1

Book of Abstract

Conference on
Promotion of Biotechnology in Bangladesh:
National and International Perspectives
April 6, 7 & 8

Compiled by

Mustak Ibn Ayub

S M Mahbubur Rashid
Md. Mehedi Hasan

Published By

Conference Secreteriat:
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Dhaka

Printed By
Digital Sajghar
34, Northbrook Hall Road,
Dhaka-1100
Ph: 01712964636

2
 Preamble
Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary Science which has the potential to play a major role in National
Development. Management and consolidation of Biotechnology activities in the country is therefore
essential in order to implement a coordinated and coherent plan for the country’s development. In this
context, the recent publication of the ‘Biotechnology Policy’ of the Government through the Ministry of
Science, Information and Communication Technology (MoSICT), is a welcome document. However the
most important need of the hour is to mobilize this policy into an effective ‘plan of action’ with tangible
benefits in the immediate, short-term and long-term future of Bangladesh. This will not only require an
effective prioritization of scientific research, but also identification of successful strategies for generating
sustainable funding for work in specific areas of Medicine, Health, Agriculture, Environment and Energy
and related industries.

For the first time in the country, the Government, Public and Private Universities, a Major Science
Academy and the Private Sector are jointly organizing this 3-day conference to brainstorm and put ideas
forward in an effort to promote Biotechnology in Bangladesh. The Ministry of Science, Information and
Communication Technology, University of Dhaka, BRAC University, Bangladesh Academy of Sciences,
International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research (ICDDR,B), Square Pharmaceuticals, Incepta
Pharmaceuticals and East West Seed (Bangladesh) Ltd. are sponsoring this major event. The participation
of other relevant government agencies, academic and research institutes, both public and private, banking
institutions, and the private sector, are also being welcomed. It is hoped that the deliberations of the
conference will result in the following actions:

1. Scientific capacity assessment within the country in terms of identifiable research outputs of
government, non-government and private institutes working on Biotechnology-related activities.
Strengthening, management and appropriate networking of existing research institutes and
universities. Effective partnership with government agencies and industry for delivering research
output. Strategies for upgrading 1-2 selected institutes into Centers of Excellence, e.g. the
National Institute of Biotechnology, NIB.
2. Establishment of International Linkages with Scientific Centers of Excellence and arranging
collaboration with the help of Expatriate Scientists. Identification of local areas of strength as
well as need, which could attract foreign funding and collaboration.
3. Prioritization of research goals and activities and strategies for implementation of deliverable
outputs in tune with some of the Millennium Development Goals.

It is expected that the deliberations of the conference will produce a targeted plan of action for
biotechnological research activities for National Development. The plan should lead to tangible outputs
through cooperation, networking and coordination, not only among local and expatriate scientists, but also
with the Government, industry and end-users for the welfare of the general population of Bangladesh.

The idea for the conference was initiated by Expatriate and Local Senior Scientists and the forum of
Bangladeshi Biotechnologists built through the website, Global Network of Bangladeshi
Biotechnologists, or GNOBB on a purely voluntary basis. This site has played a crucial role in bringing
the Bangladeshi Biotechnology Community all over the world together over the past two years. The
multifaceted activities of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists and important advances in the diverse fields of
biotechnology have been regularly highlighted in this website. GNOBB was also responsible for bringing
the student community together through the formation of the Young Bangladeshi Biotechnologists web-
based group, YoungBB. A one day preliminary seminar also took place successfully at the Center of
Excellence, University of Dhaka on the 28th December, 2006 to initiate the activities for the current 3-day
conference.

The response to the call of the conference from Biotechnologists within Bangladesh has been
overwhelming. More than 300 participants have already registered for the conference. We were unable to
3
accommodate many undergraduate students, who were eager to participate. Many expatriate scientists
have agreed to participate voluntarily and will be presenting their work. Some scientists unable to
physically participate are providing information through the survey questionnaire, which will be
published in the book of abstracts. We are very sorry that we were unable to accommodate many oral
presentations because of time constraints in this 3-day promotional and scientific conference.

Well known Scientific Leaders from India, Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia are joining us to share their
experience and help us in our endeavors. COMSTECH and ICGEB have joined our efforts to make this
important participation possible. Messages from some expatriate and foreign well-wishing scientists have
been included in the book of abstracts.

Abstracts have been published as received from the participants, without any editing. The abstracts have
been named after the scientist who communicated with us. In a few cases, we were unaware whether the
communicator was a student or professor-we hope that any error in this regard will be overlooked.

The effort of expatriate scientists, conference conveners, conference chairs, chairs of other committees,
Committee members, senior scientists at the venue, ICDDR,B and most of all the young and enthusiastic
volunteers at the conference secretariat have been crucial in organization of the conference. Grateful
mention must also be made of the young student webmasters of the conference website,
promotebiotechbd.net. However organizational lapses may occur and request is being made to the
participants to overlook these and join hands to make the conference a resounding success.

Conference Secretariat

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 Brief Contents

Program 05 - 11
Oral Presentations 14 - 73
Poster Presentations 74 - 141
Expatriate and Foreign
Scientists Abstracts and 142 - 145
Messages
Questionnaire 146 - 230
Conference Committees 231 - 239
Index of Scientists’ Name 240 - 242

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 PROGRAM
Conference on
Promotion of Biotechnology in Bangladesh:
National and International Perspectives
April 6-8, 2007, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Day-1
April 6, 2007: Venue: ICDDR, B, Sasakawa Auditorium

Inaugural Session: 9:00 - 10:10

Chief guest Honorable Mr. Tapan Chowdhury, Advisor, MoSICT

Special Guest: Dr. C. S. Karim, Honorable Adviser, MoA

Prof. A.S. Islam Recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an

Retired Professor, Botany, DU relating to the theme of the Conference and their
Translation
Prof. Jamilur Reza Choudhury
Vice Chancellor, BRAC University Welcome Address and conference objective
Prof. Naiyyum Choudhury Current Status and Prospects for Biotechnology in
Secretary, Bangladesh Academy of Sciences Bangladesh
(BAS)
Dr. David Sack Speech by Guest of Honor
Executive Director, ICDDR,B
Dr. S.M.A Faiz
Vice Chancellor, Dhaka University Speech by Guest of Honor
Prof. Shamsher Ali Speech by Guest of Honor
President, BAS
Dr. C. S. Karim Speech by the Special guest
Honorable Adviser, MoA
Mr. Tapan Chowdhury Inaugural address by the Chief Guest
Honorable Adviser, MoSICT

Tea: 10:10 - 11:00

Scientific Session 1: 11:00 -13:00

Chair: Dr. A. K. Azad Khan, Secretary General, Diabetic Association of Bangladesh
Co-Chair: Dr. Anwar Nasim, Adviser Science, COMSTECH, Pakistan

Prof. Ahmed A. Azad (Scientific Adviser Novel Therapeutic Strategies against AIDS
(CSA), ICGEB and TWAS Research Professor, Progression based on the Structure and Function of
BRAC University) HIV-1 Pathogenic Proteins Nef and Vpr.
Potential For Biotechnology In Environmental
Dr. S. M. Faruque (Head, Molecular Genetics,
Intervention To Prevent Epidemic Diseases:
ICDDR, B)
Cholera As A Model
Dr. Alam Nur-É-Kamal (Associate Professor,
Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical Embryonic Stem Cells: Potential Use in Tissue
School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
New Jersey, USA)
Dr. Lamia Sharmeen (Nanoderm Therapeutics, Drug Discovery Knowledge And Application:
Founder and CSO, USA) Strategies to Reinvent The R&D Business Model

LUNCH 13:00-14:15
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Scientific Session 2: 14:15-16.45

Chair: Prof. S. Hadiuzzaman, Botany, DU

Co-Chair: Dr. C.M. Hasan, Chairman, BCSIR

Dr. Abed Chaudhury (CSIRO, Biotechnological Approaches in Hybrid Development

Australia)
Dr. Firdausi Qadri (Head, Vaccine Research, Development and Production: an important
Immunology, ICDDR,B) strategy for Reducing Infectious Diseases in Bangladesh
Prof. A.K. Azad Choudhury Biotechnology to Solve some Local health Problems:
(Pharmacy, DU) Arsenicosis, Molecular Characterization of Pathogens,
Emergence of Multi Drug Resistance and Development of
Drugs for Multidrug Resistant Pathogens.
Prof. M. Anwar Hossain, Biosensors for Pesticide Detection in Fruits and Vegetables
(Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
and Dean, Biological Science Faculty,
DU)
Prof. Haseena Khan (Biochemistry Understanding Jute at The Molecular Level
and Molecular Biology, DU)

TEA 16.45-17:00

Scientific Session 3:
17:00-18.15

Chair: Dr. Abed Chaudhury, PI, CSIRO, Australia

Co-Chair: Dr. Zafar Iqbal

Dr. Abul Ekramoddoullah (Canadian Proteomic Approach to Study Forest Tree-Pathogen

Forest Service, Victoria, Canada) Interaction
Prof. Zeba Seraj (Biochemistry and Approaches to Production of Salt Tolerant Rice for Coastal
Molecular Biology DU.) Region of Bangladesh
Prof. R.H. Sarker (Botany, DU.) Improvement of Grain Legumes

POSTER SESSION*** 18:15-19:15

Exhibition all day

Cultural Program
& Buffet Dinner hosted by East West Seeds: 19:15

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Day-2
April 7, 2007: Venue: ICDDR, B, Sasakawa auditorium

Session 1: 09:00-11.00

Biotechnology in developing countries

Chair: Mr. Sayeduzzaman, Chairman, Bangladesh Rice Foundation

Co-Chair: Dr. G. B. Nair, ICDDR,B

Prof. V. S. Chauhan (Director, Biotechnology in India: An ICGEB Experience

ICGEB, India)
Dr. Anwar Nasim (Advisor, Biotechnology Initiatives In Pakistan
COMSTECH, Pakistan)
Prof. Mehmet Ozturk (Molecular Life Sciences And Biotechnology In Turkey
Biology and Genetics, Bilkent
University, Turkey)
Dr. Asma Ismail (Director, Inst. Integrating excellence in molecular science and technology to
Research Molecular Medicine, generate Knowledge-based industries: A Malaysian
Malaysia) experience in diagnostics

Open Discussion & TEA: 11.00- 11:30

Session 2:
Capacity Development I 11:30 -13:15

Chair: Major General Dr. A. S. M. Matiur Rahman (Rtd.)

Co-Chair: Dr. Naiyyum Choudhury

Prof. Ahmed A. Azad (Scientific Biotechnology Capacity Development in scientifically lagging

Adviser, ICGEB and TWAS Research countries of Asia and Africa through the establishment of a
Professor, BRAC University) Drug Discovery and Development Research Network based on
Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous Resources
Prof. Yusuf Haider (ProVC, DU) Research prospects at the Centre of Excellence, DU
Mr. S. M. Wahid-uz-Zaman Coordination and funding for Biotechnology Research
(Secretary, MoSICT)
Mr. A. Muktadir (MD, Incepta Prospects for biopharmaceutical R&D in Bangladesh
Pharmaceuticals)
Dr. A. K. Azad (Biochemistry,
National Guidelines on Medical Biotechnology in Bangladesh
NICVD)

LUNCH: 13:15-14:15

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Session 3: 14:15-16:00
Capacity Development II
Chair: Dr. C.S. Karim, Adviser
Co-Chair: Prof. Serajul I. Khan, Prof. Microbiology, DU

Dr. Jalaluddin Bhuiyan (Head,

Importance of Laboratory Tests to a Country’s Healthcare
Clinical Biocem., King Faisal
System and its Accreditation – What It Is and How to Get It?
Hospital, SA)
Dr. M.A Razzak (Member-Director, Overview of Policy and Research in Agricultural
Crops, BARC) Biotechnology
Mr. Awal Mintoo (Chairman, East Social and Economic Dimension of Agricultural
West Seeds) Biotechnology
Prof. Mushtaque Choudhury (Dean,
BRAC’s Biotechnology Vision for BD
BRAC School of Public Health)

TEA: 16:00-16:15

Session 4: 16:15-17:45
Research Partnerships, Biosafety, Bioethics, IPR etc.

Chair: Dr. David Sack, Executive Director, ICDDR, B

Co-Chair: Dr. Ainun Nishat, IUCN

Prof. A.S. Islam (Retired from Botany,

GMOs and Biosafety
DU)
Mr. Md. Solaiman Haider (Assistant
Cartagena Protocols on Biosafety and its implementation
Director (Technical) Department of
activities in Bangladesh
Environment)
Mr. Michael Behan Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation, Trade Laws and
(ICDDR, B) Access
Dr. Sharif Akhteruzzaman (Forensic DNA Technology in Forensic Science: Bangladesh
Science, DMC) Perspective
Ms. Nafisa Akhter Rouf (Executive,
Agrobiotechnology and Square
Square Agrobiotech)
Dr. Shah Md. Razzaque (BRAC Biotech
Plant Tissue Culture at BRAC ARDC
Laboratory, Joydebpur)

POSTER SESSION*** 17:45-19:00

Exhibition all day;
Chairs and committee for selection of best posters
Prof. Rafiqur Rahman, Prof. Ziauddin Ahmad, Prof. M. Imdadul Hoque, Dr Prof. Mozammel
Hoq, Prof. Sayedul Islam, Prof. Choudhury Rafiqul Ahsan

FORMAL DINNER 19:00

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Day-3
April 8, 2007: Venue: ICDDR, B, Sasakawa Auditorium
Session 1: 09:00-11:00

Research Institutes: Current and Future Activities

Chair: Prof. Saleheen Qadri, Director CoE, DU

Co-Chair: Prof. Mamunur R. Chowdhury, DU

Prof. M. A. Aziz
(Project Director, National Institute of Prospects of research at NIB
Biotechnology)
New Frontiers in Laboratory Sciences at ICDDR,B
Dr. G. B. Nair (ICDDR,B)
Biochemical and genetic characterization of young onset
Dr. Liaquat Ali (BIRDEM) diabetes in Bangladeshi population

Dr. C.M. Hasan (Chairman, BCSIR) Present Status of Biotechnological Research in BCSIR
Present and Future Research Perspectives in Herbals,
Prof. M. A. Rashid (Dean, Faculty of
Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnological
Pharmacy, DU)
Areas
Dr. Samir Kumar Saha (Shishu Resource-poor Microbiology Laboratories in Bangladesh:
Hospital) Prospects of Biotechnology

TEA: 11:00- 11:30

Session 2: Oral Presentations (3 concurrent sessions) 11:30-13:30

Concurrent 1 : Sasakawa Auditorium

Chair: Prof. Mustafizur Rahman, DU

Co-Chair: Prof. Md. Shahjahan, RU

Dr. Firoz Alam (Botany, RU), Biotechnology for Rice and Solid Waste Decomposition
Prof. M.A. Rahim (Horticulture, Germplasm Center (GPC)-The largest fruit genetic resources
BAU) for biotechnological research
Morpho-Molecular Characterization of Plant Varieties of
Prof. Lutfur Rahman (BAU)
Bangladesh for Variety Protection
Molecular Characterization of Landraces and Wild relatives of
Prof. Md. Golam Rabbani (BAU)
Some Important Vegetables and Fruits of Bangladesh
Generation of Bioengineered Rapeseed for Salt Tolerance
Dr. Lutful Hassan (BAU)
Dr. Aparna Islam (BRAC University) Plant Defensin for Improving Plant Resistance
Phylogenetic Relationship of Phytophthora citrophthora
Dr. A.F.M. Jamal Uddin (BAU) Isolates based on rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequence
Analysis.
A Classical and Molecular Analysis: Are Genes for Salinity
Dr. M.M. Islam (BINA) Tolerance at Seedling and Reproductive Stages in Rice the
Same or Different?
Application of Molecular Markers to Rice Breeding
Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam (BRRI) Populations and Haplotype Diversity for Salinity Tolerance in
Chromosome 1
Dr. S. H. Prodhan (Tsukuba) Salt Tolerant Rice Development through Genetic Engineering

10
Concurrent 2: Seminar Room 1
Chair : Prof. Ishtiaq Mahmud, DU
Co-Chair: Prof. Anwar Hossain (Microbiology, DU)

Generation of Monoclonal Antibody for Prostaglandin D2

Dr. M. A. Mazid (Pharmacy, DU) Using Stable, Isoteric Analogue as an Hapten Mimic and its
Application
Dr. Rashidul Haque Molecular Diagnostic Tests for Enteric Protozoan Parasites:
(ICDDR, B) Recent Developments
Dr. Apala F. Naved Screening For Lymphatic Filariasis and Development Of
(BMB-DU) Indigenous Molecular Diagnosis.
Dr. Rubhana Raqib (ICDDR,B) Evaluation of Antibodies in Lymphocyte Supernatant- New
Hope for Diagnosis of Pediatric TB.
Dr. Md. Bakhtiar Hossain (ICDDR, Effects of Iron and Zinc Supplementation during Pregnancy
B) on Neonatal Iron Status in Rats.
Dr. Anwarul Azim Akhand (GEB, Arsenic-mediated Apoptosis of Murine T Lymphocytes
DU) involving Activation of JNK

Molecular Characterization and Clinical Evaluation of Dengue

Dr. M. Alimul Islam (BAU)
Outbreak in 2002 in Bangladesh
Current Advances In The Formulation And Delivery Of
Nadim Ashraf (UK)
Insulin
Dr. Md. Shahidur Rahaman Khan Molecular Characterization of the Major Outer Membrane
(Microbiology, BAU) Protein of Haemophilus somnus

Concurrent 3 : CSD Auditor

Chair: Prof. H. K. M. Yusuf
Co-Chair: Prof. Laila Noor Islam

Dr. Arifuzzaman (Dept. of

Large scale Identification of Protein-Protein Interaction of
Biochemistry and Biotechnology,
E.coli K-12
USTC)
Abdullah-Al-Mueen (Bioinformatics, A Heuristic Algorithm for Individual Haplotyping with
BUET) Minimum Error Correction
Dr. A.K. Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan Characterization, Conservation and Improvement of Red
(Animal Breeding, BAU) Chittagong Cattle of Bangladesh
Dr. Khan Shahidul Haque (BLRI) Development of Herbal Feed Additives for Ruminants
Dr. Ananda K. Saha Biodegradation of Effluents of Tannery Wastes
(Zoology, RU)
Dr. Md. Amzad Hossain (BSRI) Tissue culture: An effective Biotechnological Tool for
Propagation, Production and Utilization of Stevia at
Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute
Dr. Md. Mukhlesur Rahman Khan Genetic Variation of Wild and Hatchery Populations of Indian
(Fisheries, BAU) Major Carp,Catla (Catla Catla Hamilton) revealed by RAPD
markers
Dr. Md. Azharul I. Talukder (BLRI) Study on RAPD Analysis of Selective Goat Population
Development of Somaclonal Variants of Strawberry, Adaptive
Dr. Monzur Hossain (RU)
to the Agro-Ecological Condition of Bangladesh
Development and Evaluation of Transgenic Lettuce
Dr. M. Aminul Haque (RU) Expressing Salmon calcitonin (sCT) and Human calcitonin
related peptide (hCGRP) Genes.

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LUNCH 13:30-14:30

Session 3: 14:30-16:00
Improvement of Research Productivity and Infrastructure

Chair: Mr. Mahfuz Anam Co-Chair: Dr. Firdausi Qadri, ICDDR, B

Dr. A.S. Islam (Retired Professor, Presentation of Draft Position Paper

Botany, DU)
Open Discussion and Recommendations

TEA: ` 16:00-17:00
(Finalization of Recommendations by the Implementation Committee during tea break)

CONCLUDING SESSION 17:00- 17:30

Chief Guest: Major General (Retd) Dr. A.S.M. Matiur Rahman

Co-Chair: Dr. A. S. Islam

Prof. A. Azad (Conference Chair) Presentation of Final Recommendations and Press Release
Prof. Jamilur Reza Choudhury Closing remarks
(Chairperson of Preparatory
Committee)
Prof. Haseena Khan (Secretary, OC) Vote of thanks

PRESS RELEASE 17:30-18:

DINNER: Invited Speakers, Sponsors, Chairs/Co-Chairs, Preparatory Committee

12
13
Abstracts

‰ Oral Presentations

A. Scientific (S)
B. Promotional (Pr)

‰ Poster Presentations (P)

14
Abstract

Oral Presentations

15
 Detailed Contents of
Oral Presentations
(The recieved abstracts are arranged according to their presentation sequence in the program)

A. Scientific

Category Name of Author Subject Page

No.
S-1 Ahmed A Azad Novel Therapeutic Strategies against
AIDS Progression based on the Structure 19
and Function of HIV-1 Pathogenic
Proteins Nef and Vpr
S-2 Alam Nur-E-Kamal Ph.D. Embryonic Stem Cells: Potential Use in
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative 20
Medicine
S-3 Lamia Sharmeen, PhD Drug Discovery knowledge and
application: Strategies to reinvent the 21
research and development business
model
S-4 A.K. Azad Chowdhury, Sheikh
Zahir Raihan, M. Asaduzzaman,
Nishat Nasreen and Nahid Biotechnology to solve some local health
Akhter, A. K. M. Shahidur problems: arsenicosis, molecular
Rahman, Mohammad Shawkat characterization of pathogens, emergence
of multi drug resistance and development 22
Ali
of drugs for multi drug resistant
& pathogens
Golam Hasan Rabbani,
Mahbubur Rahman, and Kaiser
Ali Talukder
S-5 M. Anwar Hossain, Kagan
Kerman, Naoki Nagatani,
Akihiro Takeuchi, Teruko Biosensors for pesticide detection in 26
Yuhi,Tatsuro Endo, , Yuzuru fruits and vegetables
Takamura and Eiichi Tamiya
S-6 Nadim Ashraf, Aleya Awal,
Samiul Haque, Monira Obaid,
Rokeya Sultana, Saaimatul Understanding Jute at the Molecular 27
Hoque, Shakinur Islam Mondal Level
and Haseena Khan
S-7 Abul K M Ekramoddoullah Proteomic Approach to Study Forest 28
Tree-Pathogen Interaction
S-8 Zeba I. Seraj Approaches to Production of Salt
Tolerant Rice for Saline Costal Region of 29
Bangladesh
S-9 R. H. Sarker, Rehana Hashem Improvement of Grain Legumes 30
and M. I. Hoque Through Genetic Transformation
S-10 M. Firoz Alam, M.
Khalekuzzaman, S. Mahfuja Biotechnology for Rice and Solid Waste
Decomposition 31
Khatun, Swapan K. Datta and
Philippe Herve
16
S-11 M. A. Rahim, H. R. M. Masud
Anwar, M. S. Alam, M. A. Kabir, Germplasm Center (GPC)-The largest
B. C. Sarker, M. S. Bari, N. fruit genetic resources for 33
Naher, F. Islam, D. A. N. biotechnological research
Majumder

S-11 Lutfur Rahman, Rezwan Mollah,

Sayeda Sulata, Mohammad Morpho-molecular Characterization of
Nazrul Islam, Nesar Uddin plant varieties of Bangladesh for plant 34
Ahmed, Md. Shefatur Rahman, variety protection
Md. Nazim-ud-Dowla , M.Shah-
e-Alam, and M.S.Alam
S-12 M.G. Rabbani, M. A. Rahman Molecular Characterization of Landraces
and E.J. Garvey and Wild relatives of Some Important 35
Vegetables and Fruits of Bangladesh
S-13 Lutful Hassan and S.K. Talukder Generation of bioengineered rapeseed for 36
salt tolerance
S-14 Aparna Islam and V. S. Reddy Plant Defensin For Improving Plant 37
Resistance
S-15 A.F.M. Jamal Uddin, M. Senda, Phylogenetic relationship of
S. Uematsu, and K. Kageyama Phytophthora citrophthora isolates based 38
on rDNA internal transcribed spacer
sequence analysis
S-16 M.M. Islam and G.B. Gregorio A Classical and Molecular Analysis: Are
Genes for Salinity Tolerance at Seedling 39
and Reproductive Stages in Rice the
Same or Different?
S-17 M.R. Islam, G.B Gregorio, Application of Molecular Markers to
B.C.Y. Collard, E. Tumimbang- Rice Breeding Populations and
Raiz, D.L. Adorada, R.D. Haplotype Diversity for Salinity 40
Mendoza, M.A. Salam, and L. Tolerance in Chromosome 1
Hassan
S-18 Shamsul H. Prodhan, K. Nakao, Salt Tolerant Rice Development Through
K. Nagamiya, T. Motohashi, S. Genetic Engineering 41
Jesmin, A. Komamine and H.
Morishima.
S-19 M. A. Mazid, M. A. Rashid, A. Generation of Monoclonal Antibody for
A. Chowdhury, K. Nishimura, Prostaglandin D2 Using the Stable, 42
M. Jisaka, T. Nagaya, and K. Isosteric Analogue as an Hapten Mimic
Yokota and its Application
S-20 Rashidul Haque Molecular diagnostic tests for enteric
protozoan parasites: Recent 43
Developments
S-21 Apala Farhat Naved Screening endemicity for lymphatic
filariasis (LF) and development of
indigenous molecular diagnostics 44
Running Title- LF endemicity &
indigenous molecular diagnostics
S-22 Rubhana Raqib, Dinesh Mondal, Evaluation of antibodies in lymphocyte
Anwarul karim, Fahima supernatant- New hope for diagnosis of
Chowdhury, Sultan Ahmed, pediatric TB. 45
Sanaul Bashar, Stephen Luby,
Jan Andersson, David Sack.
17
S-23 Mohammad Bakhtiar Hossain, Effects of iron and zinc
Shannon L Kelleher, and Bo L supplementation during pregnancy on 46
Lonnerdal. neonatal iron status in rats.
S-24 Anwarul Azim Akhand, Khaled Arsenic-mediated apoptosis of murine T 47
Hossain and Izumi Nakashima lymphocytes involving activation of JNK
S-25 M.A. Islam, M. U. Ahmed , N. Molecular Characterization and Clinical
Begum , N. A. Chowdhury , A. Evaluation of Dengue Outbreak in Year
H. Khan , M. C. Parquet , S. 2002 in Bangladesh 48
Bipolo , S. Inoue , F. Hasebe , Y.
Suzuki and K. Morita
S-26 Nadim Ashraf and Gary Adams Current Advances in Insulin Delivery and 49
Formulation
S-27 M.S.R. Khan, A. Tanaka A,H Molecular Characterization of the Major
Ide, K Hoshinoo, Y Hanafusa , Y Outer Membrane Protein of Haemophilus 50
Tagawa2 somnus
S-28 Mohammad Arifuzzaman, Maki Large-Scale identification of protein-
Maeda, Rintarou Saito, protein interaction of Escherichia coli K- 51
Shigehiko Kanaya, Chieko Wada, 12
Hirotada Mori
S-29 Abdullah Al Mueen, Md. A Heuristic Algorithm for Individual
Shamsuzzoha Bayzid, Md. Haplotyping with Minimum Error 52
Maksudul Alam and Md. Saidur Correction
Rahman
S-30 K. S. Huque and Nasrin Sultana Development of herbal feed additives for 53
ruminants
S-31 A.K.Saha, M.A.Mannan , and Biodegradation of tannery effluents by 54
M.K. Mahanta bacteria
S-32 Dr. Md. Mukhlesur Rahman Genetic variation of wild and hatchery
Khan populations of Indian major carp, catla 55
(Catla catla Hamilton) revealed by
RAPD markers
S-33 M.A.I. Talukder; B.B. Roy and Study on RAPD Analysis of Selective 56
K.M. Hossain Goat Population

S-34 M. Hossain, U.K. Roy, R. Karim, Development of Somaclonal Variants of

MK Biswas, N Nahar, A Hoque Strawberry Adaptive to the Agro- 57
and R Islam ecological Condition of Bangladesh.

S-35 A. Hoque, M. Hossain, MB. Development and Evaluation of

Ahmed, MK. Biswas and R. Transgenic Lettuce Expressing Salmon 58
Islam calcitonin (sCT) and Human calcitonin
related peptide (hCGRP) Genes.

18
 B. Promotional

Category Name of Author Subject Page

No.
Pr-1 Prof. Virander Singh Chauhan Biotechnology in India: An ICGEB 61
Experience
Pr-2 Dr. Anwar Nasim Biotechnology Initiatives in Pakistan 62
Pr-3 Mehmet Ozturk, Ph. D. Life Sciences And Biotechnology in 63
Turkey
Pr-4 Prof Asma Ismail Integrating excellence in molecular
science and technology to generate 64
Knowledge-based industries:
A Malaysian experience in diagnostics
Pr-5 Prof. Ahmed A. Azad Biotechnology Capacity Development in
scientifically lagging countries of Asia
and Africa through the establishment of a 65
Drug Discovery and Development
Research Network based on Traditional
Knowledge and Indigenous Resources
Pr-6
Dr. A. K. Azad National Guidelines on Medical 66
Biotechnology in Bangladesh
Pr-7 Dr. Jalaluddin Bhuiyan Importance of Laboratory Tests to a
Country’s Healthcare System and its 67
Accreditation – What It Is and How to
Get It.
Pr-8 Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaque Biotechnology Policy, Challenges and
Opportunities and Research at 68
Agricultural Research Institutes: An
Overview
Pr-9 Mr.Michael Behan Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation, 69
Trade Laws and Access
Pr-10 Dr. Sharif Akhteruzzaman DNA Technology in Forensic Science: 70
Bangladesh Perspective
Pr-11 Dr. Liaquat Ali Biochemical and Genetic
Characterization of Young Onset 71
Diabetes in Bangladeshi Population
Pr-12 M. A. Rashid, M. A. Mazid, M. Present and Future Research Perspectives
S. Rahman, M. R. Haque in Herbals, Pharmaceuticals, 72
Biopharmaceuticals
and Biotechnological Areas
Pr-13 Samir K. Saha, Ph.D. Resource-poor microbiology laboratories
in Bangladesh: Prospects of 73
Biotechnology.

19
 Novel Therapeutic Strategies against AIDS Progression based on the
Structure and Function of HIV-1 Pathogenic Proteins Nef and Vpr

Ahmed A Azad1

HIV/AIDS kills more people than any other infectious disease, and causes devastation to the
health and economies of the poorest and least developed countries of the world that are least
able to afford the currently used retroviral therapy that has had a dramatic effect in reversing
AIDS-related morbidity and mortality in the developed countries. While the world eagerly
awaits an effective prophylactic vaccine, there is an urgent and on-going need to slow the
infection rate and provide relief to the 45 million HIV-infected people. There is, therefore, an
urgent need for new drugs and therapeutic vaccines, for the infected population, that are
effective, affordable and patient friendly, and that help to slow progression to full blown AIDS.

We have presented evidence to show that HIV-1 accessory proteins Nef and Vpr could be
involved in AIDS pathogenesis. When present in the extracellular medium, Nef and Vpr cause
the death of uninfected (bystander) cells, and may, therefore, be responsible for the depletion of
immune cells in lymphoid tissues during HIV infection. When present inside the cell they
prevent the death of infected cells and could, therefore, contribute to increase in viral load.
Neutralisation of extracellular Nef and Vpr should prevent the death of uninfected immune
cells and thereby the destruction of the immune system. Neutralization of intracellular Nef and
Vpr should hasten the death of infected cells and help reduce the viral load. Nef and Vpr are,
therefore, very important molecular targets for developing therapeutics that slow progression
to AIDS.

Nature has pointed to some very useful potential drugs. The N-terminal region of Nef and
naturally-occurring Bee Venom Mellitin have very similar primary and tertiary structures, and
they both act by destroying membranes. Chemical analogues of a Mellitin Inhibitor prevent
Nef-mediated cell death and inhibit the interacton of Nef with cellular proteins involved in
apoptosis. Naturally occurring Bee Propolis also contains substances that prevent Nef-mediated
cell lysis, and increases proliferation of CD4 cells in HIV-infected cultures.

Simple bioassays, based on the pathogenic effects of Nef and Vpr, have been developed in my
laboratory. These can be used in Bangladesh to screen natural product libraries held by
Bangladeshi laboratories to discover lead compounds and develop new IP. Bangladeshi
scientists could choose to join a drug discovery and development research network being set up
in the OIC region to optimize the lead molecules into candidate drugs.

1TWAS Research Professor, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

a_azad05@yahoo.com.au

20
 Embryonic Stem Cells: Potential Use in Tissue Engineering and
Regenerative Medicine

Alam Nur-E-Kamal Ph.D.1

Embryonic stem cells (MESCs) are permanent cell lines derived from the inner cell mass of
blastocysts. Embryonic stem cells possess the ability to grow in cell culture condition and
differentiate into all types of body cells under appropriate conditions. The regulation of
embryonic stem cell fate is controlled by the interplay of signaling networks that either promote
self-renewal or induce differentiation. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a cytokine
demonstrated to be a requirement for stem cell renewal in mouse but not in human embryonic
stem cells. However, feeder layers of embryonic fibroblasts are capable of inducing stem cell
renewal in both cell types, suggesting that the self-renewal signaling pathways may also be
promoted by other triggers, such as alternative cytokines and/or chemical or physical
properties of the ECM secreted by feeder fibroblasts. We have recently developed a synthetic
nanofibrillar matrix whose three dimensional organization resembles the ECM/basement
membrane. Growth of mouse embryonic stem cells on these three dimensional (3D) surfaces
greatly enhanced proliferation and self-renewal in comparison to growth on two dimensional
(2D) surfaces, despite the presence of LIF in both systems. Enhanced proliferation and self-
renewal of the stem cells on 3D surfaces was correlated with the activation of the small GTPase
Rac, the enhanced expression of nanog, a homeoprotein which is required for maintenance of
pluripotency; and the enhanced expression of c-Fos, a transcription factor involved in the
regulation of cell cycle progression, differentiation, and apoptosis. Use of inhibitors of PI3K
demonstrated a decrease in the expression level of nanog for mouse embryonic stem cells
cultured on 3D surfaces. 3D polyamide nanofibers also stimulated human embryonic stem cell
proliferation. We have developed condition to direct differentiation of mouse and human
embryonic stem cell to brain and pancreatic precursor cells. These precursor cells are now being
used to produce mature brain and pancreatic cells. Potential application of differentiated
embryonic stem cells will be discussed.

1Department of Pharmacology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-UMDNJ, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
And Department of Biology, MEC-City University of New York, New York 11225, USA

21
 Drug Discovery Knowledge and Application: Strategies to Reinvent the
Research and Development Business Model

Lamia Sharmeen, PhD1

The primary objective of drug discovery is to utilize knowledge with a purpose to transfer its
benefit from bench side to patients. Transferring bench research to patients or translational
research is driving the modern drug discovery. This lecture will present few examples of G-
protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and cell signal molecules to illustrate how scientific ideas
can be transferred into discoveries of new therapeutic molecules.

The CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and CXCR4 are used by the human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) to infect cells. Strategies that target human CCR5 were therefore developed to
prevent and treat HIV infection. Two novel series of aminal and indole-amine compounds were
identified as potent and selective inhibitors of HIV infection.

Similarly, clozapine, targets a GPCR, acetylcholine muscarinic receptor, and it was approved in
1989 by US Food and Drug administration as first atypical anti-psychotic for its effectiveness in
drug refractory patients. However, it causes agranulocytosis in some patients leading to death.
Recent work has led to a new understanding of the mechanism of action of this compound.
One of the metabolites of clozapine, n-desmethylclozapine functions as muscarinic M1 subtype
selective allosteric agonist and this property could be responsible for its superior activity.

Many drug discovery targets may not be accessible to small chemical molecules. A small
peptide sequence (Ac-PHSRN-NH2) derived from cell fibronectin protein, functions like a
signal molecule to enhance cell invasion and migration leading to rapid wound closure and
reepithelization in wound model of obese diabetic mice. One of our current research goals is to
develop this early discovery product by proving its efficacy in diabetic ulcer patients and
develop a nanoparticles encapsulated topical formulation for drug delivery.

New paradigm in modern drug discovery empowered by biotechnology tools like genomics,
proteomics and bioinformatics is shifting research from small chemical molecule to biologics,
and RNA interference technologies. This shift will include fusion of diagnostics with
therapeutics, biotechnology with nanotechnology.

1Nanoderm Therapeutics Inc., 330 E. Liberty, LL Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA

22
 Biotechnology to Solve Some Local Health Problems: Arsenicosis,
Molecular Characterization of Pathogens, Emergence of Multi Drug
Resistance and Development of Drugs for Multi Drug Resistant Pathogens

A.K. Azad Chowdhury1, Sheikh Zahir Raihan1, M. Asaduzzaman1, Nishat Nasreen1

and Nahid Akhter, A. K. M. Shahidur Rahman1, Mohammad Shawkat Ali1
&
Golam Hasan Rabbani , Mahbubur Rahman2, and Kaiser Ali Talukder2
2

1. Antioxidants (a recipe of vitamins, β-carotene, selenium) and Applephenon® in detoxifica-

tion of Arsenic induced oxidative injury in rabbits

Inorganic arsenic contamination of drinking water from various sources has been the cause of
chronic arsenic poisoning in many countries including Bangladesh (1). Arsenic concentrations
in drinking water in Bangladesh have been found to be higher than WHO recommended
standards of .01mg/L (2,3). Recent surveys have shown that about 90% of the tube wells
providing 97% of the drinking water were found to contain unacceptable levels of arsenic
ranging from .05 to 3.0mg/L (2,3). Arsenic is known to cause severe adverse effects on human
health including cancers of the skin and urinary bladder (4). It has been estimated that 75
million people are exposed to the risk of chronic arsenic poisoning; many of them showing early
changes in skin and arsenic accumulation in scalp hair and finger nail.

The mechanisms of arsenic toxicity in man are poorly understood, although the involvement of
oxidative stress, DNA damage, and genetic abnormalities has been suggested (5,6). During
oxidative metabolism, arsenic produces free radicals such as superoxides anion (O2-) and
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which induce lipid peroxidation and cell death. Similarly, nitric
oxide (NO) or its toxic derivatives, peroxinitrites can damage cells by inhibiting mitochondrial
respiration or interacting with reactive oxygen species (7).

Many social and technical interventions are going on in Bangladesh to provide arsenic free
drinking water to the people (2). But the efforts or intervention to alleviate sufferings of the
millions of people who have already been exposed to varying degree of arsenic poisoning are
very limited, if any. The studies conducted by this group are aimed at relieving the oxidative
stress caused by the arsenic by using vitamins and natural products (mainly poly phenolic
compounds) that have antioxidative properties. In the initial study, a receipe of Vitamins, A, C,
E and beta carotene and selenium, and Applephenon(R) (a mixture of proanthocyanin and
anthocyanin, a gift from Tomen Corporation, Japan) have been tested in the rabbit model of
Arsenicosis.

2. Effect of black and green tea extracts (Ployphenols) on Arsenic induced oxidative injury in rabbits

Sheikh Zahir Raihan, G. H. Rabbani, A.K. Azad Chowdhury

Encouraged by the results of the Applephenon which is essentially a mixture of anthocyanins in

relieving the arsenic induced oxidative stress in the rabbit model of arsenocosis [1], the authors
became interested to test the effect of black and green tea extracts, which are known to have
antioxidant properties due to their polyphenol constituents [2-4], in the model. The rabbit
model of arsenicosis developed by the group in the previous study has been used to test the
effect of Black and Green tea extracts in relieving the oxidative stress caused by arsenicosis.

23
Black tea (BT) and green tea (GT) extracts (polyphenols), each, when administered for the next
14 days caused a significant elevation of the depleted GSH level to 53.12 and 57.47%
respectively in rabbit model of arsenicosis. On the contrary, in the placebo group (PL) the
elevation was 26.59%. The BT and GT reduced the elevated TBARS level to 43.27%, 62.28%
respectively whereas the corresponding reduction in PL group was 21.24%. The NOx levels
were also reduced to 63.62%, 67.67%, and 58.94% in BT, GT and PL groups respectively. When
arsenic and black tea extract are given concurrently in another group the results were even
more pronounced. The polyphenols components of black and green teas were 27.69% and
29.71% of the dry weight of the total extracts respectively. These results indicate that arsenic
induced toxicities in rabbits were significantly reversed by the black and green tea polyphenols.
The greater activity of green tea compared to that of black tea correlates with slightly higher
content of polyphenols in green tea.

3. Antibiotic Susceptibility and Molecular Characterization of Salmonella Paratyphi A

Isolated in Bangladesh
K. A. Talukder (kaisar@icddrb.org)1, M. Asaduzzaman2, Z. Islam1, M. Aslam1, A. S. Mondol1, I.
J. Azmi1, M. A. Islam1 and A.K.A. Chowdhury2
Enteric fever, comprising both typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, continues to be a major public
health problem even after the development and advent of newer antimicrobial drugs (1,2).
Recent surveillance in Asia gives indication of increase in Paratyphoid fever and similar trends
was also observed in the UK (2) Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi A is the second most
common cause of enteric fever after S. Typhi in developing countries including Bangladesh. Till
date there are no published data which can reflect the present status of the prevalence,
susceptibility pattern and genetic properties of S. Paratyphi A strains in Bangladesh.
The major objective of this study was to characterize Salmonella Paratyphi A strains using
phenotypic and genotypic traits. A total of 524 strains of Salmonella Paratyphi A were isolated at
Clinical Microbiology Laboratory from patients attending the Dhaka treatment center of
ICDDR,B between January 1999 and June 2004. Of these, 31 strains were characterized
extensively using serotyping, antibiotic resistance analysis, plasmid profile analysis and pulsed-
field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and DNA sequencing was performed to investigate the
resistance mechanism against fluroquinolone antibiotics.
Among the 31 strains, 32% (n=10) were resistant to nalidixic acid. Strains that showed reduced
susceptibility to ciprofloxacin by disk diffusion method, had elevated MIC value (0.5µg/ml).
Analysis for mutation in the gyrA and parC genes in the QRDR by sequencing revealed a point
mutation in the gyrA gene at codon 83 (TCC to TTC), which substitutes phenylalanine for serine
whereas no mutations were found in parC gene. Of 31 strains, 16 (52%) S. Paratyphi A strains
harbored 35 MDa plasmid which was found to be non-conjugative. Pulse-field gel
electrophoresis (PFGE) showed that most of the strains (83%) were clonal regardless of
antimicrobial sensitivity patterns.

