GENEWS The Official Publication of The UPLB Genetics Society
October 2020
NEWS UPLB goes Virtual for 48th Commencement Exercises... (pg. 2) NAST Holds Webinar...(pg. 3) Twin studies...(pg.5) GeneSoc’s Officers Chosen for Year 37...(pg. 6) VYLH-LB holds first Online Orientation...(pg. 9) IPB Hosts Webinar...(pg. 11) Ha-L.I.N.C.-ka na!...(pg. 12) NIGQC and Genetics Camp Goes Online...(pg. 13)
FEATURE Novel CRISPR...(pg. 14) Genes Protect, Genes Attack... (pg. 16) Exploring DNA Origins...(pg. 18) The Haynayan Initiative...(pg. 20) Stories from th Lab...(pg. 21) From Swab to Finish...(pg. 22) Genes TOwards Justice...(pg. 23) #PreconceptionHealthPH...(pg. 25) Batch Crypton...(pg. 26) D614G Mutation...(pg. 28)
EDITORIAL
Anatomy of a Pro-student... (pg. 29) The Real Deal Against COVID-19...(pg. 30) Anti-Terror Law...(pg. 31) Genomics Against Pandemics...(pg. 32)
ADVERTISEMENTS Genequiry Tote bags and Shirts Call for Participants For Genetics Camp 2021 NIGQC 2020 Call for Participants GeneSoc Orientation
2
NEWS
GENEWS
October 2020 BS in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Major in Biology. Two of the BS Biology graduates had Majors in Genetics, which were Blaire Jazlin de Borja (Helitron) and Anlene Jane Rocha (Genophore), the latter being the IBS valedictorian and with cum laude honors. Anlene Jane Rocha also qualified for the MD-PhD (Molecular Medicine) Program of the UP College of Medicine in Manila.
UPLB goes Virtual for 48th Commencement Exercises: 1 MASTER'S AND 14 BACHELOR'S GRADUATES FROM GENESOC by JOHN NICOLAS OLITIN (Isochore)
L
OS BAÑOS, LAGUNA | The limitations on face-to-face assemblage did not stop the 1,630 students of UPLB Class 2020 from graduating on August 15, 2020 through the first ever online commencement exercises that were livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook.
The official Facebook pages of the university and the respective colleges and the official YouTube account of UPLB broadcasted the even where graduates and their families alike watched the proceedings at their homes.
their bachelor’s degree and a lone master’s degree graduate, Prof. Roden Carlo Lizardo (Transcriptome), with an MS in Plant Pathology and a Minor in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. The remaining 14 were mostly BS Biology graduates, except for Arion Juris Umali, who has a
Three had Majors in Cell and Molecular Biology, namely: Juan Miguel Balatibat (Hybrizyme), John Paolo Janiola (Replichore), and finally Lance Spreewell Lopez (Spireme), who graduated as the IBS salutatorian and with cum laude honors, as well. Four had Majors in Microbiology, namely: Saina Therese Bondad (Cybrid), Sean Timothy Gacutan (Helitron), Alexis Gin Malagotnot (Cybrid), and John Albert Torre (Cyclosome). Another four graduates had Majors in Zoology, namely: Micko Joseph Alojado (Spireme), Rainshield Joy Dalupirit (Cybrid), Arlon Jover De Jesus (Aptamers), and Princess Joy Humarang (Helitron).
UPLB alumnus and current UP Regent Francis Laurel served as the commencement speaker and started things off with his speech. The roll call of the graduates then followed, after which the class valedictorian and magna cum laude, Shantel Anne Nicole Chavez from the College of Economics and Management, delivered her speech. Among these graduates, 15 were from The UPLB Genetics Society, 14 of which obtained
As these people move forward in their lives, may they never forget our roles in helping the country as Iskolars ng Bayan.
October 2020
GENEWS
NAST Holds Webinar on COVID-19 Testing
NEWS
3
by MARIA YLENNA NOTORIO (Zisupton)
T
he National Academy for Science and Technology (NAST) conducted its 5th installment of the “COVID-19: Where We Are and Where We Want To Be” webinar series entitled “Understanding The Science of COVID-19 Testing” on September 2, 2020 which explores PCR-based tests, antigen and antibody tests, and the current status of COVID-19 testing in the Philippines discussed by Dr. Cynthia P. Saloma, Director of UP Philippine Genome Center and Dr. Nina G. Gloriani, former Dean of the College of Public Health in UP Manila. Dr. Saloma presented the current status of COVID-19 cases and testing in the country. As of August 31, 2020, there are 224,265 cases of COVID-19 and 3,597 deaths reported. Currently, the country tested 2.39% of the population. The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), UP National Institute of Health, National
Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) and UP PGC conducted online biosafety modules and trained medical technologists last April and May 2020 as a preparation for the extensive COVID-19 testing. Followed by the discussion of the RT-PCR test, Dr. Saloma started by describing the structure and genome of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus with
around 29 to 30 kilo base pairs. Its genome comprises 11 genes, some of which are the ORF1A and ORF1B that encode for the replication and translation complex and together comprise two-thirds of the genome. Other genes encode for the structural proteins of the virus. Real-time reverse transcription
...continued on page 4
4
NEWS
GENEWS
October 2020
...continued from page 3 polymerase chain reaction test (rRT-PCR) is the ‘gold standard’ in diagnosis of COVID-19. It targets specific viral genes in the virus genome, producing multiple copies of the target gene. Using fluorescent dyes, a computed detects and visualizes the target through a computer. The amount of fluorescence with respect to the threshold cycle (Ct) value determines whether a sample is positive or negative from the virus. The problem with Ct-based tests, as stated by Dr. Saloma, is that there is no absolute Ct value, and the manufacturer of the test kit determines this value. Therefore, some test results may show a false positive or false negative. They usually administer the test during the first week of infection—3 to 5 days post-exposure or during the onset of symptoms. Dr. Gloriani discussed how antibody and antigen tests can be used in effective diagnosis of COVID-19. When the virus enters the body, it stimulates the production of antibodies as the host’s immune response. Antigen test reveals whether the virus infects a person by detecting antigens or structural proteins from the virus surface, while antibody test determines whether
A health worker prodeeds with the standard protocol of obtaining swab samples. the virus infected the person through identifying antibodies present in the patient’s sample. However, antigen and antibody tests have lower specificity and sensitivity compared with the RT-PCR test. The timing of sample collection influences the test results, as the test taken too soon would cause a false negative. Also, presence of antibodies from previous infections may cause a cross-reaction with the antibodies against COVID-19. Advantages of antigen and antibody tests include rapid results, inexpensiveness, and application for point-of-care use.
Dr. Ma. Genaleen Diaz (F1), head of UPLB COVID-19 Testing Lab (CMDL) and a panelist of the webinar, shared how RT-PCR test can be very sensitive and detect remnants of the viral genome that are inactive which is a challenge in interpreting results as positive or negative. She correlated the importance of clinical symptoms and honesty in disclosure of exposure or travel history by the patient. Another panelist, Dr. Rody Sy, Professor Emeritus of UP Manila, stated how antigen and antibody tests can be a substitute for RT-PCR test in releasing return-to-work clearance for daily wage earners.
Resource speakers Dr. Saloma (Left) and Dr. Gloriani (Right) communicates the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines.
October 2020
GENEWS
NEWS
5
Twin studies show that genetics plays a role in susceptibility to COVID-19
P
erhaps you have met two individuals sharing the same physical characteristics to the point you cannot tell them apart? The only thing to differentiate them is how they dress or speak, which they even decide to be on the same terms with. Identical or monozygotic twins are results of a fertilization of an egg that split into two. Therefore, identical twins share all of their genes with their pair and will always be of the same sex. Meanwhile, fraternal or dizygotic twins result from fertilization of two separate eggs. Compared to identical twins, fraternal twins only share half of their genes with their pair, and they can be of the same or different sexes. With this information, studying genetic relationships in twins is helpful in improving the field of science, particularly genetics. Recently, a study by Williams et al. of twins in the United Kingdom (UK) shown that susceptibility to COVID-19 symptoms may be inheritable. medRxiv, a preprint server for health sciences, presents the results. COVID-19 and its symptoms According to World Health Organization, symptoms of COVID-19 are commonly fever, dry cough, and tiredness, but may also include aches and pains,
by HANNAH CUETO (Polyplex)
nasal congestions, headaches, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell (or anosmia), rashes on skin, or discoloration of fingers or toes. The researchers used an app in the UK which tracks symptoms such as cough, fever, chest pain, delirium, and anosmia. The participants encoded their symptoms themselves to the application. An individual will be given a “predicted COVID-19� status by observing the age, sex, and symptoms of anosmia, cough, fatigue, and skipped meals that were reported through the app. The researchers used the data in the app encoded by around 2600 twins from March 25, 2020 to April 3, 2020. These twins are also included in the TwinsUK, an adult twin register in the UK. Around 2600 twins included in the TwinsUK, an adult twin register in the UK, encoded their data in the app from March 25, 2020 to April 3, 2020. The researchers then gathered and used their data. The researchers observed an overall sample of 728 twins with 537 monozygotic pairs and 191 dizygotic pairs, and another sample of 2,104 twins which only included twins living apart. Results of the study: there is a heritable component For the overall sample which has
537 monozygotic twins and 191 dizygotic twins and with 86.9% being female, the researchers claim that the symptoms such as delirium, fever, fatigue, anosmia, shortness of breath, and diarrhea are heritable. For the sample which only included twins living apart, the study reported that the heritability estimates of fever, anosmia, and shortness of breath are similar with the overall sample. However, there is an increase in heritability estimate for diarrhea while there is a reduction in delirium and fatigue compare to the overall sample. For predicting COVID-19, there is 50% heritable component in the overall sample while the researchers observed 54% heritable component in the sample, including only twins living apart from each other. Importance of the twin study in genetics This new discovery is another step to conquer the unknowns in this novel virus. Determining the factors of genetics that come into play in the virus’s spread will help further studies, particularly in public health, to mitigate the effects of the virus, especially on individuals that have higher susceptibility to COVID-19 due to genetic risk.
6
NEWS GeneSoc's Officers Chosen for Year 37; New Leaders for the New Era
GENEWS
October 2020
by JOHN NICOLAS OLITIN (Isochore)
W
ith the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) in the Philippines being eased up to make way for the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) despite COVID-19 cases in the country not lessening, The UPLB Genetics Society (GeneSoc) held its first remote and virtual election via Zoom Meetings on June 1 to 23, 2020. On its 37th year, GeneSoc prepares to transcend excellence through passion and service by fulfilling the organization’s goals through various activities and events – now tailored for the current needs of the people. GeneSoc now has their new set of officers, including President-elect Kenneth Tria, who are ready to tackle the challenges of our current time. Passion, Excellence, and Service in the 37th Year of GeneSoc. His goal is to continue upholding the science of genetics in the context of social relevance and serve our countrymen along with the alumni amidst the pandemic while keeping the welfare of the resident members in check. He and his fellow officers prepared plans for online and blended learning set-ups to accomplish the objectives of the organization while still keeping everyone safe and at home. John Kenneth Tria (Allosyndesis), President/Executive Committee Head Kenneth has a simple view of himself: he works hard, he is kind, and most especially, he has a sense of humor. As president, his goal this academic year is to help his members in their studies, and to keep them safe during this pandemic. Kenneth always keeps things casual with the members and to give them a safe space during meetings so it can somehow serve as a breather from their academics. In his term, he seeks to strengthen
John Dane Valdez (Allosyndesis), Vice President/Membership Committee Head
JD is usually a laid-back person, and he can still find the time to relax despite all the pending requirements for his academics. However, when the time to be serious comes, he can always put his 100% be it in academics or org work. JD is usually shy towards strangers, but he can become congenial and outgoing once people knew him better. Given the pandemic, reaching out to prospective applicants to the organization has become difficult, and so, JD plans to conduct more activities materials, which can be in the form of pub mats or AVPs, that can help in introducing the organization to people in order for them to know the org and the members better. For the Membership Committee, he plans for the members to become more active in the organization by regularly conducting activities that strengthen the relations not only among resident members but also with the alumni. A major activity for the Membership Committee is the process week, and JD plans to organize it for the online setting in such a way that GeneSoc can competently instill the values of the organization to
October 2020 aspiring members.
GENEWS Head of the Finance Committee, she and her committee members will be innovative and push through with online fundraising activities to financially support the various activities of the organization.
Carmela Maloles (Isochore), Secretary/Documentation Committee Head Carmela thinks of herself as an adorable person with a bright personality who tries her best to understand and be patient with everyone. She is good with managing and communicating with other people, especially when there is a need to be professional and serious. As for her plans, Carmela will try to focus on perfecting the basic tasks of her committee to train herself and her members that upon passing the torch, they may be capable enough to become the next secretary. Rani Athena Fabros (Isochore),
Treasurer/Finance Committee Head Rani thinks of herself as reserved, but headstrong, persistent, and beautiful. Being the Treasurer and
NEWS
7
without this committee, the projects of the organization will not be as successful as it should.
