Centre for Applied Molecular Biology

CAMB DNA Core Facility

CAMB has many unique features in the field of biotechnology and molecular biology research in Pakistan and among them DNA Core Facility has been the pride of the institute. It is one of the best facilities not only in Pakistan but most of the Asian countries. There are two components of the facility; DNA Sequencing and DNA Genotyping. The main objective of the facility is to provide a quality DNA analysis services to the researchers in CAMB as well as other research organizations and universities throughout the country. Other than this the facility also provides a technical help to the institutions regarding problems in this field.

DNA Sequencing/Genotyping Facility

Considering the upcoming demands and needs of DNA sequencing and genotyping in the field of biotechnology, CAMB initiated automated DNA sequencing, in 1999, on a single capillary 310 ABI-Genetic analyzer. Recognizing the significance of DNA sequencing in the molecular biology research, the lab was strengthened by adding four more 16-capillary, and one 48-capillary DNA Sequencers. So at this time DNA Sequencing facility of the centre is the largest sequencing facility in Pakistan with 5- DNA Analyzers from ABI with a total output of processing 112 samples at a time and thousands of samples daily. So it is the first such kind of high throughput sequencing/genotyping laboratory in Pakistan. The centre has produced many publications on the basis of data generated from this facility.

The data generated in this facility is accurate precise and reliable and can be compared with any other internationally well recognized labs. Researchers have a confidence on the quality of our services.

The success of the facility can be evidenced from the fact that many departments of the University of Punjab as well as other universities of the country have started their research programs considering that they would be able to avail the facility of analysis of their DNA samples accurately with good quality data generated from here.

While the facility is being sponsored by HEC to serve clients at the public sector universities (other than PU), it may eventually offer contract based services for public and private laboratories outside the universities. Currently we are rendering the services of DNA genotyping analysis of cattle to �Breed Improvement, Livestock and Dairy Development� department of Government of Punjab under a contract signed between the two organizations.

So, the DNA Core Facility is considered to be the key facility for DNA researchers in Pakistan. In the progress that CAMB has made and still making history in the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, there has been a key role of this facility.

UV/VIS Spectroscopy/ELISA Reading

We can help you to analyze your samples on a spectrophotometer using the cuvettes or 96-well plates. We have a state of the art UV/VIS spectrophotometer i.e., SpectraMax-384 system from Molecular Devices USA. It can analyze single sample in a cuvette or up to 96 samples in a plate. It gives high quality analysis using very low volume samples.

It is commendable that the University of the Punjab has created a modern infrastructure to make it possible for students to update their knowledge in various scientific disciplines since modern technology has become an essential vehicle of rapid progress. At the same time, the University has been quite successful in maintaining a balance between modern trends in education and its old traditions. As Chancellor, I am confident that efforts to excel in the field of higher education and the inculcation of moral values in the students at the University Campus will continue in future with a greater zeal.

1.      DNA Sequencing                     >500bp/sample

2.      DNA Fragment Analysis        5-Dyes in a sample

3.      UV/VIS Spectroscopy/ELISA Reading

             In near future we will also be able to provide the facilities of RNA/DNA extraction, DNA Amplification Purifications procedures.

Research and Development

The facility is also involved in genomics studies and the molecular biology research on genetic diseases. Currently, genetic basis of asthma disease is being investigated and study on the association of genomic variants with the disease in Pakistani population is being conducted. We have already found some polymorphic variants associated with the disease. In some recent research publications in good impact factor international jounals, the group has reported genomic regions associated with asthma and specifically some variants associated with asthma in specific environmental conditions. MS, MPhil and PhD theses have also been completed in this research.

DNA Sequencing

DNA CORE FACILITY provides automated Sanger sequencing using capillary-based ABI-3730, ABI-3130xl and ABI-3100 DNA Analyzers. If the sample is highly purified and accurately quantities, we guarantee more than 800bp sequence/sample with more than 99% accuracy. Our rates are comparable to international service providers especially for the high throughput samples and the quality of sequencing data generated here is beyond the doubts.

