Many proteins are chemically modified after synthesis. These Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation, play an important role in regulating metabolic processes. Our studies show that the levels of O-GlcNAcylation and O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), an enzyme catalyzing the addition of a single GlcNAc residue to target proteins, were up-regulated in breast and colon cancer tissues and cell lines. Using mass spectrometry, many O-GlcNAc-modified proteins were identified in these cancers, for example pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). O-GlcNAcylation of PKM2 affects its phosphorylation as well as its activity, thus indicating the crosstalk between these two PTMs. We also demonstrated that OGT knockdown led to a significant reduction of colony formation in breast and colon cell lines, suggesting it plays vital roles in tumor progression. Phosphorylation is another regulatory mechanism, but identification of phosphoproteins can sometimes be difficult due to possible digestion by phosphatase enzyme. We have therefore isolated exosomes, extracellular vesicles (EVs) of 30-100 nm size, from the conditioned media of isogenic cholangiocarcinoma cell lines with different metastatic potential. More than 40 phosphoproteins were identified with significant change in phosphorylation level. Heat Shock Protein 90 was confirmed as showing differential phosphorylation in relation to tumor invasiveness, so aberrant phosphorylation of exosomal proteins may be useful for development of a metastatic cancer biomarker. Indeed, since EVs contain many functional biomolecules, such...

Cancer is a disorder resulting from autonomous, uncontrolled cell growth and differentiation, and with malignant behavior, is capable of invasion and metastasis. Carcinogenesis is initiated by non-lethal genetic damage, followed by a multi-step process involving both phenotypic and genetic changes. Regulatory genes such as the proto- oncogenes, the tumor suppressor genes, and genes regulating apoptosis are important targets of genetic damage, as well as the DNA repair genes. Mutational damage to these genes will result in activation or inactivation of the functions of their gene products, resulting in uncontrolled proliferation with abnormal differentiation and acquisition of the capability for invasion or metastasis. Because of our longstanding interests in proteins, we are exploring the protein changes that occur in human cancer. Initially, we collaborated with the Department of Pathology, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok to analyze changes in protein in human cancer tissues, using surgical specimens of tumor tissue and normal tissue, characterized in terms of pathology. Our group was the first research group in Thailand to use the proteomic approach in 1997, at that time using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to compare the proteome patterns (or the total protein present at any tissue at any given time) between normal and cancer tissue. Thus, study of thyroid disease demonstrated increased expression of certain proteins, such as cathepsin B and prohibitin, in neoplastic thyroid diseases...

Our early studies on genetic diseases, since 1987 and earlier, focused on the hemoglobinopathies, which occur frequently in Thailand and consist of two types. Thalassemia results from lack or decreased synthesis of one or more globin chains, while abnormal hemoglobins consist of mutations altering the amino acid sequence of globin chain(s). However, as research in the hemoglobinopathies developed in Thailand, we shifted our interest to Inborn Errors of Metabolism, which can cause severe clinical manifestations, such as mental retardation or developmental abnormalities. Generally, inborn errors arise from deficiencies in enzymes of various metabolic pathways, such as the urea cycle, pathways for degradation or synthesis of specific amino acids, or mucopolysaccharide degradation. Such disorders may be due to mutations leading to dysfunctional or poorly functioning enzyme or may result from lowered expression or absence of these enzymes. Such enzyme deficiencies are typically detected by an accumulation of the substrate of the enzyme reaction and/or a decrease in the level of metabolites, which occur after the enzyme reaction. Typically, each inborn error of metabolism occurs with low frequency, but there are many defects, so cumulatively, inborn errors of metabolism are significant problems. In many cases, the devastating effects can be avoided through proper treatment, such as in phenylketonuria, which may be treated with diets low in phenylalanine. So, it is important to...