Nelieza Tubeza (Polyplex), Education Committee Head
Jessica Mae Cortezano (Polyplex), Public Relations Officer/ Public Relations Committee Head Jessie describes herself as strong, yet weak: people always see her as a woman with a powerful personality, but in reality, she says she hides her fragile self to the world. She believes that she can help people gather their strength to move forward with her personality, even if this is not always the case. As for her plans for the Public Relations committee, Jessie wants to focus on getting the members to introduce our organization to people with the use of social media. She also wants to update the GeneSoc’s website, as it serves for the organization’s publicity. She also wants to promote interorganization connections as the orgs within the university need to support each other, especially during this time. Regarding her committee members, she wants to show them the importance of Public Relations as a committee, and she wants them to value and love the committee more like a family even though they have heavy workloads with their efforts unrecognized. Nevertheless, she believes that
Nelieza sees herself as an average individual, but she always finds joy in learning new things, especially if the topic interests her greatly. Under Nelieza, the Education Committee will deliver the ‘feels’ of the Genetics Week and Bio 30 Week exhibits in a remote learning setup. She also wants to keep helping Bio 30 students and make the tutorials more approachable and welcoming, especially since most students are experiencing anxiety in their course requirements.
Bryan Harold Vital (Polyplex), Projects Committee Head Bryan keeps it short on what kind of person he is—assertive and introverted. Because of the pandemic and remote learning
8
NEWS
GENEWS
...continued from page 7 environment, he plans to conduct an online exhibit for Genetics Week and Bio 30 Week. He also plans to hold events such as art contests to adapt the aspects of the Projects Committee on an online platform while helping the organization achieve their objective in spreading the awareness about the science of genetics.
Daniel Varias (Isochore), Editorin-Chief (GENEWS) Dan remains driven, passionate, and devoted to the things he loves and values. He always yearns to be a vector of innovations and legacies. For this term, Dan plans to establish GENEWS as a well-esteemed and competent student publication that upholds and promotes Genetics as a relevant science to the masses. To do so, he started building an improved system of leadership and organization within the publication to ensure the most efficient production of issues and articles.
to unite the ideas of Publicity Committee members to produce trendy and unique publication materials without exhausting the committee. She wants to help them improve their skills and her own through brainstorming with them. Regarding changes, Camille has already organized task delegation to ensure that everyone can showcase their ideas and skills into the works they want without compromising everyone’s academic loads, especially during this time when learning is remote and the organization’s exposure relies mostly on publicity materials posted online.
Aimee Montes (Isochore), NIGQC Committee Head
John Lawrence Dionisio (Retron), Technicals Committee Head JL would describe himself as someone who loves self-care but prioritizes first and foremost the comfort of his surrounding people. As the Technicals Committee Head, he plans on making his committee a firmer backbone for the organization. The changes that JL has in store for the committee will aid not only the future Technicals Committee Heads, but also all the events of the organization. The aim of the Technicals Committee for this term is to support all the committees and add manpower for the activities of the organization, and to keep the relationships of the resident members and alumni virtually.
October 2020
Camille Faith Duran (Polyplex), Publicity Committee Head Camille describes herself as a person interested in a variety of stuff, is always eager to discover and do something new, and enjoys experimenting with her ideas. As much as possible, she wants
Aimee has just four words to describe herself: happy, friendly, fun, and a crammer. For the National Intercollegiate Genetics Quiz Contest this year, she plans to carry out necessary changes to the event, i.e., conducting the event virtually— all to make it memorable and successful. According to Aimee, the NIGQC is different every year, so the changes that she and the committee heads make are regarding assignments, platforms, communication and coordination with participants, and the overall mechanics.
October 2020
GENEWS Trancending Excellence through Passion and Service
Nikki Matta (Helraiser), Genetics Camp Committee Head When asked to describe herself, Nikki said that she is a curious individual that tries to explore a lot of things. She is also a dedicated person and will work hard to obtain the things she wants to achieve. Nikki is planning to use online platforms like Zoom, Discord, and Google Meet in conducting an online version of the Genetics Camp, which will include activities like seminars, quiz contest, debate, and more, much like it would in a regular Genetics Camp.
is hardworking, and she finds serenity when she organizes and arranges things on a list. Because of the pandemic, Hannah has opted to conduct a donation drive for One Gene, One Child instead of the usual on-site hosting of activities and interacting with the children at the Hope Intervention Center. The donation drive seeks to provide the center with resources like bond paper and ink that they need for holding online and modular classes.
Hannah is an empathetic person who likes to listen to other people’s stories, although she appears shy at first glance. She
9
VYLH-LB Holds First Online Orientation by JUSTIN BADLIS (Crypton)
T
he UPLB Genetics Society continuously promotes the health and well-being of Filipino communities, as one of the pioneer organizations of the Volunteer Youth Leader for Health Philippines (VYLH-Philippines). Despite the pandemic, the organization continues its support of its advocacies in an online fashion. In line with this, the organization called upon the participation of organizations from the University of the Philippines Los Baños, to attend the VYLH-LB Orientation via Zoom this August 25, 2020, aimed to inform aspiring partners to know more about VYLH and its current advocacies. Current advocacies include Folic Acid Awareness, Preconception Health, Newborn Screening, and Rare Diseases.
Aljon Karl Garcia (Polyplex), VYLH Committee Head
Hannah Louise Cueto (Polyplex), Outreach Committee Head
NEWS
Aljon loves sleeping and reading about insects. As an additional fact, his favorite movie is The Hunchback of Notre Dame. As the current Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health Committee Head, he plans to revitalize and increase the number of organizations affiliated with VYLH-LB, and to take part in online awareness campaigns of VYLH. With a new set of officers comes a great responsibility for each of them to guide the organization to even greater heights. Cheers to this term’s officers and cheers to GeneSoc’s continued excellence!
Former junior adviser of the UPLB Genetics Society, Prof. Jickerson P. Lado (Integrons) commenced the program with cheerful greetings on behalf of Dr. Merlyn Mendioro, the VYLH-LB adviser. Prof. Jickerson expressed his joy on how the VYLH’s advocacies are going viral in online platforms. He also reminisced the growth of VYLH, from just starting with Folic Acid Campaign (FAC), to the multiple advocacies and activities it now spearheads to promote people’s health. He ended his opening remarks by calling upon the youth to continue the advocacies for generations to come.
...continued on page 10
10 NEWS
GENEWS
October 2020
...continued from page 9 Rufus Thomas Adducul, M.Sc. (Enhanceosome), the national president of the VYLH, is the first to have discussed of the network’s advocacies, starting with Birth Defect Screening and Folic Acid. Folic acid is a synthetic supplement as opposed to folate being naturally produced. Everyone needs folic acid, he explained by highlighting its various functions in the human body, including its role in DNA production, protein synthesis, and new cell production. He noted that everyone requires regular folic acid supplementation to replenish the amount needed by our bodies. Regarding its importance with fetal development, folic acid supplementation prevents 70% neural tube defects, including spina bifida and anencephaly. Adducul ended his presentation by reiterating its importance to everyone, especially to women in the reproductive age, women trying to conceive, and pregnant women. “Give your baby the best chance to live by being healthy with good nutrition,” Adducul said before wrapping up his presentation. The next speaker, Jeanne Ruth Basas, RND, an alumna of PAN-AO, and coordinator of NCR & South Luzon Cluster of VYLH-Philippines, discussed Preconception Health, particularly in the local context. She started her discussion by presenting statistical data concerning preterm birth and infant mortality, with preterm birth being the second leading cause of death among children under the age of 5. The Philippines ranked 9th on the number of preterm births in 2016, with 34 Filipino babies dying each day because of complications from preterm birth. We can prevent some of these fatal birth defects through
preconceptual care in both men and women. Preconception Health, as Basas defined, is the health of both women and men during their reproductive years, with Preconception care aiming to reduce risks of both adverse maternal and child health problems. She emphasized component activities in preconception care, which includes risk assessment, health promotion, health education, and intervention. The discussion once again invoked the importance of folic acid, as its supplementation could prevent neural tube defects. Basas ended her presentation by encouraging the youth to raise awareness on preconception care. Rufus Adducul, on behalf of Aljon Garcia (Polyplex), current VYLHLB Advocacy Head from the UPLB Genetic Society, presented another advocacy, the Newborn Screening of newborn infants. Adducul started the presentation by showing same-aged children, both having the same congenital disease but with one living normally for being able to have undergone Newborn Screening. He defined Newborn Screening (NBS) as a public health program aimed and mitigate mental retardation/intellectual disability and death of affected individuals. Through NBS can save up to 33,000 newborns in
a year, roughly 4 babies every hour. As of today, standard NBS test the following disorders: Congenital Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Phenylketonuria, Galactosemia, Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency, and Maple Syrup Urine Disease. He then explained how health workers conduct NBS, with babies screened on the 24th hour of life. Adducul ended his presentation with a simple quote:
“A simple drop of blood saves lives.” Afterwards, a Q&A session clarified questions on the VYLH and its advocacies. John Kenneth S. Tria (Allosyndesis), current president of the UPLB Genetics Society, formally closed the orientation, ending with a quote from Ronald Reagan “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone”. Volunteerism is a noble act of giving freely to the community and to those in need, in whichever method or means. VYLH Philippines gives youth organizations an opportunity to aid public health through its advocacies. GeneSoc, alongside other core organizations in VYLH-Philippines, will continue to inspire others the simple act of giving for generations to come.
For more information on the VYLH-Philippines, its advocacies and activities, visit https://sites.google.com/site/vylhphilippines/
October 2020
GENEWS
NEWS
11
IPB Hosts Webinar on UPLB COVID-19 Lab by SOPHIA MARIE MALAGDAY (Allosyndesis)
T
he Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB) conducted on July 23, 2020 a webinar entitled “The Science Behind How UPLB COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory (UPLBCMDL) Works” which aimed to tackle the journey and inner workings of the new facility headed by GeneSoc alumna Ma. Genaleen Q. Diaz, PhD (Batch F1). Dr. Diaz introduced the accreditation process of the UPLB-CMDL. The accreditation started with the formation of the committee for the establishment of the UPLBCMDL (AO 159) followed by the establishment of the committee for the DOH validation of the immunology lab annex (AO 174). This involved the completion of all documentary requirements, DOH validation, the compliance to all requirements, and the proficiency testing which should provide a 100% result to pass. On June 29, the UPLB-CMDL received its certification and License to Operate. UPLB then inaugurated the facility on July 10, 2020. It immediately received its first samples on July 13 and released its first results on July 14, 2020.
Following this is an audiovisual presentation on the facility, in which Kevin Hung, a laboratory analyst of UPLB-CMDL, featured the essentials of the Biosafety and Biosecurity features, equipment, and protocols. Dr. Diaz further elaborated on the Biosafety and Biosecurity features of the said facility, highlighting that it received a biosafety level 2 plus rating from World Health Organization (WHO). The facility has twelve doors that separate rooms; each with a specific function which includes donning/doffing, sample receiving, extraction, template addition, reagent preparation, amplification, and the bathroom. The major doors are accessible using RFID, while other doors have a ‘no touch’ system of opening and are self-closing. The rooms have a lower air pressure inside than outside which prevents contaminated air from flowing towards non-contaminated area. The High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter filters out the contaminated air. Dr. Diaz also explained that employees needed to take a shower before leaving the facility to ensure the safety of those around them. The UPLB-CMDL also boasts of state-of-the-art equipment including a Biosafety cabinet class IIA2 with UPS, a BioRad CFX 96 amplification system,
a biomedical refrigerator and freezer, a laminar flow hood/ PCR cabinet among many others. All personnel also wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times in the facility. Dr. Diaz also discussed the testing workflow used in the facility. She stated that testing is unidirectional wherein it starts from the ‘clean’ (reagent preparation room) to ‘dirty’ (PCR room). Separate analysts do each stage of the process through a relay and buddy system. The testing starts from the receipt of the sample and then proceeds to the RNA extraction. After preparing reagents, the analyst adds the extracted RNA. Afterwards, they proceed with amplification through Real Time Reverse Transcription PCR. Around 48 to 72 hours upon the receipt of the samples is the determined turnaround time. The UPLB-CMDL’s target test output per day is 120 samples. She also reminded everyone that the UPLB-CMDL does not perform swabbing and does not entertain walk-ins. She also stated that the lab forms partnerships with healthcare facilities through a memorandum of agreement and will only accept samples from its partner healthcare facilities.