DNA Genotyping

DNA CORE FACILITY provides high quality and high throughput genotyping facility on the basis of DNA microsatellite and SNP analysis. CAMB researchers are very well experienced in STR and SNP based genotyping. We are always available for troubleshooting your data and technical help.

 Spectroscopy

High quality spectroscopic analysis with SpectraMax-384 instrument is also available in the facility. Very low volume of samples needed for analysis on this machine. You can analyze 96 samples at a time both for UV and Visible range wavelength.

Oligo/Primer Synthesis

In the past, DNA CORE FACILITY also offered the synthesis of oligonucleotides. These oligonucleotides (oligos) were suitable for PCR, sequencing, site directed mutagenesis and other similar procedures. These oligos/primers were very cheaper as compared to the imported primers. Quality of the products was also up to the international standards. We have high throughput ABI-3900 DNA synthesizer (not functional now) and a team of experienced biochemists.

 Note: The facility of DNA Primer Synthesis   is not functional now due to technical reasons.

How to Use the Services.

You can choose any one.

Apply Directly

�         Please completely study and then fill the CAMB Request form.

�         Attach Gel Photograph of the samples with complete information.

�         Label the samples tubes or plates of samples properly.

�         Ask for the Bill invoice of your samples from CAMB account section.

�         Deposit the payment in the Account office CAMB by crossed cheque in favour of Miscellaneous Receipt, CAMB and attached the copy of cheque with the request form.

�         Submit samples and form to DNA CORE FACILITY.

 

Apply Through HEC.

�         If you are applying through HEC, you have to take permission for availing Analysis facility from HEC prior to sending samples to CAMB.

�         Please visit the HEC website page: Access to Scientific Instrumentation. (http://hec.gov.pk/english/services/students/Access%20to%20scientific%20instruments%20program/Pages/HowtoApply.aspx) to comprehend the procedure of getting Award letter (the Permission of Analysis) from HEC.

�         To avail the facility, the applicant needs to apply online. Please visit: eportal.hec.gov.pk

i.           Applicant needs to register himself or login (if an existing user).

ii.          Enter the information and the details regarding samples analysis.

iii.        Get print of system generated filled form and submit with following attachments:

 a.         Summary/description of research proposal

 b.         Copy of approval of Research Synopsis/Proposal

 c.          Consent (Letter) of Incharge CAMB DNA Core Facility

 d.         Brief profile of Research Supervisor

iv.        Endorsement by research supervisor, head of department and Director (ORIC) must be obtained at appropriate section of the prescribed application form.

v.         The applicant needs to submit the application at least 6 weeks prior to sample analysis.

vi.        The applications will be evaluated and decided by the ASI Management Committee.

vii.      The decision of the Committee will be communicated to the applicant within 6 weeks from the date of submission of the application.

viii.     The decision on the application may be delayed if additional information is required for clarification.

ix.        For all the approved cases, HEC will issue award letter to the applicant.

x.         Upon receipt of award letter, the applicant may send samples to CAMB for analysis.

�         After getting permission from HEC through an award letter, researcher can send Samples to CAMB (the award letter issued from HEC would be attached with CAMB Sequencing or Genotyping Request forms).

�         Attach Gel Photograph of the samples with complete information.

�         Label the samples tubes or plates of samples properly.

�         Send the samples with CAMB Sequencing or Genotyping Request forms to DNA CORE FACILITY.

�         On receiving Analysis Results from CAMB, the researcher will fill the CAMB Result Acceptance Voucher and HEC Payment Form dully signed by supervisor, countersigned by your DIRECTOR ORIC/Dean.

�          We will send it to HEC for reimbursement of payment to CAMB.

      You will receive electronic copies of results of analysis after 4-5 working days through your provided email address. It may take longer time if we have to repeat the reaction due to some technical reasons and our satisfaction.

Sample Submission Guidelines.