Air pollution is a global issue with serious health impacts to the health and disease status of the public. WHO reported that air pollution is strongly linked to mortality and morbidity from effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as cancer. Thailand and other countries in the region are affected by problems associated with air pollution. Genotoxic air pollutants, in particular, have significant potential impacts on human health. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been associated with lung cancer, while volatile organic compounds, such as benzene and 1,3-butadiene, have been associated with leukemia incidence. These pollutants have many sources, including combustion, as well as production and use in the industrial sector. CRI thus focuses on research on the effects of exposure to air pollution on the health of the public, using principles of molecular epidemiology and utilizing various biomarkers, including biomarkers of exposure and biomarkers of early biological effects, such as effects on DNA. The Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology has conducted molecular epidemiological studies on the impacts on health in exposed populations, i.e., those living in Bangkok, using biomarkers of exposure and early biological effects to assess health risks in these populations. Results showed that susceptible populations who are exposed to these genotoxic air pollutants from traffic-related sources (e.g., traffic policemen, street vendors and school children in Bangkok), from their...

Name: Mister Supachai Ritruechai Office address: Laboratory of Pharmacology, 4thFloor, Biomedical Science Building 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand Tel: +66 2553 8555 (ext. 3160) E-mail: Position: Research Assistant Research Interests • Purification of phytochemical compounds from medicinal Plant Education • B.Sc. in Chemistry, Ramkhamhaeng University Area of expertise • Natural products and phytochemistry analysis by HPLC, LC-MS techniques and Spray dry Publications • Changes in the contents of four active diterpenoids at different growth stages inAndrographis paniculata(Burm.f.) Nees (Chuanxinlian). Pholphana N, Rangkadilok N, Saehun J,Ritruechai S, Satayavivad J. Chinese Medicine. 2013; 8:1-12.

Name: Miss Jittra Saehun Office address: Laboratory of Pharmacology, 4thFloor, Biomedical Science Building 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand Tel: +66 2553 8555 (ext. 3163) E-mail: Position: Research Assistant Research Interests • Chemical and heavy metal analysis from medicinal plants, foods and environmental samples Education • Maejo University, B.Sc. in Fisheries Area of expertise • HPLC and ICP-MS technique, analytical chemistry and microwave digestion • Animal handling Publications Evaluation of trace elements in selected foods and dietary intake by young children in Thailand. Nookabkaew S, Rangkadilok N, Akib CA, Tuntiwigit N,Saehun J, Satayavivad J. Food Addit Contam B. 2013; 6:55-67. Changes in the contents of four active diterpenoids at different growth stages inAndrographis paniculata(Burm.f.) Nees (Chuanxinlian). Pholphana N, Rangkadilok N,Saehun J, Ritruechai S, Satayavivad J. Chinese Medicine. 2013; 8:1-12.

Name: Miss Kanjana Chaiyot Office address: Laboratory of Pharmacology, 4thFloor, Biomedical Science Building 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand Tel: +66 2553 8555 (ext. 3158) E-mail: Position: Research Assistant Research Interests • Molecular and cell signalings Education • B.Sc. Biology, Ramkhamhaeng University Area of expertise • Cell culture, Cytotoxicity testing, Immunoblot analysis Presentations Thiantanawat A,Visitnonthachai D,Chaiyot K, Akanimanee J, Auewarakul C, Satayavivad J. Alterations pf p53, cyclin D1, and apoptotic regulators Bcl-2 and Bax in colorectal cancer tissues. The 7th Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress (PC VII) “Cancer: From basic research to cure”. November 29-December 3, 2012. Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. (Poster) Suriyo T,Chaiyot K, Watcharasit P, Thiantanawat A, Satayavivad J. Presence and function role of cholinergic system in cancer. The 7th Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress (PC VII) “Cancer: From basic research to cure”. November 29-December 3, 2012, Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. (Poster) Suriyo T,Chaiyot K, Watcharasit P, Thiantanawat A, Satayavivad J. Arsenic alters cholinergic system and dysregulates intracellular calcium in microvascular endothelial HMEC-1 cells. The 8th Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries (8CTDC), Thai Society of Toxicology under the auspices of the IUTOX “Sharing Toxicological Knowledge for Healthy Life & Environment”, September 10-13, 2012, Bangkok, Thailand. Poster I-14, p. 87. Thiantanawat A, Pianjing P, Visitnonthachai D,Chaiyot K, Watcharasit P, Satayavivad J. Estrogenic...