12 NEWS
GENEWS
October 2020
O
n August 29, 2020, Volunteer Youth Leader for Health–Philippines (VYLH-Philippines) held a webinar series entitled “HaL.I.N.C.-ka na!” as part of its celebration for the International Youth and Family Planning Month, and the Preconception Health Awareness Week 2020. Dr. Mary Ann Abacan, the NCR and South Luzon Cluster Adviser of VYLH-Philippines, formally opened the webinar. Shortly after, Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, Director IV–Health Promotion and Communication Services of the Department of Health shared a message emphasizing the importance of youth’s awareness on preconception health. The first speaker of the webinar, Comm. Dexter Galban, the Commissioner of the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), presented his topic, “PANALO ANG PLANADO: The Current Teenage Pregnancy and Family Planning Status in the Philippines.” Within his topic, he reported that due to the current pandemic, there is an estimate of 751,000 cases of unplanned pregnancies in 2021. Therefore, POPCOM requests the Office of the President to declare a social emergency on teenage pregnancy. Following Comm. Galban’s presentation is Dr. Salimah Walani, Vice President of Global Programs, March of Dime International and International Adviser of VYLH-Philippines. She presented her topic, “Introduction to Preconception Health and its Global Promotion.” In her presentation, she defined preconception health as promoting the overall health of an individual, regardless of the intention of bearing a child. She stated the positive effect of preconception care, which is lowering child and maternal mortality, and possibilities of birth defects and preterm births.
Ha-L.I.N.C.-ka na! towards a healthier Philippines through Preconception Health Awareness by HANNAH CUETO (Polyplex)
Lastly, she also said that all individuals in reproductive age should receive preconception healthcare and education from health professionals in classrooms, community centers, health centers, and through the media. The third and last speaker, Dr. Carmencita Padilla, UP Manila Chancellor, Founding Adviser of VYLH-Philippines, and Honorary Member of The UPLB Genetics Society, shared her presentation entitled, “Preconception Health in the Philippines: A Multi-Sectoral Challenge.” She introduced the L.I.N.C. framework–Healthy Lifestyle, Infection Prevention, Proper Nutrition and Weight Management, and Contraception and Planning of the Family. She also introduced four strategies in addressing preconception health. These strategies include involvement of the academe, mobilization of the youth through VYLH-Philippines,
implementing community research, and formation and support of youth-led campaigns addressing the community. To end her presentation, Dr. Padilla called for the champions in youth, community, and multiple sectors for policy and awareness promotion. She also heeded for the need to gather data to support policymaking for sustainable and comprehensive programs involving preconception health. An open forum led by Ms. Jeanne Ruth Basas, Vice President of VYLH-Philippines, wrapped up the webinar. This is just the first of many campaigns of VYLH-Philippines to promote preconception health, which was just recently announced as the fourth advocacy of VYLH-Philippines. The other three advocacies are folic acid awareness, newborn screening, and rare disorders, which are all promoted by VYLH-Philippines for a healthier Philippines.
October 2020
GENEWS
NEWS 13
NIGQC and Genetics Camp to Proceed Online by AIMEE MONTES (Isochore) and NIKKI MATTA (Helraiser)
T
he UPLB Genetics Society is an academic organization that continually champions passion and excellence in every individual. The organization promotes such principles to people inside and outside the organization that it regularly sponsors in-campus activities such as BIO 30 tutorials, quiz contests like the annual BIO 30 InterLab Quiz Contest, IQlympics, and week-long educational exhibits such as Genetics Week and BIO 30 Week, all stimulating the minds of UPLB students. The organization also ventures to students outside UPLB with their nationwide events- Genetics Camp, a 3-day activity with a goal to promote and engage high school students in Genetics and its applications, and National Intercollegiate Genetics Quiz Contest, an intellectual match through solving problems in Genetics between college students all over the country, are both flagship events of the organization, and both are going to be held this academic year. National Intercollegiate Genetics Quiz Contest The National Intercollegiate Genetics Quiz Contest (NIGQC) is a nationwide competition catered to undergraduate students with a background in Genetics from various colleges and universities. Amidst the pandemic, the NIGQC will still push through this year. This year’s NIGQC marks its 10th year installment wherein participants will gather virtually using online platforms. The one-day event will be held on November 14, 2020 with the theme, “The Battle Against COVID-19: Securing Genetic Defenses and Building Immunogenetic Barriers”. The online quiz contest will be composed of two sets of competitionsthe individual contest and the group contest. Teams will be composed of 3 students and will be accompanied by their coaches. A webinar will also be conducted by Dr. Marcos B. Valdez Jr., the speaker for this year’s installment, who will talk about the relevance of immunogenetics to our current situation. In preparation for the event, the NIGQC committee looked for alternative ways for the event to be possible without having to meet physically. Different subcommittees were formed in order to address the challenges of having an online competition. Preparations are still ongoing such as the fund-raising activity, The LeGENEdary ML Tournament. Proceeds will be used for the prizes of the winners. There will be no registration fee for this year’s NIGQC but the champion team will still get Php 4,000, the 1st runner up- Php 2,500, and the 2nd runner up- Php 1,500. The competition aims to promote the science of Genetics in the country and for people to fully appreciate its relevance in the society.
Ateneo de Zamboanga University students, with their proctor Dan Varias (Isochore) listen to the quiz master on the mechanics of NIGQC.
For more information regarding participation and sponsorship concerns, contact us at genesoc.nigc1@gmail.com. Genetics Camp Genetics Camp, also known as GenCamp, is an activity for Filipino high school students with a primary objective to introduce, involve, and expand the minds of the Filipino youth in the science of Genetics and its applications in the country. On March 12-14, 2021, The UPLB Genetics Society and the Genetics Camp committee will conduct the 14th installment of the activity with the theme “BioenGENEers: Examining the Role of Recombinant DNA Technology Amidst Recent Challenges in Public Health”. The Genetics Camp committee has decided to bring the activity online with the help of various conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Facebook live. The committee will also use online platforms such as virtual laboratories so participants may still experience the laboratory activities that are usually included in the event. With these technologies, the committee will be able to accommodate more participants and reach a wider audience for the activity.
High school students participating in Genetics Camp under the TRP operon poses for a picture.
GenCamp events such as seminars, competitions like research, essay, and debate, and virtual laboratory activities will be held so the steering committee may be able to engage and showcase to the Filipino youth how Genetics helps in the contemporary challenges of the Philippine society. In line with the theme, the committee also aims to show how Genetics has its roles in the public health challenges in the country, which is a very timely issue. The committee anticipates that the participants of the activity will leave with a worthwhile experience and a more informed mind. The UPLB Genetics Society and the Genetics Camp committee is inviting participants from all over the country to participate in these educational events. Additionally, the organization and the steering committee is welcoming partnerships and sponsorships from individuals or groups of people who are interested in making this event realize its fullest potential. Contact the Genetics Camp committee at gencamp.genesoc@gmail.com.
14
FEATURE
GENEWS
October 2020
Novel CRISPR snips itself a Nobel
S
ince the advent of the novel CRISPR technology, the world not only witnessed a cascade of events it has never seen before, but also hoped for what has never been envisioned. One would point out how the historical events in Genetics are as antiparallel as the DNA molecule. History narrates how in 1962, all laurels land on a duo of men who elucidated the doublehelix structure of the DNA, while the woman with the x-ray crystallography photograph integral to the success stay behind in the shadow. However, 58 years later, it is a true novelty in history for a duo of highly deserving women to earn the 2020 Nobel Prize in chemistry for the development of CRISPR, a novel technology for genome editing, while a man who had his fair share of contributing to the technology remain unrecognized. Some speculate the message sent by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences by awarding University of California, Berkeley’s Jennifer Doudna and Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology’s Emmanuelle Charpentier the Nobel prize over Broad Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Feng Zhang, since the award is large enough to have
by DANIEL VARIAS (Isochore) Zhang share the glory with the two women. Is this a decision to rectify history? In 2016, the Broad Institute’s President and founding director Eric Lander published an inaccurate article entitled “The Heroes of CRISPR” in the Cell journal, which claims that the men are solely responsible for discovering CRISPR/Cas9. The article places Zhang in the pedestal as the man of the hour, while downplaying the contribution of the women. History often narrates how women are often the hidden figures in science, such as the case for Rosalind Franklin of the DNA structure, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson of the Space Race, and other women devoid of glory for their contributions. With a groundbreaking decision to award the women over men along with the past records of gender imbalance in accolades, it is no wonder these speculations spring out. With the conflicting claims of patents between Doudna and Zhang, where Doudna is winning patents in EU while Zhang wins his in the US through Broad, some wonder whether the decision is for the legal system, thus a
political one. Some speculate that bioethics affected the decision, since Doudna and Charpentier use CRISPR in solutions while Zhang uses the technology in human samples, thus paving the way for “designer babies” or human genome editing. However, George Church, a Harvard University chemist who also works on CRISPR, believes that the committee prefers to reward discoveries rather than inventions, where Doudna and Charpentier are discoverers, while Zhang is an inventor. Recognizing and empowering two women in science, particularly in genetics, is a fresh, progressive sight in the year 2020. This shows the long path women have take in the field known to be dominated my men in history, and such feat shall continue to empower women to progress the field. Nevertheless, Doudna, in her unbothered self, modestly receives the award as she abruptly learned about the news post-slumber and currently enjoys the free parking space in UC, Berkeley as one of the perks of her achievement. Doudna and Charpentier’s achievement and its impacts,
...continued on page 15
October 2020 ...continued from page 14 however, transcends a free parking space. Clusters of Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats or CRISPR genome editing technology exploits the immune system of prokaryotes against phages where the prokaryote slices the viral genetic material from its genome and acquires immunity against the same virus. Doudna and Charpentier’s discovery of CRISPR as a genome editing tool by modifying the Cas9 protein, enabling the system to “cutand-paste” DNA sequences in a genome. In their works in CRISPR, Doudna and Charpentier complemented one another in terms of skills. Doudna, a biochemist with extensive work in RNA, hit the road with Charpentier whom she met at a meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Charpentier, who was working with CRISPR/Cas9 in the flesh-eating Streptococcus pyogenes, fascinated Doudna with the mechanism of the system. The latter religiously delved into the system the former introduced, and there went her eureka moment—CRISPR/ Cas9 can be converted into a programmable genome editing tool. Since its discovery, the published articles regarding the use of
GENEWS the CRISPR technology reached beyond 20,000, proving how CRISPR swept the entire scientific community by the possibilities and applications it entails. CRISPR enabled scientists around the world to genetically modify food and livestock organisms to optimize their yield, quality, fitness, desirability to humans, etc., with never-before seen ease. The discovery also brought an upsurge of attempts in utilizing CRISPR in clinical trials to develop drugs and vaccines and correct disorders in humans, such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, inherited childhood blindness, and cancer. This phenomenon, according to Doudna, is the democratization of technology. Researchers are also eyeing CRISPR as a key solution in the lengthy and expensive testing during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the technology also has the potential to detect SARSCoV-2 in five minutes. The current view in this innovation in motion is the synthesis of an RNA complementary to the RNA sequence unique to SARS-CoV-2 and cutting the target RNA. This enables a release of fluorescent particles, which lights up when hit with a laser light. With the stocks on CRISPR biotechnology skyrocketing in the advent of the award, we can expect financial support from investors in
FEATURE
15
ensuring the realization of such feats. CRISPR, however, has limitations and challenges amid its brilliance. The system poses technical limitations, such as risks of inaccurate and unintentional splicing of regions of the genome, thus modifying the genome off-target, and difficulty in delivering the CRISPR material to mature cells in large quantities. Bioethical concerns are another consequence of the discovery of CRISPR, where the technology is open for abusive and questionable application, such as He Jiankui’s shocking use of CRISPR in editing the genome of human embryos. Nevertheless, Doudna invokes the international response to that incident, where there has been an effort to ensure global transparency and responsible use of the technology. Though a technology with technical and ethical considerations, the discovery of CRISPR as a novel genome editing technology catalyzed even the most novel of events: the world witnessing both the rapid progression of science and technology through genome editing and the historical and progressive awarding of an allwomen team to hold the credit for such feat.
Empowered women in science. Receipients of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Doudna (right) and Charpentier (left) poses for a photo in front of the painting “Descifrar el Genoma.”
Genes Protect, Genes Attack: Decoding Immunogenic Responses to Activate Community Defenses by JONALYN JAME CATEDRILLA (Polyplex)
With the COVID-19 pandemic taking up the world by storm, there is a need to identify genes that play a role in the immunogenic responses of a population, especially the Filipinos, against SARSCoV-2 infection. As GeneSoc conducts this year's Genetics Week, we look through the lenses of immunogenetics in its continuing relevance to the world's current health situation.
Thanks to a functional immune system, the body can feel less agony from infections. Different substances from the environment predispose an organism to favorable or unfavorable response, but the body has an efficient mechanism to identify what remains in the body. Environmental or genetic factors can influence this mechanism. Before the age of medicine and epidemiology, ancient people believed that diseases are punishment befallen from the gods. They commended those who did not contract the disease for having "the favors of the gods." In 430 B.C. Thucydides deducted through observations that those who experienced the disease and recovered did not have it a second time. The discussion about human immunity started since then and centuries after, a lot of discoveries led to the elucidation of treatments to different diseases.