      DNA Sequencing Guidelines:                                                                                                  

Template

�         Please use HPLC grade water

�         Please purify your template with any commonly used procedure. Commercially available Purification Kits can be used for this purpose

�         Please run your template on agarose gel to ascertain its purity and also run DNA Ladder along with your samples to estimate the concentrations of your samples.

�         You may also quantify purified DNA by measuring the absorbance at 260 nm or by any other method that gives reliable measurement.

�         Templates should be provided at the following concentrations:

 

 

 

�         Please provide the template in distilled water free of EDTA and other salts, proteins, RNA, or genomic DNA.

�         Use 1.5ml eppendroff tubes or 96-well PCR plates for pooling your samples.

�         Please transport samples in a container containing ice.

�         Please also observe other information given in the CAMB DNA sequencing Request form.

�         The Genetic analyzers are very sensitive to salts and other contaminants. Care in template preparation is essential for quality data and instrument�s standard working.

Important Note

For optimum results, purify the PCR product before sending for sequencing. In general, any method (including purification kits) that can remove dNTPs, primers and excessive salts etc. should work.

 

Primer

�         Primer concentration should be 3.2-5.0 ρmol submitted for sequencing. Wrong information about concentration of primer and template may affect the sequencing reaction and consequently the data generated.

�         Poor primer quality will result in poor sequence quality. N-1 species of primers will cause peaks to be out of frame with one another and basecalling software will not be able to assign correct bases.

�         A primer with a melting temperature too low for cycling conditions will not anneal to the template. Design primers with Tm's between 55-60^oC.

�         Secondary structure in the primer will cause the primer to self-anneal and not to the template.

�         Mismatch between primer and primer annealing site on the 3' end of a primer can cause the sequencing reaction to fail. If a reaction fails with a standard primer, check if the DNA fragment/plasmid contains the primer binding site and that the site was not lost due to restriction digest and cloning of an insert.

�         Multiple priming sites on a template will cause peaks that overlap one another. Basecalling software will not be able to assign correct base.

�         Total quantity required

                Template            at least 10mL per reaction

                Primer                  5.0.0mL per sample

�      Estimated time for results will be 4-5 working days and results will be sent via e-mail. Soft copies of data on customer�s CD can also be provided if requested.

 

The electopherograms can be visualized using freely available software including the following

�         ABI Sequence scanner (Windows)

�         BioEdit (Windows)

�          Chromas (Windows)

      DNA Fragment Analysis Guidelines

�         DNA samples must be clearly labeled with information corresponding to that given on the CAMB Fragment Analysis Request form.

�         High quality DNA samples are an absolute necessity for good results. For optimal quality it is recommended that genomic DNA be prepared using Qiagen kits or cesium chloride.

�         We recommend pooling different dyes after your PCR reaction.

�         Please Prepare and submit samples in a 96 well plate or PCR tubes with appropriate concentrations and along with filled genotyping request form.

�         Please cover plate or tube with aluminum foil. If you are shipping your sample, please cover plate with cap strip.

�         At least 25 base pair difference is recommended for two fragments pooled in a single well and labeled with same dye.

�         Please provide at least 5mL of the PCR product.

�         DNA fragments must be conjugated with one of the following dyes, VIC, HEX, NED, TET, PET, FAM.

�         Estimated time for results will be 1-2 working days and results will be given via e-mail. Soft copies of data on customer�s CD can also be provided if requested.

 

 

The electopherograms can be visualized using the following programs

�         ABI Peak scanner (Window)

DNA Core Facility

Centre for Applied Molecular Biology

University of the Punjab

87-West Canal Bank Road, Thoker Niaz Baig, Lahore

Tel: 042-35293141-6, Ext 116-117, Fax # 042-35293148

dnacore@camb.edu.pk, dnacorecamb@gmail.com

Rates of Services

DNA Core Facility is providing the analytical services at the following rates.