Name: Miss Jaratluck Akanimanee Office address: Laboratory of Pharmacology, 4thFloor, Biomedical Science Building 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand Tel: +66 2553 8555 (ext. 3162) E-mail: Position: Research Scientist Research Interests Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations Education M.Sc. in Pharm. Chulalongkorn University Area of expertise • Screening for antimalarial activity • Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical formulations Publications Sodium arsenite exposure impairs B cell proliferation and enhances vascular inflammation in Plasmodium berghei mouse model Suntararuks S, Worasuttayangkurn L,Akanimanee J, Suriyo T, Nookabkaew S, ,Srisamut N, Visitnonthachai D, Watcharasit P, Satayavivad J. Environ Toxicol Pharm. 2019; 66: 7-13. In vitroantifungal activities of longan (Dimocarpus longanLour.) seed extract. Rangkadilok N, Tongchusak S, Boonhok R, Chaiyaroj SC, Junyaprasert VB, Buajeeb W,Akanimanee J, Raksasuk T, Suddhasthira T, Satayavivad J. Fitoterapia. 2012; 83:545-53. Conference papers: Akanimanee J, Thiantanawat A, Khamkong P, Rangkadilok, Ritruechai S, Satayavivad J. Effects of Thai’s brown, red, and black rice extracts on in vitro growth of human cancer cell lines. The 7th Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress (PC VII) “Cancer: From basic research to cure”. November 29-December 3, 2012. Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok,Thailand. (Poster) Thiantanawat A, Visitnonthachai D, Chaiyot K,Akanimanee J, Auewarakul C, Satayavivad J. Alterations of P53, Cyclin D1and apoptotic regulators BCL2 and BAX in colorectal cancer tissues. The 7th Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress, Cancer: From basic...

Name: Dr. Jantamas Tuntawiroon Kanitwithayanun Office address: Laboratory of Pharmacology, 4thFloor, Biomedical Science Building 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand Tel: +66 2553 8555 (ext. 3167) E-mail: Position: Research Scientist Research Interests • Impact of environmental pollutants and industrial chemicals, particularly carcinogenic compounds on human health through the use of various biological markers • Oxidative stress and inflammation Education • Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Toxicology, Technology and Management) Inter-university program between Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Chulabhorn Research Institute (CRI) and Mahidol University (MU), Thailand Area of expertise • Environmental toxicology study, assessment of the possible harmful effects of carcinogenic pollutants on human health Publications • Glyphosate induces growth of estrogen receptor alpha positive cholangiocarcinoma cells via non-genomic estrogen receptor/ERK1/2 signaling pathway Sritana N, Suriyo T,Kanitwithayanun J, Songvasin BH, Thiantanawat A, Satayavivad J. Food Chem Toxicol. 2018; 118: 595-607. • An engineered cell line lacking OGG1 and MUTYH glycosylases implicates the accumulation of genomic 8-oxoguanine as the basis for paraquat mutagenicity. Tajai P, Fedeles BI, Suriyo T, Navasumrit P,Kanitwithayanun J, Essigmann JM, Satayavivad J. Free Radic Biol Med. 2018;116: 64-72. • Oxidative DNA damage and inflammatory responses in cultured human cells and in humans exposed to traffic-related particles. Vattanasit U, Navasumrit P, Khadka MB,Kanitwithayanun J, Promvijit J, Autrup H, Ruchirawat M. Int J Hyg...