Genetic principle of diverse antibodies
Antibodies are proteins encoded by genes that protect the body from pathogens. Preimmune antibody repertoire is a mechanism in which humans produce several varying antibody molecules, even without the simulation of antigen. A specific antibody can interact with a variety of related antigen-binding sites, but have different antigenic determinants. Antibodies produced will interact with antigen-binding sites, even with low affinity. After simultaneous interaction of the antibodies and the antigenbinding site, B cells can further make antibodies with higher affinity to bind to the antigen. We know this process as affinity maturation. Thus, antibodies continuously increase its ability to recognize and eradicate pathogens.
Major Histocompatibility Complex Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules bind peptide fragments of pathogens and transport them to the cell surface for T cells to recognize it. The activation of macrophages and B cells eradicate pathogens, along with infected cells.. Macrophages kill bacteria in the intracellular environment and B cells produce the antibodies that will neutralize or eliminate pathogens in the extracellular environment. Mutated pathogens unrecognized by the MHC molecule can be detrimental to an organism's health. MHC has two mechanisms which makes it impossible for most pathogens to avoid immune response. MHC is polygenic, meaning there are distinct classes of MHC genes that persist. Each MHC class, MHC Class I and Class II, have a distinct set of MHC molecules that has a specific binding system with different ranges of peptides. MHC is also highly polymorphic. There are several variants of each gene within an entire population, thus it can interact and eradicate a lot of different pathogens. Peter Gorer first described Matching of Histocompatibility and further investigated it by George Snell and his colleagues. The results of the investigation yield a safer and more efficient organ transplant, hence providing a higher chance of survival of the patient. The MHCs in humans are the human leukocyte antigens (HLA), which have a vital role in rejection or acceptance of organs. Mismatched alleles of HLA of donor and recipient can cause the rejection of organ transplant.
Gene for T-cell receptor T cell receptors eradicate infected cells and pathogens existing inside the body, but tumors are exceptionally a challenge for T cells to recognize. Cancer cells can make themselves invisible wherein they build their own microenvironment that suppress activity, migration, and survival of T cells. Today’s advancement in biotechnology makes it possible to counter this problem. Health researchers may obtain and modify T cells from the patients, particularly the coding genes for receptors that recognize antigens of cancer cells. Additional genes play a role in resisting immunosuppression to prolong survival and facilitate T cells in penetrating in tumors. Genetic modification can make it possible to eradicate persistent cancer cells in the body.
Immunogenetics in Vaccines Immunogenetics aid in development, and delivery of Vaccine in humans by understanding the genetic variation that influences adaptive and innate response of the immune system towards vaccines. This can provide information initial identification of adverse effects of vaccines in a specific patient. Vaccine developers should develop a vaccine relative to a patient's genomic information and immune phenotype, by also integrating precision medicine in oncology and other fields. In a study in 2014, they observed that haplotypes in the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1 gene complex and IL8 gene play a role in fever that some patients experience after receiving a smallpox vaccine. Presence of haplotype in the IL4 gene shows significant correlation to lower chances of having fever after receiving a vaccine among vaccine naïve individuals. Haplotypes in IL-1 gene complex, IL8 and IL4 can predict if the patient will develop fever after vaccination for smallpox.
GENEWS The Official Publication of The UPLB Genetics Society EDITOR IN CHIEF: Daniel Varias (Isochore) MANAGING EDITOR: Danica Nicole Del Rosario (Crypton) CREATIVE EDITOR: Brian Alfred Mortera (Crypton) STAFF: John Nicolas Olitin (Isochore) | Maria Ylenna Notorio (Zisupton) | Hannah Cueto (Polyplex) | Justin Badlis (Crypton) | Sophia Marie Malagday (Allosyndesis) | Jonalyn Jame Catedrilla (Polyplex) | Jae Joseph Russel Rodriguez (Ribozymes) | John Kenneth Tria (Allosyndesis) | John Dane Valdez (Allosyndesis) | Christy Ann Go (Crypton) | Paolo Miguel Anico (Crypton) | Drew Kyla Baysa (Polyplex) | Nikki Matta (Helraiser) | Aimee Montes (Isochore)
Immunogenetics amid Worldwide COVID-19 Outbreak Applying these concepts in SARS-CoV-2 infection, the current literature on twin studies tells us how a population's susceptibility to infection and outcome once COVID-19 symptoms manifest is heritable. Immunogeneticists also observed a variation in susceptibility of individuals in a population caused by polymorphisms in the human HLA gene, which emerged from the selective pressure caused by infectious diseases. Gene polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-6, and IL1β, causing a cytokine "storm" in the overproduction of such gene products as a response to the infection, link themselves in a population’s susceptibility on severe deterioration, multiorgan failure, and death caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Even though the current understanding of the immunogenetics of humans against SARS-CoV-2 is incomplete, the information we have is invaluable towards vaccine and drug development.
The genes and environmental factors come hand in hand in strengthening or weakening the body’s immune response. Genes produce the needed materials for the immune system to be possible. Other organisms may be more vulnerable than others because of their genetic make-up. Biotechnological advancements today have made it possible to manipulate genes in the body to make it more robust and decrease the mortality rate of humans. Along with the genes, the environment and the lifestyle of the individual also affect the efficiency of the immune system. Even with the existence of a systematic protection from diseases, individuals take care of the overall condition of their well-being.
18
FEATURE
GENEWS
October 2020
The Peoples The archipelago is home to various groups of Sama, who usually identify with their island origins, for example the Sama Pangutaran and Sama Bangingi’. These Sama groups show linguistic diversity and are often recognized by their unique speech characteristics. Upon gaining some grasp of the Sinama language, I noticed how the intonation and vocabulary choice among its speakers tend to vary as we moved from one island to another.
Exploring DNA Origins and History in the Sulu Archipelago by JAE JOSEPH RUSSELL RODRIQUEZ (Ribozymes)
I
have spent most of 2019 and the early months of 2020 in field expeditions in the Sulu Archipelago and Zamboanga in the southern Philippines. Together with a field team, I collected saliva samples from indigenous inhabitants to study the genetic origins and history of a unique region. Traversing the island chain through countless boat and ship voyages, I often found myself in unfamiliar territory without leaving the political boundaries of the Philippines. But I was never alone. Such an enormous task was possible with the help of locals and institutions who trusted in the value of the work we do. The field season culminated with a collection of more than 2,000 DNA samples from more than 100 villages spread from across Zamboanga City to Sitangkai municipality near the Malaysian border. This is to date the largest indigenous genetic sampling of a Philippine region. Through the process, I learned to speak Sinama, the language of the Sama Dilaut, more commonly known as the sea nomadic Badjao. I was immersed in cultures shaped by the region’s diverse island environments and by its complex history unfolding through the centuries. I myself was also changed by the sea-world of Sulu.
The Geographic Setting The Sulu Archipelago is a chain of more than 800 islands connecting Zamboanga Peninsula in Mindanao and Sabah in Borneo. The outlying Mapun Island is located about 400 kilometers west of Zamboanga. The chain has been an important migration route for humans and fauna which continues to the present. Today, the archipelago is divided to the three Philippine provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. This region at the southernmost tip of the country has figured in many significant demographic and political changes in the past. Like steppingstones, the island chain was the conduit of ancient human migrations into and out of Philippines. The Sama-Bajaw languages spoken in the archipelago are thought to originate from the Barito river basin in south-eastern Borneo. With the arrival of Islam, the Sultanate of Sulu formally rose as the seat of maritime power over a region that at its maximum extent included parts of Borneo and Palawan. Sulu then was a thriving ecosystem ruled by the Tausūg elite who made subjects of the locals and slaves captured from all over the Philippines. Today, modern-day nation boundaries largely restrict freedom of movement in what used to be a larger network of coastal settlements connected by trade and kinship.
While the Sama are generally adapted to coastal living, the Sama Dilaut, literally Sama of the sea, stand out as the most maritime oriented. They used to live entirely in houseboats before the socioeconomic changes of the last half-century drove their transition to stilt-village living. They thrive by diverse ways of fishing and seafood collecting. The most adept are capable of breath-hold diving without sophisticated equipment. The Tausūg, since the reign of the Sultanate, has been the politically dominant group. Their language is now the lingua franca of the region. Originally from Jolo Island, they now settle in most parts of the archipelago. Further north in Basilan are the Yakan, whereas Mapun Island west of Zamboanga is where the Jama Mapun reside. Both are land-dwellers with unmistakable cultural and linguistic connections to the Sama. In common practice, field geneticists would look for sample donors who are unadmixed or of so-called “pure” ancestry. However, we found that ethnic identities in the Sulu Archipelago are often not as neatly boxed as we wanted it to be. For example, Tausūg and Sama intermarriages are common, resulting in children who may identify as both. In Tawi-Tawi, we’ve visited entire villages historically founded by Tausūg or Bangingi’ settlers who mixed with the local Sama. A person’s ethnic identity may sometimes have little to do with ancestry. In Mapun, locals who descended from Joloanos may identify as Jama Mapun, having spent their entire lives in the island and primarily speaking Pullun Mapun. Later, we learned that “Jama” means “person” and there-fore “Jama Mapun” literally means a person from Mapun. Ethnic identities should thus be interpreted with nuances of histories and etymologies.
October 2020 Field Research among Indigenous Communities The initial success of the field research depended on our partnership with several institutions and local communities. As we conduct research involving human participants, we sought ethical approval from the UP Manila Research Ethics Board. Our study was authorized by agencies with the direct mandate of protecting the interests of indigenous peoples. These are the Office for Southern Communities for Tawi-Tawi and Sulu and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Region IX for Basilan and Zamboanga City. In compliance with the NCIP Administrative Order No. 1 or the Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices and Customary Laws Research and Documentation Guidelines of 2012, we went through the processes of disclosure, decision making, and signing of a memorandum of agreement with each community. We also formally partnered with the Mindanao State University in Tawi-Tawi whose staff joined our field team and eagerly accompanied us to their respective home communities. In the field, we usually proceeded first
GENEWS
FEATURE
19
to the barangay chairperson or village elders to obtain permission to conduct sampling and interviews. Courtesy calls were also made to provincial and municipal or city government units.
tribution in the interpretation of the genetic results. As we also explain to them, the DNA provides only one perspective about their identity and will not replace their existing worldview.
Free, prior, and informed consent was obtained from the communities and the individuals. With the goal of achieving a genuinely informed consent, I explained the study in the Sinama language. When speaking to the communities I used the term, laha’ ka’mbo’an, literally meaning “blood of the ancestors” as a way of explaining the DNA in Sinama. Using this term coined by my Sama friend, Altan Ishmael, the people appreciated the DNA as a connection to their ancestors and as their inheritance from an ancient past.
The DNA Story
In honoring the peoples’ rights over their indigenous knowledge, we made clear of our role as the custodians to their samples and that of the community as the owner. Therefore, the knowledge we get from their DNA would have to be shared to them. With the locals as the authors of their own history, we will return to the communities to seek their approval and con-
In our DNA is a story. While I have yet to proceed with the analysis, I surmise that the DNA story of the Sulu Archipelago will reverberate the broader generalizations about our history as a species. First, this story will likely retell of how human populations have always mixed. We now know that Homo sapiens mixed with at least two archaic humans, the Neandertals and the Denisovans. Earlier genetic studies on Filipinos revealed that we are largely descended from Austronesian speaking farmers who mixed with local hunter-gatherers long before established in the Philippine archipelago. It is very likely, for example, to find evidence for the mixing of Sama and Tausūg ancestors who for centuries coexisted in the Sulu Archipelago. It will also not be surprising to perhaps discover the genetic legacies of captive slaves and Arab missionaries integrating into the melting
...continued on page 20
Prof. Rodriguez (Ribozymes)explaining the DNA as laha’ ka’mbo’an (blood of ancestors) to the Sama Dilaut. (Photo courtesy of Atty. Gibran Abubakar)
20
GENEWS
FEATURE
...continued from page 19 pot that was the Sultanate of Sulu. The DNA narrative will also be a human success story. Through the history of the spread of our species, our ancestors conquered diverse terrain and climates, were constantly exposed to new pathogens, and faced novel dangers in Africa and beyond. We know that all our ancestors lived long enough to survive those challenges, for here we are, their living descendants. The Sama Dilaut, who have most successfully conquered the
October 2020
marine environment, will likely possess genomes revealing their adaptations to such a unique human niche.
tity. This narrative is indeed part of our own story too as Filipinos.
Lastly, it will be a story about a shared identity. Geographic distance and long-standing politico-ideological conflicts have largely alienated the region. But as the Sulu Sea is contiguous with more northernly waters, the genomes of the inhabitants of the archipelago will almost certainly point to their broader connections to the rest of the Philippines. The DNA, the thread that connects us all, will add to the narrative of the Sulu people’s complex history and iden-
__ Jae Joseph Russell B. Rodriguez is an Assistant Professor and has taught genetics and evolution at the Genetics and Molecular Biology Division in the Institute of Biological Sciences, UPLB. Since 2012, he has been collaborating with the DNA Analysis Laboratory at the Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP Diliman on forensic genetic and population genetic research. He is currently a PhD student at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany.
