Dr. Jose Enrico H. Lazaro, a doctor in experimental and clinical pharmacology and assistant professor at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology – University of the Philippines Diliman (NIMBB-UPD) lectured on the different technologies on cell biology and genetics and the basic operational procedures in the study of cells during a seminar sponsored by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCHRD-DOST) entitled “Technology and the Cells” last February 2011 at the DOST Executive Lounge, Bicutan Taguig City.
According to Dr. Lazaro, “This seminar is very important to renew the knowledge of the project officers in the discipline of biotechnology and other molecular-based approaches elated to pre-clinical and clinical studies, crucial in performing their functions as front-liners in the management and processing PCHRD supported and monitored researches.”
Among the technologies highlighted were: the Confocal Microscope or Confocal Microscopy which is important in specific identification of sub cellular components like DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and protein markers, the Flow Cytometry System that is used in counting and isolating cell populations, PerkinElmer’s TopCount Scintillation Counter for cell reproduction and the Roche’s Xcelligence System that can be used in monitoring cell growth and morphological changes.
Dr. Lazaro also presented how 2D (two dimensional) PAGE works, the MuDPIT System for proteomics, the NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) for structural biology and diagnosis, the ELISA-BIOTEK System, the Western Blot System, the iBlot System or Invitrogen, the Southern Blot System, the SKY (spectral karyotyping) and M-FISH (Multiplex-FISH) Systems, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), Agarose Gel Electrophoresis and the different DNA sequencing processes.
“This is the first among the capacity building activities that we are going to pursue this year,” said PCHRD Director Dr. Jaime Montoya. “Being at the forefront of health research and development (R &D) in the country, it is important to equip people with the required skills and knowledge to effectively deliver quality products and services and to cope with the challenges brought about by rapid development in health R&D.” Dr. Montoya concluded.
This seminar series is part of PCHRD’s staff capacity building program; and this topic on “Technology and the Cells” prepares the staff for the R&D programs on genomics, drug discovery and stem cell. Edmon B. Agron, PCHRD