The study emphasizes further extensive characterization and epidemiological investigation of

Salmonella Paratyphi A which will aid in undertaking strategy to combat antimicrobial
resistance in the species and redefining the treatment strategy with conventional, effective
antimicrobial agents in the face of the emergence of strains with reduced susceptibility to
fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics.
4. Emergence of Optochin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae: Implications for Diagnosis
and Management of Pneumococcal Diseases
M. Rahman1, H. Rashid1, N. Nasrin2, K. Zaman1, N. Nahar1, and A.K.A. Chowdhury2
Acute respiratory tract (ARI) infections are now the principal causes of death in children under
five years of age throughout the world including Bangladesh(1). Pneumonia accounts for up to
24
30% of all deaths in children less than 5 years of age (2,3). Those most commonly at risk for
pneumococcal infection are children between 6 months and 4 years of age and adults over 60
years of age. New, safe effective vaccines have been developed, but the burden of pneumococcus
in Bangladesh is unclear. Pneumonia is a frequent occurrence with incidence rates of at least 1
per 10 children per year in rural settings and >1 episode per child per year in urban settings. The
global emergence of Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to commonly used antimicrobial agents
has complicated the management of pneumococcal diseases (4). The MIC results showed high
rates of resistance to cotrimoxazole (77.9%) and tetracycline (46.3%)(5).
Even in ideal situations pneumococci are difficult to isolate, and so the vast majority of
pneumococcal infections are unrecognized, misdiagnosed or wrongly diagnosed with
consequent treatment failure. The optochin susceptibility test remains the primary and, in some
cases, the only method in clinical microbiology to differentiate S. pneumoniae from α-hemolytic
viridans streptococci. However, emergence of optochin resistance in S. pneumoniae results in
misidentification of pneumococci, lowering their isolation rate that jeopardizes the diagnosis,
treatment and prevention of pneumococcal diseases.
The present study was conducted in the ARI lab (LSD) of ICDDR,B and the main objective of
the work was to observe the emergence of optochin-resistant S. pneumoniae. Fifteen Hundred
nasopharyngeal swabs of mothers and infants enrolled in the study were subjected to the tests
used to identify S. pneumoniae such as colony morphology, gram staining, optochin
susceptibility and bile solubility tests and finally confirmed by lytA (autolysin) PCR.
Antimicrobial susceptibility test and MIC value detection were also performed to see the
emergence of drug-resistance pattern among the strains.
In total, 111 optochin-resistant α-hemolytic streptococci strains were detected. When subjected
to bile solubility test, 37 (33.3%) optochin-resistant, bile soluble S. pneumoniae were obtained, as
other α-hemolytic-streptococci were not bile soluble. An S. pneumoniae-specific lytA gene PCR
was positive in all 37 isolates confirming their identification. Thus, the optochin susceptibility
test failed to differentiate S. pneumoniae from other streptococcal species, showing its decreasing
sensitivity and specificity. Optochin-resistant S. pneumoniae had significant co-resistance to
other antimicrobial agents (64.86% were resistant to penicillin, 78.37% to co-trimoxazole, 78.37%
to ciprofloxacin, 45.95% to tetracycline and 27.03% to azithromycin/erythromycin) and multi-
drug-resistance (resistant to ≥3 drugs, 64.86%).(6)
Emergence of optochin-resistance in S. pneumoniae threatens the diagnosis, therapy and
prevention of pneumococcal diseases because of failure to detect S. pneumoniae. For correct
identification and, consequently, for correct treatment, α-hemolytic-streptococci with a typical
colony morphology of S. pneumoniae but optochin resistant should be checked by bile solubility
test or PCR for S. pneumoniae. Alternatively the bile solubility test should be routinely used for
identifying S. pneumoniae.
5. Bioactivity guided search for antimicrobial principles against multi-drug resistant
pathogens from Swietenia mahagoni
A.K.M. Shahidur Rahmana, M. Shawkat Ali a, Hosne Ara Alia and A. K. Azad Chowdhurya
Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the developing world like Bangladesh has been the cause of
the emergence of multidrug resistance pathogens. Many pathogens have developed resistance
to many commonly used antimicrobials and thereby affecting the morbidity and mortality of
the patients suffering from infective diseases. To cite few examples, the strains of Shigella,
Salmonella, Streptococcus pneumoniae have developed resistance to commonly available
antibiotics. The Shigella and Salmonella strains are resistant to the fluoroquinolones due to
single to three point mutations in the gyrA and parC genes. Two of our group members are
working on the topic involving Streptococcus pneumoniae Salmonella Paratyphi.
In search of molecules with antimicrobial activity (also cytotoxic principles) Swietenia mahagoni,
belonging to a family (Maliaceae) known to possess antibacterial activity and antiparasitic

25
activities has been subjected to bioactivity guided investigations. The methanolic extract of
seeds of S. mahagoni was chromatographed on silica gel column, eluted with CH2Cl2 and
CH3OH mixture in order of increasing polarity. The SMS1 (Rf = 0.25, silica gel-G: CHCl3), SMS2
(Rf = 0.50, silica gel-G: CHCl3). The structures of SMS1 and SMS2 were elucidated by spectra
analyses (1H, 13C and DEPT135 NMR, Mass spectra) and CHN analyses.
Table 1. Antibacterial activity of pure compounds SMS1, SMS2, SMLH1, SMLH3, SMLH8 isolated from
Swietenia mahagoni against multi-drug resistant pathogens.
Test Bacteria SMS1 SMS2 SMLH1 SMLH2 SMLH3 SMLH8
Salmonella Paratyphi a 19 15 -- -- -- --
Shigella dysenteriae b 16 14 -- -- 13
E.coli c 15 16 17 -- 12 --
Staphylococcus aureus d -- 16 17 -- -- 11
Bacillus subtilis e 19-8 19 -- -- -- --
Streptococcus β-hemolyticus f 16 12 10 13 11 13
a resistant to Ciprofloxacin, b resistant to Ciprofloxacin, c resistant to Cotrimoxazole, d resistant to
Amoxycillin, e resistant to Amoxycillin, f resistant ot Ciprofloxacin, Cotrimoxazole, Amoxycillin,
Erythromycin and Doxycyline. SMS1, SMS2, SMLH1, SMLH2, SMLH3, SMLH8, each has 100 µgm/ml/disc
The SMS1 and SMS2 spectra analysis by 1H, 13C and DEPT135 NMR analysis
SMS1: Proposed structure SMS2: Proposed structure

O
O

O O O
O O O H
H 9
9 OH
OH H
H O
O 8
8 1
5 1 5 O
HO 30
30
H 3 OH
3
OH O Molecular Weight = 584.67
O Exact Mass = 584
Molecular Weight = 488.58, Exact Mass = Molecular Formula = C32H40O10
488 Molecular Composition = C
Molecular Formula = C27H36O8 65.74%, H 6.90%, O 27.36%
Molecular Composition = C 66.38%, H

1Dept. of Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000

2ICDDR,B: Centre for Health and Population Research, Dhaka Bangladesh

26
 Biosensors for Pesticide Detection in Fruits and Vegetables

M. Anwar Hossaina, Kagan Kermanb, Naoki Nagatanic, Akihiro Takeuchib, Teruko

Yuhib, d,Tatsuro Endoe, , Yuzuru Takamurab and Eiichi Tamiyab

Widespread use of chemical pesticides for crop protection and other household uses have posed
a grave threat to human health and environment. Day-to-day exposure to pesticides in fruits,
vegetables, crops, drinking water, dairy products and common beverages can cause serious
health hazards. The problem is steadily growing, especially, in the developing countries like
Bangladesh, where monitoring system to detect residual pesticides in biological samples
including food items is almost non-existent. We report on two new and versatile biosensors for
easy detection of residual pesticides in biological samples.

In the first method the neurotoxic property of organophosphate pesticides due to the inhibition
of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was utilized to develop a disposable detection chips for easy and
fast detection of the pesticides. An enzymatic assay involving acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was
developed using a stable substrate specific to the enzymatic reaction product, thiocholine. The
generated thiocholine reacted with 5,5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) to produce 5′-
mercapto-2′-nitrobenzoic acid, which was measured at 410 nm. Optimum pH, buffer types and
concentrations, substrate concentrations and optimum conditions of the color reaction were
investigated. The substrate specificity, test interferences were evaluated. Our simple detection
system does not require any expensive instruments. Diazinon-oxon (DZN-oxon) could be
detected by a visual color change from white to yellow on the surface of the chip. The total
amount of time required for the detection of residual DZN-oxon in apple and orange juices was
about an hour. This method provides excellent specificity, reproducibility, a wide measurement
range and minimal interference from endogenous substances in juice matrices. Since the
reagents are stable after preparation, our method would be useful for routine pesticide
screening by non-professional end-users.

In a more sensitive system we monitored the recognition event between rabbit polyclonal
antibody to parathion (parathion-pAb) and parathion by following their electrochemical current
signals at a disposable pencil graphite electrode using differential pulse voltammetry. The
current response was linear over a wide range between 6 ppb-2.60 ppm parathion. The
applicability of the immunosensor to monitor parathion in distilled water and simulated well
water, as well as in tomato juice, was demonstrated. We anticipate that the methods reported
here will be readily applicable to the on-field detection of various pesticides since these will be
suitable for miniaturization and mass fabrication.

aDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
bSchool of Material Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi City, Ishikawa 923-1292,
Japan
cDepartment of Biotechnology and Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University of Science, 1-1 Ridai-cho,

Okayama 700-0005, Japan

dJapan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Innovation Plaza Ishikawa, 2-13 Asahidai, Nomi City, Ishikawa 923-1211, Japan
eDepartment of Mechano-Micro Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of

Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502, Japan

27
 Understanding Jute at the Molecular Level

Nadim Ashraf, Aleya Awal, Samiul Haque, Monira Obaid, Rokeya Sultana, Saaimatul
Hoque, Shakinur Islam Mondal and Haseena Khan1

Very little molecular information of jute or its related species is available at the databank, and
no real effort has been undertaken in the past to develop molecular markers to study its genetic
variability. Hence we standardized the protocol for Random Amplification of Polymorphic
DNA (RAPD) to allow fingerprinting of diverse jute germplasm and to identify DNA loci
correlated with low temperature tolerance without any prior sequence information.

Jute usually grows at a base temperature of 200 C, however four accessions have been identified
from the seed bank, which are able to grow at a lower temperature of 160C. Classical genetics
studies in our laboratory have indicated that this characteristic is mainly determined by a single
and dominant DNA locus.

An F2 population developed from a cross between two jute varieties, showing differential
tolerance to low temperature, was screened with 50 RAPD primers. One of the polymorphic
bands from RAPD, CT3-1200, was found to be strongly linked to the low temperature tolerance
trait in the segregating F2 population of 100 individuals. This polymorphic band when cloned
and sequenced revealed a 150bp region showing a strong homology (>90%) to the translated
product of the terminal exon of an Arabidopsis’ expressed gene coding for low-density
lipoprotein B like protein. With reverse transcriptase–PCR this exon has been shown to be
expressed in jute. Both the local and global alignment of a 5′ RACE product confirmed that the
gene might be a low density lipoprotein (LDLP).

The SCAR (Sequence Characterized Amplified Region) primers were developed from the
sequences which showed amplification for both parent genotypes. On sequencing the SCAR
products, a single nucleotide polymorphic site was detected between the two genotypes. This
gave rise to the potential to develop SNP assay linking with the low temperature tolerance in
jute. Primer walking revealed another SNP at the RAPD primer binding site.

Differential display RT-PCR has also identified differentially expressed genes in low
temperature stressed jute seedlings. Bioinformatics analysis of expressed sequences revealed
interesting findings where the evolutionary origin and putative function have been deduced
with a particular sequence showing strong homology with a probable transmembrane protein
of Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

1PlantMolecular Biology Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000,
Bangladesh

28
 Proteomic Approach to Study Forest Tree-Pathogen Interaction

Abul K M Ekramoddoullah1

Except for alien pests introduced into the environment, trees diseases and insect pests are
natural components for forest ecosystems. Nevertheless, the damage they cause to forests can
have severe economic impact. In British Columbia (on the Pacific Coast of Canada), this damage
results in an estimated annual growth loss of 18%. Understanding host–pathogen interactions is
important in managing yield loss and can aid in identification of disease-resistant trees.
Molecular characterization of the genes and proteins that make up resistance and virulence
phenotypes is critical to understand the function, evolution, and stability of a given conifer
pathosystem. The study of interactions involving forest pathogens offers both challenges and
opportunities. In this presentation, I will describe some of these issues from a perspective
gained while working on the white pine–blister rust pathosystem. Several defence responsive
proteins and their genes have been characterized through use of a proteomic approach. Some of
these are identified as potential candidates for markers associated with disease resistance or
susceptibility. Current research activities, future directions and the application of technologies
to isolate and characterize resistance genes in white pine will be discussed.

1PacificForestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, Victoria, British Columbia, V8Z 1M5, Canada
Email: aekramoddoul@nrcan.gc.ca

29
Approaches to Production of Salt Tolerant Rice for Saline Costal Region
of Bangladesh

Zeba I. Seraj1

Work is being conducted to identify DNA markers linked to salinity tolerance traits to aid in
breeding programs for production of salt tolerant rice. The marker work has led to the
identification of three regions within a 5 cM locus in rice chromosome 1, which is linked to
salinity tolerance traits. These regions are 11.2-11.45, 12.0-12.3 and 12.6-12.7 million base pairs.
Work for confirmation of three DNA markers within these regions is continuing using both
mapping and breeding populations, so that these can be used in marker-assisted backcrossing
programs or MAB for introgression of salt tolerance into farmer popular mega rice varieties.

In a second approach, transgenic rice is being produced with the rice vacuolar Na/H antiporter
gene (OsNHX1), which has previously been shown to confer salt tolerance in dicots, like tomato
and Brassica. The rice has been found to be more tolerant than untransformed controls and the
transcript expression to correlate with seedling tolerance in hydrponics. The transformed gene
will now be backcrossed into farmer-popular varieties. Similar work by other workers have
failed to produce rice which flowered under stress, probably due to poor expression of the gene
by the CaMV 35S promoter. We have found the endogenous Pokkali promoter of the OsNHX1
gene to be much stronger than the CaMV 35S promoter. Work is progressing to hook the gene
downstream of this promoter to achieve stronger expression.

1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000

30
 Improvement of Grain Legumes through Genetic Transformation

R. H. Sarker1, Rehana Hashem and M. I. Hoque

In developing countries, grain legumes have gained much importance in view of the wide
prevalence of protein malnutrition. In Bangladesh, a number of grain legumes are cultivated,
which include lentil, chickpea, mungbean, blackgram and grasspea. However, the production
of these crops is characterized by low yield potential. The diseases caused by different fungus
are the main constraints of grain legume production. Conventional breeding methods did not
produce desired varieties in the past due to the narrow genetic base and non-availability of
resistance genes against the major fungal diseases in their respective germplasms. Under these
circumstances, Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation can be one of the methods of
choice to introduce gene/genes of interest into these crop varieties.

Agrobacterium – mediated transformation compatible regeneration system was developed for

the popular local varieties of lentil, chickpea and mungbean. In vitro organogenesis was found
to suitable in achieving regeneration using various explants, The protocol for Agrobacterium –
mediated transformation was developed through the utilization of marker genes like GUS (β -
glucuronidase) and NPT II (neomycin phosphotransferease, conferring kanamycin resistance ) for all
the varieties tested. The stable integration of the GUS and NPT II genes in the transformed
plantlets was confirmed through histochemical GUS assay and PCR analysis. In the cases where
regenerated shoots were failed to produce effective root system, in vitro grafting as well as in
vitro flowering and seed setting experiments were conducted using the in vitro raised shoots. In
vitro flowering and seed setting in lentil was found to be effective in recovering transgenic
plants. Transformation experiments were further conducted using fungal resistance gene Ri-
PGIP (raspberry polygalacturonase inhibitory protein). Integration of this gene in lentil varieties in
T0 and T1 generations was confirmed through PCR analysis. A construct was further developed
containing Ri-PGIP gene to perform marker free transformation.

1Department of Botany, University of Dhaka, Dhaka –1000, Bangladesh,

e-mail: rhsarker2000@yahoo.co.uk

31
 Biotechnology for Rice and Solid Waste Decomposition
1M. Firoz Alam, 2M. Khalekuzzaman, 1,3S. Mahfuja Khatun,
4Swapan K. Datta and 3Philippe Herve

Nowadays biotechnology has been proved as an important tool for sustainable crop
improvement and keeps the environment friendly especially for agricultural soil. As rice is a
globally important major cereal crop, which provides the staple diet for more than half of the
total world’s population, therefore its yield potentiality should be sustained against different
biotic and abiotic stress. Though rice is an important source of diet for human, the present form
of rice does not fulfill the recommended dietary allowance. So, attention should be given to
improve its nutritional quality.
Among the biotic stress stem borer damage is a serious problem in rice, causing estimated
losses of 10-30% of the total yield. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces characteristic crystalline
insecticidal proteins which can disrupt the midgut cells of the insect pest. Bt toxins are highly
specific and therefore are not toxic to the beneficial insects, birds and mammals including
humans. The truncated chimeric Bt gene-CryIA(b) driven by constitutive and tissue-specific
promoters was introduced into rice varieties. The presence and expression of the Bt gene in
regenerated plants were confirmed by southern and western blot analysis. Inheritance of the
transgene was confirmed in the successive generations. Insect bioassays showed an
enhancement of resistance against the yellow stem borer.
Like biotic factors, rice productivity is greatly affected by environmental stresses such as
drought, high salt and freezing. Plants respond and adapt to these stresses to survive under
stress conditions at the molecular and cellular levels as well as physiological and biochemical
levels. So, environmental stresses can induce the expression of a large amount of genes. Among
these are many transcription factors that regulate the expression of downstream genes by
specifically binding to cis-elements or forming transcriptional complexes with other proteins.
Expression of a variety of genes has been demonstrated to be induced by these stresses in a
variety of plants. The dehydration-responsive element (DRE) with the core sequence
A/GCCGAC was identified as a cis-acting promoter element in regulating gene expression in
response to drought, high salt and cold stresses in Arabidopsis. It is important to analyze the
DRE/DREB (CRT/CBF) regulation in rice to understand the molecular mechanisms of stress
tolerance and produce monocots like rice with higher stress tolerance by gene transfer.
It is known that the removal of the outer layers of rice grain by commercial milling considerably
reduces the levels of micronutrients, including iron, because most of the iron is accumulated in
the aleurone layer. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. Its
effects on human health are severe. The most widely recognized strategies for reducing
micronutrient malnutrition are supplementation (tables/capsule), food fortification, dietary
diversification and disease reduction. For various reasons (such as continuous supplement
supply, insufficient suitable food, lack of nutritional knowledge and high cost) none of these
programs has been very successful in reducing the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in
developing countries. Therefore, genetic engineering or plant breeding is an alternative, more
effective and sustainable approach for the enrichment of food staples (such as rice) to overcome
iron-deficiency anemia, especially in developing countries. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein
found in plant, animals and bacteria. To increase iron storage in rice, the soybean ferritin gene
driven by an endosperm specific glutelin promoter (GluB-1) was introduced into a Bangladeshi
rice cultivar, BRRI Dhan 29 (BR 29). Analysis demonstrated integration, inheritance and
expression of the ferritin gene up to the T3 generation. The iron content in seeds was estimated
by using the ICP (Inductively coupled Argon plasma) spectrometer. All transgenic plants
accumulated higher level of iron in the grain, with as much as 9.2 mg/kg verses the control (3.8
mg/kg). A histochemical relation of the thin microtome section revealed the presence of iron in
the endosperm cells of the transgenic grain. This finding suggests that homozygous rice lines
with enhanced iron content developed by genetic engineering could help overcome iron
deficiency in developing countries.

32
Any crops with high genetic potentiality to produce excepted yield may fail to do so due to soil
problems like having low organic matters content or toxified with harmful chemical or heavy
metals. On the other hand fertilizers are used to provide the minerals lacking in some soil, and
to replace the minerals remove from the soil by crops as they grow. Many farmers rely on
concentrated fertilizers that are rapidly absorbed by plants. These fertilizers produced quick
growth but at the same time may kill important soil organism such as earthworm and bacteria.
Farmers use manure, compost (a mixture of decaying organic matter that is rich in beneficial
soil microorganism) and other natural materials as fertilizers that nourished soil organism
which in turn slowly and steadily make minerals available to plants and eventually helps to
reduce dependence on the chemical fertilizers.
Everyday huge quantities of municipal garbage are generated in all cities. The safe disposal of
the garbage is a major complex problem that can affect the year, land, water and environment.
Therefore, proper operation, maintenance and appropriate technology are essential to overcome
this serious problem by proper utilization of garbage. Conversion of garbage in to valuable
organic compost seems to be an immediate solution of the problems.
Trichoderma is notably capable of producing various polysaccharides-degrading enzymes, which
enable it to grow on organic (domestic) waste. It has been reported that some Trichoderma spp
are widely used to produce various industrially important enzymes, thus proving potential use
of Trichoderma for bioconversion of solid organic waste. Besides this Trichoderma harzianum also
has the ability to degrade organochlorine pesticides, such as DDT, dieldrin, endosulphan,
pentachloronitrobenzene and, pentachlorophenol, and hence has potential application for
bioremediation.
Trichoderma ssp have been known to suppress many soil-born fungi and nematode diseases
under greenhouse and field conditions. Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma hamatum has been
found to antagonize fungal plant pathogens and parasitic nematodes.
It is also known that Trichoderma is able to increase the rate of plant growth and regulation.
Recent research indicates that Trichoderma can reduce the nitrogen requirement of many crops
such as corn up to about 40%. So use of this organism may provide a useful method to retain
high agricultural productivity.
Similarly, Effective bacterial strains (Cellulomonas, Clostridium, Bacillus, Xanthomonas,
Pseudomonas and Streptococcus) are unknown to us, which are very active for bioconversion of
solid organic waste. So, research should be taken to keep our agricultural soil environmentally
friendly by using effective soil microorganisms like fungi and bacteria. Trichoderma harzianum,
Trichoderma pseudokoningii and Trichoderma virens were isolated and identified from the local
garbage heap. Among the three strains Trichoderma harzianum was found most effective on
conversion of organic solid waste. Highest weight losses (32%) were found after 30 days of
treatment with gradual changing of colour from greenish to deep greenish colour with no bad
small. Comparing between using of pellets and spore suspension, pellets were found more
effective for decomposition. Similar findings were also observed in case of using studied
bacteria for solid waste decomposition. So, use of fungi and bacteria not only effective for solid
waste decomposition but also effective for bioremediation.

1. Department of Botany, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

2. Department of Genetic engineering and Biotechnology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
3. International Rice Research Institute, Philippines
4. Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India.

33
 Germplasm Center (GPC)-The Largest Fruit Genetic Resources for
Biotechnological Research
1M. A. Rahim, H. R. M. Masud Anwar, M. S. Alam, M. A. Kabir, B. C. Sarker, M. S. Bari,
N. Naher, F. Islam, D. A. N. Majumder

The fruit tree improvement program developed the largest fruit repository in Bangladesh. All
sorts of research and development of on fruit are going on. About 60 MS and 12 Ph.D. students
from different Universities doing their research here in GPC. This genetics resources can largely
be used in biotechnological works.

1Fruit Tree Improvement Program (FTIP), Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymenisngh-

2202

34
 Morpho-molecular Characterization of Plant Varieties of Bangladesh for
Plant Variety Protection1

Lutfur Rahman, Rezwan Mollah, Sayeda Sulata, Mohammad Nazrul Islam, Nesar Uddin
Ahmed, Md. Shefatur Rahman, Md. Nazim-ud-Dowla , M.Shah-e-Alam, and M.S.Alam2
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding,
Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh,

This titled paper is a result of research studies on crop varieties of Bangladesh aimed at
characterization and documentation of released and registered varieties of all crops. This was
done in order to identify each of the variety with both morphological and molecular characters.
In recent years such study has become essential to establish sovereign rights of the country over
the varieties, rights of the breeders and farmers who have developed or maintained the variety
to help organized protection of the genetic resource by the Government of Bangladesh. The
project is financed by the Seed Industry Development project of the Ministry of Agriculture,
Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh under the Assistance of the DANIDA. The
study covered a period of 15 months from April 2005 to June 2006 and was conducted at the
Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University. A team of
scientists was formed and worked on the crop varieties. The study completed the genetic finger
printing and identification of the distinct morphological characters of 157 varieties of 20 crop
species. The study results have been recorded through qualitative and quantitative data using
the crop descriptors of the IBPGR as approved by the government of Bangladesh. In case of the
DNA finger printing, the SSR and RAPD markers were used. Out of 20 crop species/varieties
Jute (both species), Mesta, Kenaf, Sesame, Sunflower, Safflower and Linseed have been tested
through RAPD markers. RAPD was used for these species because the team did not find
appropriate identified primers of SSR for those crops from world literature.

The genetic diversity available in different varieties of a species has been estimated and clusters
determined. In rice alone, modern and traditional varieties have been studied separately. In case
of traditional varieties, except one all the other 14 varieties were identified distinctly from one
another with specific primers. This means that the varieties could be identified using SSR site
specific primers of rice. While in case of the modern varieties 5 of the 19 varieties could not be
differentiated using the same three primers. This indicates that the new primers having capacity
to identify other loci are required to differentiate those five verities from one another.

In cases of other crop species like wheat, barley, maize, potato, cotton, sugarcane, rapeseed,
soybean and groundnut, the SSR primers used could differentiate one variety from the other
indicating that the variety specific primers have been identified. It was interesting to note that
in maize, which is a cross pollinated crop, there have been a number of heterozygous loci
mapped by the primers. In cases of three species of Brassica oil crops used in the study similar
variation was observed. The potato and sugarcane have shown a further situation where the
involvements of polyploidy in their development have become distinct through the use of SSR
primers. In overall conditions, the study clearly indicates the possibility of identifying and
differentiating varieties with specific primers of SSR. The varieties thus identified as distinct
from others are also photographed for specific morphological trait(s) of distinction, if any, and
the information on quantitative traits is also used for distinction.
________________________________________________________________________

1A project of the Seed Industry Development, Ministry of Agriculture, GoB, Financed by the DANIDA
2Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.
This extended abstract is part of the published abstract of the special article in 33(2) of the BJAS for record of the 157 crop
varieties of 20 species to be protected by the Government of Bangladesh.

35
 Molecular Characterization of Landraces and Wild relatives of Some
Important Vegetables and Fruits of Bangladesh

M.G. Rabbani1, M. A. Rahman1 and E.J. Garvey2

Under a USDA funded project at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh; more than
2000 landraces and wildrelatives of some important vegetables and fruits of Bangladesh was
collected and characterized. For characterization, both morphological traits and molecular
markers (isozymes and RAPD) were used. Genetic diversity among the germplasm of the
collected species was estimated following Mahalanobis (1932) D2 analysis using the
morphological traits and molecular markers. Cluster analysis using morphological traits and
molecular markers revealed that in majority of the cases, the grouping of germplasm based on
morphological traits did not match with grouping based on isozymes and RAPD markers.
Based on morphological traits and molecular markers, the collected germplasm were also tested
for genetic divergence using D2 techniques. Results revealed that the germplasm collected from
the same places were grouped into different clusters indicating that there is no relationship
between genetic divergence and geographical distribution of the germplasm. Estimates of Nei’s
(1973) gene diversity and Shannon (1968) information index across all loci supported the
existence of high level of genetic variation among the collected germplasm of different
vegetables and fruits. The detail results on characterization of the landraces and wildrelatives of
different vegetables and fruits of Bangladesh based on morphological traits and molecular
markers will be presented.

Key words: Landraces, Wildrelatives, Genetic diversity, Molecular characterization, Isozymes,

RAPD

1 Professor, Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

2Plant Exchange Office, USDA/ARS, BARC-West, Beltsville, Maryland MD 20705, USA

Name of corresponding author: Professor Dr. Md. Golam Rabbani

Email: grabbani3@yahoo.com
grabbani@royalten.net.bd
Cell: 01711885790
Fax: 880-91-55810

36
 Generation of Bioengineered Rapeseed for Salt Tolerance

Lutful Hassan and S.K. Talukder

Agricultural productivity is severely affected by soil salinity. One possible mechanism by which
plants could survive salt stress is to compartmentalize sodium ions away from the cytosol.
Overexpression of a vacuolar Na+/H+ antiport from Arabidopsis thaliana that promotes
sustained growth and development in soil watered with upto 200 millimolar sodium chloride.
This salinity tolerance was correlated with higher-than-normal levels of AtNHX1 transcripts,
protein, and vacuolar Na+/H+ (sodium/proton) antiport activity. These results demonstrate
the feasibility of engineering salt tolerance in plants. Keeping this view in mind, we attempted
the generation of salt tolerant rapeseed (Brassica campestris and Brassica napus) varieties in
Bangladesh by the application of genetic transformation. To achieve the goal, the salt tolerant
gene AtNHX1 from Arabidopsis has been inserted in Rapeseed varieties.

Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain LBA 9402 was used for the production of hairy roots. For co-
transformation experiments the strain LBA 9402 with the binary vector pBIN19 containing the
p35S GUS INT gene was used. For plant regeneration 0.5 mm sections of root material were
excised and treated with a liquid callus-inducing medium (C23γ) for three days. After that they
were placed on N5 medium with antibiotics. The GUS staining was carried out according to
Jefferson et al. (1987). Agrobacterium tumefaciens strains: I) GV3101 with the vir plasmid pMP90,
II) the strain C58C1 ATHV with the vir-plasmid pTiBo542, a strain similar to EHA101 were
used. The selectable marker gene, nptII (neomycin phosphotransferase) was used. The reporter
gene β-Glucuronidase under control of the Ubi and the 35S-Promotor and with an Intron was
used. Stem segments proved to be the best explant. Shoot regeneration in Agrobacterium
rhizogenes transformation experiments was not successful. Regeneration from Agrobacterium
tumefaciens mediated transformation proved to be successful. Insertion of salt tolerant genes
(AtNHX1) from Arabidopsis thaliana in the popular varieties of Brassica genotypes is in progress.
The transformed rapeseed varieties will be used by the farmers of the coastal wetland of
Bangladesh.

Key words: Genetic transformation, Agrobacterium, Brassica campestris, Brassica napus, salt
tolerance

Name of corresponding author: Lutful Hassan

Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, Bangladesh
Agricultural University, Mymensingh-02202, Bangladesh
E-mail: lutfulhassan@yahoo.co.uk; Fax: 091 55810

37
 Plant Defensin For Improving Plant Resistance
Aparna Islam1 and V. S. Reddy2
Plants are exposed to enormous numbers of pathogens. But the appearances of diseases are
rare. This is due to the presence of defense mechanisms. Various antifungal compounds protect
seed, which is a good source of nutrition for pathogens while the source of next generation for
plant. These antifungal compounds secreted out during germination and protect the young
plant from fungal attach. In the present study, screening of antifungal agent was performed
against Pythium aphanidermatum. Out of six legumes seeds screened, chickpea (Cicer arietinum,
L.) was found to have inhibitory effect on the test fungus. Isolation and purification was
performed in a simple two-step method. Sequence analysis showed that it is a “Plant Defensin”
peptide and it was termed Ca-AFP. Further characterization revealed that this peptide is highly
stable at extreme pH (2-10) and temperature. Moreover, it is effective towards broad range of
phytopathogenic fungi. To assess the antifungal activity of Ca-AFP in heterologous system,
transgenic tobacco plants were raised by introducing Ca-AFP gene using Agrobacterium-
mediated transformation. Variation in expression of transgenes was observed within the raised
transgenic plants but no morphological difference was observed in compare to non-transformed
control. Moreover, during fungal bioassay these plants demonstrated effective inhibition
towards susceptible fungi ranging from complete restriction of the inoculated fungi to reduced
fungal growth. Effectiveness of this defensin gene in heterologous system opens up an
opportunity to employ this gene into many of our important crop plants to improve disease
resistance thus ensuring production and food security.

1 Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

2 ICGEB, New Delhi, India.

38
 Phylogenetic Relationship of Phytophthora citrophthora Isolates based
on rDNA Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequence Analysis

A.F.M. Jamal Uddin1, M. Senda2, S. Uematsu3, and K. Kageyama4

The global significance of the genus Phytophthora as important crop pathogens has been
recognized. P. citrophthora is one of the most important pathogens in Citrus species. The
pathogen is involved in trunk and crown canker of apple, pear, peach, plum and other woody
Rosaceae, avocado, honey-locust and walnut; and damping-off of a large variety of nursery
seedlings of tomato and conifers as well as Citrus species. Traditional identification method in
Phytophthora species requires time, labors and skills. And the complex taxonomical treatments
sometimes make miss-identification. The internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal DNA (rDNA-
ITS region) is commonly used for taxonomy and identification in Phytophthora species. The
rDNA-ITS region of P. citrophthora isolates was amplified using the PCR with universal primers,
ITS1 and ITS4, and sequenced. Nineteen isolates from P. citrophthora from different locations of
Japan were examined and compared with the sequences of the other isolates of the species and
the genetically related species obtained from DNA database. The consensus tree of the rDNA-
ITS region, constructed by maximum parsimony with a bootstrap 50% majority rule, reveled
that the phylogenetic relationship among the isolates observed on the rDNA-ITS region tree did
not exhibit any consistent clusters depending on the host range, geographical distribution and
the isolation time, although there are some intra-species and intra-isolate variation. The result
suggests that P. citrophthora will be a distinct species, although the species consists of the
isolates which have different host and geographical origins.

Key words: Phylogeny, ITS region, rDNA, PCR and intra-specific variation

1 Sher-e- Bangle Agricultural University, Dhaka, and Post Doctoral Researcher, River Basin Research Center, Gifu University,
Japan
2 Reserch Associate, River Basin Research Center, Gifu University, Japan
3 Head, Plant Pathology Division, Southern Prefectural Horticultural Institute, Chiba, Japan
4 Professor, River Basin Research Center, Gifu University, Japan

Corresponding author: Abul Faiz Md. Jamal Uddin PhD

Email: jamal4@yahoo.com Fax: 81-58-293-2063

39
 A Classical and Molecular Analysis: Are Genes for Salinity
Tolerance at Seedling and Reproductive Stages in
Rice the Same or Different?

M.M. Islam1 and G.B. Gregorio2

Microsatellite or simple sequence repeats (SSR) was the marker-aided selection (MAS)
technique utilized to determine salinity tolerance in rice. Tagging genes for salinity tolerance in
rice is an important step in identifying candidate markers flanking the genes. The genes for
salinity tolerance in Pokkali were mapped utilizing the F8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of
IR29. Phenotyping of 80 RILs and their parents (IR29/Pokkali) at the seedling stage was done
using salinized (EC 12 dS/m) culture solution under controlled conditions at the IRRI Phytotron
and at the reproductive stage using salinized (EC 5 dS/m) water at the IRRI greenhouse. The
12-linkage group map, which was constructed using 93 microsatellite markers, collectively
covered 2433.3 cM at an average interval between markers of 25.39 cM. Quantitative trait loci
(QTL) mapping determined the positions and effects of QTL for yield components and traits
associated with salt tolerance in rice. Single marker analysis and interval mapping were
combined in the QTL analysis procedures and all approaches showed similar QTL detection
results. QTLs associated with salinity tolerance at the reproductive and seedling stages were
tagged on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 7 and 9. Two QTLs were identified for percent reduction of
filled grain weight (RFGWT), four QTLs for percent reduction of biomass weight (RBWT), three
QTLs for percent reduction of total biomass weight (RTBWT), and three QTLs for seedling stage
tolerance. Common QTLs for the three quantitative traits (RFGWT, RBWT, and RTBWT) for
salinity tolerance were observed in chromosomes 7 and 9 at the reproductive stage. Common
QTLs for RBWT and RTBWT were also detected in chromosomes 4, 7, and 9. The proportions of
phenotypic variations explained by each QTL ranged from 17.23 to 21.25% for RFGWT, 16.53-
39.07% for RBWT, 17.62-24.74% for RTBWT, and 16.24-28.6% for seedling tolerance with higher
logarithm of odds (LOD) value of >3.0. The QTLs detected among the traits (RFGWT, RBWT
and RTBWT) at the reproductive stage and the salt stress rating at seedling stage did not share
the same map locations, suggesting that the genes controlling salinity tolerance at the seedling
and reproductive stages of rice are different.

Key words: Mapping, QTLs, RILs, Salinity, Rice.

1Biotechnology Lab., Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, P.O. Box 4, Mymensingh 2200,
Bangladesh
2Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Division, International Rice Research Institute, DAPO Box 7777, Metro Manila,

Philippines

Name of corresponding author: Dr. M.M. Islam

Email: mirza_mislam@yahoo.com, Fax: +88-091-54091, 54046

40
 Application of Molecular Markers to Rice Breeding Populations and
Haplotype Diversity for Salinity Tolerance in Chromosome 1

M.R. Islam1,2, G.B Gregorio1, B.C.Y. Collard1, E. Tumimbang-Raiz1, D.L. Adorada1, R.D.
Mendoza1, M.A. Salam2, and L. Hassan3

SalTol is a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) for salinity tolerance in rice. Three F2 breeding
populations derived from the crosses viz. ‘BRRI dhan40’ (moderately tolerant)/ ‘IR61920-3B-22-
2-1’ (highly tolerant); ‘BRRI dhan28’ (highly sensitive)/ ‘IR50184-3B-18-2B-1’ (moderately
tolerant); and ‘Kajalsail’ (tolerant)/ ‘IR52713-2B-8-2B-1-2’ (tolerant) were used to studies. 20 SSR
and two EST markers were used for the targeted mapping of the chromosomal region
containing SalTol (49.6 to 87.1 cM) on chromosome 1. There was a good parallel of among the
linkage maps of the three populations to the previous QTL map that identified SalTol. SalTol
QTL was detected only in population derived from ‘BRRI dhan40’/ ‘IR61920-3B-22-2-1’ cross.
The SSR marker RM8094 was the most tightly-linked marker (P<0.001) comparison to four other
markers, RM1287, RM3412, RM493 and CP03970, which were also significantly associated with
salinity tolerance (P<0.05). A F3 population of this cross was used to reconfirm these results and
similar result was observed as in the F2 population. It was interesting to identify SalTol in this
population through the tolerant parent was un related to the tolerant parent used for the
original mapping studies. No QTLs were detected at the SalTol locus in any of the other two
populations. This indicates that the SalTol QTL could only be effective in specific populations.
To determine the usefulness of specific SSR markers associated with major QTL for salinity
tolerance designated as ‘SalTol’, a collection of 115 diverse rice genotypes were phenotyped and
genotyped using tightly-linked DNA markers viz. five SSR RM1287, RM8094, RM3412, RM493,
RM140 and two EST CP6224, CP03970 on chromosome 1. Among the seven markers, RM8094
produced the highest number of alleles (15) followed by RM1287, RM3412 and RM493 (10). The
polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.54 to 0.89 with highest for
RM8094, followed by RM493 and RM3412 (0.81), RM1287 and RM140 (0.77). It suggested that
RM8094 markers could be useful for discriminating tolerant and susceptible may be
successfully used for marker assisted selection supplementing the conventional breeding. Out
of 115 genotypes studied seven haplotypes were identified with reference haplotype of IR66946-
3R-178-1-1 (FL478), one of the most widely-used tolerant parents. Four genotypes had the same
haplotype as of FL478. Of the seven different Pokkali seed accessions from different sources,
Pokkali-1 (IRGC8948) was the actual source contributed the SalTol region in chromosome 1
segment of FL478. Genotypes from the haplotypes 1, 2, and 5 could be important for selecting
alternative tolerant parents.
Keyword: Salinity tolerance, QTL, haplotype diversity, rice

1Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Division, International Rice research Institute DAPO Box 7777 Metro Manila,
Philippines
2Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur, Bangladesh
3Genetics and Plant Breeding Department, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

41
 Salt Tolerant Rice Development through Genetic Engineering

Shamsul H. Prodhan1,2, K. Nakao,2 K. Nagamiya2, T. Motohashi2, S. Jesmin3., A.

Komamine4 and H. Morishima2.

In an attempt to improve the salt tolerance of rice, we introduced katE, a catalase gene of
Escherichia coli, into the indica rice cultivar Kasalath. Plant morphological variations and
survival of plants under different salt water concentrations were checked. Transformation was
carried out by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain EHA101 harboring a binary vector
pIES6/Hm/katE which contains genes for catalase katE, hygromycine resistance gene HPT and
kanamycine resistance gene NPTII in the T-DNA region. With the inclusion of acetosyringon
higher amount of transgenic cells and regenerated plants were obtained. Transformation was
confirmed with PCR and and Southern hybridization analysis.

In this research we treated the transgenic plants in three different growth stages. Three days
aged plants in 100 mM concentration survived up to 15 days and in 250 mM concentration up to
7 days. Four week aged plants in 100 mM concentration formed immature inflorescence and in
250 mM concentration survived up to 20 days. Six to seven week aged plants were able to grow
for more than 20 days in the presence of 250 mM sodium chloride and produced seeds for more
than 3 months in the presence of 100 mM sodium chloride. On the contrary, non-transgenic rice
plants could not survive for 10 days even in the presence of 50 mM sodium chloride. Catalase
activity was 1.5 – 2.5 fold higher in T1 plants than non-transgenic rice plants.

Introduction of a single trait significantly improved the salt tolerance of indica rice plants. This
result indicates that over expression of catalase improved salt tolerance efficiently in recalcitrant
rice plant and the transgenic rice plant reported here is one of the highest salt tolerant indica
rice plant which have been reported so far.