The Haynayan Initiative, The Gift that Keeps on Giving by JOHN KENNETH TRIA (Allosyndesis)
“I’ve changed. I’ve grown. This is Laida Magtalas 2.0. Wiser. Braver. Stronger. Bolder. Fiercer.”
E
ntering a new chapter of your life is a challenge, but the experiences you have accumulated renders you ready to face them just like Sarah Geronimo’s character in the hit Filipino romantic comedy “It Takes A Man and a Woman.” As students of life, challenges fine-tune who we are now. We know not what to expect in the face of adversity, especially with no one to ask. Culture shocks us with lightning-fast bombardment of different views and practices we learn and experience. But eventually, we become accustomed to the culture. However, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and changed the way we live, especially due to the unique predicaments that we are facing. Hence, inevitably, the situation altered the educational system of the country. Sadly, most approaches to drive around the roadblock favoured the privileged and were not inclusive of all the students. It is during these trying times that service is of the essence. A freshie entering the university through online classes probably cannot help but feel anxious of what is going to happen and how they could handle all the workload. This is how all it started. This is the reason the five organizations, namely The UPLB Genetics Society; Symbiosis, The UPLB Biological Society; Philobioscientia, The UPLB Life Sciences Society; and The UPLB Microbiological Society joined forces and formed “The Haynayan Initiative”. It is a project that aims to help the incoming BS Biology freshies to appreciate Biology in a general sense by providing supplementary materials to prepare them for their future Biology courses. The initiative started this year, and the alliance of organizations shall conduct
its yearly release. The UPLB Genetics Society took the responsibility of spearheading the project in this year’s installment. Adapting into the university is like navigating a labyrinth, especially when the university assumes that the student mastered the basic concepts in different fields during senior high school. This is rarely the case, as catching up with peers applies a crushing self-applied pressure. They say “do things at your own pace” to a person comparing their progress to another in the academe. It may be true, but most of these students who are a few paces ahead usually grip tightly to their means of getting ahead. Now, this is where ReBIOer, which the four organizations prepared, comes into the picture. ReBIOer: A Compendium of Supplementary Materials for BS Biology Freshmen made by students from IBS Organizations is a reviewer that contains lessons of fundamental Biology courses included in the UPLB BS Biology program. It is a material that previous B.S. Biology batches would have loved to have during their freshman year. Truly, one can only mutter the popular phrase “sana all” under their breaths. Why? Because the reviewer is truly comprehensive and contains the lessons, activities, and even links to supplementary materials that the freshies may pursue in enriching their understanding of their courses’ lessons. Most important of all, it is free! The subjects included in the reviewer are Investigative Biology Laboratory (BIO 11.1), Biology and Applications of Microorganisms (MCB 11), Biodiversity (BIO 14), Genetics (BIO 30), and Ecology (BIO 150). These subjects encompass the eight majors that the freshmen could take in their third year which are Microbiology, Systematics, Plant Biology, Zoology, Wildlife Biology, Genetics, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Genetics. Through this, we hope to help them realize their interest that would
October 2020
GENEWS
FEATURE
21
allow them to seek the major where their passion lies. Perhaps, the thought of the initiative only helping the freshmen crossed one’s mind. The initiative benefited the organizations who came together for the project to reach its fruition. Like usual major activities, the initiative established committees, namely Educations, Publicity, Copyright, Distribution, and Proofreading Committee. Members coming from different organizations worked in cooperation with each other to finish the reviewer before classes started to give the freshies time to study in advance. The process launched online, since we only planned to release soft copies of the reviewer. At the start, it was awkward, with only a few members interacting with each other. As time went by, the atmosphere lightened, and soon enough everyone transformed into an active contributor, sharing their opinions regarding several aspects of the reviewer. Everybody did their best to contribute and produce excellent outputs evident in ReBIOer. In addition, we sought for help from the IBS faculty to ensure that the contents of the reviewer are correct and well-organized while avoiding spoon-feeding of the freshies. The initiative united us to achieve a single goal, that is, to help the freshmen in their academics, especially during the pandemic. The Haynayan Initiative molded itself into a discrete proof that the collaboration of IBS organizations accomplishes invaluable service to others. In each step of the way, we celebrated minor achievements and supported each other in whatever way we can. There were several trials while making the reviewer and meeting the deadlines, but everyone persevered and we could proudly release our work on August 31, 2020. As of now, over a hundred distributed copies
helped the freshies in their studies. In this chaotic and constantly changing world, it is important to use our experiences to become stronger and face our dilemmas, whatever they may be. We fight the current situation back, rendering them fangless in halting us from learning and advocating for change.
Stories from the Lab: Merc Matienzo, A Medical Frontliner in the COVID-19 Pandemic
by JOHN DANE VALDEZ (Allosyndesis)
H
e went on from serving his fellow resident members to serving the Filipino people, armed only with his intellect and passion for molecular biology. Merc Emil Matienzo (Riboswitch) is an alumnus from The UPLB Genetics Society, who is a medical frontliner at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), working as a molecular biologist. In his undergraduate years, Merc Matienzo was a BS Biology student, majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology. During his time as a resident member, he was the 32nd term’s Editor-inChief of GENEWS (The Official Publication of The UPLB Genetics Society). In the following year, he served as the organization’s President/ Executive Committee Head. After graduating from the university, he applied and eventually got accepted at RITM.
“I joined RITM in 2017 because I wanted to follow the path of research endeavors in molecular biology,” Matienzo says. “When I finally got in, I realized that RITM is more than just a research facility—it is also a learning center, a biosafety powerhouse, and an unequaled treatment hospital all in one.” During his first few years in the institute, he became part of the laboratory technical staff at the RITM—National TB Reference Lab, which performed genotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) for the Programmatic Management of Drug-resistant Tuberculosis (PMDT) patients all over the country. All was well and good for Matienzo for his first two years at RITM, but he did not know that he was about to face his greatest challenge yet as a molecular biologist: COVID-19. January 30,
2020 marked the first case of COVID-19 in the Philippines, and the first death in the country occured only two days later. At the time, RITM was the only institute in the country capable of testing for COVID-19, since they have the means and the accreditation to procure confirmatory test kits. “I can’t exactly remember where I was when the news broke out about the pandemic, but I was probably inside lab, facing the BSC, and handling TB specimens as part of my work routine,” Matienzo recalls. “Next thing I know, I was already one people manipulating this mysterious pathogen inside the RITM Outbreak Laboratory.” Shortly after announcing the country’s first case of COVID-19, Matienzo became a laboratory staff augmenter for the RITM COVID-19 rRTPCR testing. Currently, he is also a technical member of the Department of Health— McKinsey One Day Diagnostic Team that evaluates and assesses laboratory processes and recommends solutions to improve the operations of COVID-19 rRT-PCR labs in NCR. A few months after the first confirmed case of
...continued on page 22
22
FEATURE
...continued from page 21
Stories from the Lab
GENEWS Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), respectively. Despite this, confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country continue to increase, with recent reports stating that the number is already 334,770. Now more than ever, all of us Filipinos, from the government officials to the citizens, should do our part in order to completely eradicate the virus that has been plaguing our country since the beginning of the year. As an individual well-versed in the science of COVID-19, Matienzo also shares the same sentiments. He asks for the leaders and lawmakers of our country to continue to listen to science. “These are crucial times, and we need piece of evidence from science to make informed and sound decisions before implementing community quarantine regulations, social distancing measures, health protocols, and the like,” he says. “Even more so, I hope that all research endeavors will be prioritized and supported. Research is very important because it adds to the body of existing knowledge and it helps us propel forward to our ultimate goal in trying to solve a problem.”
Matienzo working in RITM. COVID-19, President Rodrigo Duterte declared the entire island of Luzon under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country. This led to a drastic change in the way of life for the people within Luzon, and with Matienzo and his colleagues at RITM, it was no exception. “On a typical day in the ‘new normal’, you’ll lose the familiar identity of your coworkers because they all walk with their face masks and face shield while maintaining two meters apart from each other,”
“Body temperature is a required ticket before entering the building premises, and we do it as frequently as having meals three times a day—not to mention the health declaration form that looks like a welcome quiz before being admitted to school. People are serious about proper respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene; you won’t see or hear anyone sneezing or coughing without feeling guilty. Getting sick or bearing any COVID-19 symptoms will send you out of the building. That’s a part of the rejection criteria right now.”
“We cannot just rely solely on intuition to address public health emergencies and natural calamities. A scientific approach should be basic.” Matienzo also has a message for his fellow citizens, wherein he stated that we, too, have a role in this crisis—that is, being responsible for sharing information through social media.
“Fake news has been a recurring issue when it comes to politics; let us not breed them everywhere. Listen to science and stick to it,”
Finally, Matienzo imparts a few words to those who aspire to involve themselves in the field of biology.
“The pandemic has opened the opportunity for the field of biology to be widely recognized, especially its branches such as molecular biology and genetics. Its immense contribution to the healthcare industry has been realized by many—molecular diagnostics, vaccine development, precision medicine, bioinformatics, among others. So, whether you want to be a doctor, a research scientist, or an educator, I hope that we continue to nurture this field and give justice to its revolutionary potential in our chosen professions.”
“This pandemic has brought us a 180-degree-change in our normal daily lives,” Matienzo adds. “I think one of the biggest challenges that some of my colleagues are experiencing right now is the limited transportation going to work. The time lost by waiting in the uncertain is almost equal to the time lost when you’re stuck in a traffic jam.”
Just as Merc Matienzo continues to perform his duty at RITM, several of our frontliners are doing all that they can to combat COVID-19 and make sure that we all return to our normal lives. As Filipinos, we should be responsible enough to practice well-established health protocols and ensure that we inform ourselves with the correct knowledge about COVID-19 through science. Only by acting together as a nation can we really go back to how things used to be.
As of now, most of the country is under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), while other regions in Mindanao such as Iligan and Lanao del Sur are still under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) and
“Only then can we truly return to what is known as our “normal.”
October 2020
From Swab to Finish: Shining a Light on UPLBCMDL's Genesis and Diagnostic Procedures by CHRISTY ANN GO (Cypton)
T
he past months, swabbing has become the norm for most individuals with occupations requiring interaction with people. In the midst of the battle against COVID-19, have we ever wondered, “How do healthcare workers deal with the swab samples they receive? How do they diagnose which samples are positive and which samples are negative?” GeneSoc’s alumna, Maria Genaleen Q. Diaz, PhD (F1), the head of the University of the Philippines Los Baños- COVID-19 Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (UPLB-CMDL), expanded on how she and her team of professionals test and diagnose their collected samples. She discussed these topics on the Philippine One Health University Network (PHILOHUN)’s Webinar Series: Ensuring quality of Public Health communication, diagnostics, and infection prevention and control on humans and animals in response to COVID-19, held on September 23, 2020. UPLB-CMDL’s Road to Accreditation Facing her virtual audience, Dr. Diaz narrates how the call of service evoked UPLB to establish a laboratory for COVID-19 testing. Thus, the facility pushed through the establishment of the testing center and a committee for the stage two of the DOH validation of the immunology laboratory annex of National Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, thus, the accreditation process based on the guidelines of DOH and RITM. The facility went through the toiling of self-assessment on the capacity of the immunology laboratory to handle samples with high biosafety risk and compliance to all requirements to proceed with proficiency testing. None of these labor went for naught, as UPLBCMDL emerged as one of the leading testing centers of the Philippines. The facility forged a strengthened partnership with hospitals across the province of Laguna and reaches for its doubled testing capacity target. The start of UPLB-CMDL’s journey
UPLB-CMDL started full operations in July 2020, after approximately 4 months of compliance to WHO and DOH guidelines. It was challengingmonths of assessment, validation, and proficiency testing. Finally, the time came when UPLB-CMDL became a part of the laboratories working to fight COVID-19. CMDL received its classification as a biosafety level 2 plus
October 2020
GENEWS
FEATURE
23
lab, meaning that the laboratory can only perform diagnosing and testing of swab samples. Since the start of operations, the lab has received thousands of samples from Los Baños, and around Laguna- all directed to their facility for testing and diagnosis. Thus, it was important that the protocols and procedures of the UPLB-CMDL were up to guidelines and were strictly followed to ensure that all the samples undergo proper testing. Showcasing some of UPLB-CMDL’s biosafety and security features As we see in television news, the norm for healthcare workers in hospitals and laboratories includes wearing full protective equipment: isolation suits, gloves, face shields, respirators or masks, and other equipment strictly fitted to them. Aside from protective equipment, UPLB-CMDL has eleven (11) out of thirteen (13) negative pressure rooms to further ensure safety of the staff and the lab’s surroundings. The rooms possibly have contaminated air, so the negative pressure prevents the air from reaching other areas. Double high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters enable the filtration of the air from the contaminated areas before flowing out of the laboratory. Each room also has CCTVs with access in the administration room. If these protective gears and systems weren’t present, what would happen? Think of the game Among Us, but COVID-19 is the impostor, and is always ready to attack. “How does UPLB-CMDL deal with the swab samples they receive?“ Dr. Diaz stated that their workflow system resembled a factory assembly line, since different personnel carry out the tasks. However, the difference is that different rooms of isolation shelters every personnel. The workflow starts with the samples being collected from partner institutions.
