/L and 0.2mg/L BAP) and immersion phase durations (5 mins and 10 mins). A preliminary study was conducted on culturing 30 explants with MS liquid media supplemented with 0.1mg/L BAP for 10 min immersion. However, only 27% of the plants survived. In this study, the interaction effects of 5 mins immersion with MS media supplemented with 0.2mg/L of BAP produced shoot-forming explants at 100% rate. Continued observation also revealed changes that include an increase in height, formation of new branches coming out from the main plant stem and an average of five shoots induced per shoot tip explant after eight weeks of culture. Meanwhile, only 67% of explants survived when cultured in MS liquid media supplemented with 0.2mg/L of BAP and immersed for 10 mins. Here, the use of liquid media exhibit advantages over the conventional method of micropropagation during shoot proliferation and this could later, making it possible to establish a high throughput amount of new plantlets. Keywords: Aquilaria malaccensis, shoot proliferation, immersion, shoot tips, liquid culture

137

PB15

UNVEILING THE GENETIC RELATIONSHIP OF TARO CULTIVARS BY MATK

Zulhairil Ariffin, Maya Izar Khaidizar, Nor Asiah Ismail, Umikalsum Mohamed Bahari, Erny Sabrina Mohd. Nor, Nuradni Hashim & Mohd Nor Faizal Ghazalli

Agrobiodiversity & Environment Research Centre, MARDI, Persiaran MARDI-UPM, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia


ABSTRACT

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a tuber plant from the family of Araceae. It is native to tropical Asia and can be found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions. The genus Colocasia comprises between 8-16 species. In Malaysia, many taro cultivars were cultivated by smallholders or farmers for their edible corms or grown as ornamental foliage. C. esculenta has been known to be a highly variable species, with the high number of subspecies or varieties within the species itself. This study aims to investigate genetic relationships of fourteen taro cultivars, consisting of 44 plants namely keladi Merah, Minyak, Perang, Putih, Sarawak, Tapak Badak, Telur, Udang, Ulam, Wangi, Belang, Bentan, Cina, Hitam, Kumbul, Manik and Mawar using plastid coding region, Maturase K gene (matK). Preliminary results showed that all 44 sequences of taro on matK region were similar to Colocasia esculenta (JN105690) and Colocasia menglaensis (JQ238894) with a high value of similarity of 98-100% based on BLAST screening. A phylogenetic tree based on matK sequences was constructed with Engleranum hypnosum as an outgroup. All taro cultivars were grouped in one big clade except for Keladi Minyak62 and SarawakB19 which were separated from the rest of the cultivars. Interestingly, keladi Minyak2 and Udang39 were grouped together in the same clade. The genetic relationship information displayed within the taro cultivars will provide useful understanding for improvement and cultivation development of taro cultivars in the future.

Keywords: Taro cultivars, genetic relationship, matK

138

PB16

PRELIMINARY STUDY ON ENCAPSULATION OF Aquilaria malaccensis AND Endospermum malaccense FOR

IN VITRO GERMINATION AND PROPAGATION

Nor Asmah Hassan1, Noraliza Alias1, Rosdi Koter2, Nadiah Salmi Nadzri1, Nashatul Zaimah Noor Azman1,

Nor Rashidah Mustapa1 1Biotechnology Programme. 2Forest Plantation Programme.

Forestry Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia


ABSTRACT

Aquilaria malaccensis and Endospermum malaccense are two of the potential timber species planted in Malaysia. Demand for conservation is increasing to restore their diversity in nature either for timber or non-timber products. The establishment of tree plantation programmes for reforestation has caused the high demand of planting materials. Synthetic seed technology could be employed for supplying in vitro planting materials via artificial/synthetic seed. The main objective in the present investigation is to study the in vitro germination and plantlet regeneration of A. malaccensis and E. malaccense germplasm as in vitro conservation method. Generally, these findings showed that the synthetic seeds of either species have equal probability to germinate on semi solid modified basal MS; vermiculite and garden soil under the same condition. Therefore, the formation of synthetic seed for A. malaccensis and E. malaccens was possible not only as an alternative planting materials but also for germplasm storage and conservation. Keywords: encapsulation,aquilaria malaccensis, endospermum malaccense, germination