Keywords: Rice (Oryza sativa L.), environmental stress, salt tolerance, transformation, katE, E.
coli., restriction enzyme, Agrobacterium.

1Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering, Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1Tennodai,
Tsukuba city, Ibaraki prefecture 305-8577, Japan.

2Laboratory of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Department of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan
3Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
4The Research Institute of Evolutionary Biology. 2-4-28, Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku,Tokyo, 158-0098, Japan.

Corresponding author: Dr. Md. Shamsul Haque Prodhan

E-mail address: shamsulhp@yahoo.com Fax: 88- 07326-63888

42
 Generation of Monoclonal Antibody for Prostaglandin D2 Using the
Stable, Isosteric Analogue as an Hapten Mimic and its Application

M. A. Mazid1, M. A. Rashid1, A. A. Chowdhury1, 2, K. Nishimura2,

M. Jisaka2, T. Nagaya2, and K. Yokota2

Prostaglandin (PG) D2 is a well-known cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid, having a

variety of biological activities. To determine the production of PGD2 in response to external
signaling molecules, immunological methods would be convenient and useful. However, PGD2
is unstable under the physiological conditions, so that it has been difficult to get a specific
antibody for the parent PGD2. To get an antibody specifically recognizing PGD2, we attempted
to prepare monoclonal antibodies for 11-deoxy-11-methylene PGD2, a novel, chemically stable,
isosteric analogue of PGD2. We were successful to get a cloned hybridoma cell line secreting a
monoclonal antibody reacting against the parent PGD2. To develop the enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for PGD2, the immobilized antigen using the stable PGD2
derivative was immunoreacted in a competitive manner with the monoclonal antibody in
presence of free PGD2. The monoclonal antibody showed a cross-reaction of 36.8% for PGD2 as
compared with the corresponding derivative. The optimization of the assay provided a
sensitive calibration curve for PGD2 from 0.32 pg to 0.18 ng with a value of 7.6 pg at 50%
displacement. According to the calibration curve for PGD2, PGF2 and PGE2 showed cross-
reactivities of 5.9% and 3.7%, respectively, whereas those of other related prostanoids were less
than 1%. The developed assay method was useful for applying to the direct determination of
PGD2 in the culture medium of mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Key words: Prostaglandin D2; 11-Deoxy-11-methylene-PGD2; Monoclonal antibody; Enzyme-

linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

2Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shimane University, Matsue, Shimane 690-8504, Japan

Name of the corresponding author: Dr. M. A. Mazid

E-mail: mazid_04@yahoo.com Fax: 88-02-8612069

43
 Molecular Diagnostic Tests for Enteric Protozoan Parasites: Recent
Developments

Rashidul Haque1

The etiological agents of diarrhea include viruses, bacteria and parasites. Among parasites
Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium spp., are considered to be the most
common enteric protozoan parasites and associated with diarrheal diseases Amebic liver
abscess is also due to infection with the enteric protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica. This
parasite has recently been separated using modern diagnostic techniques from the
nonpathogenic parasite E. dispar, which is more common and identical in appearance to E.
histolytica. The WHO, estimates that approximately 50 million people worldwide suffer from
invasive amebic infection each year, resulting in 40 to 100 thousand deaths annually. Giardia
lamblia (synonyms: Giardia intestinalis and Giardia duodenalis) is the most common protozoan
infection of the intestinal tract worldwide. G. lamblia is considered as one of the main non-viral
causes of diarrhea in developed countries. Cryptosporidiosis is a frequent cause of diarrheal
disease in humans. In developing countries, Crryptosporidium spp., infections occur mostly in
children younger than 5 years, with a peak in children under 2 years of age. In immunodeficient
humans, especially individuals with HIV/AIDS, cryptosporidiosis can be associated with
chronic, potentially life-threatening diarrhea.

Diagnosis of these enteric protozoan parasites has historically been performed by microscopy.
Microscopy is neither a sensitive nor a specific test for detection of these enteric protozoan
parasites. Moreover, microscopy is unable to distinguish invasive parasite E. histolytica from
the commensal parasite such as E. dispar and E. moshkovskii. Microscopy is also unable to detect
these parasites at species level or their genotypes. Over the last decade a lot of work has been
carried out to develop molecular diagnostic tests for these enteric protozoan parasites. In our
lab we developed antigen detection test and PCR tests for specific detection of E. histolytica in
collaboration with the University of Virginia, USA. We have also established and evaluated
antigen detection tests, PCR tests for detection of and Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia
intestinalis. Here, we present some of the results that we have obtained in our recent studies.

1Parasitology Laboratory, Laboratory Sciences Division, ICDDR,B

44
 Screening Endemicity for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and
Development of Indigenous Molecular Diagnostics
Running Title- LF Endemicity & Indigenous Molecular Diagnostics

Apala Farhat Naved1

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) creates burning socio-economic problems in Bangladesh. Especially

affected are the northern districts. Patients and their attendants in Rangpur Medical College
Hospital (RMCH) were screened to select LF endemic study spots. A total of 205 nocturnal
blood samples were examined by microscopy and 6 of the volunteers were found
microfilaremic. Hydrocele found in 3 of the male volunteers. Bancroftian adult worm antigen
found in 37 of the volunteers and 9 of them were PCR positive. All the microfilaremics were
PCR positive and all the PCR positives were bancroftian antigen positives. Localities of the
microfilaremics indicated presence of endemic areas in Rajendrapur Union and the villages,
Radhakrishnapur, Kamdevpur and Gopinathpur were studied as endemic spots there. Among
192 of the volunteers studied in Rajendrapur, 13.9% and 1.8% of the males found with
hydrocele and elephantiasis respectively. Elephantiasis was also present in 5.95% female
volunteers. Altogether 11.46% of the study population was symptomatic. Microfilaremics were
10.18% of the males. All of the microfilaremics were bancroftian PCR positives and all the PCR
positives (53) were found to be bancroftian antigen positive. PCR based molecular diagnostics
developed using (1) nocturnal blood samples, (2) diurnal blood samples, (3) blood (nocturnal)
stained filter paper, (4) diurnal sputum samples, (5) diurnal urine samples, & (6) mosquito
samples. Previously established and available immunodiagnostic tools were also used to detect
endemicity and infections. It was found that the PCR positive individuals with nocturnal blood
were found also to be PCR positive with the diurnal blood, sputum and urine samples. All the
infections were found to be bancroftian through microscopy, immunodiagnosis, PCR based
assays of both human and mosquito samples, and DNA sequencing of the species specific PCR
products. It’s the first confirmation at molecular level that Cx. quinquefasciatus is the LF vector in
Bangladesh. PCR based assays are also developed first time in Bangladesh to detect (1)
endemicity through quick mosquito screening and (2) LF infection in nocturnal and diurnal
blood, sputum and urine samples at sub-clinical level, which is essential to detect present
infection for treatment before occurrence of the irreversible disabling deformities of the body.

Key words: Lymphatic filariasis (LF), microfilaremic, Wuchereria bancrofti, Culex quinquefasciatus,
polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

45
 Evaluation of Antibodies in Lymphocyte Supernatant- New Hope for
Diagnosis of Pediatric TB.

Rubhana Raqib1, Dinesh Mondal1, Anwarul karim2, Fahima Chowdhury1, Sultan

Ahmed1, Sanaul Bashar3, Stephen Luby1, Jan Andersson4, David Sack1.

Diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) in children presents challenges because commonly accepted

clinical diagnostic criteria may be difficult to fulfill. We evaluated the TB diagnostic
performance of antibodies in lymphocyte supernatant (ALS) assay in children suspected of
having TB that was earlier found to be useful in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB in adults. A
cross-sectional study was conducted in 56 children (age range 18-167 months) presenting to a
hospital with presumptive diagnosis of TB. In the absence of an acceptable gold standard test,
children were initially categorized as "radiologically certain TB," "probable TB” with
radiological signs and good clinical response to anti-TB treatment, and "non-TB" who did not
meet clinical diagnostic criteria. About 9% of the patients were diagnosed as cultured confirmed
TB and 66% as probable TB. Patients with confirmed and probable TB had significantly higher
TB-specific antibody titers at enrollment compared to the healthy control children and non-TB
children (P<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the ALS method were found to be 86% and
90% respectively at a cut-off value of 0.3. The ALS titers declined from enrollment through 6
months following anti-TB therapy (p=0.001). Thus, the ALS method may be used as a potential
aid for improved diagnosis of pediatric TB.

1. ICDDR,B: Centre for Health and Population Research, Bangladesh;

2. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka;
3. Nari Maitree, Urban Primary Health Care Project PA-5, Dhaka City Corporation;
4. Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.

46
 Effects of Iron and Zinc Supplementation during Pregnancy on
Neonatal Iron Status in Rats.

Mohammad Bakhtiar Hossain1,2, Shannon L Kelleher2, and Bo L Lonnerdal2.

Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are necessary for optimal growth and development. Fe plays a key role
in the transport of oxygen and development of cognitive function. Zn is associated with more
than 300 enzymes by participating in their structure and or in their catalytic or regulatory
actions. In a developing country like Bangladesh Fe and Zn deficiencies are common. Pregnant
women and growing children are most vulnerable to Fe and Zn deficiency. Fe and Zn
deficiencies during pregnancy may result in neonatal Fe and Zn deficiency. To combat this
problem, co-supplementation of Fe and Zn during pregnancy is often recommended. However,
supplementation with high molar ratio of one mineral has been shown to inhibit the absorption
of the other. Although co-supplementatAion of these micronutrients may interact in pregnant
woman, effects of maternal Fe and/or Zn supplementation on neonatal Fe status, Fe absorption
and Fe transporters are unknown. Rats were fed a low Fe and Zn diet (12 µg/g Fe; 10 µg/g Zn)
for 1 mo, then bred. Pregnant rats were supplemented 3 times/wk with vehicle (UnS), Fe (FeS;
9.0 mg), Zn (ZnS; 1.5 mg) or Fe and Zn (FeZnS). At weaning, Fe status, 59Fe absorption, and
intestinal Fe transporter expression were determined in the pups. Pups from dams given FeS
and FeZnS had higher hemoglobin (91 ± 4 and 80 ± 3 g/L, respectively) compared to UnS (56 ±
11 g/L) and ZnS (63 ± 5 g/L). Liver Fe was higher in FeS pups (31.1 ± 9.8 µg/g) compared to
UnS, ZnS and FeZnS (20.2 ± 3.6, 20.1 ± 3.7, 22.2 ± 4.9 µg/g, respectively). Iron absorption was
higher in UnS (98.0 ± 0.3%) compared to FeS (94.8 ± 1.6%), ZnS (93.1 ± 2.1%) and FeZnS (87.6 ±
6.0%) pups. Intestinal 59Fe retention was higher in ZnS (7.2 ± 0.8%) compared to UnS (3.8 ±
0.8%), FeS (4.6 ± 0.9%) and FeZnS (4.8 ± 0.3%) pups. FeS decreased DMT1 expression but ZnS
and FeZnS had no effect. There was no effect on FPN. When compared to UnS, hephaestin
expression was higher in both FeS and FeZnS pups. Pups born from Fe supplemented dams had
better Fe status which resulted in decreased DMT1 expression and Fe absorption. Zn
supplementation interfered with Fe absorption by trapping Fe in the intestine, potentially
through altered FPN localization or reduced hephaestin activity. Maternal Zn supplementation
alone or in combination with Fe may compromise neonatal Fe status.

1International Centre for Diarrheal Disease and Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B)

2Dept of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616

47
 Arsenic-mediated Apoptosis of Murine T lymphocytes
Involving Activation of JNK
Anwarul Azim Akhand1, Khaled Hossain2 and Izumi Nakashima3

Arsenic is a heavy-metal substance that exists in nature in very small amounts. Although exists
in small amounts, elevated level of the compound can naturally be found in ground water. In
Bangladesh, arsenic thereby became a devastating pollutant that has caused an environmental
tragedy in some areas where a large population has been drinking arsenic-contaminated
ground water. The long-term health effects caused by arsenic exposure includes cancers of skin,
bladder, kidney and lung, neurological effects, cardiovascular disease, immunotoxicity, and
immunosuppression. All these disease-causing effects of arsenic may share a common
molecular mechanism at an early stage. Here we report sodium arsenite (NaAsO2)-induced
signal cascades from the cell surface to the nucleus of murine T lymphocytes. We observed that
NaAsO2 induced apoptosis through fragmentation of DNA, activation of caspase, reciprocal
regulation of Bcl-2/Bax with concomitant reduction of membrane potential. NaAsO2-induced
caspase activation is dependent on the activity of c-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK). As an
initial event of triggering the signal, NaAsO2 induced aggregation of GPI-anchored protein Thy-
1 and production of superoxide. These results are very important for a better understanding of
the molecular mechanism of NaAsO2-induced signal delivery pathway that would lead us to
invention of a new therapeutic approach.

1Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, 2Department of Biochemistry, University of
Rajshahi, Bangladesh and
3Department of Immunology, Nagoya University School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan

48
Molecular Characterization and Clinical Evaluation of Dengue Outbreak
in Year 2002 in Bangladesh

M.A. Islam1, 5, M. U. Ahmed 2, N. Begum 3, N. A. Chowdhury 3, A. H. Khan 1, M. C.

Parquet 1, S. Bipolo 1, S. Inoue 1, F. Hasebe 1, Y. Suzuki 4, 5 and K. Morita 1, 5

During the febrile illness epidemic in Bangladesh in 2002, 58 people died out of 6132 affected,
died. Two hundred hospitalized patients were analyzed clinically, serologically and
virologically to determine the features of this dengue infection. Among 10- to 70- year- old age
group of the 200 clinically suspected dengue patients, 100 (50%) were confirmed as dengue
cases by virus isolation and dengue IgM-capture ELISA. Of the 100 dengue confirmed cases, the
mean age was 29.0 (± 12.4). The possible dengue secondary infection rate determined by
Flavivirus IgG-indirect ELISA was 78% in 2002. Eight dengue virus strains were isolated,
representing the first dengue virus isolation in the country and all were dengue virus type-3
(DEN-3). Sequence data for the envelope gene of the DEN-3 Bangladeshi isolates were used in a
phylogenetic comparison with DEN-3 from other countries. A phylogenetic analysis revealed
that all 8 strains of DEN-3 were clustered within a well-supported independent sub-cluster of
genotype II and were closely related to Thai isolates from the 90’s. Therefore, it is likely that the
currently circulating DEN-3 viruses entered Bangladesh from neighboring countries.

Key Words: Molecular Characterization, Clinical Evaluation, Dengue

1 Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan,2
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh,3
Shaheed Suhrawardi Hospital, Shere-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, Bangladesh,4 Department of Biochemistry, School of
Pharmaceutical Science, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8526, Japan, 5Core Research for
Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan
Name of corresponding author: Prof. Dr. Md. Alimul Islam
E.mail: alim_bau@yahoo.co.in Fax: +88091-55810

49
 Current Advances in Insulin Delivery and Formulation

Nadim Ashraf1 and Gary Adams2

The prevalence of diabetes in Bangladesh is estimated to be 5.2% among the adult population. It
is estimated that almost 3 million people have diabetes in Bangladesh, among which about 90%
- 95% belong to Type 2. For these population, an insulin regime is not only applied to Type1
diabetes patients but also to Type 2 patients, who remain persistently symptomatic
hyperglycaemic on maximum dose of oral agents and diet.

Since insulin was introduced into clinical practice in 1922, attempts at replicating physiological
insulin secretion, as a means of restoring the normal metabolic milieu and thereby minimizing
the risk of diabetic complications, has become an essential feature of insulin treatment. As our
understanding of the importance of strict glycemic control has come into focus, our ability to
achieve this goal has improved. Much of this newfound ability to obtain a level close to the
euglycemic index in patients with diabetes can be attributed to novel insulin molecules that
scientists have synthesized in the past decade and a half.

Following the development of recombinant human insulin in the 1980s and insulin analogues in
the 1990s, at present insulin therapy holds the promise of non-injection delivery methods that
will become widely available in the near future. The evolution of insulin therapy already has
produced more effective delivery methods for better glycemic control with fewer side effects.
Current research in the insulin arena has focused on new formulations, novel insulin molecules,
and various methods of insulin delivery that more closely approximate normal physiologic
insulin response than conventional preparations.

This paper will review on the recent development of insulin formulation and the current
advances in the alternative approaches to insulin administration that are under consideration,
with the goal to replicate physiological patterns of insulin secretion and free the patients from
the increasingly complex and intensive insulin regimens involving multiple daily injections.

Key words: Diabetes; Insulin; Delivery; Insulin formulation.

1School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough Leics, LE12 5RD, UK
2Insulin and Diabetes Experimental Research (IDER) Group, University of Nottingham, Faculty of Medicine and Health
Science, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK

Name of the corresponding author: Nadim Ashraf

E-mail: stxna7@nottingham.ac.uk. Tel: + 44 (0) 115 951 6400, Fax: +44 (0) 115 951 6032

50
 Molecular Characterization of the Major Outer Membrane Protein of
Haemophilus somnus

M.S.R. Khan1, A. Tanaka A3,H Ide3 , K Hoshinoo2, Y Hanafusa3 , Y Tagawa2

The major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Haemophilus somnus shows antigenic and
molecular mass diversity that forms the basis of a preliminary grouping system for H. somnus
strains. In this study, the gene encoding MOMP of H. somnus strain 8025 was cloned in three
overlapping fragments by PCR techniques, and then sequenced. The gene consists of a 1164-bp
open reading frame encoding a deduced 380-amino acid protein with a 19-amino acid signal
sequence, giving a mature protein with a calculated molecular mass of 39,913 Da. Significant
homology was found between MOMP and porin protein sequences of bacteria in
Pasteurellaceae species. When expressed in Escherichia coli, the protein from the MOMP gene
directed by the T7 promoter was identical in size (approximately 40 kDa) to native MOMP and
reacted with MOMP-specific antibodies. Comparisons of the MOMP gene sequences from six
unrelated strains of H. somnus to that of strain 8025 revealed that the genes of three MOMP
type 1 strains were highly conserved with that of strain 8025 in length and sequence. However,
two MOMP type 3c strains and one MOMP type 3a strain differed markedly from the MOMP of
strain 8025 in their 3'-terminal halves. Their deduced MOMP amino acid sequences differed in
sequence (3c, 80.5 and 82.7% identity; 3a, 62.4% identity) and in length (3c, 384 and 376; 3a, 316),
indicating that the molecular differences are the basis of antigenicity and molecular mass
differences of H. somnus MOMP. In the predicted MOMP secondary structure, the variable
sequences primarily mapped to putative surface-exposed loops, and a variable and surface-
exposed epitope of MOMP-specific antibody was identified in the seventh-largest loop. These
findings are useful for understanding the structural and immunological characteristics of H.
somnus.

Key words: Haemophilus somnus, MOMP gene, PCR cloning

1. Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Faculty of Veterinary Science,
Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh
2. Bacterial Disease Section, National Institute of Animal Health, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
3. Department of Integrative Environmental Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University
of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan

Name of corresponding author: Professor Dr. M. S.R. Khan

E.mail: msrkhan001@yahoo.com Fax:+88091-55810

51
 Large-Scale Identification of Protein-Protein Interaction of Escherichia
coli K-12
Mohammad Arifuzzaman1, Maki Maeda3, Rintarou Saito4, Shigehiko Kanaya5, Chieko
Wada6, Hirotada Mori2, 3

E. coli is one of the most well characterized organisms and has been used as a model system to
study various aspects of bacterial physiology and genetics of fundamental and applied interest.
Among the 4,339 ORFs (open reading frames) predicted in E. coli, nearly 50% of these ORFs are
experimentally uncharacterized. In addition to functional analysis of individual ORFs,
systematic analyses of relationships between constituent elements, such as gene regulatory
networks, protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and metabolic networks, has not been possible
before the post-genomic era.
Protein-protein interactions play key roles in the structural and functional organization of a cell.
A thorough description of these interactions should provide the foundations to facilitate
elucidation of cellular activities, targeted drug design and cell engineering. A large-scale
comprehensive pull-down assay was performed using a His-tagged E. coli ORF clone library
and 2,667 out of 4,339 proteins were successfully analyzed their putative interaction with target
proteins on Ni2+-NTA column. Co-purified putative interacting proteins were identified by
MALDI-TOF MS. Total 11,511 putative protein complexes were identified from 2,667 baits and
expression of 798 previously hypothetical proteins. We analyzed our protein pair data using
biological information and revealed many novel protein-protein interaction candidates. An
extended analysis of these putative interaction networks, by both bioinformatics and
experimental approaches, will provide novel strategies for investigations in systems biology.

Keywords: ASKA library/E. coli/post genome analysis/protein interaction network/pull

down assay

1 Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology, Chittagong (USTC), Foy’s Lake,
Chittagong, Bangladesh
2 Department of Biosciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0101, Japan
3CREST, JST (Japan Science and Technology), Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
4Institute of Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0035, Japan
5Department of Bioinformatics, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0101, Japan
6Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan

Name of the corresponding author: Hirotada Mori

e-mail: hmori@gtc.naist.jp

52
 A Heuristic Algorithm for Individual Haplotyping with Minimum
Error Correction

Abdullah Al Mueen¹, Md. Shamsuzzoha Bayzid¹,

Md. Maksudul Alam¹ and Md. Saidur Rahman¹

A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) is a variation in a single nucleotide that can occur
within a person's DNA sequence. Haplotype is a pattern of SNPs on a DNA sequence.
Constructing a pair of haplotypes that represent the SNP patterns of the inherited DNAs of an
individual is referred as individual haplotyping. Haplotyping is an important recent technique
which is used in DNA fingerprinting for criminal or parental verification, study of evolution
and pharmacogenetics. Haplotyping from aligned and overlapping but erroneous fragments of
the chromosomal sequences is a non-trivial problem. Minimum Error Correction (MEC) is a
computational method for haplotyping, which minimizes the number of errors to be corrected
so that the pair of haplotypes can be constructed through consensus of the fragments.

In this paper, we give a heuristic algorithm for haplotyping through minimum error correction.
Our algorithm iteratively searches for a better solution by maximizing a gain measure and stops
whenever no better solution can be achieved. Time complexity of each iteration is O(m³k), where
m represents the number of fragments and k represents the number of SNPs. We also give
another gain measure which reduces the time complexity to O(m²k) without affecting the
performance much.

We tested our algorithm over a set of real haplotypes and another set of simulated haplotypes.
The accuracy of our result is comparable to that of the most recent genetic algorithm. We had
up to 100% accurate construction of haplotypes in our experiments in some cases. Moreover,
our algorithm, which is deterministic in nature, is significantly faster than the known genetic
algorithm. It takes less than 1 second for haplotypes with 964 bases whereas the known genetic
algorithm takes over 100 seconds when the programs are executed on a Pentium III processor.

Key words: Algorithm; Bioinformatics; DNA sequence; SNP; Haplotype; Minimum Error
Correction; Heuristic; Gain; Accuracy;

1Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000,

Bangladesh.

Name of corresponding author: Md. Saidur Rahman

Email: saidurrahman@cse.buet.ac.bd

53
 Development of Herbal Feed Additives for Ruminants

K. S. Huqueδ and Nasrin Sultanaδ

The present work was conducted with an objective to determine the effect of native herbals as
ruminant feed additives for boosting beef production of native growing cattle. Two groups of
growing bulls each with six animals were fed with a basal diet of adlib urea-molasses-straw
(UMS) supplemented with a concentrate mixture. Keeping a group control, Mukorossi herbal
additive (collected and prepared from native plant sources) was added with the concentrate of
the other group, and considered as the treatment diet.
Addition of Mukorossi did not affect the intake of nutrients by animals or digestibility in vivo,
but it reduced the rumen fauna (Ciliated protozoa) significantly (p<0.05) and improved rumen
fiber degradability in sacco at early incubation hours. Feeding control or Mukorossi diets to two
groups animal having initial average live weight of 113.0 Kg or 114.0 Kg, respectively resulted
in a non-significant (p>0.05) difference in final live weight (160.7 Kg vs 174.0 Kg, respectively)
or average daily live weight gain (483.2g vs 612.0g/head, respectively). The average extent of
difference in final live weight was about 13.3 Kg/head and, that in daily live weight gain was
128.8g/head resulting in feed conversion ratios of 9.70 vs 8.70, respectively. About 26.7% higher
growth response of Mukorossi feeding may be cost effective than using growth hormones, the
growth response of which may vary from 15 to 20%.
Mukorossi feeding significantly (p<0.05) increased blood glucose level (73.7 mg/dl vs
83.7mg/dl) after 2 hours of morning feeding, and it may be justified by the increased
degradability in sacco of straw in the rumen. No significant differences in the level of blood
glucose before morning feed or zero urinary glucose loss irrespective of feeding times may have
nullified the possibility of any effect of Mukorossi on glucose loss through urine.
From the above results and discussion it may be stated that Mukorossi may be a good herbal
feed additive for the growing beef cattle without any apparent deleterious effect on animal
health. Further research works are essential to conduct to find effective herbal sources with their
easy availability of biomass for processing and manufacturing of cost effective additives for
feeding ruminants.

Key words: Herbal additive, Protozoa, Blood Glucose, Digestibility, Growth

δ
Animal Production Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka 1341,
Bangladesh;
Name of the corresponding author: Dr. K. S. Huque, e-mail: khan05@bdonline.com

54
 Biodegradation of Tannery Effluents by Bacteria
A.K.Saha1, M.A.Mannan 1 , and M.K. Mahanta 1

Biodegradation of tannery effluents containing cadmium, chromium and lead nitrate by

bacteria was investigated. Sample of effluents with cadmium, chromium and lead-nitrate (10
µg/ml) were incubated in mineral salts medium at 370C for 4 days and bacterial strain was
isolated from the sample. The optimum pH 7.0 and temperature 370C are suitable for the
growth of the bacteria. Isolated bacteria are resistant to cephradine and amoxycillin and utilize
different carbohydrates viz. xylose, glucose. fructose, lactose, sucrose, mannose, galactose and
maltose.
The effluents are so toxic that fishes cannot survive in it even for two hours time. Even after
dilution of the effluents by fresh water the same type of fishes cannot survive for the same
duration. But after release of the isolated bacteria in the diluted effluents the same type of fishes
survives for longer period. It was also found that fishes survived longer period after adding
small quantity of glucose in the effluents.
Cured bacteria were unable to grow on media containing cadmium, chromium, and lead
nitrate. It may be conclude that isolated bacteria are able to degrade the effluents and the
ability might be borne on plasmid.

Key words: Tannery; effluents; bacteria; plasmid

1 Department of Zoology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh.

Name of corresponding author: Dr. A. K. Saha
E.mail: anandroma@yahoo.com Fax:0721-750064

55
 Genetic Variation of Wild and Hatchery Populations of Indian Major
carp, catla (Catla catla Hamilton) Revealed by RAPD Markers

Dr. Md. Mukhlesur Rahman Khan1

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to assess genetic variations
in three wild viz. the Halda, the Jamuna and the Padma rivers and one hatchery population of
Indian major carp, Catla catla (Hamilton). Five decamer random primers were used to amplify
RAPD markers from 30 samples of each population. Out of 55 scorable bands, 30 were detected
as polymorphic indicating some degree of genetic variation in all the studied populations. The
estimated values of proportion of polymorphic loci and gene diversity values estimated were
54.55% and 0.23 for the Halda; 45.45% and 0.17 for the Jamuna; 49.09% and 0.20 for the Padma;
and 41.82% and 0.17 for hatchery populations, respectively reflecting relatively a higher level of
genetic variation in the Halda population. Among the polymorphic loci, 16 were observed to
cause significant departure from homogeneity in all the population pairs indicating the
presence of some degree of divergence in the populations. The inter-population similarity
indices, gene flow and genetic distance values showed that the Jamuna-Pamda population pair
of catla was genetically closer than other wild population pairs. The pair wise population
differentiation (FST) values indicated a low level of genetic differentiation between the
population pairs. The UPGMA dendrogram constructed from Nei’s genetic distances showed
segregation of populations into two distinct clusters: the Halda alone was in one cluster while
the Jamuna, the Padma and hatchery populations formed the second cluster. Understanding of
genetic variation of the three wild populations and a representative hatchery population of catla
would be supportive for management of the populations to facilitate maintenance of their
genetic quality.

1Dr.Md. Mukhlesur Rahman Khan

Associate Professor & Head
Department of Fisheries Biology & Genetics
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh-2202
Mobile-01711-407359
e.mail: mukhles@royalten.net.bd

56
 Study on RAPD Analysis of Selective Goat Population

M.A.I. Talukder;1 B.B. Roy2 and K.M. Hossain3

In this study, RAPD-PCR conditions were evaluated to verify the genetic diversity of Black
Bengal goat population. Blood samples of 25 pure breed animals were collected form Savar
Goat Farm, Directorate of Livestock Services. DNA was extracted from blood and quality and
quantity was checked by spectrophotometric measurement. 10 random primers were screened
using 3 set of PCR conditions. Only 3 primers amplified scorable polymorphic bands. The
fragment length of the products ranged from 250 bp to 680 bp. Primer BLRI 4 amplified two
bands (500bp and 680bp) in all samples. Allelic frequencies were calculated by assuming that
the population was in H-W equilibrium. Allelic frequencies varied from the lowest of 0.0513 to
highest 0.9487. Total polymorphic loci were 66.67% Genetic diversity of the goat population was
as low as 0.3680+0.1835. The relatively low level of genetic diversity of Black Bengal indicates
that Black Bengal goat has been bred without any crossbreeding with foreign breeds after its
domestication. In addition, it is likely that Black Bengal goat has experienced the loss of
variation owing to non-random mating and/or genetic drift. DNA fingerprints generated in this
study were used for identification of this breed. The application of such fingerprints can be
identify of mixing of sheep meat in goat meat, which is now a very common practice in
slaughterhouses of the country.

1. Principal Scientific Officer, Goat & Sheep Production Research Division, BLRI, Savar, Dhaka-1341.
2. M.Sc. Student, Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khunla University, Khulna.
3. Professor, Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khunla University, Khulna.

57
 Development of Somaclonal Variants of Strawberry Adaptive to the
Agro- ecological Condition of Bangladesh.

M. Hossain1, U.K. Roy1, R. Karim1, MK Biswas1, N Nahar3, A Hoque2 and R Islam1

Strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa (Duch.) is a natural hybrid of Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. and
Fragaria virginiana (Duch.). Fragaria is a member of the Rosaceae family. Strawberry is one of the
most important and popular fruit in the temperate countries of the world due to its fragrance,
test and nutritional properties. Objective of this study was to develop a new strawberry cultivar
from F. x ananassa cultivars cultivated in Honshu region of Japan through the induction and
selection of somaclonal variation. In initial step eight Japanese strawberry cultivars were grown
for adaptive evaluation and one cultivar was selected that showed better adaptability to the
environmental condition of Rajshahi. Callus was induced from runner’s nodal segment of the
selected cultivar onto agar gelled MS medium supplemented with 0.2 – 3.0 mg/l NAA. Shoot
regeneration was achieved by repeated sub-culturing of the calli onto MS medium
supplemented with BAP (0.05 – 1.5 mg/l). The shoots were rooted individually on half MSO
medium. The regenerated plants were transplanted to field and were evaluated for the
occurrence of somaclonal variation using flowering and fruiting ability, adaptability and
sustainability in summer and rainy season of Bangladesh, as parameters. Wide range of
somaclonal variations in terms of morphological and agronomical characters were observed
among the plants. Initially nine vernelization independent flowering plant types with better
agronomic features were selected. The selected lines were evaluated for overcoming harsh
summer and hot-humid rainy season. Out of nine, three lines (ST1, ST2 and ST3) were selected
for commercial cultivation for subsequent years. These somaclones are distinct from each other
in terms of fruit and other agronomical characters, and have potential for commercial
cultivation in Bangladesh.

Key words: Strawberry, somaclonal variation, callus

1. Plant Breeding and Gene Engineering Lab., Department of Botany, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.
2. Professor, Dept. of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.
3. PSO, Aman Tissue Culture LTD., Narikelbaria, Rajshahi

Name of corresponding author: M. Monzur Hossain

E-mail: monzurh@librabd.net

58
 Development and Evaluation of Transgenic Lettuce Expressing Salmon
calcitonin (sCT) and Human calcitonin related peptide (hCGRP) Genes.
A. Hoque2, M. Hossain1, MB. Ahmed1, MK. Biswas1 and R. Islam1

Calcitonin (CT) is an endogenous polypeotide hormone plays a crucial role in both calcium
homeostasis and bone remodeling and CGRP is a neuro-peptide and potent vasodilator, also
plays very important role in calcium metabolism and believed to reduce blood pressure. The 1st
and 2nd true leaves from 14-day-old in vitro grown lettuce seedlings were infected with A.
tumefacience LBA4404 containing sCT and CGRP gene cassettes in pCAMBIA2301 Ti plasmids.
Infected leaves were induced to develop callus within 2 week of culture and subsequently
started to develop shoot buds within 6 weeks of culture initiation. Regenerated shoots were
individually rooted onto rooting medium contained 50 mg/l Kanamycin. The genomic DNA
amplified with sCT specific primer reveals the presence of sCT gene in 37 out of 66 kanamycin
resistant plantlets. Similarly, genomic DNA of 50 kanamycin resistant plantlets amplified with
CGRP specific primers reveals the presence of CGRP gene among 39 plantlets. These plants
were transferred to net house and grown to maturity. Transcripts of both sCT and CGRP in the
To plants were analyzed by RT-PCR. RT-PCR profiles of To plants generated through sCT
specific primers exhibits the presence of expected size cDNA of sCT gene in 22 out of 28 plants
tested. Similar expression of the transcript of CGRP gene in 32 out of 35 plants tested was also
demonstrated. Presence study clearly demonstrated that both sCT and CGRP genes could
express their transcript. Further evaluation for the detection of peptides to corresponding to
both genes is in under way.

Key words: Salmon calcitonin (sCT), human calcitonin related peptide (hCGRP), lettuce

1. Plant Breeding and Gene Engineering Lab., Department of Botany, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.
2. Professor, Dept. of Agronomy and Agricultural Extension, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.

Name of corresponding author: Md. Aminul Hoque

E-mail: aminulh2@yahoo.com

59
Abstract

Promotional

60
 Biotechnology in India: An ICGEB Experience

Prof. Virander Singh Chauhana

Indian Biotechnology scenario has grown quite rapidly in the last decade or so and presently
ranks third in the region after Japan and Korea. This has become possible with numerous
initiatives taken by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and the strong base
of trained scientific manpower in the country. The Biotech sector in India comprises of around
280 companies generating revenue of 41.5 billion and is expected to grow around 30-35% each
year.

ICGEB plays a crucial role in promoting research and capacity building in biotechnology for the
developing world. Mandated to carry out research, training and development of IP and
technologies for the developing world in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering,
ICGEB has been successful in building a strong capacity of scientific manpower by training
around 5000 researchers and students in the ICGEB member states.

Indian biotech scene and research programmes at ICGEB will be discussed

a International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi – 110067, India

Email: virander@icgeb.res.in

61
 Biotechnology Initiatives in Pakistan

Dr. Anwar Nasima

Pakistan is a country of over 160 million people. It has predominantly agriculture-based

economy that accounts for the 24% of GDP. It covers a total area of 19,671 million acres of which
5,411 million acres are cultivated.
Using traditional means our ancestors have been breeding animals & growing crops of different
varieties, however these common practices have damaged the cultivated land through water
and wind erosion, salination and water logging. To overcome the impending shortage in this
field conventional methodologies have to undergo a paradigm shift. Thus the government is
primarily focusing on various aspects of agricultural biotechnology.
Pakistan has a solid history of engagement with traditional biotechnology. Many new plant
varieties, some of which are used all over the country. Coordinated efforts at the Government
level have laid strong foundations for Biotechnology. The Ministry of Science and Technology
has infact already invested more than Rs. 1 billion in various projects. There are 29 Government
Institutes/Organization & Universities working in the field of Biotechnology. The main thrust
of most of these institutes has been the development of genetically modified crops that are best
suited to our environment and can increase the productivity of the crops with minimal
environmental hazards.
Realizing the immense potential of Biotechnology, in the third meeting of the National
Commission for Science and Technology chaired by the President of Pakistan, Biotechnology
was declared one of the highest priorities among the selected research fields. Since Pakistan has
an agro-based economy, the Federal investment has been more focused in agricultural field.
Pakistan has also established a National Commission on Biotechnology. The National
Commission on Biotechnology is an advisory body to the Ministry of Science and Technology to
monitor new developments in the field of Biotechnology at national and international level and
to recommend appropriate measures for the benefit of the country. The Commission comprises
of 15 members which includes expert Agriculturists, Environmentalists, Industrialists &
Scientists.
The main Objective of the Commission are:
i. Human Resource Development.
ii. To strengthen Government-Private sector collaboration.
iii. Publications, T.V. and Radio Programmes.
It has been decided that initially special attention should be paid to human resource
development and in view of the limited resources Agriculture and Health will be the top
priority areas. Further more a comprehensive National Policy and Action Plan has been
developed.
In Industrial Biotechnology the focus is on encouraging the industry for indigenous
development and production of probes, primers/ ELISA plates, monoclonal antibodies,
enzymes and other reagents required for diagnosis of local strains of causative agents for
malaria hepatitis, cholera and tuberculosis. Considering the profound importance of research
and development in the health arena, investment is now being focused on vaccine development
and production of diagnostic kits.
Development policies encouraging conducive environment for biotechnology industrial
growth have been introduced. Continued government efforts are ensuring a sustainable
development of Biotechnology in Pakistan.

aAdvisor, COMSTECH, Pakistan

62
 Life Sciences and Biotechnology in Turkey
Mehmet Ozturk, Ph. D.a

Modern biotechnology takes its roots from the scientific discoveries and technical advances in
the field of life sciences. This is why the biotechnology initiatives in the developed countries are
based on science and technology policies where the science is defined as either molecular
biology or lifer sciences, and the technology means biotechnology. It is now well accepted that
this “science and technology” policy is highly successful in bringing the humanity to “the age of
biotechnology”. Unfortunately, the biotechnology does not serve the humanity equally well, as
less developed countries are becoming more and more dependent on imported biotechnological
products in medicine as well as agriculture. Such countries are trying to solve this growing
problem by national biotechnology programs for local production of key biotechnological
products. Biotechnology has also been on the agenda of Turkey for the last 30 years. However,
the progress was modest and did not make an impact on Turkish economy. Many believe that
the poor success of biotechnology policies in developing countries results from ill-defined
national strategies. The main weakness of such strategies is the expectation that it is possible to
develop biotechnological industry by investing on technology only. The investment on science
is disregarded in most developing counties because it is “expensive”, “slow to produce”, or
even “useless” for the society. Turkey, after following such a strategy for many years is now
shifting its priorities to developing its science and technology hand by hand. One of the earlier
consequences of this strategy was the high rate of increase in the scientific production of
Turkey. Our country is in the 19th position in the World with nearly 20.000 SCI papers published
in 2005. The change of policy is reflected in biotechnology by the development of new
undergraduate and graduate programs in molecular biology, biotechnology and
nanobiotechnology. These programs are complemented by a recent and unprecedented increase
in research funding, state-supported technoparks for technology companies nearby universities,
taxes exemptions for technology-based investments, and the participation to the research
framework programs of the European Union. I will discuss these new developments together
with their potential impacts on the development of biotechnology in the country.

a Bilkent University, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 06800 Ankara, Turkey

63
 Integrating excellence in molecular science and technology
to generate Knowledge-based industries:
A Malaysian experience in diagnostics

Prof Asma Ismaila

In the knowledge era, the challenge in R&D is to focus on the development of original
knowledge-based products that can compete in the global market. Development of
commercially viable, patented knowledge-based products within a university environment
requires the innovation system and innovation policies to be in place and a change in the
paradigm towards research approach. A crucial agent towards the success of the innovation
system is the development and training of the human capital that would be the future drivers of
the Knowledge-based industry. Awareness of intellectual property rights, the need for original
research, indigenous platforms, entrepreneurship as well as developing and strengthening self
confidence and leadership are among the factors needed towards the training of K-workers
facing the new economy.

For K-based products to fare well in developing countries, it is imperative that these products
are developed and designed with the clients need in mind. Enhancement of the value chain can
be achieved with the existence of innovation policies of the country and venture capitalists
willing to invest in indigenous biotech products and innovations. The paper will also discuss
the Malaysian experience in the R&D strategies and commercialization of indigenous
diagnostics towards wealth creation and improvement in the quality of life. For developing
countries to survive K-economy, it is important that researchers develop the capacity for
technology development rather than just being users of technology.

aDirector, Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia Health campus, 16150

Kubang Kerian , Kelantan,

or Suite 110 Eureka Building, 11800 Minden, Penang Malaysia

64
 Biotechnology Capacity Development in Scientifically Lagging
Countries of Asia and Africa through the Establishment of a Drug
Discovery and Development Research Network Based On Traditional
Knowledge and Indigenous Resources

Ahmed A. Azada

Bangladesh and most of the scientifically lagging and least developed countries of the
developing world are largely concentrated in a geographical region that includes Southern and
Central Asia, the Near East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, a region that can be loosely
termed the “OIC region” as it is also home to the overwhelming majority of the OIC-member
countries. The poorer and least developed countries in the OIC region, including Bangladesh,
are in the greatest need of effective and affordable drugs and vaccines against diseases that
continue to cause devastation to the health and economies of these countries. Unfortunately
these countries are unable to carry out effective indigenous research to meet their needs for new
drugs because of their weakness in scientific proficiency and lack of research capacity.