Then, RNA extraction using spin columnbased kits occurs. The kits isolate and aid in purifying the RNA, so that no contaminants are present. Next, they prepare the PCR mix in the reagent room. They combine the PCR mix and extracted RNA in the template room. Then, real time RT-PCR amplification allows the generation of samples, showing fluorescence, which is the basis of the test result. We might think, is the sample from swabbing enough to give us results? The answer is no, but that’s where RT-PCR comes in. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) amplification works by transcribing the starting material (RNA) to DNA, and then copying and multiplying it to detectable amounts and then analyzed. “How do they diagnose which samples are positive and which samples are negative?” Three controls accompany the PCR amplification: positive control, internal control, and no template control. According to Dr. Diaz, these function in verifying the purity of the RNA, or if the gene for the SARSCoV-2 is present (positive control), verifying the purity of the RNA and the correctness of RNA extraction, which is the internal control, and verifying the purity of the PCR mix and the correctness of the whole workflow process, that is, the absence of template control. They repeat the PCR process when the controls are faulty. How they identify which ones are positive and negative all boils down to the cycle threshold (also called cq or ct). Dr. Diaz defined the cycle threshold as the number of cycles wherein the fluorescence curve surpasses the given threshold. Different diagnostic kits have varied ct indicated on the kits. For example,
when the indicated ct of the internal control is 27, the fluorescence and ct value seen in negative samples are beyond this threshold, but only to an extent. Negative samples show no amplification curve, only following the curve of the internal control. On the other hand, the fluorescence seen in positive samples are amplified within the ct of 27, say, the ct value of the positive samples is 25. Therefore, we see that the lower the ct value of the amplified sample, the more the sample contains the specific SARS-CoV-2 gene. The fluorescence seen increases as the amplified gene for SARS-CoV-2 increases, and we say the sample is positive when the fluorescence amplification is lower than the expected cycle threshold. Late sample amplifications are one of the challenges that Dr. Diaz and her team encounter during this process. Late amplifications are those that are not within the threshold considered positive, but still showed amplification too far into the threshold considered negative. She explained that they deal with this by repeating the run of the samples. After the second PCR run, and late amplification still ensued, they recommend re-swabbing of the individual. Laboratories, like the UPLB-CMDL, healthcare professionals, and government aid, are critical to us during these trying times. The journey of the UPLB-CMDL was a maze of obstacles and tests; still, they continue to face these challenges head on. The UPLB-CMDL, headed by Dr. Diaz, is always ready to fight with the country in this battle against COVID-19. Suits on, ready, fight!
Genes Towards Justice: Outstanding Paper Progresses Filipino Forensics by DANIEL VARIAS (Isochore)
E
xploring genetic diversity in Filipinos has value not only in reconstructing how human pre-history unfolded in this region of the world but also in its social impact in improving forensic DNA practice in the country.
During its 42nd Annual Scientific Meeting held on July 8-10, 2020, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) awarded one of this year’s Outstanding Scientific Paper Award to the work entitled “Filipino DNA variation at 36 Y-chromosomal short tandem
repeat (STR) marker units.”. The Special Genomics Issue of the Philippine Journal of Science published the paper in 2019. Researchers from the DNA Analysis Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research
...continued on page 24
24
FEATURE
GENEWS
October 2020
...continued from page 23
Genes Towards Justice Institute, UP Diliman namely Jazelyn M. Salvador, GeneSoc Alumnus aProf. Jae Joseph Russell B. Rodriguez (batch Ribozymes), Lindsay Clare dL Carandang, Altair B. Agmata, Maria Lourdes D. Honrado, Frederick C. Delfin, and GeneSoc Honorary Member, Dr. Maria A. Corazon De Ungria co-authored the paper. The DNA is one of the most powerful and objective tools in human identification and can aid in the rapid resolution of criminal cases. The most common markers used in DNA forensics are short tandem repeats (STRs) found in the autosomes and the Y-chromosome. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targets these STRs. Analyzed biological samples generate DNA profiles of an evidence, which enables its comparison to the reference DNA profile of a suspect. A match between these STR profiles can affirm the presence of the suspect in the crime scene, and in many cases provide support for other evidences that confirm the guilt of the accused. Autosomal STRs are highly variable and are used for direct identification and kinship comparisons. On the other hand, Y-chromosomal STRs are male-specific and can be used to identify male DNA profiles and to establish paternal relatedness. Read more about DNA profiling of Filipino men here. In sexual assault cases, vaginal swab samples submitted for DNA testing contain a mixture of DNA coming from a female victim and the male perpetrator/s. Interpreting such male-female mixtures using autosomal STRs can be a complicated task for DNA analysts. However, the male-specificity of Y-chromosome markers enables the isolation of a male assailant’s DNA profile, thus its value in resolving sexual assault cases.
The weight of a DNA match depends on demonstrating its rarity in the population. This is made possible by establishing a database of reference DNA profiles representative of the population from which frequencies of alleles and haplotypes can be estimated. To establish such database for Filipinos, the team of scientists headed by Dr. De Ungria, invited 299 unrelated Filipino males from the Greater Manila Area. They took part in this genetic study where they consented to provide blood samples for Y-chromosome STR (Y-STR) DNA typing. The team analyzed 36 Y-STR marker units including 13 rapidly mutating (RM) Y-STRs. With the expansion of the database of the Filipino Y-STRs, the capacity to conduct forensic DNA investigation involving male comparisons is augmented. For example, the use of the RM Y-STRs will enable differentiation between paternal relatives, which was previously not possible with the slow mutating markers. This has important implications when suspects are related along the paternal line. When compared with other populations, structuring was observed which can be explained by geographic proximity particularly for the 21 slow and moderately
mutating Y-STR marker units. This reflects the distinct composition of our country’s Y-chromosome diversity. It also highlights the need for a specific Filipino DNA database when statistically evaluating the weight of DNA evidence in relation to criminal investigations and kinship tests. The database merits continuous expansion to include more samples from different groups, e.g. from other regional centers and those from specific ethno-linguistic groups, indigenous peoples/ indigenous cultural communities (IPs/ICCs) that are part of the Philippine population. “There is absolute need to further expand the database through the addition of more human samples in order to better represent the diverse communities and groups that we have in the Philippines, all of whom contribute to the Philippine identity.” Dr. De Ungria said. “Being selected as one of the outstanding papers by NAST provides us a wonderful opportunity to talk about this aspect of our research at the DNA Analysis Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute, UP Diliman. Besides being recognized for the passion in which we worked to do the science and the clarity to communicate this science to the public whilst asking vital questions about the Philippine genome highlight the value we place in studying our own genome. Our genome is like an ‘autobiography’ that contains the story of our past, the genetic signals that we have now and that we need to understand in order to survive the present, and the evolutionary mechanisms which we need to reach the future.” Dr. De Ungria stated. Behind the success, however, are daunting challenges they have surpassed. Assistant Prof. Rodriguez mentioned that the main challenge is going through the various processes to obtain institutional approvals including the approval from an accredited ethics review committee after it has scrutinized the ethical aspect of our research, which Dr. De Ungria affirmed. “Because DNA contains the entire genetic code of an individual, there is absolute need to minimize risk and maximize the ...continued on page 25 benefits from this type of research,” she
October 2020
H
ealth information cascades from one social media user to another. Each of them participates in a series of changing of profile photo frames and sharing of infographics and webinars with a healthier Philippines in mind. Such revolutionary scheme drives the First National Social Media Awareness Campaign on Preconception Health of Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health-Philippines from August 24 to 29, 2020. About the Advocacy VYLH-Philippines conducts the social media campaign to conceive more advocates for their fourth and latest advocacy: preconception health, i.e. the health and wellness of people within their reproductive years. The need to advocate preconception health arises as birth defects and preterm births annually afflict 23 million babies worldwide, with emphasized incumbrance towards lowand middle-income countries (LMICs) like the Philippines. Thus, the advocacy is an effort to prevent deaths of newborns and children below the age of five by 2030, which is part third Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations: Good Health and Well-Being. The inequalities in survival rates of premature infants are alarming, especially in low-income countries, where half of the babies born two months early die due to the absence of feasible and cost-effective care such as incubation, breastfeeding, and infection and respiration management. Those who survive, however, are at risk of facing lifelong learning disabilities and/or audiovisual impairments. Multiple pregnancies, infections, and chronic illnesses of the parents commonly cause preterm births, where mothers give birth to infants before 37 weeks of pregnancy, though currents
...continued from page 24
Genes Towards Justice “Because DNA contains the entire genetic code of an individual, there is absolute need to minimize risk and maximize the benefits from this type of research,” she said. Amongst the many challenges faced in forensic genomics research is working to balance the need for openness in sharing scientific discovery and protecting the genetic privacy of the individuals who generously contribute their own samples to advance Philippine genomic science for the common good of this and future generations.
GENEWS
FEATURE
25
#PreconceptionHealthPH—Rippling Awareness Across Social Media by DANIEL VARIAS (Isochore) studies could not conclude a specific cause. Another cause of newborn and children impairment and death are congenital anomalies, i.e. commonly notorious for the term “birth defects.” These are functional anomalies occurring while the fetus resides in the womb. However, it is concerning that 94% of congenital anomalies occur in LMICs, and survivors of these defects often face deficient access to support services amid social stigma, discrimination, and distance from community interaction. Some birth defects, on the other hand, are preventable through screening, vaccination, medical care during pregnancy, and adequate supplementation of nutrients such as folic acid and iodine. With preconception health catering the health of people within the reproductive age to ensure healthy newborns, the advocacy shines the most not only in reducing preterm births and birth defects, but also in promoting the overall health of the community throughout age brackets: from neonatal to adulthood. L.I.N.C. Framework—Link Preconception Health
to
Promoting preconception health utilizes the Lifestyle, Infection, Nutrition, and Contraception (L.I.N.C.) framework to address the risk factors associated with birth defects and preterm birth. In 2006, the Global Report on Birth Defects identified these risk factors. Six years later, Born Too Soon: The Global Action Reports on Preterm Births followed up in identifying the factors. Through the framework, people within the reproductive age achieve physical, social, and psychological health to keep diseases at bay, thus sparing future newborns from the perils or congenital anomalies and preterm births. The L.I.N.C. framework fosters a checklist for everyone monitoring their health for conception. Under the Lifestyle component, the framework implores us to refrain from alcohol consumption, smoking, illegal drug usage, exposure to harmful chemicals, seeking medical advice for chronic illnesses, and medication intake. It also encourages 150 minutes of weekly
exercise, stress management, mental healthcare.
and
Under the Infection component, the framework urges every person to avoid contacting infectious diseases through vaccination, proper hygiene, sanitation, and food preparation. The framework also promotes safe sex to avoid Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) along with STD screening. Moving on to the Nutrition component, the framework reminds everyone to combat malnutrition by maintaining a balanced, nutrient-packed diet and being knowledgeable of the “10 Kumainments” and “Pinggang Pinoy.” Lastly, the Contraception component of the framework promotes family planning to future parents through information dissemination on the right age of pregnancy, proper time it takes before the next pregnancy, planned number of children in the family, the importance of family history regarding genetic diseases, intake of dietary supplements especially folic acid, and vaccination advice upon preconception. Heeding the Advocacy Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, VYLH-Philippines and their partner organizations promote preconception health through initiatives that utilize social media. They released publicity materials that inform the public about preconception health and the L.I.N.C. framework through infographics posted and shareable on Facebook pages and profiles. Social media users are also able to set up frames on their profile pictures with captions on advocating about preconception health. They also organized a webinar on preconception health to be held on August 29, 2020, 7 PM.