139

PB17

SURVIVAL AND GROWTH OF SHOREA ROXBURGHII (MERANTI TEMAK NIPIS) SEEDLINGS UNDER FOREST CANOPY

Noraliza Alias

1, Nor Asmah Hassan

1, Nashatul Zaimah Noor Azman

1, Nadiah Salmi Nadzri

1, Marzalina

Mansor2, Nor Rashidah Mustapa1 1 Seed Technology Laboratory, Forestry Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM),

52109 Kepong, Selangor 2 Deputy Director General Office, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong, Selangor


ABSTRACT

Seeds are a major source of planting material for the growth of forest trees in their natural habitat. Through the ex-situ approach, various methods have been and are still being tested to find an alternative method in the cultivation of forest trees. There were previous studies that have reintroduced key species to the ecosystems using nursery-raised seedlings. However, the mortality rate was high. Therefore, this study evaluated the probability of survival and growth of meranti temak nipis seedlings under forest canopy. The experiment was observed up to 36 months. The seeds were germinated on trial plot at Keruing Trail in Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). The seeds were germinated with three different protocols in the trial plot. Seed germination and seedlings growth performance were observed and recorded periodically. After 12 months of observation, the height of the seedlings recorded were between 5-9 cm with two leaves. However, the number of seedlings survived slowly decrease by time. Several factors may influence this problem as discussed in the previous studies: the choice of species introduced to this unfavorable conditions, some seeds/seedlings may have been eaten by predator and seed mass on survival after the stage of seedlings. Therefore, further studies should be conducted to determine the best planting methods available for seed planting directly under forest canopy or unfavorable conditions. Keywords: Shorea roxburghii, ex-situ, seedlings, growth performance

140

PB18 PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATION OF DIPTEROCARP AND NON-DIPTEROCARP TREES ON ASSESSING IMPACT OF CO2 INCREASE THROUGH FREE AIR CARBON DIOXIDE, CO2 ENRICHMENT (FACE) STUDY IN TEKAM, PAHANG

Nadiah Salmi Nadzri

1, Nashatul Zaimah Noor Azman

1, Noraliza Alias

1, Nor Asmah Hassan

1, Nor Rashidah

Mustapa1 and Azian Mohti2

Forestry Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong Selangor, Malaysia1 Forestry and Environment Division, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong Selangor, Malaysia2


ABSTRACT Forest ecosystems are generally regarded as carbon absorption and storage areas, as well as playing a role in stabilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) gas concentration in the atmosphere. This implicates the important role of forest ecosystems in mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) initiated the impact of this climate change assessment by assessing the impact of CO2 increase on forest productivity through the study of Free Air Carbon Dioxide Enrichment (FACE). In completing the assessment, this effort should commence by collecting information on the phenological observation data of selected forest species during flowering and fruiting seasons. Phenology involves monitoring and observing the development of plant biology in terms of flower formation, fruit and environmental factors that influence the physiology of a plant. This data collection will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the adaptation of the tropical forest ecosystem in relation to the increase in atmospheric CO2.

Keywords: Phenological observation, phenology, carbon dioxide, FACE, dipterocarp and non-dipterocarp trees PB19 EARLY NURSERY GROWTH MEASURES INDICATE SUCCESSFUL TRANSFER OF DESIRABLE TRAITS TO 3RD CYCLE

DERIVATIVES FROM OIL PALM ORIGINALLY PROSPECTED FROM NIGERIA

Amirul Asraf Tumin1 and Goh Hua Lek2

IOI Group Pamol Plantations Sdn Bhd, P. O. Box 1, 86007 Kluang, Johor D.T., Malaysia Corresponding author’s email: [email protected], [email protected]

ABSTRACT

Breeding for short palms has been a key focus for oil palm breeders over the years for its advantage in longer economic life cycle and ease for mature harvesting. With continuous difficulties to find competent tall palm harvesters each year and the industry ambition to incorporate automation in harvesting, work on developing short planting material has been gaining momentum. In Malaysia, the Nigerian Prospection Material (NPM) of the Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is known to contain palms of small size and stature. Noh et al. in 2014 mentioned that genetic variability in the NPM population is still high, giving ample scope for further selection. Deli dura x NPM pisifera progenies were reported by Arolu et al. (2018) to be short with average annual palm increment of <30cm/year, which is 33-60% less than the typical range in annual height increment of 45-75cm/year for current commercial DxP planting material. Derivatives of the original NPM, i.e. 2nd cycle NPM, had been planted at IOI Group’s Mamor Estate in Kluang, Johor, in 1996. To conserve the material for future breeding, palms were selected from a family exhibiting small stature to produce 3rd cycle NPM. We report early nursery growth measurement in this 3rd cycle NPM, showing that desirable traits of small size and stature have been successfully transmitted from the selected 2nd cycle parents. Nursery measures such as these are rarely, if ever, done in the normal course of oil palm breeding. These measures are relatively simple to carry out, and if done, could become useful early indicators of successful conservation or transmission of desirable growth traits in breeding populations. Keywords: Oil palm, Nigerian prospection material, nursery growth measures