This is a proposal for the establishment of a Drug Discovery and Development Programme in
the OIC region with a major focus on research capacity development. The initiative will draw
on indigenous knowledge, natural products and existing scientific resources, and will foster
multidisciplinary research collaboration between diverse research groups with complementary
expertise and facilities. The drug development process, even before commercialization, is
extremely expensive and requires extensive capacity development. This is beyond the capability
of any single scientifically lagging country, but could be achieved through focused collaboration
within a regional research network. This major initiative could result in much needed
therapeutic products and, in collaboration with local industry partners, lead to the
establishment of a research-based pharmaceutical industry dedicated to the health care needs of
the region.

Cutting edge technologies in the molecular biosciences and core facilities set up for this
initiative will also be available to all other biotechnology based activities in the region and lead
to increased research productivity, capacity development and a well trained scientific
manpower. These are all very important steps needed to raise the science and technology base
to the level required to transform the region from being scientifically lagging to being
scientifically proficient. Since scientific and technological proficiency underpins sustainable
development, this initiative should be treated as a priority by regional governments, including
the Government of Bangladesh, and supported by national (BAS) and international science
academies (TWAS, IAS, AAS), multinational science organizations (ICGEB, COMSTECH),
regional development banks (IDB, ADB) and international development partners that subscribe
to science and technology-based sustainable development in the least developed and
scientifically lagging countries.

aFTWAS, FIAS, FBAS, MASSAf, FRSSA

TWAS Research Professor, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
a_azad05@yahoo.com.au

65
 National Guidelines on Medical Biotechnology in Bangladesh

A. K. Azada

The Government of Bangladesh recently approved the National Guidelines for Medical
Biotechnology (MBT) subject to implementation within the framework of National
Biotechnology Policy. The guidelines focus on public-private partnership to exploit the benefits
of medical biotechnology in the country. The guidelines caution for protection of human health
and nutrition, privacy and personal rights, and religious and cultural values through effective
regulatory system and public awareness. The guidelines also include a three-phase action plan
for implementation of MBT in Bangladesh. The first phase will be implemented by one year,
which aims for assessment, sensitization and creation of background environment for future
MBT development in the country. The second phase will be implemented by 2010, when basic
to moderate levels of infrastructure and capacity for MBT will be developed. In the third phase
to be implemented by 2025, advanced infrastructure and capacity will be developed to enable
attainment of MBT in Bangladesh to the globally competitive level. This paper discusses, in
detail, the national guidelines on medical biotechnology in Bangladesh.

Key words: National; Guidelines; Medical Biotechnology; Regulatory System; Public

Awareness; Action Plan; Bangladesh

aDepartment of Biochemistry, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD),

Shere Bangla Nagar, Dhaka, MOHFW, Bangladesh
Email: profakazad@gmail.com

66
Importance of Laboratory Tests to a Country’s Healthcare System and its
Accreditation – What It is and How to Get It.

Jalaluddin Bhuiyan1

It is important for a medical and cost effective point of view for a country to have an
infrastructure in place that provides qualified manpower and monitors the quality of the testing
in its clinical laboratories. This can be used to bring about the standardization of critical
analytes that are utilized in the diagnosis and management of those diseases that are of greatest
burden to the country’s healthcare system.

At an optimum a country should also have an accreditation program in place as part of a

requirement for the licensing of its medical laboratories. There are many different accreditation
bodies, like CAP, COLA, ISO 15189, QMPLS and others and that ISO 15189 will eventually be
the de-facto accreditation standard globally. For international clinical trials most laboratories
are trying to get CAP accreditation, many also have registered under CLIA. In an ideal world,
Bangladesh should develop an accreditation standard for its clinical laboratories and have a
government standards setting body (like BSTI) confirm it as a national standard for the country.
In Canada the body that does this is the SCC, in Mexico it is EMA. Through BSTI, Bangladesh
subscribes to the ISO process as ‘Member bodies’ and it will be an obvious expectation to bring
country’s clinical laboratories equivalent to the standards of ISO 15189.

Corresponding author: Jalaluddin Bhuiyan, PhD, DABCC, FACB

Head of Clinical Biochemistry,
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine,
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center
MBC 10, P.O. Box 3354, Riyadh 11211
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel 966 1 442 4293 (Office) Mobile 966 503207589
Fax 966 1 442 4280 E-mail: jbhuiyan@kfshrc.edu.sa

67
 Biotechnology Policy, Challenges and Opportunities and Research at
Agricultural Research Institutes: An Overview

Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaquea

Modern biotechnology has opened up wide opportunities in the development of new and novel
types of crops, improvement in farming practices, controlling pest and diseases through
enhanced genetic resistance and use of bio-control agent. It provides effective tools for
enhancing crop production by food security and poverty alleviation. An excellent prospect of
biotechnology also exists for health and nutrition.

To create congenial environment for encouraging Research and Development in biotechnology,

Bangladesh Government has formulated biotechnology policy. The main goal of the policy is to
ensure sustainable development of agriculture, food and other crops; nutrition, health,
environment and livelihood of people, enhance agricultural competitiveness in relation to
global standards. The other important goals include strengthening of national capabilities in
modern biotechnology, biosafety and bioethics in order to ensure judicious use of this modern
tool for socio-economic development of the country.

With a view to increasing food production and to overcoming constraints of agricultural

productivity, the country embarked on the development and application of relevant
biotechnology at Agricultural Research Institutes. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute
and Bangladesh Rice Research Institute have acquired biotechnology products developed in
other countries and institute to improve our crop varieties. This requires environmentally
sound trial system. Bangladesh gives more emphasis on effective risk assessments, risk
management associated with the use, handling and transfer of living modified organism. Under
the collaborative programme between Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute and
Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project II, trials on Bt eggplant seeds of 9 varieties and true
potato seeds of two varieties of potato are being conducted in contained condition at the
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute is conducting
BR29 golden rice trial in collaboration with International Rice Research Institute.

The paper highlights on the biotechnology policy, biosafety guidelines, research programmes,
challenges and opportunities of biotechnology and field trial guidelines for Genetically
Modified Organism.

aMember-Director (Crops), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council

68
 Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation, Trade Laws and Access

Michael Behan

The WHO Intergovernmental Working Group on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual
Property Rights (IGWG) is now considering how to prioritize research and development of
medicines for diseases predominantly affecting developing countries, and how to increase
access to such new treatments. It will make recommendations to the World Health Assembly in
early 2008 that will impact what new treatments are developed, how technologies are shared,
and what tools will be available to countries for ensuring access to medicines for decades to
come.

IGWG Issues to be discussed by Michael Behan include:

A. Prioritizing diseases disproportionately affecting developing countries, to foster more
investment in research and development (R&D) of treatments for such diseases;
B. Ensuring that existing flexibilities under TRIPS are preserved and that new mechanisms to
increase access are examined, such as patent pools and the UNITAID model;
C. Exploring alternative ways to stimulate and reward R&D for diseases that
disproportionately affect developing countries, including prize fund models; and
D. Exploring new standard-setting frameworks, alternative to TRIPS, for developing
countries to meet appropriate obligations to fund medical R&D, such as the proposed
Global Medical R&D Treaty.

69
 DNA Technology in Forensic Science: Bangladesh Perspective

Sharif Akhteruzzamana

Forensic science involves many scientific disciplines to identify the source of a piece of evidence
taken from a crime scene, victim, suspect or other potentially involved individuals in relation to
a crime. The introduction of DNA technology in forensic science in mid 90’s has indeed
revolutionized the criminal justice system. Personal identification based on variations that exist
in DNA molecule has become as an established crime solving tool for police and prosecutors
now a days. With its capacity to implicate and eliminate DNA evidence can play a vital role
from the initiation of a case to the post-conviction confirmation of truth. In humans, about
99.9% of all 3.3 billion nucleotides we inherit from our parents are identical among individuals
and differences exist in only 0.1% DNA. Forensic DNA analysis looks into these differences
present as tandemly repeated clusters called VNTs (Variable Number of Tandem Repeats) and
STRs (Short Tandem Repeats) in human genome. With the advent of PCR (Polymerase Chain
Reaction), capillary electrophoresis and other molecular biological techniques it is now possible
to generate DNA profile from traces of biological evidence like blood, semen, saliva, hair teeth
or bone in 24 hours of time. The potential application of this technology includes identification
of alleged murderer, sexual assault offender, mutilated dead bodied, missing children, disaster
victims as well as resolving paternity disputes.

Bangladesh is not far behind in introducing this technology in its legal system. The government
has established the National Forensic DNA Profiling Laboratory, the first laboratory of its kind
in Bangladesh in January, 2006. This laboratory therefore, is a vital addition to the techniques
traditionally available to the investigators and would catapult the criminal justice of this
country into a new era.

aNational Forensic DNA Profiling Laboratory, Dhaka Medical College

70
 Biochemical and genetic characterization of young onset diabetes in
Bangladeshi population

Dr Liaquat Ali1
Considerable controversies exist regarding the nature of young onset diabetes in some tropical
countries including Bangladesh. Biochemical and genetic characterization are important tools
for resolving this controversy. We have investigated insulin secreting capacity and insulin
sensitivity (the two basic determinants of glucose tolerance) in Bangladeshi population. A
substantially lower insulin secretory capacity, both in absolute and relative terms, has been
observed in the young lean (BMI 19-22) diabetic patients by glucagon stimulation test. These
patients do not show any considerable insulin resistance with short insulin tolerance test. A
tendency of insulin insensitivity was observed in these patients with higher BMI [Kitt values
inversely correlated to BMI in diabetic subjects (r= -0.559, p=0.004)]. This finding is in contrast
with that found in middle-aged (above 40 years) patients with higher BMI (25-27) in the same
population who develop insulin deficiency and insulin resistance both. Thus it seems that
insulin resistance is an important factor in the pathophysiology of diabetes in middle aged
patients with normal to higher body weight, but insulin deficiency is the primary cause of
diabetes in the lean and young diabetic patients of Bangladesh. To find out the genetic
contribution in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, normal glucose tolerant first-degree
relatives of diabetic subjects have been studied for their insulin sensitivity and B cell function
with the control subjects (without family history of diabetes). The data suggest that genetically
determined insulin resistance may also be a basic pathophysiological mechanism for Type 2
diabetes mellitus in Bangladeshi population. Studies on autoimmunity has revealed that about a
quarter of young diabetes subjects are positive for GAD ab and 12% for IA2 -ic Ab GAD Ab
positive subjects show significantly lower C-peptide values compared to the negative ones.
Some of the candidate genes for diabetes and pancreatitis have been investigated in the YDM
subjects. The trypsinogen variants (R122H, A16V, N29I), associated with pancreatopathy, are
absent in these subjects. However, about 12% of YDM subjects are positive for SPINK1 gene
N34S mutation (p<0.001). YDM subjects do not show significant association with INS VNTR
polymorphism. However, variant ‘A’ allele is found to have significantly higher fasting C-
peptide levels [0.23 (0.02-1.32)] compared to those with wild ‘T’ allele [0.19 (0.03-1.13) (p<0.05).
Polymorphic ‘A’ allele is also found to be significantly associated with GAD Ab negativity of
the YDM subjects (p<0.018). Transcription factor gene variants, associated with neonatal and
early childhood T1D [EIF2AK3 gene Indel15 AT+/AT-], and maturity onset diabetes of the
young (MODY) [TCF1 (A98V), NEUROD1 (A45T) and NEUROG3 (G167R, S199F)], is not
associated with diabetes in YDM. Studies on pancreatic morphology (by ERCP) and on exocrine
pancreatic function (by secretin induced bicarbonate measurement or by fecal elastase-1 test)
reveal that morphological and functional damage do not have a straightforward correlation
with endocrine pancreatic dysfunction (assessed by fasting as well as glucagon/arginine
stimualated C-peptide and glucagon measurement) in the Tropical Calcific Pancreatitis (TCP)
and Fibrocalculus Pancreatic Diabetes (FCPD) patients. Transmission of HLA genes suggest
both similarity and dissimilarity of FCPD with type 1 diabetes. This may suggest that diabetes
in FCPD is not straightforward secondary diabetes as suggested in the recent classification of
ADA and WHO Expert Committees.

1Deptof Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BIRDEM, 122 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
e-mail: lali@dab-bd.org; lali@citechco.net

71
 Present and Future Research Perspectives in Herbals, Pharmaceuticals,
Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnological Areas

M. A. Rashid1, M. A. Mazid1, M. S. Rahman1, M. R. Haque1

Pharmaceutical sciences, as a multidisciplinary subject, contributes to all aspects of modern

health care systems by providing safe, effective as well as new drugs through basic and applied
research. Realizing the potential role of pharmacists in the total health care system, pharmacy
education in Bangladesh was introduced through the establishment of Department of Pharmacy
in the University of Dhaka in 1964. Later on, the Department of Pharmacy was up-graded to the
Faculty of Pharmacy in 1995 comprising of three departments namely, Department of
Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, and Department of
Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology to fulfill the increasing demands of specialized personnel
and multidimensional contributions of this noble profession in our national health care
program.

We are extensively engaged in the discovery of new herbals and synthetics drugs, and the
development of their assay methods using instrumental, pharmacological, clinical, and
molecular biology & biotechnological approaches. Considering the recent progress in the field
of biotechnology and biotechnological products such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, gene
therapy and anti-sense drugs in the treatment of cancer, infectious and other life-threatening
diseases, we are deeply concerned in the development of new biopharmaceuticals along with
the natural and synthetic drugs and their quality control aspects in collaboration with other
national research institutions, pharmaceutical industries and international organizations.

As a part of our ongoing research, we have isolated and characterized 134 compounds,
including 33 new molecules from 48 medicinal plants of Bangladesh, belonging to 27 families.
Terpenoids were the major constituents among the isolated compounds. The crude extractives
and several purified molecules obtained from some of these plant species demonstrated
significant in vitro anitmicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. Further screening of these extractives
and isolated compounds are under way to investigate their therapeutic values and establish
them as herbal or natural drugs.

Key words: Pharmacy, Research, Herbals, Biotechnology, Molecular Biological Approaches.

1. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Name of corresponding author: Dr. Md. Abdur Rashid

Email: rashidma@aitlbd.net Fax: 88-02-8612069

72
 Resource-poor microbiology laboratories in Bangladesh:
Prospects of Biotechnology.

Samir K. Saha, Ph.D.1

The molecular techniques have revolutionized the diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology of
infectious diseases. These techniques, however, are mostly unavailable in areas of the world
where the prevalence of infectious diseases is the highest.
Latest biotechnological tools are essential, at real time, in clinical laboratories for diagnostic and
epidemiological purposes, Availability of these technologies and their proper use will have
paramount implications in reducing child mortality. Nonetheless, in a country like Bangladesh,
availability and rational use of these facilities is a dream rather than reality. Biotechnology,
erroneously we believe, is always considered as an expensive endeavor and beyond the reach of
the routine laboratories of developing countries.
However, in the recent years, the cost, turn-around-time and complexity of performing
molecular techniques is reducing. Our work in last few years, at Dhaka Shishu Hospital, has
provided the proof of principal that state-of-the-art technology can be adapted in a resource
poor environment and applied to address important public health issues.
This extremely resource-poor laboratory has been contributing to health policy for children in
the field of infectious diseases in Bangladesh and provides an example for other laboratories of
the developing world. The Microbiology Laboratory of DSH, in turn, can transfer this
technology to other laboratories of the country and beyond. At the same time, we are also
interested to work with the experts of different fields, and explore the possibility of sharing the
common facilities to improve the capacity of our laboratory in a rational way. This society,
specifically the workshop, could be a milestone to form a multidisciplinary group to facilitate
the promotion and application of biotechnology in an appropriate way.

1
Department of Microbiology, Bangladesh Institute of Child Health, Dhaka Shishu (Children’s) Hospital,
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh.

73
Abstract

Posters

74
 Detailed Contents
Of Poster Presentations
(The documents are arranged according to their presentation sequence in the program)

Category Poster Title Authors Page No.

P-1 Bioactivity guided search for A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman ,
antimicrobial principles against M. Sawkat Ali, Hosne Ara Ali 81
multi-drug resistant pathogens from and A. K. Azad Chowdhury
Swietenia mahagoni (Pharmacy, DU),
P-2 Molecular Characterization and Abdul Quyyum Khan, M.M.
Genetic Diversity of Rice using SSR Islam, M.S. Haque, S.N. Begum, 82
and RAPD Markers M.A. Azam And R.M. Emon
(BAU & BINA)
P-3 In Vitro Regeneration of Ginger Abu Naser Md. Mamun, Abstract
Md. Iqbal Haque Swapan not
(BARI) received
P-4 Preservation And Maintenance of Ahmad Humayan Kabir
Wood Quality Through (Botany, RU) 83
Biotechnological Approaches
P-5 Some More Interesting ESTs from Ahmad S. Islam (Retired
the cDNA Library of Corchorus Professor, Botany, DU), 84
olitorius L. Mohamad W. Wazni, J.
Matthew Taliaferro, and K.
Sathasivan
P-6 Meristem Culture of Potato Ahsan Hafiz (Head Of Abstract
Biotechnology, Alpha Agro not
Limited) received
P-7 Circadian Changes in the Nucleoid
Structure and Clock Protein Ali Azam Talukder and Takao 85
Localization in Synechococcus elongatus Kondo (Microbiology, JU)
PCC 7942
P-8 Role of Trichoderma in Abstract
Composition of Garbage and in G N M Ilias (N D S, not
Agriculture. Kapuriaputty) received
P-9 Screening of Aspergillus Flavus for
the Production of Aflatoxins B1and Gita Shrestha (Tribhuvan Abstract
its Quantitation by TLC and ELISA University, Kath, Nepal) not
Methods. received
P-10 Efficacy of Gamma Radiations
against Housefly (Musca Domestica Halima Sadia Khan (Genetical 86
L.) Reproduction and Survival I. Society Of Bangladesh)
Pupal Treatment
P-11 Study of Artificial Breeding, Growth
and Biochemical Genetic Analysis of Imran Parvez, Md. Mukhlesur
Endangered Local Sarpunti, Puntius Rahman Khan (HMDSTU & 87
Sarana (Hamilton) for its Revival BAU)
P-12 Genetic and Biochemical Testing for Jalaluddin Bhuiyan (Head,
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Clinical Biochem., King Faisal 88
Cancer Hospital, SA)
P-13 A Comparative Study of the Genes
Related to Long-Term Potentiation Jesmin & Shahani Noor (GEB- 89
(Ltp) and Memory Development DU)

75
P-14 Expression, Identification and
Purification of Cry Protein from Kazi Asraful Alam 90
entomopathogenic Bacterium (MS Student, KU)
Bacilus thuringiensis israelensis.
P-15 Analysis of 16s rRNA and K H M Nazmul Hussain Nazir,
Dehalognease Genes of Microbial F. Okamoto, H. Hashimoto, T. 91
Consortia Involved in Futagami, M. Goto And K.
Dechlorination of Chloroethenes Furukawa (BAU)
P-16 Salinity and drought resistant genes KM Nasiruddin, R Begum, S K
in potato: cloning, expression, Sopory and A K Mattoo 92
transformation and variety (Biotechnology, BAU)
development
P-17 Gas Exchanges and Yield Responses
of Mungbean (Vigna Radiata) K.M. Shamsul Haque, Abstract
Genotypes Differing In Flooding M. Rafiqul Islam (BSMRAU) not
Tolerance received
P-18 Coastal Rice Landraces of Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Sazzadur
Bangladesh: DNA Fingerprinting Rahman, And Zeba Islam Seraj 93
And Potential as Donor for Salt (BMB-DU, BRRI.)
Tolerance Traits
P-19 Genetic structure of wild and
hatchery populations of Indian M A Hasanat 94
major carp, mrigal (Cirrhinus
cirrhosus) in Bangladesh.
P-20 Molecular Characterization of M.A.N.Nazim-Ud-Dowla, Md.
Soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merr. ] Rezwan Molla, Mohammad
Cultivars Using Microsatellite Nazrul Islam, Md. Shefatur 95
Markers for Plant Variety Protection Rahman, Md. Samsul Alam And
Lutfur Rahman (Fisheries
Biology And Genetics, BAU)
P-21 Elevated Serum Levels of Heat Md Abdul Khaleque (Radiation
Shock Proteins in Small Cell Lung Oncology, BIDMC, Harvard 96
Cancer Medical School, Boston, USA)
P-22 Evolutionary Trees and Their Md. Abdullah Adnan and Md. Abstract
Generation Saidur Rahman(CSE, BUET) not
received
P-23 Development of Novel Multiplex M. Alimul Islam S. Inoue, A. H.
Reverse Transcriptase-PCR Assays Khan, T. Nabeshima, A.
For Rapid Detection of Arboviruses Jittmittraphap, Aryati, N. 97
Talemaitoga, Y. Jin, And K.
Morita (BAU)
P-24 Antibiotic Susceptibility and Md. Asaduzzaman, Kaisar Ali
Molecular Characterization of Talukder, Prof. A. K. Azad 98
Salmonella Paratyphi A Isolated in Chowdhury (Pharmacy, DU)
Bangladesh
P-25 Antioxidant Activities of The Fruits
of Manilkara Zapota (Sofeda), Aegle Md. Ashabul Islam (M.S
Marmelos (Bel), Phyllanthus Student, Biotechnology And Abstract
Emblica (Amloki), Borassus Genetic Engineering, KU) not
Flabellifer (Tal) and Terminalia received
Chebula (Horitoki).
P-26 Need for production of Md. Ashraful Islam Bhuiya
Pharmaceutical and Industrial (GEB-DU) 99
76
 Protein-A Bangladesh Prospectus.
P-27 Genetic Diversity of Bitter Gourd Md. Azizur Rahman
Germplasm of Bangladesh (Horticulture, BAU) 100
P-28 Morphological, Physiological and
Molecular Characterization of
Phomopsis Vexans Isolates of M. Bahadur Meah (BAU) 101
Eggplant (Solanum Melongena) of
Bangladesh
P-29 Isolation of Plasmid DNA from E.
coli (JM109 & BL21DE3) for the Md. Belal Hossain, J.W. Choi 102
Preparation of Recombinant DNA and K.S. Ryu ( Soil Science,
Cell BINA )
P-30 Production and Evaluation of
Transgenic Lettuce with Pta (Pinellia Md. Bulbul Ahmed Abstract
Ternate Agglutinin), an Aphidicidal (M.S, Botany, RU) not
Gene. received
P-31 Immune Cascade of Spodoptera
Litura: Cloning, Expression And Md. Ekramul Hoque
Characterization of Prophenol (Biotechnology, Sher-E-Bangla 103
Oxidase Activating Enzyme Agriculture University, Dhaka)
1(Ppael)
P-32 Prospect of Biotechnological M. Fakhrul Alam (Editor, Abstract
Application in Bangladesh Tanning Bangladesh Leather) not
Industry received
P-33 (a) Study on Interrelationship Md. Golam Rabbani (BAU), M.
Among 10 Citrus Fruits Using A. Maya, E. J. Garvey, 104
RAPD
(b) Molecular Characterization of E.H.M.S. Rahaman, M.G. 105
Sweet Gourd Using RAPD Rabbani and E.J. Garvey
P-34 REP-PCR fingerprint of Lentil (Lens Md. Harun-or Rashid, M. A.
culinaris) Rhizobia isolated from Sattar and J.P.W. Young ( Soil 106
Bangladesh Microbiology, BINA)
P-35 Red Cell Survival Study with Cr-51 Md. Israque Hossain Ansari
Labeled Donor R.B.C Before and (Bangladesh Atomic Energy 107
After Splenectomy of Thalassaemia Commission)
Patients
P-36 (a) Antibiogram, Plasmid Profiling
Of E.Coli Isolate and Detection of
Their Toxin Encoding Genes by
Multiplex PCR.
(b) In Vitro Propagation Of Pointed Md. Jahangir Alam (BAU) Abstract
Goued(Trichosasthes Dioica not
Roxb)From Nobal Segments received
P-37 Effect of Levels of Soya Milk on the Md. Jamal Uddin, M. N. Sultana,
Storage Life of Dahi Prepared from S. Basak And M. R. Hassan 108
Buffalo Milk (Biotechnology Division, BLRI)
P-38 Possible pathway (Hypothesis) of
food chains in natural ecosystem M. Mahfuzur Rahman and M. 109
through which human may be Azizur Rahman (Botany, JU)
affected by arsenic poisoning
P-39 Mechanistic Studies of
Acetohydroxyacid Synthase (2.2.1.6)

77
 from Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Md. Masud Karim (Asst. Prof.,
and Nicotinia Tabacum. New Potent University Of Development Abstract
Anti Tb Drug Findings by Ahas Alternative) not
Gene Manipulation received
P-40 Genetic Divergences and
Phylogenetic Relationships of
Fejervarya Limnocharis Complex Mafizul Islam
from Bangladesh and some Other (Hiroshima University) 110
Asian Countries Inferred from
Mtdna Sequence and Allozyme
Analyses.
P-41 (a) Agrobacteriam Mediated
Transformation in Sugarcane of Md. Munan Shaik (BSRI) 111
Bangladesh.
(b) Effects of Soluble Dietary
Mixture on Fiber Enriched Cookie Md. Munan Shaik (BSRI) 112
Processing
P-42 Some Organo-Chlorine Pollutants
from Small Indigenous Floodplain M Niamul Naser (DU) Abstract
Fishes of Bangladesh not
received
P-43 Impact of Hospital Liquid Waste M. N. Anwar, K. T. Osman and
Discharge in the Development of M. A. Hossain ( Microbiology, 113
Antibiotic Resistance in the CU)
Environmental Bacteria.
P-44 Role of PKA Sub Cellular Md. Omar Faruque (BIRDEM),
Anchoring in the Glucagons- Dung Lenguyen, Anne-
Induced Camp Stimulation of Dominique Lajoix, Eric Vives, 114
Insulin Secreting Pancreatic Cells Pierre Petit, Dominique Bataille,
Liaquat Ali, El Habib Hani.
P-45 Present status of Biotechnology in Md. Omar Faruque, S.A. Aziz,
Animal Production in Bangladesh M.A. Alim (Animal Breeding 115
and Genetics, BAU)
P-46 Commercial Enzyme Production by
Recombinant DNA Technology; a M.R. Anower (BGE, KU) 116
Conceptual Works
P-47 In Vitro Propagation of Pointed Abstract
Gourd (Trichosanthes Dioca Roxb.) Prof. Md. Raihan Ali (BGE, KU) not
from Nodal Segments received
P-48 Collection, In Vitro Maturation,
Fertilization and Subsequent Md. Rashedul Islam, S. Afroz,
Development of Goat Oocytes in and M.A.M.Y. Khandoker (NIB, 117
View of in Vitro Production (Ivp) of BAU)
Embryos
P-49 Characterization of Different Strains
of Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio Md. Rashedul Kabir Mondol, ,
L.) (Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes) in Md. Shahidul Islam And Md. 118
Bangladesh Using Microsatellite Samsul Alam (Fisheries, RU)
DNA Markers
P-50 Molecular Characterization of Md. Rezwan Molla, Mohammad
Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) Nazrul Islam, Md. Shefatur
Varieties Using SSR Markers for Rahman, Md. Samsul Alam And 119
Variety Protection Lutfur Rahman(Genetics And
Plant Breeding, BAU)
P-51 Hori Dhan: Genetic Variation of Md. Sazzadur Rahman (BRRI) 120
78
 Br11?
P-52 Deduction of Coding Sequence of a Md. Shakhinur Islam, Nazlee
Jute Gene Using 5’ Race And Its Sharmin, Md Maksudul Alam 121
Bioinformatics Analysis (BMB & GEB-DU)
P-53 DNA Fingerprinting of Rice (Oryza Md. Shefatur Rahman, Md.
Sativa L.) Cultivars Using Rezwan Molla And Lutfur 122
Microsatellite Markers Rahman (Genetics And Plant
Breeding, BAU)
P-54 Endophytic Fungi are the Sources of Md. Shoeb, M. Moshiuzzaman 123
Novel Pharmaceuticals And N. Nahar (Chemistry, DU)
P-55 Genes Transcribed by Rhodococcus Md. Tanvir Rahman, V.M.
Equi Inside Macrophages and Nicholson, And J.F. Prescott
Under Selected Environmental (Microbiology And Hygiene, 124
Conditions BAU)
P-56 Association of Ins Vntr Md. Zahid Hassan M. I. Hawa,
Polymorphism in Young Onset M. O. Faruque, K. B. Biswas, R.
Diabetes Subjects Of Bangladesh Islam, K. Azad, A. K. Azad 125
Khan, L. Ali, R. D. G. Leslie, G.
A. Hitman (BIRDEM)
P-57 Biological screening of spice N Islam, K Farhana, H Islam
materials for bioactivity against and E H Emran (Zoology, RU) 126
Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.) adults
P-58 An Easy and Efficient DNA
Isolation Protocol for Fingerprinting Nadira Islam (BSRI, Pabna) 127
Using RAPD Markers of Sugarcane
P-59 Overcoming Breeding Barriers of
Interspecific Hybridization in Nilufar Yasmin Shaikh And Taiji 128
Buckwheat: an Ultrastructural Adachi
Analysis and Future Prospects
P-60 Emergence of Optochin-resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae: Nishat Nasrin , Mahbubur
Implications for Diagnosis and Rahman, A. K. Azad 129
Management of Pneumococcal Chowdhury (Pharmacy, DU)
Diseases
P-61 Characterization of Insulin Rahelee Zinat, R. Karim, S.
Secretory Defect in Bangladeshi Islam, L. Ali (BIRDEM, CU.) 130
Type 2 Diabetic Subjects
P-62 Fine Mapping and Progeny Testing Rejbana Alam, Suhaila Rahman,
in Rice to Identify the Flanking Habibul Bari Sozib, Sazzadur 131
Markers for Introgression of Salt Rahman Aliya Ferdousi, Zeba I.
Tolerance Seraj (BMB-DU)
P-63 Construction of Vectors with Richard Malo, Mahzabin Amin,
Different Genes and Promoters to Rakibul Islam, Zeba I. Seraj 132
Produce Salt Tolerant Rice By (BMB-DU)
Transformation
P-64 Glutinous And Non Glutinous Rice Rokeya Begum, Gazi Nurun
Of Bangladesh: DNA Fingerprinting Nahar, Zeba I. Seraj, Abed 133
And SNPs in The Waxy Gene Chaudhury (BMB-DU.)
P-65 Rice Transformation With Rumana Sultana Tammi, Lisa
Antiporter Genes And Their Parvin, Noorain Munim Rasul, 134
Expression With Strong Promoter Sharmin Jahan, Zeba I. Seraj
(BMB-DU)
P-66 Functional analysis of GAMYB gene S. M. Shahinul Islam et al
involved in gibberellin signaling in (Institute of Biological Sciences, 135
79
 rice. RU)
P-67 Evaluation of Salt Tolerance in Rice Salil Kumar Bhowmik
Using Phenotypic and Marker (Biotechnology, BAU), M. M. 136
Assisted Selection Islam, R. M. Emon, S. N. Begum,
A. Siddika And S. Sultana
P-68 Effects of Black and Green Tea Sheikh Zahir Raihan, A. K. Azad
Extracts (Polyphenols) on Arsenic- Chowdhury , Golam Hassan 137
Induced Toxicity in Rabbits Rabbani, Farzana Marni, Md.
Shawkat Ali (Pharmacy, DU)
P-69 Exocrine And Endocrine Pancreatic Soheli Sattar et al (Physiology
Function In T2d Patients Of and Molecular Biology, 138
Bangladesh BIRDEM)
P-70 Expression and Purification of a
Ruler Protein, Gp29, of
Bacteriophage T4 By Two-Step Subodh Kumar Sarkar, Shuji 139
Affinity Chromatography and its Kanamaru, Fumio Arisaka
Identification by Maldi-Tof MS. (USTC)
P-71 Zinc supplementation of pregnant
rats with adequate zinc nutriture Taher Uddin (GEB-DU) 140
suppresses immune functions in
offspring.
P-72 Chromatography Paper Strip
Method for Collection, Tasnim Azim
Transportation and Storage of Viral (Virology, ICDDR,B) 141
Genetic Material in Stool Samples

80
 Bioactivity Guided Search for Antimicrobial Principles against Multi-
Drug Resistant Pathogens from Swietenia mahagoni
A.K.M. Shahidur Rahmana, M. Sawkat Alia,
Hosne Ara Alia and A. K. Azad Chowdhurya

Indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the developing world like Bangladesh has been the cause of
the emergence of multidrug resistance pathogens such as Shigella, Salmonella,E.coli
Staphylococcus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus â-hemolyticus etc.
In search of molecules with antimicrobial activity (also cytotoxic principles) Swietenia mahagoni,
belonging to a family (Maliaceae) known to possess antibacterial activity and antiparasitic
activities has been subjected to bioactivity guided investigations. The methanolic extract of
seeds of S. mahagoni was chromatographed on silica gel column, eluted with CH2Cl2 and
CH3OH mixture in order of increasing polarity. The SMS1 (Rf = 0.25, silica gel-G: CHCl3), SMS2
(Rf = 0.50, silica gel-G: CHCl3). The structures of SMS1 and SMS2 were elucidated by spectra
analyses (1H, 13C and DEPT135 NMR, Mass spectra) and CHN analyses.
Table 1. Antibacterial activity of pure compounds SMS1, SMS2, SMLH1, SMLH3, SMLH8 isolated from
Swietenia mahagoni against multi-drug resistant pathogens.
Test Bacteria SMS1 SMS2 SMLH1 SMLH2 SMLH3 SMLH8
100 100 100 100 100 100
µgm/ml µgm/ml µgm/ml µgm/ml µgm/ml µgm/ml
Salmonella Paratyphi a 19 15 -- -- -- --
Shigella dysenteriae b 16 14 -- -- 13
E.coli c 15 16 17 -- 12 --
Staphylococcus aureus d -- 16 17 -- -- 11
Bacillus subtilis e 19-8 19 -- -- -- --
Streptococcus â-hemolyticus f 16 12 10 13 11 13

a resistant to Ciprofloxacin, b resistant to Ciprofloxacin, c resistant to Cotrimoxazole, d resistant to

Amoxycillin, e resistant to Amoxycillin, f resistant ot Ciprofloxacin, Cotrimoxazole, Amoxycillin,
Erythromycin and Doxycyline
The SMS1 and SMS2 spectra analysis by 1H, 13C and DEPT135 NMR analysis
SMS1: Proposed structure SMS2: Proposed structure

O
O

O O O
H
O O O 9
OH
H H
9 O
OH 8
H 5 1
O O
8 30
5 1
HO 3 OH
30
H O
3 O

OH

Molecular Weight = 488.58

Exact Mass = 488 Molecular Weight = 584.67
Molecular Formula = C27H36O8 Exact Mass = 584
Molecular Composition = C 66.38%, H 7.43%, O Molecular Formula = C32H40O10
26.20% Molecular Composition = C 65.74%, H 6.90%, O 27.36%
aDepartmentof Clinical Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Address of correspondence : A.K. M. shahidur Rahman, M. Phil researcher, Department of Clinical Pharmay &
Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh, e-mail: drshaheen20032003 @ yahoo.com , Phone:
1912175494

81
Molecular Characterization and Genetic Diversity of Rice using SSR and
RAPD Markers

A.Q. Khan1, M.M. Islam2, M.S. Haque1, S.N. Begum2, M.A. Azam2 and R.M. Emon2

Twenty diversed rice germplasms were used for this study to estimate genetic diversity using
five SSR and five RAPD markers. Average polymorphic information content (PIC) value across
the SSR alleles was 0.211 and average polymorphism for all microsatellite markers was 100%.
The level of polymorphism as revealed by RAPD was 93.80%. The dendrogram constructed
using unweighted pair group method of arithmetic means (UPGMA) on Nei’s genetic distance
based on the SSR markers, clustered germplasms were grouped into three clusters; Binadhan-5,
Binadhan-6, Iratom-24, BRRI Dhan 37 and BRRI Dhan 36 were grouped in cluster 1. The
germplasms TNDB-100, Binashail, Chini Shagor, BRRI Dhan 41, RD-2586, Jongli Boro, BRRI
Dhan-40 and Kalo Bhog formed cluster 2, and Dhol Kochuri, BINA Dhan-4, BRRI Dhan 38, Y-
1281, Baowi Jhak, BRRI Dhan 32 and Kala Jira formed cluster 3. The dendrogram constructed
using UPGMA on Nei’s genetic distance based on the RAPD markers, clustered germplasms
were grouped into three clusters: BRRI Dhan 37, Iratom-24, BRRI Dhan 36, Binashail, RD-2586,
BRRI Dhan 32, TNDB-100, BRRI Dhan 40 and Kala Jira were grouped in cluster 1; BRRI Dhan
38, BRRI Dhan 41, Chini Shagor, Baowi Jhak and Kalo Bhog were grouped in cluster 2; and
Jongli Boro 581, BINA Dhan-4, BINA Dhan-5, BINA Dhan-6, Y-1281 and Dhol Kochuri were
grouped in cluster 3. Both SSR and RAPD marker revealed lowest genetic distance (0.00 and
0.041) between BINA Dhan-5 and BINA Dhan-6 which suggests the lowest genetic diversity
between these two germplasms. From the SSR and RAPD cluster analysis, SSR analysis showed
more definite separation of clusters of genotype indicating a higher level of efficiency of these
markers in determining relationships between germplasms that were not accurately
differentiated by RAPD markers.

Key words: Molecular Characterization; Genetic Diversity; SSR; RAPD; Rice

1Dept. of Biotechnology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

2Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, P.O. Box 4, Mymensingh 2200, Bangladesh

Name of corresponding author: A.Q. Khan

Email: sumon_khan59@yahoo.com

82
 Preservation and Maintenance of Wood Quality through
Biotechnological Approaches

A. H. Kabir1 and M. Firoz Alam1

Wood is a versatile renewable resource, which has been extensively used as a reliable
construction material and furniture ever since the beginning of civilization. The major
disadvantage of wood is its susceptibility to biodeterioration by decay fungi, insects and
bacteria. Anthocephalus cadamba (Kadam), Bombax ceiba (Shimul), Trewia nudiflora (Pithalu),
Mangifera indica (Aam), Ziziphus jujuba (Boroi) are five locally available timber species of
Bangladesh. Deterioration of wood can be prevented by artificially making the sapwood and
heart wood toxic to wood enemies. The study of chemical preservative treatment of these
timber species has been undertaken using mixture of Chromate-copper-boron (CCB) at 2:2:1
ratio with different preservative concentrations of 4.0%, 6.0%, 8.0%, and 10.0% with dipping
duration of 8, 16 and 24 hours. It has been observed that Trewia nudiflora showed comparatively
higher retention than other four species, which indicates that Trewia nudiflora is a permeable and
diffusible timber species for dipping method. Preservative penetration test revealed that air dry
wood sample using 10% preservative concentration with 8 hour and 24 hours duration of
dipping has given best result for copper, while 10% preservative concentration with 24 hours
duration used on green wood has shown best result for boron penetration.
Fungitoxic activity of the leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (Neem) was also studied. Three
different solvents, i.e. acetone, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, were used to isolate the extract of
neem leaves. The extractives were then used to see the inhibition activity over the test fungi in
laboratory and natural condition. Both results proved that 3.0% concentration of acetone extract
is best for inhibiting the growth of test fungus. Acetone and methanolic extract was also
effective against that decay fungi. From this investigation, it is established that neem extract is
potential source of biological preservative of wood that is environmentally sustainable.

Key words: Wood preservation; Neem extract; Wood quality; CCB

1Department of Botany, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh

Name of corresponding author: A. H. Kabir

Email: ahkabir777@yahoo.com
Phone: +8801717134836

83
 Some more Interesting ESTs from the cDNA Library of
Corchorus olitorius L.

Mohamad W. Waznia, J. Matthew Taliaferroa, Ahmad S. Islama and K. Sathasivana

Recently, we reported the complete open reading frame of 60S acidic ribosomal protein P3 and
a partial cDNA sequence of class I chitinase in one of the two jute species, Corchorus olitorius
var. O-4. 1 Analysis of another 150 samples were carried out using the same procedure except
for increasing the time of digestion with PvuII from one to three hours. Allowing more time
for digestion has increased the number of inserts many fold. Like last time, analysis of
recombinant pBluescript plasmids was done using WII blast for similar base sequences in
Arabidopsis thaliana and higher plants. One of the significant ESTs was 380 bp long with a score
of 1674 and an E value of 1e-68. It showed 94% identity with similar ESTs in C. capsularis,
recently deposited in the GenBank by Sen’s Laboratory in West Bengal, India (EST00136 Jute
Pla...[gi:112136129]). Another EST associated with salt stress of Oryza sativa var. indica was 720
bp long with a score of 3490 and an E value of 2e–151. Other ESTs with values more than 800 and
an E value of 3e –31 were ESTs from two cotton species, namely, Gossypium hirsutum and G.
arboreum species. The results are interesting because the two genera Corchorus and Gossypium
yield fiber of commerce. They belong to the family Tiliaceae and Malvaceae and are placed in the
same order, Malvales indicating close phylogenetic relationship between Corchorus and
Gossypium.

aDepartment of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, USA-78712
_____________
J. Matthew Taliaferro, Ahmad S. Islam and K. Sathasivan (2006) Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(2): 95-104.

84
 Circadian Changes in the Nucleoid Structure and Clock Protein
Localization in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942

Ali Azam Talukder §* and Takao Kondo §

In the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus, almost all gene promoter activities are under the
control of the circadian clock that is controlled by clock proteins KaiA, KaiB and KaiC. To
elucidate if this genome-wide gene expression rhythms is associated with cyclic changes in the
chromosome structure, we isolated Synechococcus nucleoid fractions biochemically and analyzed
for the sedimentation rates, protein/DNA composition, structure as well as variation in
localization of clock proteins under various growth conditions. Structure of the purified
nucleoid changed in a circadian fashion with expanding and compacting around the time of
transition from the subjective dusk and the subjective dawn, respectively. This rhythm
coincided to the sedimentation pattern of hyracoid-associated nucleoids. Immunoblot analyses
revealed that both the KaiC and the KaiB were associated with the nucleoid fraction, whereas
KaiA was localized in both the nucleoid and the cytosolic fractions. Our results and previously
available information imply the circadian changes of the structure of Synechococcus nucleoid.

§Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Japan.

*Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh.

E-mail: azam115@hotmail.com

85
 Efficacy of Gamma Radiations Against Housefly (Musca Domestica L.)
Reproduction And Survival I. Pupal Treatment

M. S. Islam1 and Halima Sadia Khan2

Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), being a human commensal pest throughout the world,
is of much concern to public health (Service, 1980). They are agents of a number of fatal diseases
including typhoid, cholera, bacillary dysentery, amoebic dysentery, tuberculosis, anthrax
opthalmia, infantile diarrhoea, leprosy, trachoma, gonorrhea, mastitis, pinkeye, as well as
streptococcal and staphylococcal food borne illness. Although previous workers have studied
the possible use of radiation of houseflies to effect population suppression (Magaudda et al.
1969; McDonald, 1970; McDonald & Overland, 1972; Flint & McDonald, 1972; Wagoner et al.
1974), more information and knowledge is needed to implement any practical irradiation
control strategy of this pest species.

Using gamma radiation doses of 0-10 Gy to pupal stadium, reproduction and survival
parameters in the parents and subsequent progenies up to F3 generations of the common
houseflies Musca domestica L. have been investigated. Compared to the untreated controls,
irradiations significantly reduced egg laying, increased sterility and immature mortality, and
diminished adult eclosion and female ratio in the treated lines. Sterility reached 100% above 5
Gy levels except for the cross U´I that resulted in 55.2±21.3% sterility at 6 Gy, while complete
infecundity in all flies was induced by 10 Gy. Males were readily radiosterilized than the
females. Dose mortality (LD50) and sterility (SD50) responses of the test insects were
determined 53.03 Gy and 4.34 Gy, respectively. Results are promising in connection with a
sterile insect technique (SIT) for this pest species.

Key words: Musca domestica; gamma radiation; pupal treatment; oviposition; sterility;
immature mortality; adult eclosion; female ratio

1Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh.

2Lecturer of Biology, Al-Haj Mockbul Hossain University College, Kaderabad Housing, Katasur, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207

Name of corresponding author: Dr. M. Saiful Islam

Email: saifulzoo@yahoo.co.uk

86
Study of Artificial Breeding, Growth and Biochemical Genetic Analysis
of Endangered Local Sarpunti, Puntius Sarana (Hamilton) for its Revival
Imran Parvez1 and Md. Mukhlesur Rahman Khan2

To revive the endangered local sarpunti Puntius sarana, artificial breeding within and between
two different stocks namely Sukhair haor of Sunamganj and the Kangsha River of Netrokona
district were conducted. Three breeding lines namely line-1, line-2 and line-3 (Sukhair x
Sukhair, Sukhair x Kangsha and Kangsha x Kangsha respectively) having three replications of
each were performed with pituitary gland extract (PG) at the doses of 6.5 mg/kg body weight
and the breeding parameters in terms of ovulation, fertilization and hatching rate were studied.
The growth performances and survival rate of the larvae of three lines (named as SS, SK and
KK) were also studied for 35 days in glass aquaria. Offspring of the best performing line was
selected for the genetic comparison with their parents using horizontal starch gel
electrophoresis. The genetic variations were analyzed using ten enzymes (ADH, EST, G3PDH,
G6PDH, GPI, IDHP, LDH, MDH, PGM and SDH) in two buffer systems (CA 6.1 and TC-1).
Induction of artificial breeding between Sukhair and Sukhair (line-1) showed the better result in
terms of ovulation (83.75%), fertilization (74.25%) and hatching rate (51.18%) compared to other
two lines. Higher growth and survival rate were observed in larvae of line-2 (SK), and hence
they were forwarded to genetic study. In genetic study, fifteen presumptive gene loci were
observed in which the mean proportion of polymorphic loci were 26.67%, 26.67% and 13.33%
for broods of Sukhair, the offspring of line-2 and broods of Kangsha respectively. The highest
mean number of allele per locus and mean proportion of heterozygous loci was observed in the
line-2 (SK) (1.33 and 6.67% respectively). The UPGMA dendrogram (Figure 1) based on Nei’s
(1972) genetic distance revealed that the offspring of line-2 and Kangsha population made one
cluster (D=0.001) and separated from Sukhair by the genetic distance of 0.0183. The results
suggested that the offspring of line-2 (SK) of P. sarana performed better growth and survival
and higher genetic variations, which indicated the genetic improvement of P. sarana and if we
take immediate action by following this protocol, we can revive this species from the threatened
situation and can make available them in nature.
Sukhair
0.0183
Line-2 (SK)
0.001

Kangsha

0.0183 0.000

Genetic distance (D)

Figure 1. UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei’s (1972) genetic distance showing the genetic differentiation
among parents and their offspring (Line-2).

Key word: Endangered, Puntius sarana, Electrophoresis, Genetic variation, Revival

1 Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur-5200,
2 Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh- 2202

Name of corresponding author: Imran Parvez;

Email: imran_bau2007@yahoo.com.

87
 Genetic and Biochemical Testing for Hereditary
Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Jalaluddin Bhuiyan a, PhD, DABCC, FACB and Muhammad Faiyaz-ul-Haque a, PhD.

The prevalence of breast cancer stands second to lung cancer and account for high morbidity
and mortality rate throughout the world. Breast cancer is very common in women. The
identification of BRCA1 and 2 mutations responsible for hereditary breast cancer has a
significant value towards clinical management and counseling of the patient. Cancer that is
detected early can potentially be cured when the tumor is small enough to be completely
removed surgically. Unfortunately, most breast cancers do not produce any symptoms until the
tumors are either too large to be removed surgically or cancerous cells have already
metastasized. Hence there is need to detect cancer at an early stage.

The detection of causative mutations in the BRCA1 and 2 genes in the afflicted families serve
several clinical purposes in such high prevalent disease. Tumor markers are mainly used to
predict the staging, prognosis, response to therapy, and monitoring the treatment and course of
the disease. High quality biochemical tests monitoring the ovarian function by extremely
sensitive immunoassay and tandem mass spectrometry can provide accurate assessment for
hormone therapy.

Data on BRCA1 and 2 involvements in breast cancer from the Sub-Continent is very scarce,
therefore, it is important to generate and establish a data base from local patient sample as well
as from the control cohort. Identifying the genetic and biochemical etiologies in these disorders
will provide insight into our understanding of the highly complex genetic and molecular basis
of breast cancer.

a Sections of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal
Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

88
 A Comparative Study of the Genes related to Long-term potentiation
(LTP) and Memory development

Shahani Noor1, Jesmin2

The molecular mechanisms underlying the memory development process is highly complicated
and still poorly understood. A number of studies have already revealed that long-term
potentiation (LTP), is critical for memory development in mammalian brain. It has also been
observed that high level expression of a number of genes including MAPK, NAMDA, RAS, RAF,
CAMK2A, EGFR, PKC, PKA and FOXP2 are someway related to the memory development and
learning process. However, the exact molecular mechanisms and the roles played by these
genes have yet to be definitely assigned.

In order to develop a better understanding of the memory development process in human, a

comparative genomic study of these genes has been carried out. The Human genomic data, in
and around of these targeted genes have been compared mainly with the recently published
Chimpanzee genomic data for the various markers such as polymorphisms (SNPs), EST, CpG
islands and contigs. Homology study along the genomes of other distantly related species has
shown that the codings of these genes are very much conserved within species. It has been
found that the Rafp share high degree of sequence homology (~60%-87%) with the Kinase
Suppressor of Ras (KSR). KSR is one of the most enigmatic scaffolds identified for Ras/ERK
signaling. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogeny analysis data have indicated that Raf
homologs are highly conserved in a wide range of species including Rhesus monkey, Gorilla,
Dog, Zebra fish, Mouse, Mosquito, Fruit fly and in Honeybee. However, the Raf homologs data
of Human and Chimp (sharing ~ 68% homology with each other) have shown to diverge
significantly from the other related species. The detailed genomic analysis data revealed that
the critical cystein residues of cystein-rich CA3 region and the putative kinase domain were
highly conserved within all the species analyzed. It has also been found that the ERK1/2
binding site within KSR, is a FxFP motif within the serine/threonine-rich CA4 region of the
protein, is absent in Human and Chimp Rafp homologs but well conserved in other distantly
related species.

1,Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

2Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Name of corresponding author: Dr. Jesmin,

Email: mailjesmin@yahoo.com,
Tel: 9661920, Ext: 7819.

89
 Expression, Identification and purification of Cry protein from
entomopathogenic Bacterium Bacilus thuringiensis israelensis

Kazi Asraful Alam1

Expression and identification of putative Cry proteins of the entomopathogenic bacterium

Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis have been documented during 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of
bacterial culture both at 30 and 37°C. Putative Cry 11A and Cyt A, Cry4B and Cry4A have been
recorded to be early, mid and late expressing proteins respectively. No difference on the level of
expression of Cry proteins has been observed between 30 and 37°C. The mosquitocidal proteins
were found to be very thermo labile. Heat-treated proteins were found to loose the
mosquitocidal efficacy against the larvae of Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Key words: Cry protein, Bti

1 MSc 1st term, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University.

90
 Analysis of 16S rRNA and Dehalogenase Genes of Microbial Consortia
Involved in Dechlorination of Chloroethenes

K.H.M.N.H. Nazir1, F. Okamoto2, H. Hashimoto2, T. Futagami2, M. Goto2

and K. Furukawa2

Among the groundwater pollutants, chloroethenes were considered as the most serious
worldwide. The reductive dechlorination of these compounds by dehalorespiring bacteria in the
anaerobic environment is significantly important from the viewpoint of bio-remediation.

The research work was conducted in the laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Kyushu
University, Japan. We investigated the microbial involvement in microbial consortia by PCR-
DGGE, 16S rDNA analyses and detection of the dehalogenase genes. After complete
dechlorination checked by gas chromatography, total DNA was extracted from the consortia,
PCR-DGGE analyses targeting for 16S rDNA V3 region was done.

The results revealed that several microorganisms constitute the consortia. From the extracted
genome, the 16S rDNA clone libraries were constructed by using three sets of primer pairs. The
first two (66S/180C and 793S/946C) were targeting for Dehalococcoides spp., and the third one
(8S/1492C) was targeting for all bacteria of the consortia. After sequencing of 30 clones from
each group, we found that two clones termed Nazir-1 and Nazir-2, were closely related with
chloroethene dechlorinating Sulfurospirillum halorespirans strain PCE-M2 (98.24%) and with
Dehalococcoides sp. strain BAV1 and FL2 (98.45%), respectively. Using specific primers and
sequencing, we also detected four dehalogenase genes such as bvcA, vcrA, rdhA3 and rdhA8 in
the consortia by PCR.

The results suggesting that several microorganisms found in this study have been enriched in
the consortia and these are directly or indirectly involved in effective and complete
dechlorination of chloroethenes.

Key words: Microbial consortia, bioremediation, chloroethene, DGGE, 16S rDNA, dehalogenase
genes

1Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultrual University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.

2Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University,
6-10-1 Hakozaki, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan

Name of the corresponding author: KHM Nazmul Hussain Nazir

Email: nazirbau@gmail.com or nazir@bau.edu.bd or nazir@mymensingh.net
Fax: +8809155810

91
 Salinity and Drought Resistant Genes in Potato: Cloning, Expression,
Transformation and Variety Development

Nasiruddin KMa, R Begum1, S K Sopory2 and A K Mattoo3

Salinity and drought are the universal common hurdles for increasing the land cropped area of
potato particularly in Bangladesh and India. Coastal area, 15% of total cultivable land, remain
fallow due to salinity problem. Similarly, due to the lack of irrigation facilities cultivable land
remain barren in dry period.

Potato germplasm including some released varieties were collected and maintained on the Farm
and in the USDA Biotechnology Lab in vitro. The meristem cultured apical and nodal explants
were grown on MS medium supplemented with 3% sucrose, 5 mg/l BAP and 500 mg/l CCC.
Plantlets were regenerated from leaf disc and nodal segment with subsequent microtuber
formation with different growth regulators. The molecular characterization by RAPD and
isozyme revealed the diversity and relatedness of the genotypes. Experiments were conducted
to screen the genotypes against different levels of drought and salinity condition in vitro, in the
pot and in the field. Differential responses were found among the genotypes. Salinity and
drought resistant gene glyoxalase I isolated from Brassica is inserted in universal plant
transformation vector pB1121 which is transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Plantlets
were regenerated after cocultivation on selection medium to get transgenic potato plants
(47.65%) for possible resistance against salinity and drought. Genomic DNA was isolated from
the microplants grown on selection medium and PCR was performed where 85.25% of the
regenerated plants gave the PCR positive as trangenecity confirmation test. Leaf discs of PCR
positive plants along with wild plants were placed on MS plates with variable salinity and
drought gradients as a bioassay test. Greenness and normality in growth of the leaves (78.35%)
from transgenic plants revealed that those gained tolerance over the abnormally grown
yellowish wild leaf discs (87.45%). However, Southern, Northern and Western blotting analyses
be done for conclusive and reproducible results.

aDepartments of Biotechnology (k.nasiruddin@isaaa.org),

1Agril Statistics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
2ICGEB, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India,
3USDA Vegetable Lab, Beltsville Agricultural Research Centre, Beltsville, USA

92
Coastal Rice landraces of Bangladesh: DNA Fingerprinting and Potential
as Donor for Salt Tolerance Traits

Laisa Ahmed Lisa1, Sazzadur Rahman2 and Zeba Islam Seraj3

Farmers in the saline coastal belt of Bangladesh still grow traditional landraces in preference to
the modern varieties particularly in the dry winter or Boro season when the salinity level rises
high. Characterization of these landraces can suggest how they survive in adverse soils and
indicate suitable target genes for transfer to modern rice varieties.
Twenty Oryza sativa L. landraces (LRs) from the saline prone coastal zones of Bangladesh were
analyzed with 60 evenly distributed rice microsatellite DNA markers. All IRRI and BRRI
released modern varieties clustered into two groups different from the three groups containing
the photoperiod sensitive landraces. The photoperiod insensitive landraces from the mildly
saline coast of the mid northeast clustered into a separate group. The internationally well-
known standard for saline tolerant rice, Pokkali did not group with any of the 20 landraces.
Thirty six landraces from the southwest coast were subjected to morphological observations in
non-saline soil and screening with 100 mM NaCl salinity stress in hydroponics at seedling
stages was conducted. Seven landraces from the highly saline southwest were identified as the
most tolerant. UPGMA clustering grouped all 7 LRs with the tolerant control Pokkali.
Two LRs (Horkuch & Jamainaru) out of the latter eight, a modern variety BRRIdhan41 known
to be moderately tolerant and the controls were further screened up to maturity under four
different stress environments. Irrespective of the seasons and stress conditions, among the
landraces, Horkuch performed best of all compared to the tolerant control Pokkali. Minimal
change in growth parameters, low Na+/K+ ratio in flag leaves and comparatively lower percent
reduction in yield were indicative of its better performance. Good partitioning of Na in the
older leaves and maintenance of comparatively higher levels of beneficial Ca and Mg in the flag
leaves contributed to its good yield performance and salt tolerance. These results indicate that
Horkuch can be a potential donor alternate to Pokkali for salt tolerance in breeding
programmes.
Gene expression studies showed that both Horkuch and Pokkali show significant induction in
LEA3 gene expression under salt stress, which indicates that both these landraces synthesize a
protein known to cause stabilization of other proteins at low water potential. Increase in PTO
kinase interactor expression in Horkuch is probably due to general oxidative stress.

1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi

2Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur, Dhaka
3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka

93
 Genetic Structure of Wild and Hatchery Populations of Indian Major
Carp, Mrigal (Cirrhinus Cirrhosus) In Bangladesh.
Hasanat, M A
The present study was aimed to reveal the genetic structure of wild and hatchery populations of
one of the Indian major carps, mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus) in Bangladesh. Two popular
molecular markers (allozyme and DNA microsatellite) were chosen for this study. For allozyme
electrophoresis, mrigal were sampled from three main rivers (the Halda, the Jamuna and the
Padma), one branch river of the Padma (Gorai) and three hatchery sources (Brahmaputra
hatchery, Mymensingh; Raipur hatchery, Laxmipur and Sonali hatchery, Jessore) covering a
wide geographical distribution of this species. Fifteen different enzymes (AAT, ADH, AK, EST,
EST-D, G3PDH, G6PDH, GPI, HK, LDH, MDH, ME, PGDH, PGM and SOD) were put on trial
in two tissue systems (muscle and liver) to reveal the best resolution for routine analysis of
genetic variation. Muscle tissue provided better resolution compared to liver tissue. Out of
fifteen, only four enzymes (EST, G3PDH, G6PDH and GPI) were proved feasible for identifying
polymorphism (P95) in all mrigal populations. The average observed heterozygosity (Ho) and
expected heterozygosity (He) in the river populations were comparatively higher than those of
hatchery populations. Among all the populations only the Padma-2 (Gorai, branch of the
Padma river) and Raipur hatchery populations maintained Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium across
all loci. The minimum genetic distance (D=0.001) was observed between the Halda and Raipur
hatchery populations, while the maximum genetic distance (0.015) was found between Padma-1
(the Padma) and Sonali hatchery populations. Among the river populations maximum genetic
distance (0.012) was observed between Padma-1 and Padma-2 and minimum genetic distance
(0.003) between Padma-2 and Jamuna populations. Dendrogram based on UPGMA analysis of
allozyme data from seven populations resulted that Padma-1 population was completely
isolated from all other populations. Among other six populations Halda along with Raipur
hatchery populations was in one cluster and remaining four populations were in the other
cluster. These four populations again were separated into two sub-clusters, Brahmaputra
hatchery and Sonali hatchery in one sub-cluster and Jamuna and Padma-2 in another sub-
cluster. The use of microsatellite DNA marker was verified for discriminating all the
populations, used in allozyme experiment except Padma-1 with a representative sample. A total
of five microsatellite markers (MFW1, MFW2, MFW17, Barb54 and Bgon22) were applied. Out
of five microsatellite loci, three (MFW2, MFW17 and Bgon22) were found to be polymorphic
(P95) in all populations. The average observed heterozygosity (Ho) in the river populations was
higher than that of hatchery populations but the expected average heterozygosity (He) of river
populations was lower than that of hatchery populations in microsatellite analysis. The Padma-
2 population maintained Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium across all loci in microsatellite data
analysis but the other five populations were in disequilibrium at least in one locus. The lowest
genetic distance (0.001) was obtained between Halda and Raipur hatchery populations while
highest genetic distance (0.086) between Jamuna and Raipur hatchery populations in this
experiment. Dendrogram based on UPGMA analysis of microsatellite data from six populations
resulted in two major clusters: Halda population along with Raipur hatchery population was in
one cluster and remaining four populations were in the other cluster which was again separated
in two sub-clusters similar to the sub-clusters obtained from allozyme data. The clear-cut
assessment of genetic variation across the natural distribution of mrigal requires analysis using
a larger sample size with more enzymes and primers for allozyme and DNA microsatellite
analysis respectively. Individuals from different geographical locations may expose new alleles
at polymorphic loci and probably identify polymorphism in more loci, which was detected as
monomorphic in this study.

94
 Molecular Characterization of Soybean [Glycine Max (L.) Merr. ]
Cultivars Using Microsatellite Markers for Plant Variety Protection

M.A.N.Nazim-ud-Dowla1*, Md. Rezwan Molla1, Mohammad Nazrul Islam2, Md.

Shefatur Rahman1, Md. Samsul Alam2 and Lutfur Rahman1

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] cultivars are described for the purpose of Plant Variety
Protection (PVP) by standard pigmentation and morphological traits. However, many
commercial soybeans developed from a limited number of elite lines and are often
indistinguishable based on these traits. A system based on DNA markers particularly Simple
Sequence Repeats or SSR markers could provide unique DNA profiles. Microsatellite allele size
profiling technology can be readily used to size SSR alleles from any organism. The purpose of
the work presented here was to select and evaluate a small set of three SSR markers with
maximum reliability and repeatability that would provide a high level of discriminatory power
to distinguish soybean genotypes. A total of three SSR primers (SATT 5, SATT 9 and SATT 141)
were used to amplify genomic DNA of the six soybean varieties, BAU 5, BAU 6, BARI soybean
4, BARI soybean 5, Davis and Shohag. All the six varieties were distinguished by the three
primers. Among the three primers, SATT 5 was found to be the most informative one (PIC=
0.78) as four varieties (BARI soybean 4, BARI soybean 5, BAU 5 and BAU 6) were identified at
this locus. A total of seven variety specific alleles were found, these are, SATT 5/146 for BAU 5;
SATT 5/155, SATT 9/144 and SATT 141/176 for BAU 6; SATT 5/144 for BARI soybean 4; SATT
5/149 for BARI soybean 5 and SATT 9/204 for Davis.

Key words: Soybean, Variety Identification, SSR.

1Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymenisingh;

2Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, BAU, Mymensingh;

*Corresponding Author: (naserbau@gmail.com)

Studied under the funding support of the DANIDA for Seed Industry Development of the Ministry of Agriculture.

95
Elevated Serum Levels of Heat Shock Proteins in Small Cell Lung Cancer

Md Abdul Khaleque1*, Patrick Ma2, Stuart K. Calderwood1, Ravi Salgia2 and Ajit Bharti2

Heat Shock Protein (HSP) was first discovered as cohort of proteins that are powerfully induced
by heat shock and other chemical and physical stresses. The HSP have been subsequently
characterized as molecular chaperones, proteins which have in common the property of
modifying the structures and interactions of other proteins. Induction of HSP27, 70, 90 and 110
become the dominantly expressed proteins after stress. In addition to the HSP induced by heat,
cells also contain a large number of constitutively expressed HSP. Many tumor types have been
reported to contain high concentrations of heat shock proteins of the HSP27, HSP70 and HSP90
families. The role of HSP in tumor development may be related to their function in the
development of tolerance to stress. Elevated HSP expression has been conjectured to participate
in tumor pathogenesis through the ability of individual HSP to block the pathways of apoptosis
and permit malignant cells to arise despite the triggering of apoptotic signals. HSP expression is
likewise thought to afford protection of cancer cells from treatments such as chemotherapy and
hyperthermia by thwarting the pro-apoptotic influence of these modalities. HSP have been
regarded as intracellular proteins. However, enough evidence has been shown that under
certain circumstance they are released from cells. We have determined the circulating level of
HSP70 and HSP27 in small cell lung cancer representing limited disease (LD), extensive disease
(ED), no evidence of disease post therapy (NED) and relapsed (RL). Our data indicates higher
level of circulating HSP70 and HSP27 in different groups of patients compared to normal
healthy individual. The group representing ED and RL showed significant level of change.
While HSP70 level remains consistently higher in all patients within a group, patient to patient
variation was observed in the serum level of HSP27.

Key words: Heat shock protein, small cell lung cancer, HSP27, HSP70

1Department of Radiation Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
2Center for Molecular Stress Response, Department of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
*Present address: Zymed Division, Invitrogen Corporation, Camarillo, CA 93012, USA

Contact e-mail: abdul.khaleque@invitrogen.com

96
 Development of Novel Multiplex Reverse Transcriptase-PCR Assays for
Rapid Detection of Arboviruses

M. A. Islam1, 4 & 5, S. Inoue1, A. H. Khan1 , T. Nabeshima1, A. Jittmittraphap2, Aryati3, N.

Talemaitoga1, Y. Jin1, and K. Morita1, 4

This study was designed to develop a highly specific, sensitive and cost-effective molecular
diagnostic assay for rapid detection of Dengue virus sero-types (DEN 1-4), Chikungunya virus
(CHIK) , Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and West Nile viruses (WNV) from the clinical
sample (serum) , infectious culture fluid (ICF) and mosquitoes, by a single-tube-single-step
multiplex RT-PCR (mRT-PCR I & II) assays. Specificity and sensitivity of the mRT-PCRs and
uniplex RT-PCR (uRT-PCR) have been compared and evaluated using 6 different cross
combinations of Reverse transcriptases (RT-Ace and AMV-RT) and DNA-polymerases (LA-Taq,
rTaq and Tth). Of the 6 combinations, the AMV-RT and LA Taq was found superior in terms of
sensitivity and specificity compare to other. Genome detection limit of mRT-PCR I for DEN-1, 1;
DEN-2, 20 ; DEN-3, 0.1 ; DEN-4, 10 and CHIK was 10 FFU (focus forming unit) and the mRT-
PCR II for JEV and WNV was 10 and 1 FFU, respectively. The primers designed specifically for
these mRT-PCRs did not show cross-reactivity within the sero-types of Flavi and Alpha viruses.
Therefore, these two mRT PCRs assay could be used as a highly sensitive, reliable, rapid and
cost-effective diagnostic tools for the diagnosis and molecular epidemiological surveillance of
the viruses.

Key words: Multiplex RT-PCR, Rapid Detection, Arbovirus

1 Department of Virology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, 1-12-4

Sakamoto, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan,
2 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol , University, Thailand ,
3 Department of Clinical Pathology, Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Tropical Disease Center, Airlangga
University, Surabaya, Indonesia ,
4 Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan,
5 Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Name of corresponding author: Prof. Dr. Md. Alimul Islam

E.mail: alim_bau@yahoo.co.in
Fax: +88091-55810

97
 Antibiotic Susceptibility and Molecular Characterization of Salmonella
Paratyphi A Isolated in Bangladesh

K. A. Talukder1, M. A. Zaman2, Z. Islam1, M. Aslam1, A. S. Mondol1, I. J. Azmi1, M. A.

Islam1 and A.K.A. Chowdhury2

Enteric fever, comprising both typhoid and paratyphoid fevers, continues to be a major public
health problem even after the development and advent of newer antimicrobial drugs. Salmonella
enterica serovar Paratyphi A is the second most common cause of enteric fever after S. Typhi in
developing countries including Bangladesh. Till date there are no published data which can
reflect the present status of the prevalence susceptibility pattern and genetic properties of S.
Paratyphi A strains in Bangladesh.

The major objective of this study was to characterize Salmonella Paratyphi A strains using
phenotypic and genotypic traits. A total of 524 strains of Salmonella Paratyphi A were isolated at
Clinical Microbiology Laboratory from patients attending the Dhaka treatment center of
ICDDR,B as well as from patients referred from other clinics and hospitals in Dhaka between
January 1999 and June 2004. Of these, 31 strains were characterized extensively using
serotyping, antibiotic resistance analysis, plasmid profile analysis and pulsed-field gel
electrophoresis (PFGE) and DNA sequencing was performed to investigate the resistance
mechanism against fluroquinolone antibiotics.

Among the 31 strains, 32% (n=10) were resistant to nalidixic acid. Strains that showed reduced
susceptibility to ciprofloxacin by disk diffusion method, had elevated MIC value (0.5µg/ml).
Analysis for mutation in the gyrA and parC genes in the QRDR by sequencing revealed a point
mutation in the gyrA gene at codon 83 (TCC to TTC), which substitutes phenylalanine for serine
whereas no mutations were found in parC gene. Of 31 strains, 16 (52%) S. Paratyphi A strains
harbored 35 MDa middle-ranged plasmid which were found to be non-conjugative. Pulse-field
gel electrophoresis (PFGE) showed that most of the strains (83%) were clonal regardless of
antimicrobial sensitivity patterns.

The study emphasizes further extensive characterization and epidemiological investigation of

Salmonella Paratyphi A which will aid in undertaking strategy to combat antimicrobial
resistance in the species and redefining the treatment strategy with conventional, effective
antimicrobial agents in the face of the emergence of strains with reduced susceptibility to
fluoroquinolone group of antibiotics.

Keywords: Enteric fever; pulsed-field gel electrophoresis; fluoroquinolone; QRDR; DNA

sequencing; point mutation

1ICDDR,B, GPO Box 128, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

2Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Ramna, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Name of the corresponding author: K. A. Talukder

E mail: kaisar@icddrb.org

98
 Need for production of Pharmaceutical and Industrial Protein-
A Bangladesh Prospectus

1Md. Ashraful Islam Bhuiya, 2Dr. Muhammad Hafizur Rahman,

1Sougatul Islam, 1Nazlee Sharmeen, 1Tasnuva Sarowar

Production of pharmaceutical and industrial protein is one of the major branches of Industrial
Biotechnology and its demand and consumption are growing dramatically. In developed
countries different companies have already established such protein industries investing large
amount of capital. It has a big worldwide market. Unfortunately there is no biotechnology-
based industry in Bangladesh while it has a great market here. So this is the time to take
initiatives to establish industries based on biotechnology in our country.

Insulin:
There are a great number of consumers of insulin in all over the world as well as in Bangladesh.
Estimation of Diabetic patients in Bangladesh:
Patients registered with:
• BIRDEM = 0.35 Million
• NHN = 0.11 Million
• Affiliated Association = 0.15 Million
Total patient = 0.61 Million x 6 = 3.66 Million.
DAB is taking care of approx. 15-20% of the estimated diabetic patient in Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh Insulin market is occupied 98% of Novo Nordisk, 1.1% by Lily, 0.9% of Santofi
Aventis.

Present condition in Bangladesh of Biotech Industries:

There is no pharmaceutical and other industrial protein producing company. Only some
vaccines are produced here, which have a healthcare value but no significant economic value.
Pharmaceutical companies import raw materials of insulin, antibiotics and perform some pre-
selling test like the test of their activity, stability and do some modifications if needed. Then
they pack them and sell to market. To produce protein industrially after completing whole
procedure (from fermentation to market) it takes several years and initially it takes a large
amount of money. But industrialists in our country do not want to take risk initially to invest
this large amount of money to establish such industries. It may be due to lack of interest and
proper knowledge. They want to invest money in a way from which benefits come easily and in
short time.

So initiatives should be taken immediately to solve this problem by scientists, government as

well as by renowned industrialists of our country.

1 Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000

2Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation for Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM), 122 Kazi
Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka-1000.

99
 Genetic Diversity of Bitter Gourd Germplasm of Bangladesh

M.A. Rahman1, M.G. Rabbani2, G.J. Ahammed3, J. Akhter4 and E.J. Garvey5

Genetic diversity of a number of bitter gourd accessions collected from different parts of
Bangladesh was evaluated based on phenotypic traits, peroxidase activity and RAPD markers.
High heritability with genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were observed for vine
length at final harvest, fruit length, average fruit weight and yield, indicating additive gene
effects of these traits. Correlation coefficient study indicated that yield per plant had highly
significant positive correlation with average fruit weight, fruit length, number of fruit per plant
both in genotypic and phenotypic levels. Genotypic path coefficient analysis showed that fruit
length had maximum direct effect on yield per plant, whereas average fruit weight had
maximum direct effect on yield per plant. Genetic divergence utilizing multivariate analysis of
phenotypic data grouped 38 accessions of bitter gourd into six clusters, showing no relationship
between genetic and geographic distribution. Peroxidase activity patterns suggested four
zymotypes in bitter gourd. RAPD profiling of twenty selected accessions using 8 decamer
random primers generated 110 distinguished bands, 87 of which were polymorphic (79.09%).
The highest inter-accession similarity index (Sij) was found between MC 172 vs. MC 018
(95.79%) with a gene diversity (h) value across all loci as 0.26. The UPGMA dendrogram based
on genetic distance suggested 2 main clustering of 20 selected bitter gourd germplasm – 2
accessions (MC 172 and MC 018) forming cluster I, and the rest 18 accessions forming cluster II,
where 16 accessions were grouped together in sub-cluster (I), while 2 accessions (MC083 and
MC105) formed sub-cluster II.

Key words: Bitter gourd, genetic diversity, peroxidase isozyme, RAPD,

1 Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

2 Professor, Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202
3 Assistant Director, BADC
4 MS Student, Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202
5 Plant Exchange Office, USDA/ARS, BARC-West, Beltsville, Maryland MD 20705, USA

Name of corresponding author: Dr. Md. Azizur Rahman

Email: rahman_md_a@yahoo.com; arahman@royalten.net.bd
Telephone +88091 55695-7 ext 2440, 0171105 8453 (cell)
Fax: 880-91-55810

100
 Morphological, Physiological and Molecular characterization of
Phomopsis vexans isolates of Eggplant (Solanum melongena) of
Bangladesh

M.M. Islam1 and M.B. Meah1

Phomopsis vexans isolates from eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) of Bangladesh were examined
using traditional mycological characteristics and molecular methods. Variation exists among the
isolates of Phomopsis vexans collected from core eggplant growing areas of Bangladesh covering
two types of farm having two ecosystems and the isolates were grouped into five distinct
groups based on their cultural properties. The pathogen grew best at 250C, under 12/12h cycle
light and pH 5.5 levels of culture media. Number of spores per ml was also maximum at 250C
temperature, 12/12h cycle light and pH 5.5. Brinjal Fruit Extract Agar media supported the
maximum growth and sporulation. Two types of spores á and â were detected in Phomopsis
vexans. Five isolates had variation in growth and sporulation under different levels of
temperature, light, culture media and pH. á and â conidia varied in size among five isolates.
Molecular markers for P. vexans isolates were developed and genomic DNA were analyzed by
using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and
amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) techniques. The MR -20 primers amplified
PCR products for all isolates studied. Gel electrophoresis of undigested PCR products produced
various concentrations including 12.5 - 50 ng/µl. Digestion of these PCR products with enzyme
Taq polymerase resulted in distinct bands to identification of P. vexans. The banding patterns of
P. vexans isolates were separated into five groups after digestion with Taq polymerase. From
this molecular study, 44 isolates were identified as Phomopsis vexans and grouped into five
different categories. In addition to distinguish inter-specific and intra-specific variability,
molecular characterization allowed the detection of differences among the isolates within the
same variety and among the areas.

1 IPM Lab, Department of Plant Pathology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh -2202, Bangladesh

101
 Isolation of Plasmid DNA from E. coli (JM109 & BL21DE3) for the
Preparation of Recombinant DNA Cell

M.B. Hossain1, J.W. Choi2 and K.S. Ryu2

Eschaeria coli (E. coli) used for plasmid DNA isolation to produce recombinant DNA using
different enzyme, primers and vector. Plasmid DNA isolation, electrophoresis, competent cell
preparation, transformed cell, endonuclease enzyme restriction digestion, elution and ligase
were followed by standard procedures. E. coli (JM109 & BL21DE3), pT7-7 ligase vector, 5V
plasmid insert vector, NdeI and HindIII primer were used for endonuclease enzyme restriction
digestion. Endonuclease enzyme restriction samples were prepared for elution to confirm the
production of recombinant DNA sample. Recombinant DNA samples were observed from the
studied results with compared the standard sample. Some samples were more number of base
pair (bp) and some samples lower base pair recombinant cell comparing to standard sample
under this study. From these results it may be concluded that we can produce a wide range
antibiotic producing beneficial microorganisms which can help to induce disease resistant
capacity in rhizosphere soil.

Keywords: E. coli, plasmid DNA, vector, primer, recombinant cell, molecular technique

1Soil
Microbiology Laboratory, Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), P.O. Box 4,
Mymensingh 2200, Bangladesh.

2Lab.of Soil Science, Department of Food and Bioenvironmental Science, College of Life & Environment, Daegu University,
Kyongsan, Kyongbuk, Korea 712-714, Republic of Korea

Name of the corresponding author: Md. Belal Hossain

E-mail: mbelalbina@yahoo.com
Fax: +82 053850 6759

102
 Immune Cascade of Spodoptera Litura: Cloning, Expression and
Characterization of Prophenol Oxidase Activating Enzyme 1(Ppael)
M. E. Hoque1, R. Rajagopal2, Bindiya Sachdev2 and R. K. Bhatnagar2

Prophenol oxidase (PPO) cascade is one of the major insect immune component for combating
invasion of a microbe or healing incidental wounds. The PPO cascade is triggered by the
activation of prophenol oxidase activating serine protease. We have isolated, cloned and
expressed prophenol oxidase activating enzyme1 (ppae 1) from polyphagous pest Spodoptera
litura. The structure of matured polypeptide is reminiscent of other lepidopteran PPAE in
having a signal peptide, propeptide and catalytically active polypeptide. It shares 64% identity
and 12% similarity with PPAE 1 of Manduca sexta. The cDNA has been expressed in Sf-21 cells
using baculovirus expression vector. Fractionation of expressing Sf-21 cells revealed its
expression in the membranes. The recombinant protein was solubilised from membranes and
purified by Ni+2-NTA affinity chromatography. The purified enzyme is catalytically active on
chromogenic substrate, activated recombinantly expressed prophenol oxidase (PPO) of S. litura
and was inhibited by aprotenin.

Keywords: PPAE; PPO; cloning; expression; Spodoptera litura

1AssistantProfessor, Department of Biotechnology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh

2InsectResistance Lab, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New
Delhi – 110067, India

103
 Study on Interrelationship among 10 Citrus Fruits Using RAPD

M. A. Maya, M. G. Rabbani* and E. J. Garvey1

Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202,
Bangladesh

An experiment was conducted to study the interrelationship among 10 Citrus fruits using
RAPD. Seven decamer primers were selected for the present study after screening of 19
decamer primers which gave 90 clear and bright fragments. Out of these, 85 fragments were
considered as polymorphic. The proportion of polimorphic loci was 94.44% and gene diversity
(h) value was found 0.30 across all loci. The highest (84.01 %) and the lowest (27.43 %) inter-
species similarity indices (Sij) were observed between C. jambhiri vs C. variegata and Poncirus
trifoliata vs C. assamensis species pairs, respectively. The UPGMA dendrogram based on genetic
distance segregated 10 Citrus fruits into 2 main clusters where Poncirus trifoliata alone formed 1
cluster and the rest 9 species grouped together into another cluster. C. jambhiri and C. variegata
were very close to each other with the lowest genetic distance (0.14). On the other hand,
Poncirus trifoliata and C. assamensis were more distant to each other with the highest genetic
distance (1.00). The RAPD analysis appeared to be a rapid and reliable method for the
estimation of variability and interrelationship among Citrus fruits which could be utilized by
the breeders for further improvement of Citrus fruits.

1Plant Exchange Office, USDA/ARS, BARC-West, Beltsville, Maryland MD 20705, USA

* Author for correspondence; Email: grabbani3@yahoo.com

104
 Molecular Characterization of Sweet Gourd Using RAPD

E.H.M.S. Rahaman1, M.G. Rabbani2 and E.J. Garvey3

Sweet gourd (Cucurbita moschata Duch. Ex. Poir.) is one of the popular cucurbitaceous
vegetables in with highest storability among all the cucurbits. Sweet gourd is also rich
carbohydrates, soluble fiber, â-carotene and vitamin E. Due to its good storage quality,
nutritional status, reasonable market price and year round availability; it has a great demand in
Bangladesh. There is lot of variability among the existing germplasm of sweet gourd in
Bangladesh. There is no report of molecular characterization of sweet in Bangladesh. The
present experiment was conducted during the period from December 2004 to March 2005 to
characterize 81 sweet gourd germplasm collected from different parts of Bangladesh using
RAPD as molecular markers. After screening of 39 decamer primers from kits A, B, C, K and L of
Operon Technologies, USA; five (primers OPK 12, OPK 16, OPL 07, OPL 14 and OPL 18 ) were
used for molecular characterization of sweet gourd germplasm that produced 50 RAPD loci, of
which 58% was polymorphic. The highest pair wise genetic distance was 0.446, between the
accessions of CM041 and CM092. The mean gene diversity among all the germplasm was 0.184. The
UPGMA dendrogram based on Nei’s genetic diversity demonstrated 8 clusters. Clustering of the
germplasm based on morphological characters did not match with the clusters obtained from RAPD
analysis. In case of RAPD analysis, no relationship was noticed between the genetic diversity and
geographical distribution of the sweet gourd germplasm.

Key words: Sweet gourd, Molecular characterization, RAPD, Dendogram

1 SeniorScientific Officer, TCRC, BARI, Joydebpur, Gazipur

2Professor, Department of Horticulture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202
3Plant Exchange Office, USDA/ARS, BARC-West, Beltsville, Maryland MD 20705, USA

Name of corresponding author: Professor Dr. Md. Golam Rabbani

Email: grabbani3@yahoo.com
grabbani@royalten.net.bd
Cell: 01711885790
Fax: 880-91-55810

105
 REP-PCR fingerprint of Lentil (Lens culinaris) Rhizobia isolated from
Bangladesh.
M.H. Rashid1, M. A. Sattar1 and J.P.W. Young2.

Rhizobia are the soil bacteria having the ability to induce nodules on lentil roots. Select highly
effective strains is an important objective in bio-logical nitrogen fixation research because
bacteria used for inoculants have to compete with indigenous flora for survival and
establishment. An attempt has been made to characterize some Bangladeshi rhizobial strains
using sensitive and reliable method to detect and quantify introduced rhizobia as bio-fertilizer
and asses their nitrogen fixation capacity under laboratory condition.

The experiment was conducted at the university of York, UK and Soil microbiology laboratory,
Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Mymensingh during 2005-2006. Six rhizobial
strains were isolated from. Bangladesh. Characterizations of six strains were performed by two
methodologies based on PCR amplification. These were PCR DNA fingerprinting of repetitive
extragenomic palindromic (REP-PCR) sequences and Restriction Fragment Length
Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of PCR-amplified 16S-rRNA gene regions. Nodulation natures
of strains were confirmed by PCR amplification of 800bp long nodC fragments. Nitrogen
fixation, nodulation efficiency, acid and temperature tolerance was assays under laboratory
condition.