Services Type	Details	Code of the Service	Sample Type	Proposed Unit Rate (US$)
DNA Sequencing (including sequencing PCR and purification afterword)	Sequencing upto 16 samples	Seq-16	Purified PCR products or Plasmid	10.0
	Sequencing upto 32 samples	Seq-32	Purified PCR products or Plasmid	9.75
	Sequencing upto 48 samples	Seq-48	Purified PCR products or Plasmid	9.50
	Sequencing upto 64 samples	Seq-64	Purified PCR products or Plasmid	9.25
	Sequencing upto 80 samples	Seq-80	Purified PCR products or Plasmid	9.00
	Sequencing upto 96 samples	Seq-96	Purified PCR products or Plasmid	8.75
DNA Sequencing (excluding sequencing reaction)	Sequencing	Seq-RR	Purified PCR products or Plasmid	6.0
Fluorescently labelled DNA fragment analysis (GeneScan)	Fragment Analysis	FA	Purified PCR products	6.0

Note: Concessional rates for more than 16 samples will be for the samples with single primer. Normal rates will be charged if samples are to be sequenced with multiple primers.

 

 

 

ACADEMICS

As DNA Core Facility is also actively involved in the research on genetic disorders including cancers and asthma and we have already published data in different international research journals, supervised many MPhil and PhD research students so the facility is available for helping students in completing their research theses in the field.

Asthma in Pakistan:

Pakistan is globally sixth most populous, economically developing south Asian country with tremendously increasing trend of urbanization. This increase in urbanization along with consanguineous marriages trend in Pakistani nationals might contribute as most important factors of increasing asthma prevalence.

Although asthma is a complex disease contributed by many environmental and genetic factors, yet internationally genetics of asthma is the main focus of researchers of pulmonary and air ways inflammatory diseases. Up-till now, a few studies, including our group studies on asthma genetics have been conducted in Pakistan. These studies suggest that few SNP variants are significantly associated with asthma in Pakistani population. Yet there is lot to know about this disease in this specific region of specific environment. So our group is involved in investigating impact of genomics and molecular genetics on the disease. These studies will definitely contribute in understanding genetic basis of asthmatic complications in Pakistan and large population cohort size and sub-ethnic studies in future will give more meaningful conclusions to predict possible asthma susceptible genomic variants in sub-ethnic and general population of Pakistan. Different faculty members and students already enrolled in this study to complete their research objectives and MPhil/PhD theses.

 

PUBLICATIONS:

2017:

1.      Akram AM, Iqbal Z, Akhtar T, Khalid AM, Sabar MF, Qazi MH, Aziz Z, Sajid N, Aleem A, Rasool M, Asif M, Aloraibi S, Aljamaan K, Iqbal M. (2017) Presence of novel compound BCR-ABL mutations in late chronic and advanced phase imatinib sensitive CML patients indicates their possible role in CML progression. Cancer Biology & Therapy.   (IF-2.921)  http://tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15384047.2017.1294289

2.      Sabar MF, Shahid M, Bano I, Ghani MU, Akram M, Awan FI, Kousar S, Iqbal Z, Altaf S, Husnain T. (2016) rs12603332 is associated with male asthma patients specifically in urban areas of Lahore, Pakistan. Journal of Asthma.

(IF-1.854)   http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02770903.2016.1277539

2016:

3.      Iqbal Z, Akram AM, Akhtar T, Aleem A, Sabar MF, Aziz Z, Sajid N, Rasool M, Asif M, Qazi MH, Oraibi S. Brief Research Report: Novel Compound BCR-ABL Mutations in Late Chronic Phase Imatinib Sensitive CML Patients Are Associated with Progression to Advance Disease Phase. Blood.128(22):3089  (IF-11.841)
http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/128/22/3089?sso-checked=true

4.      Sabar MF, Ghani MU, Shahid M, Sumrin A, Ali A, Akram M, Tariq MA, Bano I. (2016) Genetic variants of ADAM33 are associated with asthma susceptibility in the Punjabi population of Pakistan. Journal of Asthma; 53(04): 341-348  (IF-1.854)