Name: Dr. Benjaporn Homkajorn Songvasin Office address: Research Laboratory of Pharmacology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand Tel: +662-5538555 (ext. 3166) Position: Research scientist, Research Laboratory of Pharmacology, Chulabhorn Research Insitute E-mail: [email protected] Research Interests My research focus is on neurobiology study of affecting brain cells both in vitro and in vivo upon the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. I also experienced in development of novel non-viral/antibody based technology for drug and gene delivery into the brain. At Chulabhorn Research Institute, my main research aim is to investigate neuroprotective effects of Thai medicinal plants on acute and chronic brain disorders. Long-term damage of brain cells would possibly lead to the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. An expected outcome to pursue this aim is for the further development of alternative therapy of active compounds deriving from readily available Thai plants. Education and Degrees Doctor of Philosophy; Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia (July 2008 – December 2011) Master of Biotechnology Studies, upgraded to Ph.D program; Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia (July 2006 – July 2008) Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology); Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand (June 2002 – July 2006) Academic Activities Research scientist Academic Activities Chulabhom Graduate Institue Environmental Toxicology Course: Integrated Life Sciences (0301501): The central nervous system...

Name: Miss Sumitra Suntararuks Office address: Laboratory of Pharmacology, 4thFloor, Biomedical Science Building 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand Tel: +66 2553 8555 (ext. 3171) E-mail: Position: Research Scientist I Research Interests • Molecular and cell signaling pathways Education • M.Sc. in Toxicology, Mahidol University • B.Sc. in Nursing, Mahidol University Area of expertise • Lymphocyte proliferation, Immunoblot analysis, RT-PCR technique Awards • The Poster Award Winner on The 8th Congress of Toxicology in Developing Countries (8CTDC) Under the Auspices of International Union of Toxicology (IUTOX) “Sharing Toxicological Knowledge for Healthy Life & Environment” September 10-13, 2012. Centara Grand, Central Ladprao, Bangkok, Thailand. (I-83) p.86. Watcharasit P,Suntararuks S, Visitnonthachai D, Thiantanawat A, Satayavivad J. β-catenin involvement in arsenic-induced VEGF expression in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells • Good Poster Award on The 27th Congress on Science and Technology of Thailand. Prince of Songkla, Hat Yai, Thailand. October 16-18, 2001. p.628. Suriyo T, Tuntawiroon J,Soontararuks S, Satayavivad J. Modification of rotational behavior during subchronic exposure to paraquat in rat Publications •Sodium arsenite exposure impairs B cell proliferation and enhances vascular inflammation in Plasmodium berghei mouse model Suntararuks S, Worasuttayangkurn L, Akanimanee J, Suriyo T, Nookabkaew S, ,Srisamut N, Visitnonthachai D, Watcharasit P, Satayavivad J. Environ Toxicol Pharm. 2019; 66: 7-13. • Arsenic impairs insulin signaling in differentiated...

Name: Miss Sumontha Nookabkaew Office address: Laboratory of Pharmacology, 4thFloor, Biomedical Science Building 54 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Talat Bang Khen, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210, Thailand Tel: +66 2553 8555 (ext. 3161) E-mail: Position: Research Scientist I Research Interests • Heavy metals in food, environmental and biological samples, Arsenic speciation Education • Master degree in Applied Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry, Mahidol University • Bachelor degree in Chemistry, Prince of Songkla University Area of expertise • Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Microwave digestion Publications •Sodium arsenite exposure impairs B cell proliferation and enhances vascular inflammation in Plasmodium berghei mouse model Suntararuks S, Worasuttayangkurn L, Akanimanee J, Suriyo T,Nookabkaew S, ,Srisamut N, Visitnonthachai D, Watcharasit P, Satayavivad J. Environ Toxicol Pharm. 2019; 66: 7-13. • Arsenic speciation and accumulation in selected organs after oral administration of rice extracts in Wistar rats. Lewchalermvong K,Rangkadilok N,Nookabkaew S, Suriyo T, Satayavivad J. J Agric Food Chem. 2018, 66: 3199-3209. • Hijiki and sodium arsenic stimulate growth of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells through ERK1/2 activation. Cholpraipimorat W, Suriyo T, Rangkadilok N,Nookabkaew S, Satayavivad J. Food Chem Toxicol 2017; 110: 33-41. • Concentrations of trace elements in organic fertilizers and animal manures and feeds and cadmium contamination in herbal tea (Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino). Nookabkaew S, Rangkadilok N, Prachoom N., Satayavivad J. J Agric...