Philippine Genome Center

The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) is a multi-disciplinary research facility in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines which specializes in genomics.

Philippine Genome Center
Established2009 (2009)
Research typeBasic and Applied
Field of research
Genomics
DirectorCynthia Saloma
LocationQuezon City, Philippines
AffiliationsUniversity of the Philippines Diliman
Websitepgc.up.edu.ph

History

The Philippine Genome Center was established as a collaboration between the University of the Philippines and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).[1] It was first conceptualized in 2009 in response to the SARS outbreak which affected Hong Kong, the dengue outbreaks which affecting the Philippines, and the then-ongoing H1N1 flu pandemic which originated in Mexico. The first grants received by the PGC were for dengue diagnostic testing and H1N1 surveillance.[2] Initially the facility was placed under the jurisdiction of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman's Office of the President as per the approval of the UP Board of Regents in its July 31, 2009 meeting.[3]

The PGC was formally launched on November 28, 2011. In the beginning, the center operated virtually. From January 2013 until the opening of its building on September 11, 2019,[4] it was temporarily housed at the National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at UP Diliman

To make DNA sequencing and bioinformatics services accessible to Filipino researchers, the DNA Sequencing Core Facility (DSCF) and Core Facility for Bioinformatics (CFB) were established with funding support from the DOST. On February 26, 2016, the UP Board of Regents approved the transfer of management and supervision of the PGC from the university's Office of the President to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs[3]

In 2019, PGC Mindanao[5] and PGC Visayas[6] were established as satellite offices in Mindanao and Visayas respectively.

COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines

In January 2020, the PGC in collaboration with UP Manila National Institutes of Health developed an RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 detection kit.[7]

In April 2020, the Department of Health has set the Philippine Genome Center as the 18th coronavirus testing hub.[8] It was also tasked to conduct genomic sequencing of COVID-19 samples.[9] In July 2021, PGC Mindanao and PGC Visayas was also given the task of detecting new variants with the plan on giving them machines to conduct genome sequencing.[10] In September 2021, the PGC has shifted its focus towards detecting new COVID-19 variants in the country and less focus on conducting RT-PCR tests.[11]

Facilities

The PGC has two "core facilities"; the Core Facility for Bioinformatics (CFB) and the DNA Sequencing Core Facility (DSCF). A biobank is planned as PGC's third facility.[12] The two facilities were funded by a ₱100 million (US$2.2 million) grant over three years from the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) of the Department of Science and Technology.[2]

DNA Sequencing Core Facility

Opened on September 24, 2013 The DNA Sequencing Core Facility (DSCF) was the first core facility to open. Genomic studies in the field of agriculture, biodiversity, forensics, health, and ethnicity are conducted in the DSCF with the intent to specifically cater to Filipino needs.[12] DNA and genome sequencing services are provided at the DSCF.[2]

Core Facility for Bioinformatics

The Core Facility for Bioinformatics (CFB) is a facility that provides genome-scale data generation and analysis to local researchers in the academe, from government institutions and private organizations. It also provides genomic data storage. It is also augmented by an IBM Blue Gene supercomputer which is also used by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and Project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (Project NOAH) for weather forecast and climate change modelling purposes in addition to genomic research use. The CFB was launched on April 14, 2014 while the supercomputer was made operational within the same day.[13]

Diagnostics and laboratory services

PGC Mindanao provides various diagnostics and laboratory services to local researchers and laboratories. These services involve sample preparation, Spectrophotometry, Fluorometry, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Electrophoresis, Flow cytometry and various other bioinformatics and laboratory services.

The advanced equipment of PGC Mindanao are housed temporarily in the different laboratories of CSM: Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Extraction Laboratory.[14]

Directors
  • Amelia Guevara (2009–2011)
  • Carmencita Padilla (2011–2016)
  • Cynthia Saloma (2017–present)

References
  1. Keswani, Chetan (October 14, 2019). Bioeconomy for Sustainable Development. Springer Nature. p. 45. ISBN 978-981-13-9431-7. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  2. Estospace, Eden (March 4, 2015). "Philippine Genome Center: Big step in health and agri research". Enterprise Innovation. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  3. "About". Philippine Genome Center. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  4. Tomacruz, Sofia (September 12, 2019). "LOOK: U.P. opens cutting-edge genome research center". Rappler. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  5. Center, Philippine Genome. "PGC Mindanao engages in a collaborative SARS-COV-2 genomics study using a portable sequencing platform". Philippine Genome Center. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  6. "History". pgc.upv.edu.ph. Philippine Genome Center Visayas. November 20, 2020. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  7. Deyro, Elizabeth Ruth (March 13, 2020). "How a team of Filipino scientists developed a COVID-19 test kit". CNN Philippines. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  8. Magsambol, Bonz (April 24, 2020). "Philippine Genome Center is country's 18th coronavirus testing hub". Rappler. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  9. Gonzales, Cathrine (May 6, 2021). "Expert flags PH's 'very low' sampling for COVID-19 genome sequencing". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  10. Lena, Perla (July 23, 2021). "PGC to equip Visayas, Mindanao centers for genome sequencing". www.pna.gov.ph. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  11. Deiparine, Christian (September 13, 2021). "Genome center scales down COVID-19 testing to focus on detecting variants". Philstar.com. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  12. Luces, Kim (September 25, 2013). "PHL Genome Center opens new DNA sequencing facility to local researchers". GMA News. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  13. Ronda, Rainier Allan (April 15, 2014). "DOST activates IBM supercomputer". ABS-CBN News. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved April 21, 2018.
  14. "Services". Philippine Genome Center. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
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