On the basis of Box profiles, five genotypes were identified among six strains. On the other hand
PCR-RFLP analysis of intergenic genes coding for 16S r-RNA yielded intra-specific
monomorphisms indicating that these six strains were closely related. RFLP profiles and Box
profiles are not correlated because RFLP provides single locus analysis, whereas the latter
assesses genetic variability in the whole genome. However, the REP-PCR based methods are
much less time-consuming and are therefore more convenient. Nodulation genes found
homogenous regarding fragment size of plasmid borne nodC gene. In lab experiment,
Bangladeshi strains showed more nodule (23/plant) as well as affectivity (shoot dry matter
weight 22mg/plant) and also showed survivable capacity in acidic conditions e.g. pH 4 & pH 10
and temperate condition such as 380c.

Key words: Lentil, rhizobia, 16S r-RNA, REP-PCR, RFLP, nodulation, Bangladesh.

1Soil Microbiology, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture.

2 Department of Biology, University of York, United Kingdom.

Corresponding author: Md: Harun-or Rashid

E-mail: harun_bina@hotmail.com.

106
 Red Cell Survival Study with Cr-51 Labeled Donor R.B.C Before and
After Splenectomy of Thalassaemia Patients

Md.Ishraque Hossain Ansari a

Objective: Chromium-51 labeling of red cells is the most common technique at the present time
for the measurement of red cell life span and is also used for evaluation of splenic sequestration.
In this study R.B.C life span before and after splenectomy was determined to know whether
slenectomy improves the life span of RBC. Methods: Ten Patients between ages 5-13 years were
studied both before and after splenectomy. The patients received tagged donor blood of same
group for determination of RBC survival. 10 ml of donor blood was drawn by heparinized
syringe, kept in the conical flask, then 50 – 60 µCi 51Cr (Na2CrO4) was added. The mixed blood
was incubated for 45 mins at 370C in a incubator by gentle shaking after each 10 mins interval.
After 45 mins one ml (100mg) ascorbic acid was added to the blood and mixed by gentle
shaking. After 3 mins 10 ml of the mixed blood was injected to the patient. One ml of mixed
blood was kept for tagging fraction determination. Tagging fraction was determined by using
formula, % TF = R.B.C cts. / (Plasma cts.+R.B.C cts.) × 100. Samples of 2 ml blood were
collected in a heparinized syringe after 48 hrs of injection, then on 5th and 9th day. R.B.C of
samples were separated and kept in refrigerator for counting. On the last day of collection, the
R.B.C samples were counted in a well type gamma-counter. Days versus counts were plotted on
a semi log graph paper and R.B.C life span was determined from T½ of the graph. Splenic
sequestration using external probe counting was measured in 51Cr red cell survival study.
Results: Highest labeling yield of ~90% was obtained with donor blood. R.B.C life span before
splenectomy were shortened which improves to normal after splenectomy. The ratio spleen to
liver 51Cr activity provides a rough measure of degree of hyperslenism. Conclusion: Highest
labeling yield obtained using the donor blood. R.B.C life span improves to normal after
splenectomy.

Key words: Thalassaemia, R.B.C life span, splenectomy

a Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka.

Correspondence: Md.Ishraque Hossain Ansari, Senior Scientific Officer, Block-D, 7th-10th floor, BSM Medical
University (IPGMR) campus, Shahbag, Dhaka-1000,
E-mail: israque_h@yahoo.com
Telephone: 02-861957,
Fax: 02-862561.

107
 Effect of Levels of Soya Milk on the Storage Life of Dahi Prepared
from Buffalo Milk
M. J. Uddin1, M. N. Sultana2, S. Basak2 and M. R. Hassan2

The present study was undertaken to measure the effect of using soya milk to evaluate the
storage life of dahi at room temperature (31-32°C) and refrigeration temperature (5°C). In this
experiment, four different types of dahi were prepared from buffalo milk with the addition of
different levels of soya milk, the dahi samples were designated as ‘A’ (100% BM), ‘B’ (80% BM +
20% SM), 'C' (60% BM + 40% SM) and 'D' (40% BM + 60% SM). All the dahi samples were stored
at room temperature (31-32°C) and refrigeration temperature (5°C).

Quality of dahi was also monitored by using physical and chemical tests. From the result of the
physical study (smell and taste, body and consistency, color and texture), it was found that the
overall score of A, B, C and D type of dahi samples statistically differ significantly kept at room
temperature and at refrigeration temperature. In case of chemical tests, acidity value of dahi
samples kept at room temperature and at refrigeration temperature differ significantly. It was
observed that quality of dahi samples deteriorated rapidly at room temperature than
refrigeration temperature. At room temperature all the samples were acceptable for human
consumption from 48-72 hours and refrigerated samples were acceptable from 11-14 days after
storage.

Finally, it is concluded that storage life was relatively longer when 20% soya milk was used to
prepare dahi which would produce dahi nearly similar to the quality of buffalo milk.

Key words: Dahi, storage life, buffalo milk and Soya milk.

1Biotechnology Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh

2Department of Dairy Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.

Name of corresponding author: Md. Jamal Uddin, Biotechnology Division, BLRI, Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh.
Email: hasan_blri@yahoo.com

108
 Possible Pathway (Hypothesis) Of Food Chains In Natural Ecosystem
through Which Human May Be Affected By Arsenic Poisoning
M. Mahfuzur Rahman 1 and M. Azizur Rahman 1

To investigate the possible pathways (other than drinking water) through which arsenic may
deposit into human body, some ecological experiments were conducted. On the basis of the
results found from the experiments, we proposed the present hypothesis as summarized
below–
Arsenic exists in soil environment as hydrous iron, manganese, and aluminium oxides, which
may deposit through weathering, biomethylation, leaching or co-precipitation.
Through the hand tube-well water, arsenic from soil solution and sorption on organo-mineral
colloids is pulled out from aquifer. This arsenic contaminated water is used as drinking and
cooking purposes. During 1970s, the UNICEF installed thousands of hand tube-wells
throughout the country to provide safe drinking water. Thus, human may be exposed to arsenic
poisoning directly from drinking water. This is the main pathway of human exposure to arsenic
poisoning in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India.
On the other hand, arsenic contaminated ground water is polled out through the shallow tube-
well, which is mainly used in irrigation purpose in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India during
dry season.
Rainwater also becomes contaminated with arsenic from arsenical herbicides, pesticides and
fertilizers, which are used as irrigation purpose too.
This arsenic contaminated irrigation water is translocated to the aerial parts of aerobic rice plant
and arsenic is loaded into rice straw, grain and husk. Arsenic is also deposited in surface soil
and continual use of arsenic contaminated irrigation water, surface soil has been deposited with
increasing arsenic concentration gradually. In Bangladesh, 32 ppm arsenic has been recorded in
agricultural soil (20 ppm arsenic is the critical level for rice plant in soil).
0.5 ppm arsenic has been recoded in rice grain in our experiment while the safe level of arsenic
concentration in rice grain is 1.0 ppm. But, it was estimated that a person drinking 4 liters of
water per day containing 0.05 ppm arsenic (the acceptable limit of arsenic concentration in
drinking water in Bangladesh) is expected to intake 0.20 ppm arsenic per day. On the other
hand, the average daily consumption of rice by an adult person is about 400 to 600 gm raw rice
per day. If rice grain contains 0.39 ppm arsenic (we found 0.39 ppm arsenic in grain when soil
arsenic concentration was 30 ppm, the highest soil arsenic concentration found 32 ppm in
agricultural soil of Bangladesh), the daily intake of arsenic into human body from rice grain
would be about 0.156 to 0.234 ppm. This findings suggest that intake of arsenic into human
body via rice grain is not less than that of throw water.
Cattle are that primary consumer of food chain of ecosystem in nature. They eat rice straw and
husk and also drink tube-well water and thus may become exposed to arsenic poisoning. The
men are the secondary consumer as they eat beef and mutton. The majority (about 87%) of the
population of Bangladesh is Muslim and they eat beef as a principle source of meat. Irrespective
of religious identity, people have been drinking milk as a source of protein requirement. Thus,
there is an ample possibility of arsenic deposition in cattle body and ultimately in human body
through “Plant – animal – Man” food chain pathway.
Volatile arsenic may contaminate the atmosphere when arsenic contaminated rice straw is
burned. This volatile arsenic entire into human body with oxygen.
Thus, men are not being exposed to arsenic poisoning from arsenic contaminated drinking
water. There are some other major pathways through which men have been exposed to this
poisonous chemical and these are that food chain of natural ecosystem. So, we should to give
attention to the entrance of arsenic into human body through different food chain pathway
other than drinking water.

1 Plant
Ecology & Nature Conservation Lab. Botany Dept. Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh.
E-mail: mmrkatirhat@yahoo.com

109
 Genetic Divergences and Phylogenetic Relationships of Fejervarya
Limnocharis Complex from Bangladesh and Some Other Asian Countries
Inferred From Mtdna Sequence and Allozyme Analyses

M. M. Islam1, N. Kurose1, M. M. R. Khan2, M. S. Alam1, and M. Sumida1

In the present study, allozymes and the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial Cyt b, 12S and
16S rRNA genes were analyzed to elucidate the degree of genetic divergences and phylogenetic
relationships among the F. limnocharis complex from Bangladesh and other Asian countries.
Allozyme analysis was carried out at 28 loci encoding 20 enzymes and 2 blood proteins. When
Nei’s genetic distances were calculated using PHYLIP, distinct genetic divergences were found
among three size-types: mean genetic distances were 0.857 between small and middle types,
1.523 between large and middle types, and 1.521 between large and small types. Phylogenetic
trees based on genetic distances showed that small type was most closely related to the Sri
Lanka population, and large type formed cluster with several populations from Japan, Taiwan,
Malaysia and Thailand, but middle type was segregated from any other groups.
As for mtDNA gene sequences, after respective DNA extraction, PCR amplification and direct
sequencing, we got the sequences and analyzed the data by using PAUP. We found a total of 21,
7 and 5 haplotypes for Cyt b, 12S and 16S rRNA genes respectively. Phylogenetic trees
constructed by ML, NJ and MP methods showed that all Bangladeshi frogs were first divided
into 2 groups, large type and the other types, and the latter were further subdivided into small
and middle types. After comparison with other Asian Fejervarya species, we found that
Bangladesh small type made a clade with F. syhadrensis from India and Sri Lanka, whereas the
middle type was closely related to unnamed F. sp. from Myanmar, and the large type grouped
with F. iskandari and had a close relation with F. orissaensis.

Key words: Fejervarya; allozyme; mtDNA; nucleotide sequence, phylogenetic relationship;

genetic divergence

1Institute for Amphibian Biology, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan

2Dept. of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Name of corresponding Author: M. Sumida

E-mail: msumida@hiroshima-u.ac.jp

110
 Agrobacterium –Mediatged Genetic Transformation in Sugarcane of
Bangladesh

M.A Hossaina, M.M Shaika, N. Islama, K.M Nasiruddina and M. A S Miaha

Agrobacterium–mediated genetic transformation system was developed for four sugarcane

varieties viz Isd 20, Isd 25, Isd 28 and Isd 31 regeneration of plantlets from transformed explants
were studied. The transformation efficiency in callus, organogenic pre- treated callus and
meristgematic spindle leaf segments at three infection times such as 60, 90 and 120 minute using
five Agrobacterium strains was studied. The effects of acetosyringone during bacterial cultures
and in infection medium were also observed Varieties Isd 25 and Isd 28 showed the best
regeneration response from various transformed explants . GUS positives results were found
higher in varieties Isd 31 and Isd 20 whether acetosyringone was used in bacterial culture or
not. However, Isd 25 and Isd 28 showed the higher GUS positive results when acetosyringone
used only in infection medium than in bacterial culture medium along weigh infection medium,
PCR amplification of selected segments from GUS reporter gene was done using DNA isolated
from plantlets of varieties Isd 28 and Isd 31. In both varieties selected amplified DNA band was
found against two GUS primers set. Results indicate the Transformation of transgene in
sugarcane varieties of Bangladesh.

aBangladesh Sugarcane Reaearch Institute . Ishurdi-6620,Pabna ,Bangladesh.

Effects of Soluble Dietary Mixture on Fiber Enriched Cookie Processing

111
 M. M. Shaik1, M. M. Rahman2, M. A. Haque3

Application of high-fiber ingredients in the cookie production for the enrichment of dietary
properties can affect the dough rheology such as dough moisture content, dough viscosity as
well as the quality of the products. The research was undertaken to study the effects of water
soluble dietary fiber mixture in the production of fiber-enriched cookie and to compare two
type cookies with and without fiber. Two type cookies were used as ‘control’. The first one was
soft type cookie made of wheat flour (soft type), sugar, liquid glucose syrup, sucrose syrup,
cornstarch, milk powder, vegetable fat, ammonium and sodium bicarbonate etc. The second one
was hard type cookie made of wheat flour (hard type), sugar, milk powder, vegetable fat,
butter, ammonium and sodium bicarbonate etc. Fiber-enriched cookies were prepared with the
addition of 3% dietary fiber, where the wheat flour was substituted with carboxymethyl
cellulose 2%, pectin 0.5%, and guar gum 0.5%. The dough moisture content of the fiber-enriched
cookie was 17.98%. Whereas, the moisture contents of dough of control cookies were 13.91%
and 15.51% respectively. Dough viscosity of fiber-enriched cookie was higher than the dough
viscosity of the control cookies. After baking, improved volume and change of color of the
product was observed. By the organoleptic evaluation of the baked products, improved
crispiness and slightly hardness was observed in fiber-enriched cookie compared to the non-
fiber cookies. Improved chewing properties and an unstable sticky mouthfeel were also
observed in fiber-enriched cookie. Determination of moisture contents of cookies after baking
indicated that, the moisture content of fiber-enriched cookie was less than the moisture content
of soft type cookie, but higher than the hard type cookie. Analysis of the moisture absorption
rate from the open air indicated that fiber-enriched cookie absorbed moisture from the air at an
increased rate than the non-fiber cookies. Microbiological test indicated that, the fiber-enriched
cookie had no microorganisms and was safe for human consumption.

1 Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia.

1 Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University. Khulna-9208,
3 Department of Diagnostic (Bacteriology Lab), King Institute of Preventive Medicine, India.

112
 Impact of Hospital Liquid Waste Discharge in the Development of
Antibiotic Resistance in the Environmental Bacteria.

K. T. Osman1, M. N.Anwar1, and M. A. Hossain2.

Emerging of antibiotic resistant bacteria becomes a serious growing problem in modern

medicine. Misuse and/or extensive use and poor disposal system of antibiotics are the principal
cause of resistance development in the bacteria. Un-treated hospital liquid and solid wastes
discharge directly to sewerage systems largely contributing in the development of antibiotics
resistance in bacteria and its distribution. The disposal systems of Chittagong Medical College
Hospital (CMCH) wastes do not maintain proper hygiene and the liquid wastes directly
discharge to the municipal sewerage systems. This raises the importance of investigating the
involvement of CMCH liquid wastes discharge in the development and distribution of
antibiotics resistance in the environmental bacteria. In this study, total 3 groups of samples (1, 2
and 3) connected with CMCH liquid wastes discharge and 2 control groups of samples (4 & 5)
either indirectly- or non-connected with CMCH discharge were collected within two months
period August – September 2006. The antibiotics used during the period to treat the patients in
the hospital also recorded. The most frequently used antibiotic- ciprofloxacin in the CMCH
wards and commonly detected environmental bacteria Escherichia coli were used as tools for
the analysis of resistance development in the environmental microorganisms. Total bacterial
count was very high at immediately connected sites to municipal sewerage system in both
sample 1 (connected with CMCH waste) and sample 5 (non-connected to CMCH waste, control-
2) and the counts decreased with increasing the distance of collecting sites from waste discharge
site. Similarly, ciprofloxacin resistant bacterial count also found very high in the sample 1 and
the number decreased with increasing the distance from the discharge site (sample 2 & 3), but
the sample 5 showed very insignificant antibiotic resistant bacteria. In contrast, sample 4
(indirectly CMCH connected, control-1) counted resistant bacteria 263 folds more than sample 5
and this value was 38 folds less when compared with hospital waste site sample 1 when we
counted the resistant colonies at 200ug/ml ciprofloxacin. 24 ciprofloxacin resistant E. coli
colonies were isolated randomly from different samples to analyze the resistance pattern and
plasmid profiles. All the isolates showed resistant to tetracycline, bacitracin, cephalexin, and
penicillin G, but sensitive to imipenem and gentamycin. The isolates were resistant to very high
concentrations of ciprofloxacin even >900 ìg/ml. The antibiotics resistant pattern observed in
environmental E. coli isolates during this study clearly corroborate the antibiotics used by the
practitioners randomly in CMCH. The plasmid profile of the 19 isolates revealed that all the
isolates contained at least one high molecular size plasmid greater than 12 kbp except isolate
number 6 and 16. Isolates number 7 and 8 contained two more plasmids
of molecular size 5.6 kbp and 3.0 kbp respectively, and isolates 14, 18 and 19 also contained two
plasmids of size 9.2 kbp and 4.0 kbp. Furthermore, isolates 11 and 12 also contained a plasmid
of 9.2 kbp size in addition to the higher one. These findings conclude– i. CMCH waste
contributes in the development and distribution of antibiotics resistance in the environmental
bacteria through municipal sewerage system; ii. Observation of multi-drug resistant bacteria
reflects the mis- or over- use of those antibiotics by the practitioners. Our findings suggest that
hospital waste disposal system and use of antibiotics by the practitioners need to be monitored
properly in order to avoid the emergence of antibiotics resistance in bacteria.
Key words: Antibiotic resistance; CMCH, Hospital liquid waste; Ciprofloxacin; E. coli;
Plasmids.

1 Department of Microbiology, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh.

2 Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka.

113
 Role of PKA Sub Cellular Anchoring in the Glucagons-Induced Camp
Stimulation of Insulin Secreting Pancreatic Cells

M Omar Faruque1, Dung Lenguyen2, Anne-Dominique Lajoix2, Eric Vives3, Pierre Petit2,
Dominique Bataille2, Liaquat Ali1, El Habib Hani2

Background: Cyclic AMP is generated following receptor activation by many hormones and
neurotransmitters which lead to stimulate PKA activity and subsequent phosphorylation of a
variety of cellular substrates. Specificity this signaling pathway is influenced by factors that
determines spatio-temporal activation. Subcellular localization of PKA occurs through
association with A Kinase Anchor Proteins (AKAP). Using bioinformatics and protein array
techniques a novel peptide, named AKAPis, has been proposed which competitively dis-
anchors PKA RIIα-AKAPs interactions in vitro. Objective: To evaluate the importance of PKA-
AKAP interactions in insulin secretion and stimulation of PKA target proteins of CREB and
MAP kinase in pancreatic INS1 cell line.

Methods: AKAP-IS has been synthesized and linked with TAT peptide to have a construction
TAT-AKAPis. This original peptide has been used to observe on the glucagon-stimulated
cAMP-PKA signals in pancreatic β-cell (INS1). INS1 cells were grown up to 70% confluence in
RPMI containing 10mM glucose, 10% serum, 50µM β-mercapto ethanol, 100U/ml penicillin, 100
µg/ml streptomycin. In the day of experiments cells were starved in hepes-balanced KRB buffer
for 2h, TAT-AKAPis was added in the middle of the starvation period. Insulin secretion in
response to glucose and glucagon was measured using HTRF kits. PKA RIIα-AKAPs interaction
was determined using immunoprecipitation followed immunoblot techniques. Glucagon-
stimulated CREB and MAP kinase signal was determined using Western blot.

Results: TAT-AKAPis dose dependently disanchored PKA RIIα-AKAP interactions. At 20µM

concentration of the peptide RIIα-AKAP95 complexes has been reduced by 55%.
Immunoflourescence study also confirms this disruption of RIIα-AKAP complexes through
delocalization of PKA-RIIα with TAT-AKAPis. This disanchoring effect further affects
significantly on insulin secretion and at 20µM of TAT-AKAPis, glucagon potentiated insulin
secretion has been decreased by 80% in INS1 cell line. Phosphorylation of PKA target proteins
like CREB and MAP kinase also significantly decreased in glucagon-induced INS1 cells when
TAT-AKAPis was used.

Conclusions: a) Subcellular localization of PKA through interaction with AKAPs is an

additional mechanism for insulin secretion in glucagon-potentiated pancreatic INS1 cell line, b)
PKA-AKAPs interaction is an important factor for the stimulation of PKA target proteins like
CREB and MAP kinase.

1
Dept of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Research Division, BIRDEM, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh.
2CNRS UMR-5160, Centre de Pharmacologie et Biotechnologie pour la Santé, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier Cedex 5,
France.
3
INSERM EMI0227 Centre de Recherche en Cancerologie, Montpellier Cedex 05, France.

114
 Present status of Biotechnology in Animal Production in Bangladesh

M.O.Faruque1, S.A. Aziz2, M.A. Alim3

Biotechnology provides new opportunity to increase animal production/animal improvement.

In animal production, biotechnology is applied in the field of Animal Genetics/Animal
Breeding, Animal Reproduction, Rumen metabolism and fermentation of dairy products in
dairy industry. The widespread use of biotechnology in Bangladesh is Artificial Insemination in
Animal Reproduction and production of yogurt in dairy industry. So there is ample scope to
adopt the other biotechnologies for increasing animal production/animal improvement.

Attempts are being made in different institutes involved in livestock research and education to
adopt such technologies. Animal Genotyping for breed identification of livestock species/ breed
are in progress in the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural
University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Genotyping of buffaloes and goats have been done and
research is in progress for genotyping of cattle. Experiment has been set for mapping genes of
quantitative traits of goat in Bangladesh by the same department. In vitro embryo culture is also
in progress.

Key words: Bangladesh, Animal Production, biotechnology

1Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
2Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, Bangladesh
3Breed upgradation through progeny testing project, Department of Livestock Services, Savar, Dhaka

Corresponding author: Dr. Md. Omar Faruque

E mail: omar_faruque@hotmail.com

115
 Commercial Enzyme Production by Recombinant DNA Technology:
A Conceptual Works

M.R. Anower 1

Until the advent of genetic engineering, enzyme producers were limited in their ability to
produce innovative products for the marketplace. They were constrained to isolate enzymes
from organisms approved for the industrial use. The desired characteristics could be enhanced
only using classical in lit agenesis techniques. When these methods failed, no alternatives were
available. Commercialization depended on incremental yield improvements gained by
continuous programs of strain development. The ability to use recombinant DNA (rDNA)
techniques has removed many of these barriers. Enzyme producers recognized early the
potential for commercialization new products using genetic manipulation. They worked with a
wide variety of single-celled organisms that were simpler and thus, easier to understand then
the higher orders of plants and animals. The organisms already were well characterized for
growth and expression rates. Short life cycles allowed rapid testing. These systems were ideal
for genetic manipulation using rDNA techniques. Genetic engineering, combined with an
understanding of biocatalysts to predict alterations for enzyme improvements, is
revolutionizing the production and use of enzymes in the marketplace. Offering a recombinant
produced product represents the culmination of a long and complex effort on the part of a
multitude of disciplines: molecular and microbiology, X-ray crystallography, enzymology,
protein and organic chemistry, biochemistry, fermentation and formulation engineering, assay
chemistry and technical service/applications, marketing, sales. Because of the variety of
disciplines required, a critical mass is needed to innovate products successfully and them to
market. The continued proliferation of novel enzyme products requires development of core
technologies so complex and expensive that they can be justified only rDNA technology must
consider regulatory issues, ownership protection, and consumer acceptance.

Key words: rDNA, enzyme, gene, RNA, protein

1 Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University, Bangladesh

116
 Collection, In Vitro Maturation,
Fertilization and Subsequent Development of Goat Oocytes in View of
In Vitro Production (IVP) of Embryos

M.R. Islam1, S. Afroz2 and M.A.M.Y. Khandoker2

An alternative to conventional superovulation procedure is in vitro production (IVP) of embryos

from slaughterhouse ovaries might be considered as a low cost and sustainable technology in
Bangladesh.

The study was undertaken to establish the suitable culture condition for in vitro maturation,
fertilization and subsequent development of goat embryos at Bangladesh Agricultural
University (BAU), from January 2004 to December 2005.

Goat ovaries were categorized as CL- present group & CL- absent group. Among 146 ovaries
CL found in 25 ovaries and remaining 121 ovaries having no CL. Significantly (p<0.05) higher
number of normal COCs (1.12 ± 0.07) were found in CL- absent group with an increase of length
(1.14 ± 0.02), total number of follicle (4.45 ± 0.19), number of follicle aspirated (2.55 ± 0.10) and
total number of COCs (1.87 ± 0.09), but decrease in weight (0.64 ± 0.01), width (0.75 ± 0.01) and
abnormal COCs (0.74 ± 0.07) per ovary than CL- present group of ovaries. The collected COCs
were then cultured for 22 hours in TCM-199 medium supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum
(FCS) in a condition of 5% CO2 in air at 38.5°C for maturation. The higher maturation rate was
observed in CL- absent group (75.00 ± 3.62) than CL- present group (70.29 ± 4.20) of ovaries.
Matured COCs were cultured for five hours with fresh buck semen in Brackett and Oliphant
(BO) medium. In progress IVC was practiced in TCM-199 medium supplemented with 5% fetal
calf serum (FCS) in the same condition for 6 to 7 days. The rate of development to blastocyst
was found higher in CL- absent group (27.60 ± 4.76) compared to CL- present group (21.50 ±
4.64) of ovaries.

CL-absent group ovaries are seems to be suitable for the IVP of goat embryos in Bangladesh.

Key words: Goat ovary, IVM, IVF, IVC, IVP

1Animal Division, National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB), AERE, EPZ, Savar, Dhaka-1349, Bangladesh
2Reproductive Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, BAU, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Name of corresponding author: Md. Rashedul Islam;

Email: mrislamnib_ad@yahoo.com

117
 Characterization of Different Strains of
Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio L.)(Cyprinidae, Cypriniformes) in
Bangladesh Using Microsatellite DNA Markers

Md. Rashedul Kabir Mondol1, Md. Shahidul Islam2 and Md. Samsul Alam3

Characterization of different strains of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using molecular
markers is essential for the management of this fish in respect to the evaluation of the potential
genetic effects induced by hatchery operations and the genetic improvement of carp varieties.
Five microsatellite loci (MFW1, MFW2, MFW11, MFW15 and MFW20) were analyzed for the
molecular characterization of four common carp strains, i.e. scaled carp, mirror carp, red carp
and koi carp. We observed differences in heterozygosities and the average numbers of alleles
but not in polymorphic loci (P95) among the strains. Koi carp displayed the highest level of
variability in terms of heterozygosity. The Nm values and the FST values indicated a low level of
gene flow and high level of differentiation among the strains. The highest genetic distance was
observed between the scaled carp and the koi carp whilst the lowest genetic distance was found
between the red- and koi carp. The unweighted pair group method with averages (UPGMA)
dendrogram resulted in two clusters, one containing only the scaled carp and the other the
remaining three varieties. Microsatellite markers have been found to be effective tools for
characterization of different strains of common carp.

Key words: characterization, Cyprinus carpio, microsatellite marker.

1Department of Fisheries, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh.

2Department of Biotechnology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.
3Department of Fisheries Biology & Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Name of corresponding author: Md. Rashedul Kabir Mondol

Email: rkmondol_ru@yahoo.com

118
 Molecular Characterization of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Varieties Using SSR Markers for Variety Protection

Md. Rezwan Molla1*, Mohammad Nazrul Islam2, Md. Shefatur Rahman1, Md. Samsul
Alam2 and Lutfur Rahman1

Cultivated peanut or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important crop for oil and protein
source in Bangladesh. A number of varieties have so far been released or registered for
cultivation in the country. These have been distinguished only through morphological traits.
Microsatellite markers, also known as SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeats), have proved to be an
excellent tool for the identification of the plant varieties and determining genetic relationship
between the varieties of a crop species. A set of three SSR markers namely, PM36, PM50 and
PM238 were used to identify ten cultivated groundnut varieties (Dhaka-1, Bashanti, Tridana,
Zhinga badam, BARI badam 5,6,7; BINA Cheenabadam 1,2,3) available in Bangladesh. All the
cultivars were successfully discriminated by these three SSR primers. The primer PM50 alone
was able to distinguish four varieties (Dhaka-1, Bashanti, Tridana and Zhinga Badam). Six
variety- specific alleles were identified, these are, PM36/227, PM50/110, PM50/116, PM50/118,
PM50/137, PM238/200. The three primers produced a total of 13 alleles with size ranging from
109bp to 241bp. The PIC (Polymorphism Information Content) value for the primer PM36,
PM50 and PM238 was found 0.81, 0.76 and 0.82 respectively. This approach will be useful for
developing a set of limited number of SSR loci for the identification of commercially important
groundnut varieties for purpose of obtaining plant variety protection (PVP) in Bangladesh.

Key Words: Groundnut, Microsatellite marker, Variety Identification.

1Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymenisingh;

2Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, BAU, Mymensingh;

*Corresponding Author: (rezwanbt@gmail.com)

Studied under the funding support of the DANIDA for Seed Industry Development of the Ministry of Agriculture.

119
 Hori Dhan: Genetic Variation of BR11?
M. S. Rahman1, R. Begum2 and Z. I. Seraj2

Land races are derived with the knowledge, experience and continuous efforts of our farmers,
despite the fact that they do not have any formal scientific training. One such cultivar named
Hori dhan was developed by Horipada Kapali, an agrarian farmer of Asannagar, Jhinedah
district. This variety was selected from a field, where BR11 and other HYVs were normally
cultivated. The publicity regarding this discovery that was created by the print and electronic
media raised many questions in the minds of rice growers and scientists. Hori dhan’s similarity
to the most popular Bangladeshi rice variety BR11 (Mukta) resulted in a debate on its origin.
This work describes a comparative evaluation of the morphogenetic variations between Hori
dhan and BR11.

The study was conducted at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and Department of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka during June 2006-February 2007.
Thirty days old seedlings of both varieties were transplanted in well prepared puddle field of
3x3m plot for comparisons of morphological features, and molecular characterization were
done using the leaf samples of the seedlings. Randomized Completely Block Design with 3
replications was used to conduct the field trial. Fertilizers and other cultural practices were
followed by the recommendation of BRRI for growing the crop up to maturity. Ten randomly
selected hills were labeled to characterize the morphological features and the rest were used to
measure the yield. DNeasy plant mini kits (QIAGEN) were used to extract genomic DNA and
70 microsatellite markers distributed over the 12 rice chromosomes were used for
characterization.

Considerable variations were found both in morphology and at molecular level. Hori dhan has
a taller stature and is around 9.0 cm taller than BR11. Flag leaf, 2nd leaf and ligule were found to
be 2.5cm, 2.4 cm and 2.0 mm longer in Hori dhan compared to BR11. Flag leaf angle of Hori
dhan is erect while that of BR11 is intermediate. Hori dhan was found to have longer panicles,
more filled grains, and larger grain size (26.20cm, 779.00/hill and 2.49g/100 grain, respectively).
This contributed to slightly higher yield (4.94 t/ha) in Hori dhan compared to BR11 (4.39 t/ha).
Interestingly Hori dhan can be characterized by the presence of awn in its 1st spikelet in the
panicle. Hori dhan also has longer growth duration of around 9 days compared to BR11. Using
molecular markers, variations were found in several loci of chromosome number 2, 8, 11 and 12,
but not in other chromosomes. This confirms that Hori dhan is genotypically different from
BR11. Due to its tall stature it may however be under risk of lodging.

Key words: Hori dhan; BR11; Genetic Variation; BRRI

1Plant Physiology Division, BRRI, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

2Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Name of corresponding author: Md. Sazzadur Rahman
Email: sazzad_73@yahoo.com
Cell Phone: 01722210429

120
 Deduction of Coding Sequence of a Jute Gene Using 5’ RACE and Its
Bioinformatics Analysis

Md. Shakhinur Islam 1, Aleya Awal1, Nazlee Sharmin2, Maksud1, Haseena Khan1*

Jute is a dicot shrub and is second only to cotton in amount produced and variety of uses. In
recent years, researchers are getting interested in improving agronomic jute traits through
molecular approaches, which is however slowed down by the fact that the whole genome
sequence of jute is not yet available. Moreover, most of the small number of jute sequences
deposited in GenBank are uncharacterized. In this context, we sought to carry out
bioinformatics analysis of a new jute gene, obtained by 5′ RACE, with a view elucidate its
structure and function. Both the local and global alignment result confirmed that the gene
might be a low density lipoprotein like protein (LDLP). To understand the function of LDLP in
plant cell, we carried out primary and secondary structure as well as hydrophobicity analysis.
The strong hydrophilic nature and extended coiled-coil region confirmed that the gene might
code for a protein domain, involved in protein or lipid binding, indicating binding and storage
of specific kinds of lipoprotein particles as one possible function of LDLP in jute.

Key words: 5` RACE (Rapid amplification of cDNA ends), Low density lipoprotein like protein
(LDLP).

1. Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory, Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka,
2. Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka.

* Corresponding Author : (haseena@bangla.net)

121
 DNA Fingerprinting of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars
Using Microsatellite Markers

Md. Shefatur Rahman 1*, Md. Rezwan Molla 1 and Lutfur Rahman 1

Microsatellite combines several features of an ultimate molecular marker and they are used
increasingly in various plant genetic studies and applications. In this work, we report on the
utilization of a small set of three previously developed rice microsatellite markers for the
identification and discrimination of 17 HYVs and 17 local rice cultivars including two wild rice.
All analyzed microsatellite markers were found to be polymorphic with an average number of
6.33 alleles per locus. These three markers were able to identify 15 local rice cultivars and 11
HYVs. A total of three specific alleles, RM-11/147, RM-151/289 and RM-153/178 were
identified for BR-11, Badshabhog and BR-19 cultivars respectively. The average Polymorphism
information content (PIC) value for local rice cultivars was 0.70 which is higher than that of the
HYVs, suggested that local cultivars are more diverse that the modern high yielding rice
varieties. DNA fingerprints of rice cultivars by means of microsatellites provided meaningful
data, which can be extended by additional microsatellite markers. The data obtained can be
used for the protection of Plant Genetic Resources.

Key words: Rice, microsatellite markers, variety identification

1 Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymenisingh;

*Corresponding Author (shefat@gmail.com)

Studied under the funding support of the DANIDA for Seed Industry Development of the Ministry of Agriculture.

122
 Endophytic Fungi are the Sources of Novel Pharmaceuticals

M. Shoeb1, M. Mosihuzzaman1 and N. Nahar1

Natural Products, derived from microorganisms and plants, have been used for the treatment of
various diseases for thousands of years. Terrestrial plants have been utilized as medicines in
Egypt, Africa, South America, Indian subcontinent and Greece from ancient time and an
impressive number of modern drugs have been developed from them. The World Health
Organization estimates that approximately 80% of the world’s inhabitants rely on traditional
medicine for their primary health care. Thirty-nine percent of the 520 new drugs approved
between 1983 and 1994, were natural products and the proportion of antibacterials and
anticancer drugs derived from natural products, was more than 60%. Despite the advent of
modern drugs, various types of new diseases have emerged recently, and microbes are
becoming resistant to current drugs. Moreover, many synthetic agricultural agents have been
targeted for elimination from the market because of safety and environmental problems. As a
result, there is a general requirements for new antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents and
agrochemicals that are highly effective, possess low toxicity, and will have a minor
environmental impact, respectively. Novel natural products and the organisms can offer
opportunities for innovation in new drug and agrochemical discovery. The word endophyte
means “in the plant” and refers to all microorganisms that live in the intercellular spaces of
stems, petioles, roots and leaves of plants causing no apparent symptoms of disease. Some
species of endophytic fungi have been identified as sources of anticancer, antidiabetic,
insecticidal and immunosuppressive compounds. We have launched research work on
endophytic fungi with Terminila Chebula Retz (Haritoki). Twenty one endophytic fungi were
isolated from the leaf, stem and root of the plant T. chebula and one of the strain 1R7, identified
as Pencillium thiomii, yielded one new compound. Later, the project expanded with the work of
Ocimum basilicum, Momordica charantia, Lucus indica and Vinca rosea. Several fungi and secondary
metabolites have been isolated from them and some of them have shown antibacterial activity.

In this present we will report the natural products from endophytic fungi, chromatographic
techniques for isolation and spectroscopic tools for identification of compounds.

1Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Name of the corresponding author: Dr M. Shoeb

E-mail: shoeb71@yahoo.com,
Fax: 8615583

123
Genes Transcribed by Rhodococcus equi Inside Macrophages and Under
Selected Environmental Conditions

M.T. Rahman1, V.M. Nicholson2, and J.F. Prescott2

Rhodococcus equi is a facultative intracellular respiratory pathogen of foals that persists and
multiplies within macrophages. Virulence is associated with 80-90 kb plasmids, which include
a pathogenicity island (PI) containing the vap (virulence-associatedprotein) gene family.
However, the role of chromosomal genes in virulence is not known. Preliminary analysis of a
partial (25-30% coverage) genome sequence of R. equi described in this thesis revealed
homologues of Mycobacterium tuberculosis putative virulence genes. A mini-DNA microarray
was developed with 43 selected putative R. equi chromosomal virulence genes and eight PI
genes to study their transcription during growth of R. equi in vitro (37° C, pH 5.0), under
oxidative stress conditions (50 mM H2O2, 30 minutes) and inside equine peripheral blood
macrophages. choD, clpB, fadD13, fbpB, groEL, hemE, mbtF, moxR, and sigK were chromosomal
genes significantly transcribed in R. equi inside macrophages. The expression pattern of R. equi
chromosomal genes transcribed significantly inside macrophages differed from those
transcribed under in vitro conditions.

Key words: Rhodococcus equi, Genome sequencing, Gene expression

1Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh.

2 Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.

Name of corresponding author: Md.Tanvir Rahman

Email: tanvirahman@gmail.com
Fax: +88-091-55810

124
 Association of INS VNTR Polymorphism in Young Onset Diabetes
Subjects of Bangladesh

Z. Hassan1, M. I. Hawa2, M. O. Faruque3, K. B. Biswas1, R. Islam1, K. Azad4,

A. K. Azad Khan5, L. Ali3, R. D. G. Leslie2, G. A. Hitman2;

Aims: A remarkable heterogeneity in clinical and biochemical presentation creates a special

problem in the characterization and classification of young diabetic patients in Bangladesh. In
an attempt to characterize these patients we have studied INS VNTR T/A polymorphism in
these patients in relation to their insulin secretory capacity and autoantibody status.

Methods: Young (under 30 years) nonketotic diabetes mellitus (YDM, n=372) subjects and 332
age-matched healthy controls were studied. INS VNTR T/A polymorphism was analyzed by
PCR-RFLP using endonuclease Hph1 and serum C-peptide was measured by ELISA. Insulin
secretory capacity (HOMAB) was assessed by Homeostatic Model Assessment. GAD antibody
was determined by radioimmunoprecipitation.

Results: Mean (±SD) BMI in the controls was 19.7±3.2 and YDM subjects 18.3±4.9 (p<0.001). INS
VNTR T/A genotype frequencies did not show any significant difference between Controls and
YDM (homozygous wild 0.753 vs 0.712; heterozygous variant 0.229 vs 0.259 and homozygous
variant 0.018 vs 0.030). HOMAB (%, median-range), in YDM subjects [1.02 (0.11-2.11)] was
significantly lower compared to the controls [1.94 (1.57-2.34), (p<0.001)]. HOMAB in the
controls with wild TT genotype [1.94 (1.57-2.34)] did not show any difference with variant (TA
and AA) genotype [1.96 (1.68-2.32)], but in YDM group subjects with wild TT genotype [0.96
(0.11-2.17)] had significantly lower value compared to those with variant genotype [0.1.13 (0.15-
1.89), (p=0.019)]. GAD antibody was positive in 3.2% of the controls and 22.6% of YDM subjects.
GADpositive YDM subjects had significantly lower HOMAB [0.67 (0.11-0.84)] compared to the
negative cases [1.12 (0.11-2.17), (p<0.001)]. The proportion of wild genotype was significantly
higher in GAD positive cases (83%) compared to negative cases (69%, p<0.018).

Conclusions: The association of INS VNTR wild TT genotype with GAD antibody positivity
and lower insulin secretion suggest that young diabetic patients in Bangladesh include a
subgroup of typical type 1 diabetic patients with atypical clinical presentation and residual
insulin secretory capacity.