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/02770903.2015.1124441

2015: 

5.      Iqbal Z., Akram A.M., Akhtar T., Khalid M., Aziz Z., Aleem A., Gill A.T., Khalid A.M., Alanazi A., Shah I.H., Khalid M., Sabar M.F., Iqbal M. (2015) High Frequencies of Compound BCR-ABL Mutations and Their Association with Imatinib Resistant, Disease Progression and Late Chronic Phase Disease in Pakistani Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Necessitate the Inclusion of Molecular Testing in Routine Clinical Settings. Blood 126(23):5167-5167 (IF-11.841)

http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/126/23/5167

6.      Iqbal, Z., Akhtar, T., Awan, T.,  Aleem, A., Sabir, N., Absar, M., Shammas, M.A., Shah, I. H., Khalid, M., Taj, A. S., Jameel, A., Alanazi, A., Gill, A. T., Hashmi, J. A., Hussain, A., Sabar, M. F., Khalid, A. M., Qazi, M. H., Karim, S., Siddiqi, M. H., Mahmood, A., Iqbal,  M., Saeed,  A.,  Irfan,  M. I.,  Rasool, M.  (2015)  High frequency and poor prognosis of late childhood BCR-ABL positive and MLL-AF4 positive ALL define the need for advanced molecular diagnostics and improved therapeutic strategies in pediatric B-ALL in Pakistan. Molecular Diagnosis & Therapy 19(5): 277-287.            (IF-2.602)

7.      Shahid, M., Sabar, M. F.*, Bano, I., Rahman, Z., Iqbal, Z., Fatim Ali, S. S., Ghani, M. U., Iqbal, M. & Husnain, T. (2015). Sequence variants on 17q21 are associated with the susceptibility of asthma in the population of Lahore, Pakistan. Journal of Asthma 52(08):777-84. (IF-1.854)

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/02770903.2015.1012590

8.      Rehman K., Tariq M.A., Sabar M.F. (2015) Allele frequency distribution of CYP2C19*2 allelic variants associated with clopidogrel resistance in cardiac patients of Pakistan.  Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 10(1): 309-315. (IF-1.28)

http://www.spandidos-publications.com/etm/10/1/309

2014:

9.      Iqbal Z., Akhtar T., Akram A.M., Khalid M., Shah I.H., Aleem A., Khalid M., Iqbal J., Aziz. Z., Absar M., Hashmi J.A., Qazi M.H., Khalid A.M.,  Sabar M.F., Karim S., Rasool M., Mahmood A., Gill A.T., Saglio G., Iqbal M. (2014). Detection of Compound BCR-ABL Mutations in TKI Resistant CML Patients Including a Novel K245N Mutation Associated with Primary Nilotinib Resistance By Employing a Newly Developed Cost Effective BCR-ABL Sequencing Protocol.  Blood 124(21):  1810.

(IF-11.841)

(http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/124/21/1810?sso-checked=true)           

2013:

10.  Sabar, M. F., Kousar, S., Zafar, A. U., Shahid, M. (2013) PEG-Interferon Conjugates: Effects of Length and Structure of Linker. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 26(2): 425-430  (IF-0.581)

11.  Sabar, M. F., Awan, F.I., Shahid, M  Ghani, M. U. and Yaqub, M. (2013). Synthesis and Bioactivity Study of 30KDa Linear PEG-Interferon and its Comparison with Tri-Branched PEG-Interferon. Journal of Chemical Society Pakistan 35(1): 119-24    (IF-0.276)

2012:

12.  Awan, T, Iqbal, Z , Aleem, A., Sabir, S., Absar, M.,  Rasool, M., Tahir, A.H., Basit, S., Khalid, A.M., Sabar, M.F., Asad, S, Ali, A.S., Mahmood, A., Akram, M.,   Saeed, T., Saleem, A., Mohsin, D., Shah, I.H., Khalid, M., Asif, M., Haq, R., Iqbal, M., Akhtar, T. (2012) Five Most Common Prognostically Important Fusion Oncogenes are detected in majority of Pakistani Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Patients and are strongly associated with disease biology and treatment outcome.  Asian Pacific Journal Of Cancer Prevention 13(11):5469-5475.                  (IF-2.514)