141

PB20

DECIPHERING THE PHYLOGENY AND GENETIC ADAPTIVE VARIATIONS IN THE COMMON HOUSE CROW OF SOUTH ASIA BY POPULATION MITOGENOMICS

Farheena Iqbal

1, 3, Qasim Ayub

1,2, Robyn Fay Wilson

1,2, Beng Kah Song

1, Sadequr Rahman

1 2

1School of Science, Monash University, Malaysia 2Tropical Medicines and Biological Multidisciplinary Platform, Monash University, Malaysia

3Centre for Applied Molecular Biology, University of The Punjab, Pakistan Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The common house crow (Corvus splendens) is a widely dispersed bird within South Asia. It is an invasive avian species, well adapted to urban environments and has an extensive native and introduced distribution range including South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Africa and Arabian Peninsula. The species shows tolerance to tropical, arid and hot desert climates within its range. Thus, the house crow can be used as a model invasive species in adaptive evolutionary studies of avian species. This study aimed to investigate the subspecies characterization and phylogenetic relationships among the various populations of house crow in South Asia as well as to decipher the evidence of adaptive selection on the mitochondrial genome which encodes crucial protein components of cellular metabolism. A total of 137 specimens were collected from culled birds and museum samples from five countries i.e. Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri-Lanka. Admixture was observed among the populations dispersed in the northern Indian subcontinent with poor genetic differentiation (FST = 0.017-0.020) although populations from Sri Lanka and South India were more sub-structured (FST = 0.204). Genetic diversity indices and neutrality tests indicated the rapid population expansion within the whole region. Phylogenetic analysis suggested northern South Asian as the origin of the species where mitochondrial lineages are more diverse and primitive, while southern populations descended from a single sub-branch. Robust signals of positive diversifying selection were found on 7 out of 13 protein coding mitochondrial genes (ω>1, 0.6%) against a background of strong purifying selection (ω < 1, 90%). The high invasive characteristics, no geographical barriers for dispersal and a vast range of suitable bio-climate niches for the species may be responsible for the high gene flow on mainland Indian subcontinent. The diversifying selections within native populations may have facilitated the successful invasion and dispersal of the species under various environmental landscapes.

Keywords: Phylogeography, mitochondrial genome, natural selection, oxidative phosphorylation, invasion species


142

PB21

STUDY ON POLYPLOIDY STABILITY IN Aquilaria malaccensis (Karas), clone FT-fAm

Siti Suhaila A Rahman, Norwati Muhammad, Nurnadiah Roslan, Mohd Syahiran Sulaiman, Normah Basir, Zamrudah Musa, Noor Ratul Maleka Sirajuddin

Center for Biotechnology Bioenterpreneur, Biotechnology Programme, Forestry Biotechnology Division, Forest Research Institutte Malaysia (FRIM), 52109, Kepong, Selangor.


ABSTRACT The economic consequence of somaclonal variation among regenerated plants is enormous, especially for fruit crops and woody plants due to its long life cycles. Similarly, somaclonal variations also occur in tissue culture-derived plants/cells. Previously, 4-month old in vitro culture of trifluralin treated-Aquilaria malaccensis (3.86±0.02 pg 2/C) clone FT-fAm, has been discovered to contain more than 3 times the amount of important agarwood volatile compounds compared to a diploid counterpart (1.84±0.01 pg 2/C) based on SPME-GCMS analysis. In this study, polyploidy stability in 2- to 3-year old clone FT-fAm was determined. Leaves from FT-fAm clones were used for determination of polyplody stability using flow cytometry analysis. In addition, SPME-GCMS analysis was also conducted and showed that the amount of the important agarwood volatile compounds in tetraploid was almost similar to its diploid counterparts. Results on induced polyploid of A. malaccensis will be discussed. Keywords: Aquilaria malaccensis, polyploid, flow cytometry, SPME-GCMS

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