1Physiology and Molecular Biology, BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh,

2Centre for Diabetes and Molecular Medicine, Bart’s and The London Queen Mary’s School of Medicine and Dentistry, London,

United Kingdom,
3Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh,
4Dept of Pediatrics, BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh,
5Dept of Gastroenterology, BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

125
 Biological Screening of Spice Materials for Bioactivity against Tribolium
Castaneum (Hbst.) Adults
K Farhana 1, H Islam 1, E H Emran 1 and N Islam1*

Extracts of coriander, ajowain and fenugreek seeds were collected in chloroform and screened
for the presence of bioactive principles through residual film assay and repellent activity test
and found promising for the control of the stored grain pest, Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.) adults.
The LD50 values for the chloroform extracts of coriander were 316.173 and 243.5895 µg/cm2 for
24- and 48 h of exposure, for ajowain were 271.4573 and 232.7095 µg/cm2 for 24- and 48 h of
exposure and for fenugreek seeds were 159.0106 and 4.194236 µg/cm2 for 24- and 48 h of
exposure. The toxicity could be arranged in the order: fenugreek> ajowain>coriander seed,
while the repellent activity could be arranged in the order: fenugreek seeds> coriander>
ajowain. The experimental spices were found promising for the control of the red flour beetle.
Key words: Spices, biological activity, Tribolium castaneum

1 Department of Zoology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

*
Corresponding author; e-mail:n_islamm@yahoo.com
126
 An Easy and Efficient DNA Isolation Protocol for Fingerprinting Using
RAPD Markers of Sugarcane

M.A Hossaina, N. Islama, R.M.S Shahnawaza, M.M Shaika and M.A S Miaha
.
An easy and efficient method was adopted for isolation of quality DNA from meristem cylinder
in four sugarcane varieties such as Isd 16, Isd 29, CP 70-1133 and Poj 2878 . The quality and
quantity of DNA were determined by visual estimation of agarose gel electrophoreses and by
UV spectrophotometer. The yield of DNA was depended on varieties of sugarcane. The highest
amount of DNA was recovered from the variety CP-70-1133 and the lowest amount was
obtained from the variety Poj 2878. The amount of recovered DNA was enough for Polymerase
Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification and marker studies such as random amplified polymorphic
DNA (RAPD). DNA fingerprinting of four sugarcane varieties was performed using RAPD
markers. Bands obtained from fingerprinting showed 58.72% polymorphism. Dendrogram
based on linkage distance using Unweighted Pair Group Method of Arithmetic Means
(UPGMA) indicated segregation of four varieties of sugarcane into two main clusters. Varieties
Isd 29, CP70-1133 and Poj 2878 grouped in cluster 1 followed by sub-clusters again however,
variety Isd 16 alone was in cluster 2. DNA isolated using the adopted method was sufficient to
perform RAPD a potentially simple, rapid, and reliable method to evaluate genetic variation
among sugarcane varieties.

a Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute. Ishurdi –6620, Pabna Bangladesh

127
 Overcoming Breeding Barriers of Interspecific Hybridization in
Buckwheat: an Ultrastructural Analysis and Future Prospects

Nilufar Yasmin Shaikh and Taiji Adachi

The common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), a very popular human food source of the
world, has seeds with high nutritional and health benefit attributes. The crop grows in marginal
lands with poor soil conditions where a major crop is not sustainable. It is being sparsely grown
in the northwestern part and has a good potential for cultivation in the vast underutilized and
fallow lands of the Hill Districts of Bangladesh. There is a great demand for buckwheat in
Europe, Japan, Korea etc. and hence the country has immense potential to export the
commodity at a much higher price than rice and wheat.
The main constraint of buckwheat production is its low seed set and instability resulting from
self-incompatibility and failure of fertilization. Improvement of seed yield was attempted
through interspecific hybridization among four Fagopyrum species but overcoming barriers of
interspecific hybridization became a pre-requisite for obtaining a hybrid.
Attempts were made to identify the breeding barriers of interspecific hybridization between F.
cymosum and F. esculentum as well as between F. tataricum and F. esculentum through
investigation of early embryo developmental stages by light microscopy and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM). The nature of pre- and post-fertilization barriers in the hybrid
embryo was examined at the ultrastructural level. The ovules were excised at 1-5 days after
pollination (DAP) and fixed for TEM.
The interspecific hybrid embryos showed numerous abnormal ultrastructural pre- and post-
fertilization phenomena leading to abortion of embryo. The main abnormal phenomena
included: failure of fertilization, no zygotic development, delay in pro-embryo development
and degeneration of embryo and endosperm. It was thus clear that the ultrastructural
abnormalities occurred at very early stages of development leading to the abortion of the
embryo. Comperatively fewer abnormalities occurred in the hybrid embryos of the cross
between F. cymosum and F. esculentum than that of F. tataricum and F. esculentum. This
indicated that the former cross combination may be considered as a breeding material in
buckwheat hybridization. The hybrid zygotic embryo showed retardation in cell divisions
resulting in no zygotic development. The deficiency and degeneration of endosperm that were
observed at 2 to 3 DAP may lead to the degradation of the hybrid embryo. Therefore, rescue of
the hybrid embryos at this critical stage by ovule culture may overcome one of the main post
fertilization barriers.

128
Emergence of Optochin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae: Implications
for Diagnosis and Management of Pneumococcal Diseases

M. Rahman1, H. Rashid1, N. Nasrin2, K. Zaman1, N. Nahar1, and A.K.A. Chowdhury2

The optochin susceptibility test remains the primary and, in some cases, the only method in
clinical microbiology laboratories to differentiate S. pneumoniae from hemolytic viridans
streptococci. However, emergence of optochin resistance in S. pneumoniae results in
misidentification of pneumococci, lowering their isolation rate that jeopardizes the diagnosis,
treatment and prevention of pneumococcal diseases.

The study was conducted in the ARI lab (LSD) of ICDDR,B. Fifteen Hundred nasopharyngeal
swabs of mothers and infants enrolled in the study were subjected to the tests used to identify S.
pneumoniae such as colony morphology, gram staining, optochin susceptibility and bile
solubility tests and finally confirmed by lytA (autolysin) PCR. Antimicrobial susceptibility test
and MIC value detection were also performed to see the emergence of drug-resistance pattern
among the strains.

In total, 111 optochin-resistant hemolytic streptococci strains were detected. When subjected
to bile solubility test, 37 (33.3%) optochin-resistant, bile soluble S. pneumoniae were obtained, as
other hemolytic-streptococci were not bile soluble. An S. pneumoniae-specific lytA gene PCR
was positive in all 37 isolates confirming their identification. Thus, the optochin susceptibility
test failed to differentiate S. pneumoniae from other streptococcal species, showing its decreasing
sensitivity and specificity. Optochin-resistant S. pneumoniae had significant co-resistance to
other antimicrobial agents (64.86% were resistant to penicillin, 78.37% to co-trimoxazole, 78.37%
to ciprofloxacin, 45.95% to tetracycline and 27.03% to azithromycin/erythromycin) and multi-
drug-resistance (resistant to ≥3 drugs, 64.86%).

Emergence of optochin-resistance in S. pneumoniae threatens the diagnosis, therapy and

prevention of pneumococcal diseases because of failure to detect S. pneumoniae. For correct
identification and, consequently, for correct treatment, hemolytic-streptococci with a typical
colony morphology of S. pneumoniae but optochin resistant should be checked by bile solubility
test or PCR for S. pneumoniae. Alternatively the bile solubility test should be routinely used for
identifying S. pneumoniae.

Keywords: hemolytic-streptococci

1ICDDR,B, GPO Box 128, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

2Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Ramna, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

Name of the corresponding author: Mahbubur Rahman

E mail: mahbubur@icddrb.org

129
 Characterization of Insulin Secretory Defect in Bangladeshi
Type 2 Diabetic Subjects

R. Zinnat1, R. Karim2, S. Islam2, L. Ali1

Background and Aims: It still remains controversial whether insulin deficiency or insulin
resistance is the earliest abnormalities in the natural history of the disease. Considerable
heterogeneity seems to exist regarding these abnormalities among various populations.
Previous studies suggest that insulin secretory dysfunction is the relatively more
prominent defect in Bangladeshi nonobese type 2 diabetic population. The
characterization of the defect may provide valuable tools for further understanding of the
role of insulin secretory defect in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The aim of the
present study was to investigate the nature of insulin secretory defect in type 2 diabetic
subjects in various phases of secretion. Materials and Methods: Forty-four type 2 diabetic
subjects, along with 30 Age- and BMI-matched control subjects, were studied. The diabetic
subjects were never treated with insulin. Insulin was measured by chemiluminiscent
ELISA. Insulin secretory capacity (%HOMA B) and insulin sensitivity (%HOMA S) were
calculated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) using HOMA software. First and
second phases of insulin secretion were calculated by the following equations: 1st phaseest
=1283+1.829.Ins30-138.7.Glu30+3.772.Ins0; 2nd phaseest=287+0.4164.Ins30-26.07.Glu30
+0.9226.Ins0 Results: The mean age (years, M±SD) of the patients was 44±7 and that of
controls 41±7. BMI (kg/m2, M±SD) was 25.46±3.26 in patients vs 25.31±3.61 in controls.
Fasting serum insulin [Median (range); 53.96 (6.67-162.58) vs 74.55 (6.25-216.89), p=0.0001];
and 30 min after glucose insulin [Median (range); 132.44 (17.78-422.19) vs 544.59 (33.27-
1168.64), p=0.013] levels were significantly lower in diabetic as compared to control
subjects. The B-cell function was significantly lower in diabetic subjects as compared to the
controls [%HOMA B, Median (range); 53.90 (10.40-162.90) vs 163.60 (48.40-381.70),
p=0.0001], but no significant difference was observed in case of insulin sensitivity
[%HOMA S, Median (range); 79.10 (26.40-226.90) vs 65.20 (21.90-259.90), p=0.088]. The 1st
and 2nd phases of insulin secretion were also significantly lower in diabetic subjects
compared to control [Phase I: Median (range); 208.49 (-1412-1230) vs 1655.56 (-109-2831),
p=0.0001, Phase II: Median (range); 101.23 (-217-341) vs 418.56 (51-679), p=0.0001]. A
significant positive correlation was found between BMI and Phase I (r = 0.315; p = 0.037)
and Phase II (r = 0.320; p = 0.034) of insulin secretion in case of diabetic subjects. No such
correlation was observed in case of the control subjects. A significant negative correlation
was also observed between insulin sensitivity and BMI (r = - 0.439; p = 0.003) in the
diabetic subjects. Conclusion: Nonobese type 2 diabetic patients in Bangladesh have
insulin secretory dysfunction and they do not seem to have insulin resistance as a primary
pathophysiologic characteristics. The B-cell secretory dysfunction in type 2 diabetics
involves both fasting and poststimulatory states; poststimulatory defect, however, is much
prominent in comparison to the fasting state. Both 1st and 2nd phases of insulin secretion
are affected in type 2 diabetes, but the deficiency in 1st phase secretion seems to be
predominant in these subjects.

1Dept of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh,

2Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

130
Fine Mapping and Progeny Testing in Rice to Identify Flanking Markers
for Introgression of Salt Tolerance
3Rejbana Alam, 3Suhaila Rahman, 3Habibul Bari Sozib, 3Aleya Ferdousi, 1Sazzadur
Rahman. 2Rafiqul Islam and 3Zeba I. Seraj

DNA markers linked to salinity tolerance traits can make breeding programs more efficient. A
major quantitative trait locus for salinity tolerance traits was reported to be present in rice
chromosome 1. Fine mapping using near isogenic lines (NILs) between tolerant donor Pokkali
and sensitive recipient IR29 contributed by the International Rice Research Institute has limited
the linked region between 11.2 and 12.7 million base pairs or mbp (5 cM). Subsets of the
mapping populations show linkage at 11.2-11.45, 12.0-12.3 and 12.6-12.7 mbp. Marker-trait
linkage in breeding populations where the major salt tolerance donor is Pokkali, are being used
to confirm position of linkage. Breeding populations being raised at BRRI, will be tested using
identified markers in a marker-assisted backcrossing approach to introgress salinity tolerance
into mega farmer-popular varieties like BR11 and BR29.

1Plant Physiology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur

2Plant Breeding Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Gazipur
3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000

131
 Construction of Vectors with Different Genes and Promoters to
Produce Salt Tolerant Rice by Transformation

Richard Malo1, Rakibul Islam1, Mahzabin Amin1, Uzzal Kumar Das1 and Zeba I. Seraj1

Salinity limits both growths and productivity of all major crops including rice. Therefore
production of salt tolerant rice is very important, particularly for Bangladesh which has large
tracts of saline coastal areas. Although salinity tolerance is controlled by multiple alleles,
antiporter genes have been reported to confer tolerance to dicots. We have prepared several
constructs with coding regions as well as full length transcripts. These will be placed
downstream of CaMV 35S promoter as available in commercial binary vectors such as
pH7WG2. We have isolated a salt inducible promoter from the endogenous antiporter gene of
salt tolerant landrace pokkali (PkN) which shows much stronger activity compared to CaMV
35S. We are replacing the CaMV sequence with the isolated PkN promoter in pH7WG2. Due to
the lack of suitable restriction enzyme sites blunt end/ TA ligation will be attempted. In
addition, we have borrowed genes from ICGEB, India such as Pennisetum glaucum antiporter
(PgVNHX), helicase (PDH45) and glyoxalase I and II. Transgenic rice with PgVNHX is in T2
generation. Helicase containing rice has started to regenerate in culture. Glyoxalase I and II will
be introduced individually into TOPO ENTRY vectors containing L recombination sites. These
will be recombined into destination vector pH7WG2. cotransformation will be used to introduce
glyoxalase I and II into rice.

1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka.

132
 Glutinous and Non Glutinous Rice of Bangladesh: DNA Fingerprinting
and SNPs in the Waxy Gene.

Rokeya Begum1, Zeba Islam Seraj1, Abed Chaudhury2.

Most Bangladeshi rice varieties are Indica and Non Glutinous. However, Glutinous rice also
exists, for example, Beruin varieties. Glutinous rice produces cohesive grains and are therefore
of importance in festivals where the main food item is rice cake. Glutinous rice contains much
higher level of amylopectin compared to Non Glutinous rice. This is due to lack of the synthesis
of the starch amylose, because of a defect in the gene (waxy gene) for granule-bound starch
synthase. This defect is due to G to T mutation, which causes defective splicing of the gene
transcript. The amylose content in Non Glutinous rice however varies considerably, apparently
because of the suppression of the waxy gene mutation due to sequences elsewhere. This has
been shown by an analysis of rice genotypes from East Asia.

We are sequencing the waxy gene from Non Glutinous rice’s of Bangladesh in an attempt to
find whether they also contain the waxy gene mutation and are therefore showing suppression.
We are also sequencing Glutinous rice varieties to confirm the presence of the waxy gene
mutation. In addition, we are doing rice microsatellite fingerprinting of Non Glutinous and
Glutinous rice varieties. Such a study may detect the presence of SNPs indicative of the origin of
Bangladeshi rice.

1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka.

2CSIRO, Australia

133
 Rice Transformation with Antiporter Genes and Their Expression with
Strong Promoters

Rumana Sultana Tammi1, Sharmin Jahan2, Lisa Perveen2, Laisa A. Lisa3, Noorain M.
Rasul2 and Zeba I. Seraj2

Transgenic rice with the rice vacuolar Na/H antiporter gene (vOsNHX1) driven by the CaMV
35S and actin promoters has been produced. PCR-positive T0 plants were selfed to T1 and T2 and
screened for seedling salinity tolerance in hydroponics. At least four transgenic lines showed
greater tolerance scores compared to untransformed controls. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR results
correlated with seedling tolerance scores with tolerant lines showing greater expression of the
vOsNHX1 transcript. The endogenous gene also showed poor expression compared to
transformed tolerant as well as those which showed poor tolerance scores. The endogenous
promoter for the OsNHX1 gene for the salt tolerant landrace Pokkali shows several fold higher
activity compared to either CaMV 35S or actin promoters in promoter GUS transient assays of
rice calli. Plants are being transformed with the promoter-GUS constructs to check expression
and salt inducibility in intact plants.

1Current affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangir Nagar University
2Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000
3Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi

134
 Functional Analysis of GAMYB Gene Involved in
Gibberellin Signaling in Rice

S.M. Shahinul Islam1, Takahiro Miyazaki3, Yoshito Tanaka2, Kan Nishimura3, Toshiaki
Mitsui 2,3, Shuji Yokoi4, Ko Shimamoto4, Kimiko Itoh2,3

GAMYB is a R2R3 type Myb related transcription factor and activates GA inducible á-amylase
gene during cereal seed germination. Recent studies reported that GAMYB may be involved in
floral initiation, internodes elongation and anther development. We isolated OsGAMYB mutant
(OsGAMYBm) which showed lower expression of OsGAMYB and remarkable decreasing
number of rachis branch. We assumed that engineering of OsGAMYB gene expression may
enable for production of high yielding rice by controlling number of rachis and floret.
OsGAMYB expression was genetically engineered by introduction of sense cDNA or RNAi
construct into rice cv. Toride-1. Resulting OsGAMYB disruptant showed decreased plant
height, number of primary branch and early flowering like as OsGAMYBm. By contrast,
OsGAMYB overexpression showed late flowering and increased number of caryopsis. The
increasing of caryopsis numbers may affect yielding of rice. But overexpressor of the
OsGAMYB also led to less seed fertility. In this study we also analyze the phenotype and GA
responsiveness in mutant. Wild type (WT) and mutant (MT) plants were grown with or without
GA3 treatment. It was observed that plant height of MT lower than WT. So, the OsGAMYB
promotes leaf elongation. We also observed the effect of GA3 on plant height. GA3 treated WT
showed strong internodes elongation than non-treated WT. And GA3 treated MT showed
slightly increased plant height than non-treated MT plant. But not recovered their dwarfism
completely. So, the mutant remained partial GA responsiveness at adult phase.

1: Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205, Bangladesh

2: Graduate School of Science and Technology, Niigata University, Ikarashi-2, 950-2181 Niigata, Japan
3: Faculty of Agriculture, Niigata University, Ikarashi-2, 950-2181 Niigata, Japan
4: Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-01, Japan

135
 Evaluation of Salt Tolerance in Rice Using
Phenotypic and Marker-Assisted Selection
S. K. Bhowmik1*, M. M. Islam2, R. M. Emon2, S. N. Begum2, A. Siddika1 and S. Sultana1

Eleven rice genotypes were used to evaluate salinity tolerance through phenotypically and
genotypically. Recent advent of molecular markers particularly, microsatellite or simple
sequence repeats (SSRs) were used for the marker-aided selection (MAS) to find out salinity
tolerance in rice. Three selected SSR primers viz., RM7075, RM336 and RM253 were used to
evaluate rice genotypes for salt tolerance. Two setups were maintained for this study viz.,
seedling stage and reproductive stage. Phenotyping of 11 genotypes at seedling stage was done
in hydroponic system using salinized (EC 12 dS/m) nutrient solution and at the reproductive
stage using salinized tap water (EC 6 dS/m). IRRI standard protocol was followed to evaluate
salinity tolerance. The effect of prolonged salinity stress on yield and yield components of 11
rice germplasms at both stages was evaluated. At seedling stage, average reduction in plant
height and total dry matter of tolerant lines were reduced by 19.0% and 40.6%, respectively in
salinized condition where as those of susceptible lines were reduced by 46.0% and 73.5%,
respectively. Similarly at reproductive stage, tolerant genotypes showed lower reduction in
terms of plant height, total dry matter and number of filled grains (8.96%, 27.04% and 20.6%,
respectively) and susceptible lines showed higher reduction (17.1%, 61.05% and 80.9%,
respectively). The markers showed polymorphism and were able to discriminate salt tolerant
genotypes from susceptible. The genotypes having similar banding pattern with Pokkali were
considered as salt tolerant. The SSR markers RM7075, RM336 and RM253 identified 8, 9 and 7
genotypes, respectively as salt tolerant. Through phenotypic and genotypic study, five
genotypes viz., Pokkali, Dhol Kochuri, RD-2586, TNDB-100 and PNR-519 were identified as salt
tolerant rice cultivar. These SSR markers might have sequence homology with salt tolerant rice
genotypes and consequently the markers could able to identify salt tolerant genotypes from
susceptibles.

Key words: Rice, Salt stress, growth stages, SSR markers and MAS.

1Dept. of Biotechnology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh

2Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, P.O. Box 4, Mymensingh 2200, Bangladesh.

Name of corresponding author: S. K. Bhowmik

Email: salil_bhowmik@yahoo.com

136
 Effects of Black and Green Tea Extracts (Polyphenols) on Arsenic-
Induced Toxicity in Rabbits

Sheikh Zahir Raihan1, A. K. Azad Chowdhury1, Mohammad Shawkat Ali1,

Farzana Marni2, G.H. Rabbani2

Arsenic causes oxidative stress in the body. Unfortunately there are no effective drugs for its
chronic toxicity. Tea polyphenols are potent antioxidant. It’s of interest to evaluate the effect of
tea polyphenols on the oxidative stress from arsenicosis.

The study was conducted at the Clinical Research and Service Centre of ICDDR,B: Centre for
Health and Population Research and at Pharmacology Laboratory of the Department of Clinical
Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka. In this trial, 20 rabbits (1.94 and 2.86 kg
weight) received arsenic trioxide (3 mg/kg/day) for 14 days which caused a significant
reduction of whole blood glutathione (GSH) and elevation of thiobarbituric acid reactive
substances (TBARS) and the index of nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels. The institutional ethical
guidelines were followed for all animal experiments.

Black and green tea extract (polyphenols) administration for the next 14 days to the appropriate
groups caused a significant elevation of depleted GSH levels and reduction of TBARS levels
compared to post-arsenic levels. GSH concentrations in intoxicated rabbits were increased from
19.8 ± 1.4 (post-arsenic value) to 30.3 ± 4.2 mg/dL (P = 0.04) in the black tea group, from 20.4 ±
1.5 to 32.2 ± 2.9 mg/dL (P = 0.002) in the green tea group and from 20.8 ± 2.9 to 26.4 ± 3.4
mg/dL (P = 0.23) in the placebo group. TBARS levels in intoxicated rabbits were decreased
from 4.1 ± 0.8 (post-arsenic value) to 2.37 ± 0.2 ìM/L (P = 0.05) in the black tea group, from 4.7 ±
0.8 to 1.9 ± 0.2 ìM/L (P <0.005) in the green tea group and from 4.1 ± 0.3 to 3.2 ± 0.3 ìM/L (P =
0.08) in the placebo group. The polyphenols components of black and green teas were 27.69%
and 29.71% of the dry weight of the total extracts respectively.

These results indicate that arsenic induced toxicities in rabbits were significantly reversed by
the black and green tea extracts. The greater activity of green tea compared to that of black tea
correlates with slightly higher content of polyphenols in green tea.

Key words: Arsenicosis; oxidative stress; black tea; green tea; polyphenols.

1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.
2ICDDR,B, GPO Box 128, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh

Name of corresponding author: Professor Dr. A. K. Azad Chowdhury

Email: akazad@univdhaka, akchowdhury2003@yahoo.com,
Fax: +880-2-8615583

137
 Exocrine and Endocrine Pancreatic Function in T2d Patients of
Bangladesh

S. Sattar1, C. Hanck2, Z. Hassan1, U. Keller3, D. Whitcomb4, L. Ali5,

A. K. Azad Khan6, N. Gyr7;

Aims: Exocrine pancreatic dysfunction in T2D is still an unsettled issue. Since SPINK1 gene
N34S variant has been associated with pancreatopathy we aimed to analyze the gene variant
and evaluate the exocrine and endocrine functional status in a cohort of typical T2D patients in
comparison to tropical calcific pancreatitis patients with and without diabetes.
Methods: Age-matched T2D patients (n=49), tropical calcific pancreatitis without diabetes
(TCP, n=35) and with diabetes [Fibrocalculus calculus pancreatic diabetes (FCPD), n=83)] were
studied. Pacreatic exocrine function was evaluated by measurement of fecal elastase1 (by
ELISA) and endocrine by measurement of insulin (by RIA) following IV agrinine stimulation.
SPINK1 gene N34S variant was analyzed by direct DNA sequencing. Student’s unpaired-‘t’,
Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests were performed where applicable.
Results: Fecal elastase1 was severely (<100 ìg/g of stool) reduced in 58% of T2D subjects
compared to 81% (p=0.082) of TCP and 95% of FCPD subjects(p=0.001). SPINK1 N34S variant
was positive in 8.8% of T2D, 37% TCP (p=0.011) and 33% FCPD (p=0.011) subjects. The N34S
variant positivity was present in subjects with severely reduced Fecal elastase1 of 15% of T2D,
18% TCP and 39% FCPD subjects. In all three groups SPINK1 N34S variant positive and
negative cases did not show any difference regarding Fecal elastase1. Insulin levels (median,
U/l) at basal and on arginine stimulation (at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min) in T2D subjects (basal- 24.4,
stimulated- 41.7, 42.3, 34.3 and 21.9) was significantly higher compared to TCP (basal- 13.0,
stimulated- 21.6, 23.4, 18.7 and 14.0) and FCPD subjects (basal- 15.9, stimulated- 20.7, 19.5, 22.5
and 15.1). Between SPINK1 N34S variant positive and negative cases insulin levels at basal and
stimulated state did not show any statistical difference.
Conclusion: The data suggest that i) a substantial proportion of T2D patients in Bangladesh
have exocrine pancreatic dysfunction; ii) in T2D the exocrine dysfunction and insulin secretory
capacity is not associated with SPINK1 gene variant.

1Dept of Physiology and Molecular Biology, BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh,

2Dept of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland,
3Dept of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland,
4Centre for Genomic Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States,
5Dept of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh,
6Dept of Gastroenterology, BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh,
7Dept of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland.

138
Expression and Purification of a Ruler Protein, gp29, of Bacteriopahge T4
by two-step affinity chromatography and its identification by
MALDI-TOF MS

Subodh Kumar Sarkar#, Shuji Kanamaru* and Fumio Arisaka*

In order to express the “ruler protein”, gp29, of bacteriopahge T4, gene 29 histidine-tagged at
the N-terminus was cloned into a double promoter-based expression vector, pQE32, and over-
expressed in E coli SG13009 under osmotic stress in the presence of sorbitol and betaine.
Following expression, it was purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography and
immuno-affinity chromatography after ammonium sulphate precipitation. The purified protein
migrated on SDS-PAGE with an apparent molecular mass of 80 kDa. Matrix-assisted laser
desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry was used to confirm the
identification of gp29 using peptides derived from the protein after in-gel digestion with
trypsin.

Keywords: Bacteriophage T4; Ruler molecule; Affinity chromatography; Mass spectrometry;

MALDI-TOF MS

* Department of Bimolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology,
4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku,Yokohama 226-8501, Japan.

# Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology Chittagong(USTC), Foy’s lake,
Chittagong-4202, Bangladesh.

139
 Zinc Supplementation of Pregnant Rats with Adequate Zinc Nutriture
Suppresses Immune Functions in Offspring1

Rubhana Raqib2, Taher Uddin2, Mohammad Bakhtiar Hossain2,3, Shannon L Kelleher3,

Charles B Stephensen3,4, Bo Lönnerdal3

Background: Zinc (Zn) that takes part in hundreds of vital enzymes function in every stage of
life shows significant effects in neonatal in addition to their following progeny in immune
response if deficient in preconception, gestational, lactation, and weaning stages. Zn
supplementation can partially restore the problems that is established both in human and
animal model system. But over dose of Zn to Zn adequate mother can demonstrate suppressive
outcome and impair immune function in their offspring.

Objective: The aim of this study to create concern in vulnerable people as Zn has a noxious
effects on immune system if supplemented in Zn adequate mother and so it should not be given
without examine the level.

Methods: Adult female rats were fed a Zn-adequate diet (ZC, n=8) or a Zn-deficient diet (ZD,
n=8) from preconception through lactation. After birth, the pups were designed as follows:
ZCZ+, pups of control dams received Zn-supplimentation; ZCZ-, pups of control dams that
received placebo; ZDZ+, pups of Zn-deficient dams that received Zn supplementation; ZDZ-,
pups of Zn-deficient dams that received placebo. Pregnant rats were supplemented with either
Zn (1.5 mg Zn in water) or placebo (water) 3 times/ wk throughout pregnancy. Pups were
orally immunized with cholera toxin and bovine serum albumin-dinitrophenol (DNP) 3 times at
weekly intervals and killed 1 wk after the last dose. Proliferation and cytokine responses in
lymphocytes from Payer’s patches (PP) and spleen, and antigen specific antibodies in serum
were studied as well as the thymus weight.

Results: Zn supplementation in Zn adequate dams show suppressive response in lymphocyte

proliferation and IFN-ã whereas deficient dams show vise versa relationship. Humoral immune
responses in pups were depressed in Zn-adequate plus Zn-supplemented dams though it
neither shows reinstallation in Zn-deficient mother if supplemented.

Conclusion: So far there is no appropriate marker to measure the Zn-level, mothers should not
be supplemented arbitrarily during pregnancy.

1The study was conducted with the support from Ellison Medical Foundation at the Department of Nutrition,
University of California Davis.

2ICDDR,B: Centre for Health and Population Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh;

3Department of Nutrition, University of California;
4USDA Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Davis, CA, USA.

*Corresponding author: (rubhana@icddrb.org)

140
Chromatography Paper Strip Method for Collection, Transportation, and
Storage of Viral Genetic Material in Stool Samples

M. Rahman1, T. Azim1, G. Podder1, P. Maes2, K.T. Zlateva2,

E. Wollants2 and M. Van Ranst2

In many epidemiological and vaccine trials, samples need to be transported to reference

laboratories for analysis. Often this involves shipping samples under cooled and biohazardous
conditions. Even the simple acts of sample collection, aliquoting, and freezing might be difficult
in field situations in some areas in developing countries where no electricity or skilled
laboratory technicians are available. We describe the development of a novel method that
allows the collection, transport, and storage of genetic materials on a solid chromatography
paper support.

The chromatography strips were pretreated with SDS and EDTA and were infected with
positive stool samples for rotavirus, adenovirus, norovirus and poliovirus. The infected strips
were stored at -20°C, 4°C, room temperature (20 to 25°C), and 37°C. The presence of viral
genetic material on the strips was detected by virus-specific PCR amplification after storage for
different time periods (between 7 to 120 days). Biosafety experiments were performed to check
if the viral particles were still infectious after contact with the SDS/EDTA-pretreated paper
strips.

The genetic materials collected on paper strips were successfully detected by PCR after four
months storage at all temperatures. This finding indicates that viral RNA and DNA on the
paper strips are stable for a sufficient amount of time at room temperature or even in warmer
climatic conditions. Furthermore, the PCR product from the chromatography strip was
successfully sequenced, indicating that the sampling method can be used for further genetic
characterization. No viral infectivity was observed upon contact with the SDS/EDTA-
pretreated strips. Thus the strips can be used in a safe way.

In conclusion, the SDS-EDTA-pretreated chromatography filter paper strips are a convenient,

safe, and inexpensive method to collect, store, and transport samples for detecting, typing and
further genetic characterization.

Key words: Chromatography Paper Strip, Rotavirus; Norovirus; Adenovirus; Poliovirus; DNA,
RNA, Storage, Collection, Transportation

1ICDDR,B, GPO Box 128, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh

2 Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Minderbroedersstraat 10, B-3000
Leuven, Belgium.

Name of corresponding author: Dr. Tasnim Azim

Email: tasnim@icddrb.org
Fax: 88-02-8823116

141
Expatriate and Foreign Scientists
Messages and Abstracts

142
 MESSAGE

I am very happy that a conference on the “Promotion of biotechnology in Bangladesh: National

and International Perspectives” is being held under the sponsorship of Ministry of Science,
Information and Communication Technology, Bangladesh Academy of Science, Dhaka
University, BRAC University, ICDDR,B, Square- and Incepta Pharmaceuticals.

Bangladesh is rich in biodiversity which constitutes the feed stock for biotechnology research
and application. I hope the conference will provide a road map for getting the farmers and
people of Bangladesh the benefits of the new genetics.

I also hope that the conference will help in promoting the responsible and beneficial use of
biotechnology. The bottom line of our national agricultural biotechnology policy should be the
economic well being of farm families, food security of the nation, health security of the
consumer, protection of the environment and the security of national and international trade in
farm commodities.

I wish the conference great success.

Prof M S Swaminathan

President, Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs

Chairman, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation
Third Cross Street, Taramani Institutional Area
Chennai - 600 113 (India)
Tel: +91 44 2254 2790 / 2254 1229; Fax: +91 44 2254 1319
Email: swami@mssrf.res.in / msswami@vsnl.net

143
 Use of Post-Genomic Technologies for Drug Target
Discovery and Validation

Error! Reference source not found., PhD

The current trend in drug discovery reflects a paradigm shift from conventional to genomics-
based target identification. The publication of the human genome sequence as well as the
availability of some exciting new technologies has generated a wealth of new gene targets.
However, most of the identified genes lack functional information that is required for proper
target validation. We discuss three approaches to undertake disease gene identification and
validation currently used in our laboratory:

1. Functional analysis of microarray-generated target gene identification;

2. siRNA-mediated gene silencing to determine proof-of-principle;
3. Bioinformatics-based analysis of gene expression profiles to determine regulatory
networks.

In an integrated model of innate immunity against cancer and infection, NK cells play an
important role. Ability of NK cells to eliminate tumor cells depends on: (a) lack or reduced level
of MHC class I on the tumor cells, (b) strength of NK cell/tumor cell binding, frequency of the
MHC class I-specific inhibitory receptors, (c) phenotype and the frequency of NK subsets, (d)
types and level of released cytokines and chemokines by activated NK cells.

We have used high throughput, antibody based cytokine chips to study the levels of secreted
cytokines/chemokines production by CD16 and 2B4 cross-linked activated NK cells. Regulation
of NK function depends on recruitment, renewal and differentiation of lymphocytes such as
neutrophils, and intrinsic factors such as cytokines/chemokines and adhesion molecules,
intrinsic control by transcription factors and their target genes. Analysis of cell network
connectivity takes a center stage in determining ‘robust innate immunity’ against cancer.

Error! Reference source not found., PhD

CBRIBR
Department of Pathology
Harvard Medical School
800 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
husain@cbr.med.harvard.edu

144
 Can NIB Facilitate the Birth of Interdisciplinary
Research in Bangladesh?
Parvez I. Haris
It is widely accepted that complex biological problems cannot be solved by pure disciplinary
research and this has led to the emergence of the exciting paradigm of interdisciplinary
research. Undoubtedly, we are entering a new era in scientific research where the ideas and
technologies of life science, physical science and information science are rapidly merging.
Already in many parts of the world science policies and existing institutional structures are
being changed to meet this reality to speed up scientific discovery through interdisciplinary
research.
This presentation is based on research on the level of interdisciplinary research in Bangladesh
through an analysis of the journal publications emerging from Bangladesh over a period of 36
years. This research has revealed that interdisciplinary research in Bangladesh is virtually
absent. For example, collaboration between Biochemistry and Chemistry Departments, within
an institution and between institutions, in majority of the cases is either non-existent or
negligible. Yet, individuals from these Departments do engage in interdisciplinary research
with overseas collaborators. Overseas funding is often the incentive that underpins such
interdisciplinary research. Two major factors appear to be responsible for the lack of
interdisciplinary research in Bangladeshi Universities. One is lack of incentives; especially the
lack of funding for such types of research. The other major barrier is the existing departmental
structure that creates insularity and mistrust.
Clearly, a change in the structure and environment in universities is required such that
interdisciplinary work is rewarded in the form additional staffing, research infrastructure and
funding. This should be the long term objective. Meanwhile, the establishment of the NIB
provides an excellent opportunity for giving birth to interdisciplinary research which should
not be missed. This is particularly important since the National Biotechnology Policy document
has already come under criticism from some scientists who strongly feel their discipline has
been left out or marginalised [1]. To avert such divisive atmosphere amongst the scientific
community, and at the same time nurture high quality science, the NIB should initiate
important and exciting research projects that are inherently interdisciplinary. This will help
build bridges between different disciplines, individual scientists and will also simultaneously
advance scientific progress across the respective disciplines. The NIB should aim to be a home
for creative scientists, experts in their respective disciplines, who come together united to tackle
important and challenging research problems relevant to Bangladesh. There are several
health, pharmaceutical, environmental, agriculture and food related problems in Bangladesh
that can easily form the nucleus for initiating such interdisciplinary research. The presentation
will specifically focus on some specific areas of research that are inherently interdisciplinary. It
will also give examples, from the authors own interdisciplinary research, spanning over two
decades, which has ranged from basic science including biochemistry, biophysics, immunology,
proteomics and bioinformatics to development of biomaterials and novel antimicrobial
strategies.
Parvez I. Haris

Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, United
Kingdom, E-Mail: pharis@dmu.ac.uk
Reference:
[1] Minutes of the First Workshop on National Biotechnology Policy Document, Dhaka, December 2006.

145
Questionnaire

Expatriates
Local Scientists
Oral Presenters
Poster Presenters

146
 Expatriates
Md Abdul Khaleque, Ph.D
A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic title
Md Abdul Khaleque, Ph.D
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Scientist (Technical), Zymed Division
Invitrogen Corporation (www.invitrogen.com)
542 Flynn Road
Camarillo, California 93012
USA
Tel: 1-805-484-5593 (r), 1-805-824-2575 (c)
Email: abdul.khaleque@invitrogen.com
klq@yahoo.com

3. Immediate past position(s)

Research Fellow
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Harvard Medical School
Department of Radiation Oncology
21-27 Burlington Ave.
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
USA
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
Degrees:
Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Kumamoto, Japan
Ph.D., Molecular Genetics, March 2002
Dissertation title: Studies on a putative mitochondrial protein import factor metaxin and a new Hsp70
cochaperone dj4. Advisor: Prof. Masataka Mori
University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Master of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1991 (held in 1994)
Dissertation title: Changes in lipid profile and platelet aggregation in smokers of different duration.
Advisor: Prof. Ishtiaq Mahmud
University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1990 (held in 1992)
Training:
Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology,
Boston, MA
Postdoctoral Fellow (with Dr. SK Calderwood), Dec 2003 – July 2006
Train and supervise graduate students and technicians in various technical aspects of molecular
biology, biochemistry, mammalian tissue culture, signal transduction etc. My post-doctoral studies
are directed at understanding the role of heat shock protein (HSP) in cancer metastasis. I found that
heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) binds to metastasis protein and promotes pro-metastatic changes through
heregulin-dependent gene expression. My present research is on the mechanisms underlying the
elevation of HSP in cancer involving the oncogenic protein heregulin and its signaling receptor c-
erbB. In addition, I am studying the role of HSP70 in inhibiting programmed cell death in breast and
prostate cancer cells. This study is focused on the role of the heat shock response in cancer and
studying the use of HSP in the design of anticancer vaccines. Overall, these studies will help us to
understand more on gene expression and regulation in cancer models, tumor progression and
147
 metastasis.
Boston University Medical Center, Center for Molecular Stress Response, Boston, MA
Postdoctoral Fellow (with Dr. Calderwood), Nov 2002 - Nov 2003
Supervise graduate/under graduate students and technicians. I was involved with several
contemporary research projects related to the cancer biology, HSF1, HSP and the regulation of
protein phosphorylation in signal transduction pathways. My key research was on the process of
metastasis, a key event in the progression of cancer. My observations suggested for the first time that
metastasis associated protein 1 (MTA1) interacts with HSF1 and promotes pro-metastatic changes
through the c-erbB signaling pathway. These findings opened a new area of research involving heat
shock proteins in cancer progression mechanisms.
National Health Care Network (NHN), Department of Biochemistry and Endocrinology, Dhaka,
Bangladesh
Scientific Officer, Feb 1996 – Sept. 1997
Conducted research on clinical, biochemical and endocrinological tests. Samples were from different
kinds of diabetic patients from all over the country. Data were mainly used for the clinical treatment
and research purpose. I was also involved in a research project titled "Acute effect of a low calorie ice
cream on glycemic status and atherogenic risk factors in NIDDM subjects".
International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (ICDDRB), Biochemistry and Nutrition Lab,
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Research Officer, Oct 1995 - Jan 1996
I had the opportunity to work on the projects “Vitamin-A metabolism in childhood infection” and
“Content of -carotene and ratinol in different food samples”. From these projects I gained
experience in various methods like, determination of Vitamin-A from food samples, breast milk,
serum and urine; -carotene from food samples by using HPLC, determination of Ratinol Binding
Protein and Pre-albumin by Radial Immuno-diffusion technique and determination of trace elements
from serum by Absorption Spectrophotometric method.
Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders,
Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Research Fellow, June 1994 - Sept 1995
I learned advanced methods in biochemistry, pharmacology and cell biology such as insulin release
from isolated islets, preparation of single -cell and measurement of insulin by ELISA, platelet
aggregation measurement, cell separation and culture. In addition, I assisted in the measurement of
cytoplasmic Ca+2 in single living cells by dual wave-length fluorimetric system using Fura-2 as the
fluorescent indicator.