13.  Sabir, N., Iqbal, Z., Aleem, A., Awan, T., Naeem, T., Asad, S., Tahir, A.H., Absar, M., Hasanato, R.M.W., Basit, S., Chishti, M.A., Ul-Haque, M.F., Khalid, A.M., Sabar, M.F., Rasool, M., Karim, S., Khan, M., Samreen, B., Akram, A.M., Siddiqi, M.H., Shahzadi, S., Shahbaz, S., Ali, A.S., Mahmood, A., Akram, M., Saeed, T., Saleem, A., Mohsin, D., Shah, I.H., Khalid, M., Asif, M., Iqbal, M., Akhtar, T. (2012) Prognostically Significant Fusion Oncogenes in Pakistani Patients with Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and their Association with Disease Biology and Outcome. Asian Pacific Journal Of Cancer Prevention 13(7):3349-55     (IF-2.514)

14.  Iqbal, Z., Noreen, S., Aamer, A., Tashfeen, A., Naeem, T., Sultan, A., Tahir, A. H, Absar, M., Chishti, M.A.,  Faiyaz -ul-Haque, M., Khalid, A. M.,  Sabar, M.F.,  Rasool, M., Ali, A.S., Mahmood, A., Akram, M., Saeed, T., Arsalan, S., Mohsin, D., Shah, I.H., Khalid, M.,  Asif, M., Iqbal, M., Akhtar, T. (2012)  Characterization of Common Fusion Oncogenes As Prognostic Molecular Identities in Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Identifies the Need for Genetic Testing At Presentation, Molecular Prognostication  and Differential Treatment.  Blood 120: 5115. (IF-11.841) http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/120/21/5115.abstract    

15.  Iqbal, Z., Noreen, S., Aamer, A., Tashfeen, A., Naeem, T., Sultan, A., Tahir, A. H, Absar, M., Chishti, M.A.,  Faiyaz -ul-Haque, M., Khalid, A. M.,  Sabar, M.F.,  Rasool, M., Ali, A.S., Mahmood, A., Akram, M., Saeed, T., Arsalan, S., Mohsin, D., Shah, I.H., Khalid, M.,  Asif, M., Iqbal, M., Akhtar, T. (2012)  Detection of Five Common Fusion Oncogenes in Pakistani Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Their Association with Clinical Pattern and Treatment Outcome. Blood 120: 5124. (IF-11.841)

http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/120/21/5124.abstract?sso-checked=true             

2011:

16.  Akbar, H., Idrees, M., Butt, S., Sabar, M.F., Rehaman, I.U., Hussain, A., and Saleem, S.  (2011) High base line interleukine-8 level is a independent risk factor for the achievement of sustained Virological response in chronic HCV patients.  Infection, genetics and evolution. 11(6):1301-5  (IF-2.591)

17.  Iqbal, T., Idrees, M., Ali, L., Hussain, A., Ali, M., Butt, B., Yousaf, M.Z.  and Sabar, M.F. (2011) Isolation and characterization of two new Hepatitis E Virus Genotype 1 strains from two Mini-outbreaks in Lahore, Pakistan. Virology Journal. 8:94     (IF-2.362)

2010:

18.  Sabar, M. F., Yaqub, M., Khan, M. A., Ahmad, N., Ghani, M. U., Shahid, M. (2010) Synthesis of a new tri-branched PEG-IFNα2 and its impact on anti viral bioactivity. International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics 16(4):239�245.  (IF-0.905)

2008:  

19.  Tariq, M.A., Sabir, M.F., Riazuddin, S.A., Riazuddin, S. (2008) Haplotype analysis of two X-chromosome STR clusters in the Pakistani population.  International Journal Of Legal Medicine 123(1):85-7.  (IF-0.87)

