Cell culture & Cytogenetics Research
The Facility of Cell Culture & Cytogenetics Research, focuses on cellular biology, cytogenetics, immunopathology, and digital health to address complex disease mechanisms in pediatric malignancies, sepsis, and infections with direct clinical relevance.
The laboratory maintains a fully functional cell culture facility, including the development of advanced three-dimensional (3D) tumor models to study disease biology and therapeutic resistance. Ongoing research includes the development of drug-resistant T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) 3D tumor platforms to evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting immunogenic cell death pathways, angiogenic factors, and their key regulators, to identify novel combinatorial treatment strategies.
A major strength of the laboratory lies in its integrated immunophenotyping and cytogenetics capability, incorporating multiparametric immune-plexing approaches and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for comprehensive genomic and immunologic characterization of hematologic malignancies and solid tumours. These platforms enable precise disease stratification, prognostic assessment, and translational biomarker discovery.
The laboratory also undertakes research on immunopathogenesis and biomarkers in pediatric infectious and inflammatory conditions. This work aims to enable early risk prediction and improved clinical outcomes in vulnerable pediatric populations.
In addition, the laboratory leads interdisciplinary research in digital health and population-based interventions, exemplified by projects focused on enhancing self-management of metabolic syndrome among adults in urban poor settings through digital health solutions. This work reflects the laboratory’s commitment to translating biomedical research into scalable, community-oriented health interventions.
Overall, the laboratory serves as a multidisciplinary translational research hub, integrating cellular models, immuno-cytogenetics, biomarker discovery, and digital health innovation.