It was a day for participants to dive into the latest research findings, methodologies, and its implications in the field of medical science when academics from Chiang Mai University (CMU), Thailand delivered their research talks at UTAR Kampar Campus on 3 July 2024.

Jointly organised by the Department of Allied Health Sciences of the Faculty of Science (FSc) and the Centre of Biomedical and Nutrition Research, the talk began with Assoc Prof Dr Ratchada Cressey, who is also the assistant dean for Research and International Relations, introducing CMU’s biomedical research at its Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences.

She then continued with her research presentation on “Ongoing Research on PRKCSH in Cancer: Linking N-Linked Glycosylation to Cell Death Pathways and Anti-Tumour Immunity”. Participants understood better the multifaceted functions of PRKCSH that offered promising avenues for innovative cancer therapies, and improved patient outcomes.

She explained, “PRKCSH, also known as glucosidase II subunit beta (GluIIß), is integral to the quality control of glycoprotein folding in the ER, working alongside the catalytic alpha subunit (GluIIα) as part of the glucosidase II complex. Mutations in the PRKCSH gene are associated with autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease (ADPLD), and its alternative splicing generates isoforms that influence epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and lung cancer cell proliferation.”

She added, “Our research, utilising CRISPR/Cas9 technology, has demonstrated that PRKCSH significantly affects cell growth and metastasis, responses to growth factors, and plays crucial roles in autophagy, apoptosis, and ferroptosis. By facilitating the release of N-linked glycoproteins from the ER, PRKCSH helps cancer cells manage increased demand and ER stress. Additionally, we and others have shown that PRKCSH modulates anti-tumour immunity, enhancing NK cell and T cell activity when suppressed, which highlights its potential as a therapeutic target.”

Participants were then enlightened as they learnt about Dr Nathupakorn Dechsupa and his research team at MIT, who continue to study the mechanisms of an active compound, pentagalloyl glucose, from Maprang seed with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in various cancer cell models. The Head of Department of Radiologic Technology presented his research on “Current Research Developments at the Molecular Imaging and Therapy Research Unit: Medicinal Applications of Maprang Seed Extract and the Iron(III)-Quercetin Complex”. The research focused on two themes - (1) Drug discovery and development, and (2) Iron(III)-Quercetin Complex (IronQ) as a Theranostic Agent.

He elucidated, “In the first theme, we noted that the Maprang (Buah Remia/Setar/Kundang) seeds are uniquely rich in pentagalloyl glucose (PGG), a compound renowned for its exceptional antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Both Maprang seed extracts (MPSEs) and purified PGG demonstrate remarkable inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. PGG also significantly enhances the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy through synergistic effects. Therefore, our current research is dedicated to overcoming this challenge by delivering PGG and MPSEs to cancer cells using targeted nanoparticles, potentially personalising cancer treatment. In the second theme, we note that IronQ, a molecule synthesised at an MIT research unit, demonstrates no cytotoxic or genotoxic effects on therapeutic cells such as PBMCs and MSCs. Our findings indicate that IronQ has significant potential for stem cell-based therapy in regenerative medicine.”

The talk was organised in conjunction with their visit to UTAR. Other visitors from CMU were Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences Dean Prof Dr Sakorn Pornprasert, Associate Dean for Research and International Relations Dr Aatit Paungmali, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr Sainatee Pratanaphon, Head of Department of Medical Technology Dr Sawitree Chiampanichayakul, Head of Department of Occupational Therapy Dr Sarinya Sriphetcharawut, and Deputy Head of Department of Physical Therapy Dr Sauwaluk Dacha.

They were welcomed by FSc Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Phoon Lee Quen, Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Assoc Prof Dr Sit Nam Weng, and Department of Allied Health Sciences Head Dr Teh Lai Kuan, along with faculty staff.