26
FEATURE
GENEWS
October 2020
Batch Crypton - Breaking the Cryptic Code of Clicking Together
C
rypton is a DNA transposon which is classified as a class II transposon. It utilizes the enzyme tyrosine recombinase and does not undergo replication after obtaining the genetic material. It uses the cut-andpaste mechanism, as well as the rolling circle mechanism, to transfer genetic material. Batch Crypton is an aggregation of unique individuals, with Paolo, Brian, Christy, Justin, Chantel, Danica, and Victor from BS Biology, and Allen and Candice from BS Nutrition. Each possesses varying personalities, but nonetheless discovered a home in one another by complementing each other’s skills and abilities, and would hope to continue to do so in the near future. Danica Nicole Del Rosario The ocean is just a body of water set against the ever-changing sky, until you realize its depth – and if you’ve known Danica, you’ll understand what that means. She likes getting lost in a book, and singing along to her favorite old songs on the guitar. Her passions include art and
by Paolo Miguel Anico (Crypton) poetry, and she values sincerity most of all. A piece of her heart will always belong to writing. And although earnest, Danica has a heartwarming laugh, and a spirit for adventures. With courage and compassion, she believes and stands up for what she deems to be good, so that she may be a source of hope, inspiration, and help to the marginalized and oppressed. Justin Gabriel Badlis Justin is a walking bag of sunshine and smiles. Hailing from an urban city, he now enjoys the peaceful environment of the Elbi life. Always optimistic and upbeat, he is always in an energetic mood, leading to his constant hunger and spontaneous outbursts of mischief and laughter. As far as hobbies go, he indulges himself by reading a wide range of media such as fictional novels, manga, webtoons and the occasional news article and blog. Justin hopes to immerse himself in the field of Marine Sciences, but is also open to other exciting fields in Biology. He seeks to thrive as both an individual and a part of a community, in a growth-
inducing environment, and this organization is one such place he believes can offer him this opportunity. He hopes to gain more experience along the way, and is ready to overcome all challenges and tasks he would face in the near-future. Brian Alfred Mortera “Fly for your dreams, you don’t know where they might lead you.” Brian is a positive ray of sunshine that tries his best to involve everyone in the group. His passion for both arts and sciences led him to where he is now. He likes listening to people and learning something new about them and everything around him. He is a curious, happy-go-lucky boy who enjoys reading books, playing games, watching shows, and interacting with other people. He finds joy in everything he does, especially when it involves arts, maths, and sciences. Brian tries to balance his love for the arts and his scientific curiosity, and aims to one day work in the field of medical research and
October 2020 performance arts. He believes that no dream is not worth the shot and that everyone’s ambition and sentiments are valid, as long as no one gets hurt in the process. Victor Mari Lorenzo Buela “A society grows great when old men plant trees, the shade of which they know they will never sit in.” As chill as arctic winds, Victor is a friend who will never leave anyone behind. He is a guy of many talents and will-be talents, such as singing, dancing, and sleeping for almost an entire day. He is also a lover of video games, books, movies, TV series, and food. After graduating, Victor intends to pursue his first love in Psychology, combining it with Genetics in order to help improve the mental health of our beloved society and humanity. Chantel Angeli Paña Chantel may be small, but she definitely has one of the biggest hearts. Her second name, Angeli, describes her well because she is one of those people you can consider an angel: someone who came from heaven to spread kindness wherever she goes. With the combination of her intellect and charm, people seem to be lured in and enthralled by her. She is also a social butterfly who never runs out of topics to discuss. Chantel is happiest when she is reading a book in a corner and when she is watching documentaries. She aims to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor and excel in the field of genetics. Allen Christianne Gabor “Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.”
GENEWS
FEATURE
27
These are the words of Angela Duckworth in her book entitled “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance”, and Allen is an epitome of this quote. He has shown eagerness and drive to learn new things, and to show the world what he is capable of, yet what’s special about him is his constant and never-ending drive to outdo himself for his development. From these roots his skills that not only affect himself, but also his peers. As he is aware of his strengths and weaknesses, Allen has always believed that being able to surround himself with talented people will always ignite the fire in him and inspire him to never let his peers down. He joined GeneSoc as he considers it the best environment to hone his skills for himself, the organization, and the nation.
piece finally put into place. As a person, she enjoys drinking coffee while reading books, particularly those belonging to the thriller and adventure genre. Candice casually plays computer and console games from time to time and enjoys time with close friends. From here on, the life she faces will no longer be as stagnant and calculated as the life she had prior to being a Gene. But surely, she welcomes the change as she looks forward to grow together with her batchmates and make the most out of the opportunity GeneSoc has provided.
Christy Ann Go
Joining GeneSoc is one of the many fights Paolo’s ever got himself into, but it’s one that’s worth it at the end. He is an average, well-rounded guy who is just beginning to expose himself to the environment of UP and college life. Being a new part of the Gene Pool would certainly put him in a new perspective, allowing him to grow into a better person along with his batchmates, as well as with the organization as a whole. It may not be an easy journey, but with GeneSoc anything is possible.
With her contagious laugh, Christy, or called by her friends as “Ishty” will make sure your frown turns into a smile. She likes to interact with other people to create memories and bonds that will surely hold a place in her heart. Her hobbies include reading books, playing the kalimba, and listening to music. Joining GeneSoc has been her dream since she was a senior high school student, and it proved to be a blessing to her growth as an individual, and as part of the organization. Candice Andrea Luzon Candice finds thrill in being exposed to unfamiliar fields and new knowledge. Although she is known as an introvert, learning outside the corners of the classroom and finding opportunities way beyond her comfort zone has always been thrilling for her and brings with it a sense of fulfillment. She was initially indifferent about joining orgs in UPLB, but being part of GeneSoc felt like a puzzle
Paolo Miguel Anico “Once more into the fray, into the last good fight I’ll ever know.”
As we, Batch Crypton, join the Gene Pool, we wish to grow alongside GeneSoc to become better people and to continue the legacy of the organization in UPLB. We continue to hope and dream for the collective success of each member, batch, alumni, and the organization itself.
28
FEATURE
GENEWS
October 2020
D614G Mutation in SARS-CoV-2 detected in the by JUSTIN BADLIS (Crypton) Philippines
T
he Philippine Genome Center (PGC) has reported the detection of the SARSCoV-2 variant known as the D614G from 9 samples collected from the Philippine General Hospital in Quezon City this July 2020. The presence of spikes surrounding the virus core characterize the coronaviruses. These spikes enable the virus to attach to Angiotensinconverting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors present in epithelial cells of many organs, including the lungs, heart, and the kidneys. Mutations are a part of the natural cycle viruses. This reported mutation occurred from the spike protein amino acid change originally from the D614 form. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was originally of the D614 variant, and studies reported how it completely replaced the G614 variant in Europe and the Americas. The PGC however emphasizes that this detected mutation may not reflect mutational spread of the SARS-CoV-2, and just merely confirms G614. But what does this imply on our current situation on the ongoing pandemic? What do we know? Recent studies hypothesize that this variant of more competitive
than the original virus from China. A study by Zhang et al. explained that the spike protein reduces S1 shedding (the S protein domain that mediates receptor binding), which increases infectivity. In vitro studies also suggest that the D614G mutation seem to have higher levels of viral RNA1 which may contribute to its infectivity. However, scientists urge that there is still no clear mechanism whether the variant is more transmissible than the D614. A study by Grubaugh and colleagues that the predominance of G614 in other areas are a product of chance, stating that the introduction of D614 from China declined, whereas the G614 predominant in Europe climbed. The same study also suggests that as of now, there is still no conclusive evidence whether the D614G variant is more transmissible, and whether it is harder to control. Should we be concerned? Studies link The D614G mutation to an increased infectivity, but whether it has a notable effect to its hosts remains unclear. There exists the demand for further studies on its mechanism, such as its adaptation to human ACE2 receptors and the observable effects on animals. But overall, mutations such as D614G have not made it more deadly.
Vaccine development relies on the tracking and study of mutations the virus undergoes during its spread. Its effectivity should encompass every mutation a virus develops; thus, coronavirus vaccines should work equally on all variants. A preprint study by Shi et al. suggests that the mutation may not reduce the ability of vaccines in clinical trials, and vaccine developers should test therapeutic antibodies on the G614 virus before clinical development. Zhang and colleagues also state that vaccines would most likely work D614G viruses. Most mutations in viruses are not disconcerting, as it is natural in a virus life cycle and rarely becomes a big deal. If ever, mutations may lead to weaker versions of the virus. Discoveries of mutations provides us information on the patterns of spread which may lead to the formulation of methodologies that could limit its spread. It is unlikely that these mutations would result to increased mortality. As of October 11, 2020, the Philippines has 339,341 COVID-19 cases, with a bulk of these coming from the NCR. This number of cases brought us among the top 18 countries with most reported cases worldwide.
October 2020
GENEWS
EDITORIAL
29
Anatomy of a Pro-student and Pro-people Administration
T
here is a positive correlation between effective leadership and quality of education. A strong imperative to improve quality drives a person to listen. However, this will only be possible if the listener adheres to the messages and acts upon them. The building blocks of a “future-proof” institution are its constituents being heard and given equal opportunities. Thus, the UPLB community deserves to have an administration that is both prostudent and pro-people. Hope ensues as the UP Board of Regents declared Dr. Jose V. Camacho as the 10th chancellor of UPLB, ending Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez’s era—entailing 6 years leading a tone deaf, colonial, commercialized, fascist, and undemocratic administration on September 24, 2020, during the 1354th meeting of the UP Board of Regents. BOR exclusively decides upon election, thus, several organizations resorted to different public actions to prompt the decision-makers to thoroughly examine the candidates and to consider the current situation and interests of different sectors of the university, highlighting the need for a “pro-student, pro-people” chancellor. Demands are essential for change. Different organizations including the UPLB Genetics Society, the UPLB Cell Biological Society, UPLB Computer Science Society (COSS), the UPLB Sigma Rho Fraternity, and the UP College of Economics and Management Student Council (CEMSC) expressed their ideal chancellor and how he should appeal to the constituents’ demands. A pro-student, pro-people chancellor is empathetic A compassionate chancellor is kind and true to his service. He must be able to struggle and stand up with the constituents, knowing that the fight happens every day. He listens, and acts instead of ignoring the questions and concerns of the students by not appearing along with audiences and turning down requests. The UP Cell Biological Society (CELLS) addressed different academic issues in their public statement, and mentioned past issues faced under Sanchez’ administration, including the allowed red-tagging of the students, the administered Student Union (SU) curfew hour, and the rise of Maximum Residence Rule (MRR) & readmission once again. UPLB has the highest disapproved Maximum Resident Rule (MRR) and
by DREW KYLA BAYSA (Polyplex) readmission appeals across the U.P. system, indicating the inefficiency and insensitivity of the previous administration. The UPLB COSS released a similar statement, emphasizing the need of a pro-student, pro-faculty chancellor. Having a deep understanding of issues relating to the constituents’ academic freedom, such as the aforementioned adding the problem of the Student Academic Information System (SAIS), a part of the PHP 752 million-worth electronic UP (eUP) project that was first implemented under Sanchez’ administration. A hashtag #JunkSAIS still trends, years after its first run, denouncing the flawed system. SAIS still forces students to go through rigorous steps just to enlist academic units every semester. Instead of being a great channel, it hindered a lot of students from accessing genuine free education. A pro-student, pro-people chancellor is active and vocal against pressing national issues We deserve a leader who will fight along with us and not turn a blind eye. Power serves the good, not the opposite, thus must not yield to tyrants’ wishes. Along with the others, the UPLB Sigma Rho Fraternity shared the same sentiments along with the others about what they sought in a chancellor. They also highlighted the need for a chancellor that stands against state oppression. People with power have a moral obligation to uphold what is fair. However, we, the student organizations, fight every day for the smothered rights of our members and other citizens of the nation. This includes the recent fight which involves defending press freedom, which is a crucial part of our democracy. A pro-student, pro-people chancellor has a powerful vision for the institution’s future We want a genuine leader, committed to translate his visions into actions and not someone who lies during oathtaking ceremony speeches and proving it through subsequent events that show otherwise. The UPLB Genetics Society called for the chancellor to ensure that no student is left behind regardless of social class and receive equal opportunities of high-
quality education as we transition to a different set-up which is the remote and blended learning in adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic. They also highlighted the importance of using his power to provide accessible platforms and methods to open more opportunities for financial assistance and scholarships, especially with times like this when four out five UPLB students are unfit for remote learning. The College of Economics and Management Student Council stressed on the importance of the chancellor to develop a “strong academic and administrative leadership” through the three vision papers of the chancellor candidates that they released. Camacho was among the ‘hopefuls’ for the term 2020-2023. He had no specific plan of action with MRR or readmission issues and online resources for the students’ flexible learning. However, he promised the UPLB body of his vision of a “future-proofed” university. He emphasized that with this, the university constituents—students, faculty, staff, and researchers should be the center. He also promised that there will be an emphasis on the values of honor, compassion and excellence, even with the stresses and uncertainties that we are facing right now. Many fought for this chance, for the hope of having a new administration that would finally cater to the university constituents’ needs and not having history repeat itself. With our new Chancellor, all we can do for now is anticipate that he will deliberately listen and heed the demands of the students, faculty and staff and keep UPLB as a zone of peace and academic freedom and a university that serves the masses. If he does not, then he must be ready to face the students united to assert what they deserve. Effective leadership makes a difference. It is what pushes a great administration to produce quality education.
30
GENEWS
EDITORIAL
October 2020
The Real Deal Against COVID-19 by DANICA NICOLE DEL ROSARIO (Crypton)
I
n the search for a vaccine for COVID-19, DNA vaccines may be our best bet.
