Research Topic
Discovering for novel therapeutic strategies
Our laboratory’s mission is to apply knowledge drawn from using a model system to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases. The ultimate goal is to search for novel therapeutic strategies that can improve human health and quality of life.
- Scopes of the research:
– Targeted therapies for genetic disorders
– Development of novel anti-cancer agents
– Anti-aging compounds and functional food for health
Amornrat Naranuntarat Jensen, PhD
Deputy Head of Department, Associate Professor
Pornthip Chaichompoo, PhD
Associate Professor
Research Topic
Transgenic Mouse Models for Drug Discovery
We develop transgenic mouse models that mimic human diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, using gene editing and stem cell technologies. Our work spans from cell line models to embryonic banks and full-scale mouse models in Thailand. These models support studies on disease mechanisms, pre-clinical testing, and FDA-aligned drug discovery.
- Scopes of the research:
– Developing transgenic mouse models for human diseases using gene editing and stem cell technologies.
– Modeling Alzheimer’s disease and other human conditions for research, pre-clinical testing, and FDA-aligned drug discovery.
– Testing clinically relevant parameters, including behavioral assessments (e.g., Morris Water Maze, Open Field Tests, electroencephalography), anatomical pathology, molecular pathology, etc.
Research Topic
Cytotoxicity Assessment in Drug Discovery and Product Testing
Cytotoxicity assessment evaluates the toxic effects of chemical substances and pharmaceutical compounds on cultured cells. This essential process in drug discovery and product testing identifies potential adverse effects on cellular viability. By employing various in vitro assays, we determine toxic concentration levels, ensuring the safety and efficacy of therapeutic candidates and products.
- Scopes of the research:
– In Vitro Assays Development: Designing and validating diverse in vitro tests to measure cell viability, proliferation, and overall health in response to various substances.
– Cell Line Utilization: Utilizing a variety of established cell lines to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of compounds across different biological contexts.
– Integration with Other Testing Paradigms: Combining cytotoxicity assessments with other pharmacological evaluations provide a comprehensive understanding of a compound’s profile.
Yaowarin Nakornpakdee, PhD
Lecturer
Phongthon Kanjanasirirat, PhD
Assistant Instructor
Research Topic
Innovative Drug Discovery and Blood-Bain Barrier in Health and Diseases
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a specialization of brain endothelial cells (ECs) that hinders the effective delivery of drugs into the brain. In brain tumors, blood vessels are abnormal with a heterogeneous and partially intact BBB, known as the blood-tumor barrier (BTB). Currently, many candidate compounds failed during in clinical trial because they cannot pass through BBB, which is a key player for brain tumor drug discovery and development. Therefore, the drug discovery for BBB-permeable agents in the in vitro study prior to animal study is an important step to reduce pre-clinical and clinical failure and resource consumption.
- Scopes of the research:
– Drug Discovery
– Blood-Bain Barrier in Health and Diseases
– Pediatric Brain tumor
Research Topic
Cell and molecular biology of Plasmodium infection
Malaria is a serious tropical disease caused by infection with Plasmodium parasite that is transmitted via Anopheles mosquito. Even under the malaria control programs, billions of people mainly in the tropical countries and travelers are at risk for this infectious disease. Research on parasite biology together with drugs and vaccine development would be benefit for malaria control and elimination.
- Scopes of the research:
– Biology of Plasmodium sexual/mosquito stage and transmission-blocking drug and vaccine development
– Biology of Plasmodium liver stage infection, development of pre-erythrocytic stage parasites, and hypnozoite formation
– Cellular defects of malaria parasites by herbal extracts and synthetic compounds
– Study of Plasmodium molecular mechanism by genetic manipulation
Niwat Kangwanrangsan, PhD
Head of Department