20.  Riazuddin, S., Nazli, S., Ahmed, Z.M., Yang, Y., Zulfiqar, F., Shaikh, R.S., Zafar, A.U., Khan, S.N., Sabar, F., Javid, F.T., Wilcox, E.R., Tsilou, E., Boger, E.T., Sellers, J.R., Belyantseva, I.A., Riazuddin, S., Friedman, T.B. (2008) Mutation spectrum of MYO7A and evaluation of a novel nonsyndromic deafness DFNB2 allele with residual function. Human Mutation 29(4):502-11.               (IF-5.089)

2005:

21.  Zhang, Q., Zulfiqar, F., Xiao, X., Riazuddin, S.A., Ayyagari, R., Sabar, F., Caruso, R., Sieving, P.A., Riazuddin, S., Hejtmancik, J.F. (2005)  Severe Autosomal Recessive Retinitis Pigmentosa Maps to Chromosome 1p13.3-p21.2 between D1S2896 and D1S457 but Outside ABCA4. Human Genetics 118(3-4):356-65       (IF-5.138)

22.  Riazuddin, S.A., Yasmeen, A., Zhang, Q., Yao, W., Sabar, M.F., Ahmad, Z., Riazuddin, S. and Hejtmanic, J.F. (2005). A New Locus for autosomal recessive nuclear cataract mapped to chromosome 19q13 in a Pakistani Family. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science 46, 623-626.  (IF-3.427)

23.  Zhang, Q., Zulfiqar, F., Xiao, X., Riazuddin, S.A., Sabar, F., Caruso, R., Sieving, P.A., Riazuddin, S. and Hejtmancik, J.F., 2005. Locus (RP30) for Severe Recessive Retinitis Pigmentosa Maps to Chromosome 1p13. 3�p21. 2 Between D1S2896 and D1S457 but Outside ABCA4. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 46(13):2291-2291. (IF-3.427)

2003:

24.  Ahmed, Z.M., Riazuddin, S., Ahmad, J., Bernstein, S.L., Guo, Y., Sabar, M.F., Sieving, P., Riazuddin, S., Griffith, A.J., Friedman, T.B., Belyantseva, I.A., Wilcox, E.R.  (2003) PCDH15 is expressed in the neurosensory epithelium of the eye and ear and mutant alleles are responsible for both USH1F and DFNB23.  Human Molecular Genetics 15; 12(24):3215-23.          (IF-5.985)

PUBLICATIONS IN HEC RECOGNIZED JOUNALS:

25.  Ghani MU, Sabar MF, Shahid M, Awan FI, Akram M. (2017) A report on Asthma Genetics Studies in Pakistan. Advancements in Life Sciences. Adv. Life Sci. 4(2): 33-38. (review article)

26.  Sabar M.F., Ghani M.U., Shahid M., Sumrin A., Ali A., Akram M., Awan FI, Tariq M.A. (2015) Genetic association of ADAM33�S SNP variants with asthma in the population of Lahore region, Pakistan. Asian J Agri Biol., 03(Special Issue): p. 57

ACCEPTED PUBLICATIONS:

27.  Imran A, Qamar HY, *Ali Q, Naeem H, Riaz M, Amin S, Kanwal N, Ali F, *Sabar MF, Nasir IA. (2017) Role of Molecular Biology in Cancer Treatment. Iranian Journal of Public Health

28.  Sabar MF, Akram M, Awan FI, Ghani MU, Shahid M, Iqbal Z, Kousar S. (2017) Awareness of Asthma Genetics in Pakistan: A Review with Some Recommendations. Advancements in Life Sciences. ALS-2016-295-1060-3-SM

CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS:

PAPER/ ABSTRACT/POSTER PRESENTATION:

1.       Muhammad Farooq Sabar, Muhammad Usman Ghani, Farheena Iqbal Awan, Mariam Shahid, Muhammad Akram and Iqbal Bano (2017). Role of Genomic Variants in the predisposition of Asthma in Pakistani Patients. Proceedings of 3^rd Internatinal Conference on Biotechnology, USA journal of R&D, Page 58

2.       Muhammad Farooq Sabar (2016). Genomic Variants Associated with Asthma in Pakistan. Awareness Seminar on Lungs and Bronchial Diseases

3.       Muhammad Farooq Sabar (2015).  Genomics Associated with Asthma in Pakistan. International Symposium on Advances in Molecular Biology of Plant and Health Sciences, CEMB, PU, Lahore.  ALS Abstract Book, Page 42.