For several years, we depended on conventional vaccines for preventive immunization against diseases that plagued humanity- measles, hepatitis, polio, and many more- all with due credit to different conventional vaccines. Even so, time also proved it to have limitations, thus, to this day, we are yet to develop cures for HIV, dengue, malaria, cancer and several others. The fastest time taken to employ conventional vaccines, specifically that against Ebola, was five years. Yet, we are seven months amidst a pandemic, and COVID-19 continues to affect millions of people. Containment strategies of governments worldwide are insufficient to flatten the curve of COVID-19 cases. Hypothetically, if vaccine developers generate a safe and efficient conventional vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 in only a year and a half and distribute the vaccine worldwide, then solving the global pandemic will be near our reach. However, the probability of that happening is a low thirty percent, and we cannot wait any longer. Therefore, we consider DNA vaccines as a convincing candidate for a vaccination strategy. DNA Vaccines are products of Recombinant DNA Technology involving modification through “cutting” and “pasting” of genetic materials in living organisms to join them and produce a novel recombinant DNA with the desired features—one that can now be easily and rapidly cloned to produce many copies in a costefficient process. Initially, our immune system responds to the component present in many vaccines: the antigen from the virus we are trying to avoid. The work of vaccines is to facilitate this antigen in the most harmless, nonfatal
way possible. Each type of vaccine executes this goal in different ways. Some conventional vaccines use live but weakened viruses, killed viruses, sugars or proteins from viruses, or inactivated toxins from viruses. Still, antigens used by conventional vaccines involve putting whole or parts of the actual virus into our bodies. With DNA vaccines, there is no need to insert an actual virus into our bodies—only a “cut” sequence of its genetic material that codes for the antigen. A circular DNA called plasmid is a vector in which the antigen sequence is “pasted” and encoded. The DNA Plasmid is then put into a solution, tested, and administered via several techniques like intramuscular injection, electroporation or particle bombardment using a gene gun. The DNA plasmid reaches the nucleus, undergoes the process of transcription and translation, and antigen synthesis, inducing responses from the B-cells responsible for humoral immunity, and from MHC proteins and T-Cells for cell-mediated immunity. Conventional vaccines only stimulates humoral response. While humoral immunity is necessary for the production of antibodies, cell-mediated immunity is also important for the establishment of long-term immunological memory. Broad ranges of immune response induced by DNA vaccines distinguish its potential from the others in producing not only a preventive but also a therapeutic vaccine. But since we are dealing with a problem at hand, SARSCoV-2, a mutating, rapidly spreading virus that causes COVID-19, The ability of viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and HIV to undergo antigenic modifications allow these viruses to evade immune response and persist. However, the cloning process provides all kinds of versatility in the DNA vaccine design.
It enables immediate manipulation and modification of DNA vaccines to adapt to antigenic variants of the virus, and it also provides potential for integration of different DNA molecules to create a combination of DNA vaccines. Since we now know that DNA vaccines offer faster production, cost-efficiency, easy-administration, extensive response, and versatility, the next question is, are they safe? Even if DNA vaccines reach the nucleus of the cell, it does not alter nor incorporate itself into the genome- or the complete set of DNA of an organism- and is consequently not heritable, according to the Professor of Vaccinology in the Nuffield Department of Medicine in the University of Oxford, Sarah Gilbert. According to Grunwald & Ulbert, there are hundreds of volunteers whom received DNA vaccines while experiencing no harmful effects. Cased closed, DNA vaccines will not “turn us into genetically modified organisms” contrary to a similarly harmful “viral” video that circulated last June 2020 with misleading speculations against COVID-19 vaccines. Although conventional vaccines served us well for years, the urgency called for by the COVID-19 pandemic urges us to find workable solutions apt for the current circumstance. Several studies are in progress to utilize DNA vaccines against HIV, malaria, dengue, cancer, and now, for SARS-CoV-2. With all its advantages, DNA vaccines stand on the forefront of our quest for vaccines to promptly promote herd immunity: a means to protect even the unvaccinated. In the end, that is what DNA vaccines are for—to overcome prevalent health issues by addressing the diseases that conventional vaccines cannot deal with, and more.
October 2020
GENEWS
EDITORIAL
31
R
epealing the Anti-Terror Law is of the essence, thus The UPLB Genetics Society opposes against this law because of its unconstitutionality and how the House and the Senate rushingly established it in the middle of a global pandemic, gravely misplacing what the government should prioritize. Terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims. President Duterte’s campaign against the “terrorists” of the country, which as he refers to as the “Left,” enabled the enactment of Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, a law made to “prevent, prohibit, and penalize terrorism, repealing the Human Security Act of 2009.” Other than being in the middle of a global pandemic, the Duterte administration proceeded in executing the law during the government’s campaign of red-tagging, courtesy of Duterte’s National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or the NTF-ELCAC, affecting different NDMOs such as Anakbayan and UP students who voice out their dismay with the current administration. One reason the government should repeal the Anti-Terror Law is because of its unconstitutionality. Currently, there are over 35 petitions filed in the supreme court challenging the Anti-Terror Law. One point raised against the law was that it goes against the provisions already set by the Constitution, specifically the Bill of rights. For example, the Constitution has a requirement that a judge must issue a warrant upon finding a probable cause, whereas the ATL can detain a suspected “terrorist” for 24 days with no judicial charges. Another point is that ATL threatens our right to freedom of speech. Such an example would be the provisions under Section 9 which stated that even “without any direct part in the commission of terrorism, any who shall incite others in the execution through speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, banners or other representations tending to the same end shall suffer imprisonment.” The definition of terrorism in the law is also ambiguous that it makes it difficult to discern which acts are permissible. That apparent vagueness and other provisions in the act would then be very open to abuse by the authorities, considering the NTF-ELCAC and the PNP’s reputation in red-tagging organizations and individuals. The context of the ATL’s enactment and law-making also is untimely. Putting this law into writing in the middle of a global pandemic coupled with the government’s incompetent pandemic response would show their misplaced priorities when they must address the
Anti-Terror Law: A Terror-enabling Law by PAOLO MIGUEL ANICO (Crypton) current health crisis. As of writing, there are 335,000 confirmed cases in the country. They also enacted the ATL during the government’s red-tagging spree by the NTF-ELCAC and the PNP. ATL exacerbates this phenomenon, especially for activists and Muslims. Most wrongfully assume and tag these populations as terrorists. Besides these events, it would add to the human rights violations already happening in the country, especially during the eve of Duterte’s Oplan Tokhang, the name used to refer to the campaign against illegal drugs. Even in the pandemic, his drug war still continues. Human rights violations are already rampant in the country, even before the pandemic. Because of the vague nature of the ATL, it would open doors for authorities to abuse it. Human rights groups reported different HRVs under Duterte’s drug war, where the authorities fit the victims of extrajudicial killings, commonly drug suspects, under the “nanlaban” narrative and in some recoded cases, resorted to evidence planting. One notable victim of the Drug War is the 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos. The groups also reported HRVs among the AFP in contact with indigenous people and Lumad communities in Mindanao, an example of such is closing down Lumad schools. Other occurrences of HRV’s include enforced disappearances, illegal detention, trumped-up charges. With the passing of the Anti-Terror Law where such HRVs continue, the law would open the possibility of worsening these violations. On the other hand, the Anti-Terror Law, as stated in the constitution, should stop the communist insurgency
and terrorism in the country, that is, the law would protect the people from events such as the Marawi Siege and terrorist attacks from ever happening again. However, this is not the case. To quote the argument of representative Mujiv Hataman of the lone district of Basilan, “If there should be any person who should vote for an Anti-Terrorism Bill, it should be me. But I voted no because as we are curtailing the rights of the people, we would also empower terrorists,” he said while citing the events of 2001 where president Gloria Arroyo declared State of Lawlessness in Basilan. Late 2015 to 2019, he studied the events of terrorism in the province, and he reported that only a few joined the Abu Sayyaf out of ideology and most joined because of injustices such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunities. Thus, solving terrorism in the country is solving the injustices the Filipinos face today. The Anti-Terror Law, made to prevent terrorism, would then be a motivator for terrorism, with each of the culprits coming from both sides of the conflict. All the lapses of ATL would become an opening for some authorities to abuse their power. The law’s passing would also endanger all people that are “suspected” to be terrorists, especially activists and the marginalized people with the continued red-tagging campaign by Duterte’s supporters. The call to junk the Anti-Terror Bill would continue as the people of the country call on the government for an environment safe from conflict and especially safe from the ongoing global pandemic which has put the country on its knees for over 8 months since the start of community quarantine.
32
EDITORIAL
GENEWS
Genomics Against Pandemics: Combating COVID-19 through PH Genomics and Bioinformatics by DANIEL VARIAS (Isochore)
S
olving the COVID-19 pandemic afflicting the Philippines could be within the genes. Through a researchbased approach employing the science of genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics, the country should gain the upper hand in the current battle against SARSCoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19. Thus, the country must heed the need for such approach.
Scientists, both locally and internationally, delve on the sequence variations to find regions with little to no mutations where the vaccine could target. To continuously contribute to the scheme and to ensure that the virus isolated in the country is susceptible to the vaccine, isolated viral samples which are isolated more recently should be sequenced.
The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) advocated for approaches grounded on science and technology to the administration. A part of NAST’s suggestion involved conducting local researches in genetics. Specifically, the institution asserted that the country should contribute to globally accessible databases on the molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from Filipino patients.
Also, as the new study on SARSCoV-2 mutation rate suggests, the base substitution of thymine to cytosine or guanine, cytosine to guanine, and guanine to thymine gains an increment of 0.1% in mutation rate. This relatively low yet continuous rate of the virus is good news for vaccine development, hence latest samples of the virus from Filipino patients must be sequenced to make the most of this news.
In response to this, the Core Facility for Bioinformatics of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC) already contributed six viral genome sequences from local samples obtained within March 22-28 to GISAID database (gisaid. org). Through this initiative, the sequences submitted to the database will be crucial for vaccine development, as it serves as a reference for international institutions racing to discover a vaccine.
However, despite this discovery, complacency has no place in dealing with the virus. The latest study from Florida’s Scripps Research Institute suggested that SARS-CoV-2 mutated into a more infectious variant through a D614G mutation in the spike protein, and a study from Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico detected the mutation that enabled the virus to be more infectious in the United States and European countries.
October 2020 In the local setting, we should further investigate into the variant the Philippines has to know its current status, i.e. whether our variant mutated into a more severe one or not. To effectively do so, the Philippine government must include the support for the country’s initiative in bioinformatics in its priorities, aiding in increasing the facilities’ capacity through added equipment and resources, in just compensation towards our laboratory personnel, among others. Furthermore, NAST also urged the country’s scientists to study genetic markers in the Filipino genome that imply effects on the infection and SARS-CoV2’s virulence towards Filipinos. Results from biomarker research shall provide information on the people’s susceptibility to the virus and may provide therapeutic approaches specialized towards the Filipino population inflicted with COVID-19. For example, researchers in Italy suggest that variations in the genes encoding for Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) may explain how the virulence of SARS-CoV-2 differs from northern Italy to southern Italy, where the latter experienced less severe symptoms than the former. Again, there is a need for similar information about the Filipino genome to aid in our battle against COVID-19, thus we incessantly implore the government’s concrete support in conducting local genomic studies. Scientific and medical problems require solutions of the same nature. Thus, utmost priority must be imposed on the scientific and research-based recommendations raised by the country’s institutions. After all, the key to defeating the pandemic that is devastating the country at present may be in the genes waiting to be seen.
Register at https://forms.gle/HEQ25mXxzBTFZ3S18 to join our Discord server!
For inquiries, you may drop a message to Rani Fabros (09177378674). To pre-order, click this link and fill out the form: https://forms.gle/ZXiiq8FVeDKhJzuv6
Call for Participants for Genetics Camp 2021 The UPLB Genetics Society will hold its 14th Genetics Camp on March 12-14, 2020. The Genetics Camp Committee will bring the event online with the help of online conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Facebook Live to cater more participants and reach a wider audience. The committee continuously aims to promote the science of Genetics to the Filipino youth, as well as how this field is involved in the current challenges of the country. The Genetics Camp is a flagship event by the organization that caters to the Filipino high school students and educators. The activity consists of different events that stimulate analytical skills in the field of science and especially, Genetics. For this year, the theme of the activity is “BioenGENEers: Examining the Role of Recombinant DNA Technology Amidst Recent Challenges in Public Health�. The theme pursues to show the Filipino youth that the science of Genetics has the capability to solve challenges in the society, especially in public health. The ultimate goal of Genetics Camp is to show the Filipino youth the beauty of Genetics, and how Genetics can be used to further the development of the society. The Genetics Camp Committee and The UPLB Genetics Society is welcoming and inviting partnerships and sponsorships from individuals or groups of people who have the same goals and aspirations for the Filipino youth. Contact the Genetics Camp Committee at gencamp.genesoc@gmail for more details. Help The UPLB Genetics Society and Genetics Camp Committee continually promote well-roundedness and excellence to the Filipino youth. Become a Genetics Camp sponsor now!