4.       Muhammad Farooq Sabar, Muhammad Usman Ghani, Mariam Shahid, Aleena Sumrin, Amjad Ali, Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Akram Tariq  (2015).  Genetic Association of ADAM33�s SNP variants with Asthma in the Population of Lahore Region, Pakistan.  4th international molecular biology and biotechnology congress & conference on life sciences research 2015. Isra University, Islamabad. MBB06.

5.       Shahid M.,  Sabar M.F., Rahman Z., Bano I., Ghani M.U., Kousar S., Akram M., Husnain T. (2015). Urbanization triggers asthma in �C� allele carriers for rs12603332 European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), P04, Istanbul, Turkey (https://www5.shocklogic.com/scripts/jmevent/programme.php?client_Id=EAACI&project_Id=ASIST15). The poster won the travel grant.

6.       Shahid, M., Sabar, M. F., Bano, I., Rahman, Z., Iqbal, Z., Ali, S. S., Ghani, M. U., Iqbal, M., Husnain, T.  (2014). Chromosome 17q21 is Associated with Asthma in the Population of Lahore, Pakistan.  International Conference "Emerging Trends in Life Sciences for Sustainable Development" held at FC College University, Lahore

GENEBANK (NCBI) SUBMISSIONS OF DNA SEQUENCES:

Following are the accession numbers of sequences submitted to GenBank database (Total 18 sequences)

1.       PCDH15 Gene:

Accession Numbers:

AY388963.1

2.       Cytochrome b gene Pakistani water buffalo (Nili-Ravi breed)

Accession Numbers:

JF946524.1, JF946522.1, JF946520.1, JF946525.1, JF946523.1, JF946521.1, JF946519.1

3.       Hepatitis E virus:

Accession Numbers:

FJ959398.1, FJ959399.1

4.       Hepatitis C virus:

Accession Numbers:

GU736411.1, GU736410.1, GQ300882.1, GQ325251.1, GQ898898.1, GQ451336.1

5.       Hepatitis B Virus:

Accession Numbers:

FJ966118.1, FJ966116.1

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

�       Developed state of the art automated DNA Sequencing Genotyping and Oligos Synthesis Laboratory with an unparallel expertise in DNA sequencing, genotyping and synthesis in the country. This laboratory has processed more than 1,000,000 (One Million) DNA analysis tests and facilities are being used by researchers/ students throughout the country through HEC sponsorship and research grants of the researchers.

�       This facility has contributed in hundreds of MPhil/PhD theses and nearly thousands of research articles from Pakistan.

�       MS, MPhil and PhD students completed their degrees under the supervision of Incharge DNA Core facility

�       Developed procedures for DNA Typing for human identification. The facility has facilitated in crime investigations and parenthood confirmations on the basis of DNA.

�       This group has identified two genomic regions associated with asthma in Pakistani population and found a genomic variant particularly associated with male asthma patients in urban areas. These finding have been published in international good impact factor journals.

�       Helped in the discovery of new deafness gene/loci and identified some already reported deafness loci and various cataract and retinis pigmentosa loci in Pakistani families.

�       Trained many researchers from various universities and research organizations on molecular biology research and modern analytical techniques

 Contact Information:

DR. MUHAMMAD FAROOQ SABAR

Assistanat Professor &

Incharge DNA Core Facility

Email:   farooqsabar@yahoo.com

          farooq.camb@pu.edu.pk

Phone: 042-35293141-6