5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)

BIDMC Oncology Fellowship, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (2005-2006)
Young Investigator Travel Award from Society for Thermal Medicine (2005)
NIH Postdoctoral fellowship (CA47407, CA31303 and CA50642) through Dr. Stuart Calderwood
(2002-2006)
Monbusho Scholarship from Ministry of Education and Science, Japan (1997-2002)
HDF scholarship under Talent Assistance Scheme, Bangladesh (1986-1994)
Begum Halima Khatun Scholarship from University of Dhaka, Bangladesh (1990)
Chancellor award from the President of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh (1987)

6. Elected Fellowships of Academies

Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
Membership of Institutional Committees
Founder and General Secretary, Enviroprotection and Human Development (Environmental NGO),
Dhaka, Bangladesh (www.angelfire.com/ak/EPHD)

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 Member, Cell Stress Society International, USA (www.cellstress.uconn.edu)
Member, Society for Thermal Medicine, USA (www.thermaltherapy.org)
Associate Member, American Association for Cancer Research, USA (www.aacr.org)
Member, Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists, USA (www.gnobb.org)
Member, Graduate Biochemists Association, Bangladesh (www.gbabd.org)
Director, Family Needs Ltd (Supermarket), Uttara, Dhaka, Bangladesh (www.familyneeds-bd.com)

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research
I have been working on the role of the molecular chaperone heat shock proteins (hsp) in the
progression of cancer and cancer therapy. Hsp are highly conserved stress proteins whose expression
confers resistance to a number of types of cancer therapy. They function by promoting protein repair
as well as being direct antagonists of effector steps in apoptosis and other forms of cell death. Many
of the regulatory steps in hsp gene expression, including the transcriptional and posttranscriptional
levels that permit the massive expression of the hsp in stress situations and protection from apoptosis
and other forms of cell death has been elucidated. My studies are directed at understanding the role of
heat shock protein (HSP) in cancer metastasis. I found that heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) binds to
metastasis protein and promotes pro-metastatic changes through heregulin-dependent gene
expression. Recently I completed a research on the mechanisms underlying the elevation of HSP in
cancer involving the oncogenic protein heregulin and its signaling receptor c-erbB. In addition, I
studied the role of HSP70 in inhibiting programmed cell death in breast and prostate cancer cells. My
studies on this process have begun to bear fruit, leading to the development of drugs tailored to inhibit
HSP70 and HSF1 function and enhance tumor control. I have planed to focus on the role of the heat
shock response in cancer and studying the use of HSP in the design of anticancer vaccines. I also have
begun to probe the regulation of HSF1 and HSP expression in cancer cells using humanized
monoclonal antibody (2C4 and herceptin) and various pharmacological agents. These will help us to
understand more on gene expression and regulation in cancer models, tumor progression and
metastasis.
2. Area(s) of Expertise
Molecular Biology:
All general molecular biology techniques including but not limited to:
Genomic DNA isolation from tissue and cultured cells, plasmid DNA preparation, cDNA library
construction, cDNA and genomic DNA library screening and clone isolation, DNA sequencing, RNA
isolation from whole tissue and cultured cells, PCR for various application including site directed
mutagenesis and RT-PCR, silencing of genes using RNAi, northern blots and western blots,
chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay.
Molecular Pathology:
CISH (Chromogenic In-situ Hybridization), FISH (Fluorescence In-situ Hybridization), IHC
(Immunohistochemistry), IF (Immunofluorescence)
Biochemistry:
Protein expression and purification, SDS-PAGE, Blue native PAGE, ELISA and protein import into
mitochondria, techniques required for protein phosphorylation and signal transduction mechanism.
Tissue culture/ cell based assay:
Mammalian cell culture (HeLa, MCF-7, CHO-K1, MDA-MB-231, MEF, H9c2 and others), transient
and stable transfection, gene expression and characterization, anchorage independent growth assay.
Other skills:
Luciferase assay, apoptosis assay, broad experience in signal transduction steps, tumor progression
and metastasis.
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications:
9 Full paper, 3 Book chapter, 1 Environmental article
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4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
• Md Abdul Khaleque, Ajit Bharti, Jianlin Gong, Daniel R. Ciocca, Arturo Stati, Mariel Fanelli and
Stuart K. Calderwood. Heat Shock Transcription Factor 1 Represses Transcription Through
Association with Metastasis Associated Protein 1. Oncogene. (2006). MS in review
• Yutaka Enomoto, Ajit Bharti, Md Abdul Khaleque, Baizheng Song, Chunlei Liu, Vasso
Apostolopoulos, Pei-xiang Xing, Stuart Calderwood and Jianlin Gong. Enhanced immunogenicity of
heat shock protein 70 peptide complexes from dendritic cell-tumor fusion cells. J Immunol. 177:
5946-5955. (2006).
• Stuart K Calderwood, Md Abdul Khaleque, Douglas B. Sawyer and Daniel R. Ciocca. Heat shock
proteins in cancer: chaperones of tumoregenesis. Review. Trends Biochem Sci.31(3):164-72. (2006)
• Md Abdul Khaleque, XiaoZhe Wang, Mei Juan Zhau, Rong Zhong, Matthias Gaestel and Stuart K
Calderwood. Phosphorylation of HSF1 by MAPKAP Kinase 2 on serine 121, inhibits transcriptional
activity and promotes HSP90 binding. J Biol Chem. 281(2):782-91. (2006). Equal contribution
• Md Abdul Khaleque, Ajit Bharti, Douglas Sawyer, Jianlin Gong, Ivor J. Benjamin, Mary Ann
Stevenson and Stuart K. Calderwood. Induction of heat shock proteins by heregulin 1 leads to
protection from apoptosis and anchorage-independent growth. Oncogene, 24, 6564-6573 (2005).
• Dan Tang, Md Abdul Khaleque, Ellen L. Jones, Jimmy R. Theriault, Cheng Li, Wing Hung Wong,
Mary Ann Stevenson and Stuart K. Calderwood. Expression of heat shock proteins and HSP mRNA
in human prostate carcinoma in vitro and in tumors. Cell Stress & Chaperones 10 (1), 46-58 (2005).
• Donghui Yu, Ehsan Khan, Md Abdul Khaleque, James Lee, Gary Laco, Glenda Kohlhagen, Surender
Kharbanda, Yung-Chi Cheng, Yves Pommier and Ajit Bharti. Phosphorylation of DNA
Topoisomerase I by the c-Abl tyrosine kinase confers camptothecin sensitivity. J Biol Chem.
279(50):51851-61 (2004).
• Khaleque Md Abdul, Kazutoyo Terada, Tomomi Gotoh, Rahman Md. Hafizur, Masataka Mori.
Characterization and functional analysis of a heart-enriched DnaJ/Hsp40 homolog dj4/DjA4. Cell
Stress & Chaperones 7(2), 156-166 (2002).
• Khaleque Md Abdul, Kazutoyo Terada, Masato Yano, Michael T. Ryan, Illo Streimann, Nicholas J.
Hoogenraad, Masataka Mori. Functional analysis of human metaxin in mitochondrial protein import
in cultured cells and its relationship with the Tom complex. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 276,
1028-1034 (2000).

5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)

6. Competitive Research Grants obtained
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
8. National and International Collaborations
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)
C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh: (Information requested from
Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh?
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return?

I would like to return Bangladesh permanently and do competitive research in any institute which
would offer me modern research facility in an attempt to address some of the pressing problems
facing the country like cancer, effect of arsenic on health etc. I have extensive practical experience
with molecular- and cancer biology and looking for a prospective position in Cancer Biology/
Biotechnology/ Environmental Science/ Epidemiology/ Clinical diagnosis.

150
6. Any other comments?

Expatriates
Dr. Abidur Rahman
A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Dr. Abidur Rahman

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details:
Assistant Professor
Cryobiosystem Research Center
Faculty of Agriculture
Iwate University
Ueda 3-18-8; Morioka 020-8550
Japan
Tel/fax:+81-19-621-6144
Email: abidur@iwate-u.ac.jp
Lab url: http://news7a1.atm.iwate-u.ac.jp/~abidur/
3. Immediate past position(s)
Senior Postdoctoral Researcher (2003-2006) Biology Department, University of Massachusetts,
Amherst, USA
Postdoctoral Researcher (2002) Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Takasaki, Gunma, Japan
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
M.Sc. Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka University
Ph.D Graduate School of Science and Technology, Kobe University
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
Recent article on a new auxin mutant of Arabidopsis was selected as a featured article by the editor-in
chief of Plant Journal (2006)
Best poster award for young emerging scientist by Japanese botanical society (2002)
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies
Postdoctoral fellowship awarded by Japanese society for promotion of Science (2002)
Grant-in-aid fellowship by the ministry of education, Japan Govt. for completing the Ph.D (1997-
2001)
University merit scholarship (1989-1993)
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
Serve as a reviewer for the journals Plant and Soil ; Plant and cell physiology
1. Membership of Institutional Committees
Member of academic committee, Faculty of Agriculture, Iwate University

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research
Hormonal response on growth and development of plant. My lab is currently focused on elucidating
the novel transport and response mechanism of auxin in Arabidopsis. We are also interested in
dissecting the mechanism of auxin-ethylene crosstalk in plants. In addition, we recently initiated a
project exploring the possibility of developing a bio marker for arsenic detection inside the cell and to
elucidate new proteins involved in transport of arsenic.
2. Area(s) of Expertise
Plant physiology, Molecular Biology, Cell biology, Protein chemistry
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
1. Rahman A, Bannigan A, Sulaman W, Pechter P, Blancaflor EB, Baskin TI (2007a) Auxin, actin,
and growth of the Arabidopsis thaliana primary root.
Plant Journal (In press)
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 2. Muday G K, Rahman A (2007b) Auxin transport and the integration of gravitropic growth.
In Tropism, (Gilroy S and Masson P, ed.). Blackwell Publishing, MA, U.S.A. (In press).
3. Rahman A, Nakasone A, Chhun T, Ooura C, Biswas KK, Uchimiya H, Tsurumi S, Baskin TI,
Tanaka A, Oono Y (2006) A novel protein, SMAP1, mediates responses of the arabidopsis root to the
synthetic auxin 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.
Plant Journal 47:788-801
4. Swarup R, Kargul J, Marchant A, Zadik D, Rahman A, Mills R, Yemm A, May S, Williams L,
Millner P, Tsurumi S, Moore I, Napier R, Kerr ID, Bennett MJ (2004) Structure-Function Analysis of
the presumptive Arabidopsis Auxin Permease AUX1.
Plant Cell 16:3069-3083
5. Oono Y, Ooura C, Rahman A, Aspuria ET, Hayashi KI, Tanaka A, Uchimiya H (2003a) p-
Chlorophenoxyisobutyricacid impairs auxin response in Arabidopsis root.
Plant Physiol. 133: 1135-1147
6. Ahamed A, Rahman A, Hayashi F, Ueji S, Amakawa T, Tsurumi S (2003b) Isolation of
chromosaponin I-specific antibody by affinity chromatography.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communication (BBRC) 302: 587-592
7. Rahman A, Hosokawa S, Oono Y, Amakawa T, Goto N, Tsurumi S (2002) Auxin-and ethylene-
response during Arabidopsis root hair development dissected by auxin influx modulators.
Plant Physiol. 130: 1908-1917
8. Rahman A, Ahamed A, Amakawa T, Goto N, Tsurumi S (2001a) Chromosaponin I specifically
interacts with AUX1 protein in regulating the gravitropic response of Arabidopsis roots.
Plant Physiol. 125:990-1000
9. Rahman A, Amakawa T, Goto N, Tsurumi S (2001b) Auxin is a positive regulator for ethylene
mediated response in the growth of Arabidopsis roots.
Plant Cell Physiol. 42:301-307
10. Rahman A, Tsurumi S, Amakawa T, Soga K, Hoson T, Goto N, Kamisaka S (2000) Involvement
of ehylene and gibberellin signalings in Chromosaponin I-induced cell division and cell elongation in
Arabidopsis seedlings.
Plant Cell Physiol. 41: 1-
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)
Patent : SMAP1, a novel gene in regulating the 2,4-D action in dicot plants (pending)
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained
3,000$- “Special faculty award” from Dean of Agriculture faculty, Iwate University
50,000$ for the Fiscal year 2007-2008 from MEXT, Japan
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
Currently, I am supervising two Ph.D students in Iwate University, Japan. Previously I supervised
senior year research of 4 undergraduates in UMASS, Amherst, USA
8. National and International Collaborations
International Collaboration:
Dr. Tobias Baskin, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA
Dr. Gloria Muday, Wake Forest University, North Carolina, USA
Dr. Elison Blancaflor, Nobel Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma, USA
Dr. Seiji Tsurumi, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
Dr. Yutaka Oono, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Takasaki, Japan
Dr. Malcolm Bennett, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
National Collaboration:
No collaboration with Bangladesh yet.
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)
152
 Not applicable

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
Yes. I am one of the founder members of GNOBB (Global network for Bangladeshi
Biotechnologists), which is a web based forum for Bangladeshi scientists all over the world. We are
trying to make a bridge between the local and expatriate scientists to bring new ideas and
collaboration for developing an internationally competitive science infrastructure in Bangladesh. This
forum is also dedicated to create awareness among the scientists on different issues including the
national biotech policy.
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
Understanding the hormonal response in growth and development of plant is a basic issue in
enhancing the crop yield and quality. Hence, my research can contribute potentially in these areas.
For example, we are now dealing with a mutation which made the Arabidopsis plant extremely dwarf.
The identification of this gene will contribute potentially to understand the regulatory mechanism of
plant height, which then can be used to regulate the height of the crops in different environmental
conditions. In addition, we have developed a project related to arsenic, which is a national problem of
Bangladesh. We are also planning to initiate a project related to the development of plant based
vaccine in near future. Taken together, I think the on going research projects in my lab reflect how
Bangladesh can be benefited form my research and my expertise.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
With pleasure. However, the students or the young researchers have to secure the funding by
themselves.
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh?
Definitely. A two week long course either in workshop format or teaching format will be suitable for
me. Again, the funding for such courses has to be arranged by the local host.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return?
I can not do it right now as I have joined in a new position with certain commitments. However, I will
be interested to go back to Bangladesh in future. A well equipped research lab, good amount of
startup funding (at least for five years) and a moderate salary will encourage me to think to relocate to
Bangladesh.
6. Any other comments?
I am very glad to see the momentum that is built by the Bangladeshi scientists in formulating the
National Biotech policy. I hope this workshop would immensely help us to understand the importance
of the biotechnology and help to create a very progressive policy. However, I am surely disappointed
to see so many sub committees and members for arranging this conference. Unfortunately, even
without any contribution from my part, my name was put in some sort of sub committees. I wish we
will be able to break this bureaucratic formulation of putting everyone’s name for no reason and do
something really positive for the betterment of our country. My best wishes for a successful meeting!

153
 Expatriates

Ashfaque Hossain
A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title

Ashfaque Hossain, Ph.D.
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Senior scientist, Molecular biology,
Creighton University School of Medicine
2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
Phone (402) 280-2389
E.mail: ashfaque@creighton.edu
3. Immediate past position(s)
a. Research Scientist, Avant Immunotherapeutics, Boston, MA
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
B.Sc. (Biochemistry), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
M.Sc. (Microbiology), University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Ph.D. (Microbiology), University of Glasgow, U.K.
Postdoctorate (Virology), University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE, USA
Postdoctorate (Cell Biology), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
Commonwealth Scholarship, 1985-1988. From Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, U.K. to do
Ph.D. research at the University of Glasgow, U.K.
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
8. Membership of Institutional Committees
B. Research and Research Management Experience:
1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research.
a. Studies on immunodeficiency in humans using a variety of immunology, cell biology and
molecular biology techniques.
b. Interaction of Salmonella typhimurium with mammalian cells.
2. Area(s) of Expertise
Microbiology, Cell and Molecular biology, Virology, Immunology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications
Thirty five
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
Hanson, N.D., Hossain, A. Buck, A. Moland, E.S. and Thomson, K.S. (2006).
The First Occurrence of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the United States Producing an IMP Metallo-
β-lactamase, IMP-18. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 50, 1272-2273.
Hossain, A, Ferraro,M. J., Pino. R. M.3, Dew, R. B. III, Moland, E.S., Lockhart, T. J., Thomson, K. S.
Goering, R. V. and Hanson, N.D. (2004) Plasmid-mediated Carbapenem hydrolyzing enzyme, KPC-
2, in Enterobacter sp. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 48, 4438-4440.
Hossain, A. Reisbig, M.D. and Hanson, N.D. (2004). Plasmid-encoded functions compensate for the
biological cost of AmpC over-expression in a clinical isolate of Salmonella typhimurium. Journal of
Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 53, 964-970.

154
 Pitout, J.D.D., Hossain, A. and Hanson, N.D. (2004). Phenotypic and molecular detection of CTX-M-
lactamases produced by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. Journal of Clinical Microbiology, 42,
5715-5721.
Jiang, Y., Hossain, A., Winkler, M. T., Holt, T., Doster, A. and Jones, C. (1998). A protein encoded
by the latency-related gene of bovine herpes virus 1 is expressed in trigeminal ganglionic neuron of
latently infected cattle and interacts with cyclin dependent kinase 2 during productive infection.
Journal of Virology, 72, 8133-8142.
Hossain, A., Holt, T. Zanella, J. and Jones, C. (1997). Analysis of cyclin dependent kinase activity
after herpes simplex virus type 2 infection. Journal of Virology, 78, 3341-3346.
Schang, L. M., Hossain, A. and Jones, C. (1996). The latency-related gene of bovine herpesvirus 1
encodes a product which inhibits cell cycle progression. Journal of Virology. 70:3807-3814
Hossain, A., Schang, L. and Jones, C. (1995). Identification of gene products synthesized from the
latency related gene of bovine herpes virus 1. Journal of Virology. 69: 5345-5352.
Hossain, A., Freer, J.H. and Stewart-Tull, D.E.S. (1993). Heat-labile and heat-stable toxins of
Campylobacter jejuni. FEMS Medical Microbiology and Immunology. 6: 331-340.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)
Developed a technology for RNA isolation- gene expression studies (patent pending). California
based Biotechnology company Invitrogen has developed a kit “Trizol-Max” based upon this
technology and the product is in the market since 2004.

6. Competitive Research Grants obtained

Yes
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
3; Graduate students, technicians.
7. National and International Collaborations
8. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)

1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
No.
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
By serving as a consultant to Biotechnology Company / Research Institute
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Yes
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh?
Yes
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return?
Yes; suitable teaching / research position
6. Any other comments?
There should be a National biotechnology coordination committee that will coordinate biotechnology
research in different laboratories in Bangladesh. It should be able to identify viable, marketable
products / technology and serve as platform for taking these to the Biotechnology companies both in
Bangladesh and abroad. It should serve as liaison body between foreign / local investors and the local
Biotechnology research laboratories.

155
 Expatriates

Azizul Haque, PhD

A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic title: Azizul Haque, PhD
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details: Assistant Professor, Department of
Microbiology and Immunology; 173 Ashley Avenue, BSB-201, Medical University of South
Carolina, SC 29425, USA (2004-present).
Associate Member, Hollings Cancer Center, MUSC, SC 29425, USA (2004-present).
Graduate Faculty, College of Medicine, MUSC, Charleston (2004-present)
3. Immediate past position(s): Research Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology &
Immunology, IUSM, Indianapolis (2003-2004); Associate Member, IU Cancer Center, Indianapolis,
(2003-2004).
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: Predoctoral Fellow, Department of Microbiology,
Saga Medical School, Japan (1993-1997); Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Microbiology &
Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM), Indianapolis, IN, USA (1997-2003).
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research): Japanese Government Predoctoral Fellowship,
Japan (1993-1997); Marquis’ Who is Who in the World (1998-present); NRSA (1999-2000);
Postdoctoral Fellowship, Arthritis Foundation (2001-2002); Career Development Award, Leukemia
and Lymphoma Society (2003-2006); HCC Award (2006); ACS-IRG Award (2005-2006).
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies: N/A
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: Ad hoc Reviewer, MUSC
Research Committee (2005-present), Ad hoc reviewer, Circulation (2000-present); Ad hoc reviewer,
Journal of Immunology (2001-present); Ad hoc reviewer, Dutch Cancer Society (2001-present); Ad
hoc reviewer, Journal of Leukocyte Biology (2003-present); Ad hoc reviewer, MUSC Research
Committee (2005-present); Ad hoc reviewer, Differentiation (2006-present); Ad hoc reviewer,
Journal of Biological Chemistry (2006-present); Ad hoc reviewer, Cellular Immunology (2006-
present); Mentor/co-mentor, graduate advisory committee (2005-present); Member, graduate search
committee (2005-present).
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: Japanese Society for Immunology (1994-1997), Japanese
Society for Microbiology (1993-1997), American Society for Cell Biology (1998-2000), American
Association of Immunologists (1999-present), American Association for the Advancement of Science
(2000-2004), Associate Member, Hematopoiesis Program, Indiana University Cancer Center (2003-
2004); Member, Hematological Malignancies Focus Group, MUSC (2004-present); Member, Gene
Medicine, Research Foci of Excellence, MUSC (2004-present); Associate Member, Hollings Cancer
Center (2004-present); Neuro-oncology Focus Group, Hollings Cancer Center (2004-present); MUSC
Graduate Faculty (2004-present); Member, Center for Cell, Gene and Vaccine Therapy (2005-
present); Member, Tumor-Host Interactions Research Program at Hollings Cancer Center (2005-
present).

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research: Current work focused on
immunobiology of lymphoma, melanoma and prostate cancer.
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Tumor Immunology, autoimmunity and transplantation immunlogy
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: 31
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications:
Haque, M.A., M. Kimoto, S. Inada, O. Tokunaga, and O. Kohashi. 1998. Autoreactive
CD4−CD8− αβ T cell to vaccinate adjuvant arthritis. Immunology 94:536-642.
Haque, M.A., J.W. Hawes, and J.S. Blum. 2000. Cysteinylation of an MHC Class II Ligand:
156
 importance endocytosis and reductive processing in T cell recognition. J. Immunol.
166:4543-4551.

Haque, M.A., P. Li, S.K. Jackson, H.M. Zarour, J.W. Hawes, U.T. Phan, M. Maric, P.
Cresswell, and J.S. Blum. 2002. Absence of gamma-interferon-inducible lysosomal thiol
reductase in melanomas disrupts T cell recognition of select immunodominant epitopes. J.
Exp. Med. 195:1267-1277.
Haque, M.A., T/ Mizobuchi, K. Yashufuku, T. Fujisawa, R. Brutkiewicz, Y. Zheng, K.
Woods, G.N. Smith, O.W. Cummings, K.M. Heidler et. al. 2002. Evidence for immune
responses to a self-antigen in lung transplantation. J. Immunol. 169:1542-1549.
Li, Ping, M.A. Haque, and J.S. Blum. 2002. Role of disulfide bonds in regulating antigen
Processing and eiptiope selection. J. Immunol. 169:2444-2450.
Mizobuchi, T., K. Yasufuku, Y. Zheng, M.A. Haque, K.M. Heidler et. al. 2003. Differential
expression of Smad7 and TCR V- transcripts identify the CD4-CD45ROhi regulatory T
cells that mediate type V collagen-induced tolerance to lung allografts. J. Immunol.
171:1140-1147.
O'Donnell P.W., A. Haque, M.J. Klemsz, M.H. Kaplan, J.S. Blum. 2004. Induction of the
antigen processing enzyme IFN-gamma-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase in melanoma
cells is STAT1-dependent but CIITA-independent. J. Immunol (Cutting Edge). 173:731-735.
Srinivasan, M., L. Debao, E. Rajaraman, D. Brand, A. Haque and J. S. Blum. 2005. CD80
binding polyproline helical peptide inhibits T cell activation. J. Biol. Chem. 280:10149-55.
Haque A, Blum JS. 2006. New insights in antigen processing and epitope selection:
development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer, autoimmunity and infectious
diseases. J. Biol. Regul. Homeost. Agents. (Review) (in press).
Yoshida, S., A. Haque, T. Mizobuchi, T. Iwata. et al. 2006. Anti-type V collagen
lymphocytes that express IL-17 and IL-23 induce rejection pathology in fresh and well-
healed lung transplants. Am. J. Transplant. (in press).
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): Immunotherapy of prostate cancer
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: AFR, LLS, NIH, ALA, HCC and ACS
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: 7 members including the PI
8. National and International Collaborations: UK, Germany, Japan and US
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): N/A

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)

1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information. Yes, collaborative studies are planned with Dr. F. Qadri (MS thesis
mentor)
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh? Dr.
Haque has an established laboratory at MUSC with expertise in tumor immunology, autoimmunity
and transplantation immunology. Currently, many graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, residents,
research technicians are working in Dr. Haque’s laboratory which is well funded. Certainly, these
resources can benefit biotechnology research anywhere in the world including Bangladesh.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Yes
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? Yes
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return? N/A at this point
6. Any other comments? Would like to help anyway

157
 Expatriates

Manujendra Narayan Saha, Ph.D.

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title:

Manujendra Narayan Saha, Ph.D.

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Japanese Society for the Promotion of Sciences, JSPS)
Dept. of Virology and Preventive Medicine
Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine
Showa machi 3-39-22, Maebashi City, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
Tel. Fax. +81-27-231-2186
E-mail. mnsaha@yahoo.com
3. Immediate past position(s)
Research Associate
Dept. of Virology and Preventive Medicine
Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine
Showa machi 3-39-22, Maebashi City, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
B. Sc. (Hons), M. Sc. (Biochemistry)
Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Ph. D. (Virology)
Dept. of Virology and Preventive Medicine
Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine
Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
Doctoral scholarship from Association for International Education in Japan (AIEJ)
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies
Japanese Society for the Promotion of Sciences (JSPS) postdoctoral fellowship

7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards

None

8. Membership of Institutional Committees

Bangladesh Biochemical Society (BBS)
Graduate Biochemist Association (GBA)
Japanese Society of Virology

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research

Study on the early infection mechanism of hepatitis viruses mainly, HBV and HCV. Infectivity assays
have been done using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) pseudotypes bearing surface proteins of HBV
and HCV. Because of the lack of suitable and reliable assay systems, study on the HBV infection has
been impaired. Assay system based on the pseudotypes are rapid and safe and we have been using
this newly developed system for the infectivity assay of HBV in vitro.
2. Area(s) of Expertise

158
 Virology, Immunology, Bacteriology, Molecular Genetics, Genetic Engineering, Vibrio cholerae,
Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: Five
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
Manujendra N. Saha, Atsushi Tanaka, Atsuhi Jinno-Oue, Nobuaki Shimizu, Kazushi Tamura,
Masahiko Shinagawa, Joe Chiba, and Hiroo Hoshino. Formation of vesicular stomatitis virus
pseudotypes bearing surface antigens of hepatitis B virus. J. Virol. 2005. 79:12566-12574
Faruque, S. M., Manujendra N. Saha, Asadulghani, D. A. Sack, R. B. Sack, Y. Takeda, G. B. Nair.
The O139 serogroup of Vibrio cholerae comprises diverse clones of epidemic and nonepidemic
strains derived from multiple V. cholerae O1 or non-O1 progenitors. J Infect Dis. 2000. 182:1161-8
Faruque, S. M., Manujendra N. Saha, Asadulghani, P. K. Bag, R. K. Bhadra, S. K. Bhattacharya, R.
B. Sack, Y. Takeda, G. B. Nair. Genomic diversity among Vibrio cholerae O139 strains isolated in
Bangladesh and India between 1992 and 1998. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2000. 184:279-84
Faruque, S. M., A. K. Siddique, Manujendra N. Saha, Asadulghani, M. M. Rahman, K. Zaman, M. J.
Albert, D. A. Sack, R. B. Sack. Molecular characterization of a new ribotype of Vibrio cholerae O139
Bengal associated with an outbreak of cholera in Bangladesh. J Clin Microbiol. 1999. 37:1313-8
Faruque, S. M., Asadulghani, Manujendra N. Saha, A. R. Alim, M. J. Albert, K. M. Islam, J. J.
Mekalanos. Analysis of clinical and environmental strains of nontoxigenic Vibrio cholerae for
susceptibility to CTXPhi: molecular basis for origination of new strains with epidemic potential.
Infect Immun. 1998. 66:5819-25
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)
Formation of vesicular stomatitis virus pseudotypes bearing surface antigens of hepatitis B virus
(Japanese patent)
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained
Two years research grant from Japanese Society for the Promotion of Sciences (JSPS)
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
None
8. National and International Collaborations
Our laboratory has been in collaboration with Dept. of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, ICDDR. B,
and Chiangmai University, Thailand.
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
Our laboratory has been in collaboration with Dept. of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, and
Virology Laboratory, ICDDR, B. We are particularly interested in basic research on the viral diseases
which are prevalent in Bangladesh like HBV, HCV etc, and which are not prevalent right now but
may be at risk in near future, like HIV.
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
I think, research in Biotechnology is going to improve a lot by 21st century and all researchers in
home and abroad will try their best to be involved in these projects. My research experience after
graduation is very much related with the field of Biotechnology, especially in medical science. I
would be happy if I could be of any help for the well-being of the people of Bangladesh as well as for
the country through application of my research works.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Few years back, by the strong leadership of my supervisor we were able to sign an exchange program
between Gunma University and University of Dhaka. Through this exchange program several
students and teachers already visited our laboratory in a short term training program. We hope to
continue this program for the next few years.
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh?
I would be interested in doing so but that would depend on several factors.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what conditions
would induce you to return?
159
 If I have been offered a good working environment I may consider returning in my home country.
6. Any other comments?
None.
Expatriates

Minhaz Uddin Ahmed

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title

Minhaz Uddin Ahmed
Doctoral Student

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details

Dna Biosensor Team
Japan Adv. Institute Of Science And Technolgy (Jaist)
Ishikawa, Japan
EMAIL: minhazua@yahoo.com
PHONE: +81-761-51-1668
FAX: +81-761-51-1665

3. Immediate past position(s)

A. Teaching Assistant (Ta) (Dec 2006- Till To Date)
School of Materials Science
Japan Adv. Institute of Science And Technolgy (Jaist)
Ishikawa, Japan
B. Scientific Officer (Feb 2005- Sep 2005)
National Forensic DNA Profiling Laboratory
Department of Forensic Medicine
Dhaka Medical College
5. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
Ms: Biochem. And Molecular Biology (Du) 1999-2000
Bsc: Biochem. And Molecular Biology (Du) 2000-2001
6. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)

a. Centre of Excellence (COE) Award from Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports, Japan and
JAIST, 15 November 2005
b. Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho;MEXT) Scholarship from Ministry of Education,
Culture and Sports, Japan
c. Education Board Merit Scholarships etc

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research
Development Of Dna Biosensor Chip
2. Area(s) of Expertise
Biochemistry, Biotechnolgy
Applied Biotechnolgoy And Materials Science
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications
Two (2)
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
M. U. Ahmed and S. Akhteruzzaman. Apolipoprotein E gene Polymorphism in Bangladeshi
population and its comparison with other asian populations, Journal of Medical Science, March-April,
2006
M. U. Ahmed, K. Idegami, M. Chikae, K. Kerman, P. Chaumpluk, S. Yamamura, and E. Tamiya.
Electrochemical DNA biosensor using disposable electrochemical printed (DEP) chip for the
160
 detection of SNPs from unpurified PCR amplicons, In Press, 2007, The Analyst, Royal Society of
Chemistry (RSC) Journal, Cambridge, UK

5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)

6. Competitive Research Grants obtained
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
8. National and International Collaborations
a. School of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Phyathai, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
b. Ishikawa Sunrise Industries Creation Organization, 2-20, Kuratsuki, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa
920-8203, Japan
Biodevice Technology Co. Ltd. Japan
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh: (Information requested from

Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
No, But Seeking Collaborators To Establish The Dna Sensor Technology In Bangladesh
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
In Brief, Disease Diagnosis, Environmental Monitoring
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh?
Yes
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return?
I Would Consider To Return Bangladesh Either for Two Reason
1. To Start From The Beginning
2. Or, To Drive the Ongoing Continuning Efforts for Both Long and Short Terms
6. Any other comments?
Please, Tell Us in Detail
a. The Purpose Of This Questionnaire
b. The True Future Prospect of Biotech. Based Industry/Research In Bangladesh
c. The Possibility To Establish Nanotechnology Research Centre In Bangladesh
Finally, I Would Like To Thanks the Organizers of This Workshop, Especially Prof. Haseena Khan
and Prof. Zeba I. Seraj.

161
 Expatriates

Md. Monirul Islam

A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic title:
Dr. Md. Monirul Islam
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details:
Senior Molecular Biologist, Ballarat Cancer Research Centre, University of Ballarat, c/o- St. John of
God Hospital, 101 Drummond Street, Ballarat 3350, Australia. Phone: 61-3-5320 2404, Mob:
0401329275
3. Immediate past position(s): Research Associate, Department of Biological Science, Southern
Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA.
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training:
Masters in Biochemistry, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh;
Ph.D. in Biochemistry, department of biomedical chemistry, faculty of medicine, University of
Nagoya, Japan
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research) :
Travel fellowship award for attending the 16th AMBO International Training Course in Molecular
Biological and Biochemical Methods in Bioenergetics, 1993, Osaka, Japan granted by the AMBO
Fellowship Committee.
Travel fellowship award for attending the 7th FAOBMB Congress, 1995, Sydney, Australia; granted
by the FAOBMB Fellowship committee.
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies:
Japanese Ministry of Education, Science and Culture (Monbusho) Scholarship
carry out Ph.D program at the Department of Biomedical Chemistry, University of Nagoya, Japan,
Oct 1991 - Mar 1996.
Japan Science and Technology Agency (STA) Fellowship, granted by the Japan International Science
and Technology Exchange Centre, Oct 2000-Sep 2002.
Jack and Millie Borbidge Cancer Research Fellowship, granted by the University of Ballarat,
Australia, Jul 2003 – June 2005.
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards -None
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: Specialist molecular biologist, IBC (Institutional Bio-safety
committee), University of Ballarat, Australia.

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s): Possible Retroviral Association in LCH Etiology. Langerhans Cell
Histocytosis (LCH) is characterized by an infiltration of antigen presenting Langerhans Cells in a
wide variety of tissues (bone marrow, lungs, gut, liver, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and brain)
resulting in tissue damage or severe organ failure and death, especially in young children. The
etiology of the disease is not yet known. Among many other suggestions viral association is
considered as one of the main suggestion. I am trying to clone any suspected viral gene either directly
from the LCH tissues or from the thymoma cell-line developed in LCH xenografted SCID mouse.
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Ageing, Cancer and Molecular Virology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: No mention
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications: No mention
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): None
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: None

162
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: Team four members, post-doctorate, Ph,D
students and research assistants.
8. National and International Collaborations: None
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): Not
applicable
C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:
(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)

1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information : No
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh? Not
sure
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your
laboratory?No
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? Not sure. Possibly yes.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return? - Yes. Social safety in terms of economy and livelihood
are the two main conditions need to be changed.
6. Any other comments? : Very good initiative. Well done and good luck.

163
 Expatriates

Md. Rafiqul Islam

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title

Md. Rafiqul Islam, M. Sc.(DU), M. Phil. (DU)
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Ph.D. fellow, Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo
3-2-1, Koto, Kamigori, Ako, Hyogo 678-1297, Japan
E-mail- rislambt71@yahoo.com, Tel. 81-90-6540-2921
3. Immediate past position
Assistant Professor (on study leave)
Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
M. Sc.: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka
M. S.: Department of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Japan
M. Phil.: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Dhaka
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
A-grade scholarship given by Dhaka University for good result during B. Sc. (honours)
NST fellowship, during M.Sc., given by the Ministry of Science and technology, Bangladesh
NST fellowship, during M. Phil., given by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Bangladesh
Monbusho scholarship, during MS and Ph.D. program, given by the Ministry of Science and
Technology, Japan
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies : NA
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: NA
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: NA

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area (s); with very brief description of current research
Rice and Jute plant transformation
Molecular characterization of coastal rice for salt tolerant trait
Current research: Trying to elucidate the function of the gene slr1923 of Synechocystis 6803 by
inactivation through site-directed mutagenesis. A great advance has already achieved. Through
biochemical and molecular characterization of the mutant and upon comparison with wild type strain,
it has proved that the targeted gene (slr1923) encodes 3, 8-divinylchlorophilide a 8-vinyl reductase
which is responsible for the vinyl group (linked to the B ring) reduction of premature chlorophyll
molecule. Therefore mutant accumulate DV (divinyl) chlorophyll a instead of MV (monovinyl)

164
 chlorophyll a. Structural alteration of the chlorophyll a molecule caused several kind of reduced
photosynthetic activities.
2. Area(s) of Expertise
Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: 4 (Four)
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
Zeba I. Seraj, Laisa A. Lisa, M. Rafiqul Islam, Rokeya Begum and Deepok K. Das (2005) Genetic
diversity of saline coastal rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces of Bangladesh. Abiotic Stress tolerance in
Plants, Springer The Netherlands, Ashwani K. Rai and Teruhiro Takabe (Eds.), 2005:229-244.
Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Zeba I. Seraj, C.M. Fazle Elahi, Keshob C. Das, Kuntal Biswas, M. Rafiqul Islam,
M. Abdus Salam and A.R. Gomosta (2004) Genetic variation in microsatellite DNA, physiology and
morphology of coastal saline rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces of Bangladesh. Plant and Soil 263(1-2):
213-228.
M. Rafiqul Islam, Mahboob Hossain Khan, Fatema T. Zohra, M. Bakhtiar Hossain and Zeba I. Seraj
(1999) Stable transformation of Jute (Corchorus capsularis L. var CVL-1) calli and high efficiency
maker gene insertion in Explants. Plant Tissue Culture 9(1):35-43.
Noorain M. Rasul, K. Mohammad Ali, M. Rafiqul Islam and Zeba I. Seraj (1997) Transformation of
an indica trice cultivar binnatoa with Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Plant Tissue Culture 7(2): 71-80.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): NA
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: NA
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: NA
8. Natinal and International Collaborations: NA
9. Major Equipments/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers): NA
Additional Proposal:
• Need to pursue very strongly to the BD government to consider biotechnology as a thirst sector.
So that they can allocate some special fund in the next budget.
• At least one or two international grade lab. can be set up in those universities where there is a
department of biotechnology.
• A motivation scheme can be taken for the private businessman (specially pharmaceuticals) so that
they can give some research funding to the universities.
• A world class research can be carried out in the national institute of biotechnology (NIB) of BD
under valuable supervision of BD scientist staying in home and in abroad.

165
 Expatriates

Subarna A. Khan, Ph.D.

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title:

Subarna A. Khan, Ph.D.
2. Current position with affiliation:
Development Scientist
Bioanalytical Sciences
Imclone Systems Incorporated
Address and contact details:
3001 Merrywood Drive
Edison, NJ-08817
732-404-7733 (Cell)
Subarna_khan@yahoo.com
3. Immediate past position(s): N/A
Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training:
Ph.D., Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
M.S., Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
Rutgers, The State University of NJ
4. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research):
3rd Position, B.Sc. (Hons.) (1st Batch)
Microbiology
University of Dhaka
B.S., Microbiology, 1995
Summa Cum Laude
Outstanding Student Honoree
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR, USA.
5. Elected Fellowships of Academies: N/A
6. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: N/A
7. Membership of Institutional Committees: N/A

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research:
Doctoral Thesis Title:Regulation of CD44 and apoptosis-related gene Bcl-XL expression by
osteopontin (OPN)
Project one:
By utilizing various molecular biology techniques investigated affect of osteopontin (OPN), a protein
involved in cancer metastasis, on expression, incorporation, and abundance of cell surface receptor
CD44 variant exons in specific CD44 isoform mRNA in osteopontin-transfected and vector-
transfected human breast cancer cells (21NT). Also evaluated cell surface and total protein
expression of different CD44 variants as a result of endogenous overexpression and exogenous
addition of OPN.
Project two:
166
 Induced growth factor deprived apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and
investigated affect of soluble OPN on the abundance, distribution of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-XL and
its mRNA expression by different molecular biology techniques.
M.S. Thesis Title: Evidence that the mouse rough coat gene (rc) is a mutant allele of the lysyl
oxidase-like gene (Loxl)
Project:
Generated sterile mouse colonies by breeding BALB/c and C57BL/6-rc/rc parental strains.
Generated linkage maps of the proximal region of the Loxl gene on mouse chromosome 9 and
mapped the rc locus by investigated DNA polymorphism on the basis of linkage analysis using DNA
microsatellite marker polymorphism, intron length polymorphism (ILP), and restriction fragment
length polymorphism (RFLP).
2. Area(s) of Expertise:
Cell biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Assay Method Development in the industry under
current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) regulations
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: 4
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications: N/A
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): N/A
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: N/A
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: N/A
8. National and International Collaborations: N/A
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): N/A

167
 Local scientists
Dr. Abul Faiz Md. Jamal Uddin

A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic title: Dr. Abul Faiz Md. Jamal Uddin
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Assistant Professor
Department of Horticulture and Postharvest Technology
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University
Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka 1207
and
Post Doctoral Research Fellow
River Basin Research Center
Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
Tel: +81-58-293-2063
3. Immediate past position(s)
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
2000-2003 (3 years)
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Science (Ph.D)
Institution: The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kagoshima, Japan
Degree awarded on 14 March 2003
1998- 2000 (2 years)
Degree obtained: Masters of Science (Horticulture)
Institution: Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
1987-1989 (2 years)
Degree obtained: Masters of Science (Agriculture) in Horticulture
Institution: Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
1983-1987 (4 years)
Degree obtained: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Honors)
Institution: Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Attended trainings
• “Horticultural Nursery Development Technology”, April 7 - May 6, 1993, RDA, Bogra.
Bangladesh
• “Agro forestry Research and Development “ 6-15 July, 1996, BARI, Joydebpur, Bangladesh
• Wood and Fuel production and marketing in Forest, Agriculture and Tree production system in
Bangladesh, 7-11 December, 1996. Department of Forest, RDA, Bogra, Bangladesh
• TOT, Training of Trainers, 16-27 July 1997. Kurigram Training Centre, Kurigram, RDRS.
Bangladesh
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
Academic and Research awards
Best Student Poster Presentation Award
XXVIth International Horticultural Congress
Symposia: Elegant Science in Floriculture,
Toronto, Canada, August 11-17, 2002
Poster title: ‘Inheritance Model of Three Major Anthocyanidins in Eustoma grandiflorum Cultivars’
Best Poster Award
168
 Doctoral Course Research Presentation at the general seminar,
United Graduate School of Agricultural Science,
Kagoshima University, Japan, November 12-14, 2002
Best Paper of the Year’ 2004 Award
Multiple allelism in flavonoid hydroxylation in Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) shinn. flowers.
Journal of Japanese Society for Horticultural Science. 73: 235-240
7. Elected Fellowships of Academies
“Kohnan Asia Scholarship, Japan” - for pursuing the degree of ‘MS in Horticulture’, 1998-1999.
Yoneyama Scholarship, Naka Somuta, Kagoshima shi-890, for pursuing the degree of ‘MS leading
Ph.D, 1998-2003.
“Honors Scholarship for Privately Financed International Students, Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology, Japan for pursuing the doctoral course, 2002-2003.
COE fund for Postdoctoral Research, River Basin Research Center, April 2006-March 2008
8. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: Supervising the MS students
of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka
9. Membership of Institutional Committees: Not applicable

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research
Sequencing of rDNA: Development of data base of Japanese isolates of Phytophthora species
Phytophthora diseases are very important in ornamental horticulture (vegetable crops and trees as
well), but the taxonomy of Phytophthora species is confusing. Phytophthora diseases are
very important in ornamental horticulture (in vegetable crops as
well), but the taxonomy of Phytophthora species is not clear. There
are many miss-identified isolates, suggesting that the well-known type cultures and easy and precise
identification procedure are required. Objectives of the present research are to re-identify the isolates
based on morphological characteristics and molecular phylogeny and to develop the data base of neo-
type cultures that will be certified on the present study.
• Phylogenetic analyses of Phytophthora species based on the sequences of the ITS region of
rDNA, beta-tubulin gene and cytochrome oxidase II gene.
• Development of date base of the sequences
• Development of data base of the morphological characteristics
• Development of rapid and precise identification procedure using PCR
• Development of the web site to use the data base and the identification protocols

2. Area(s) of Expertise: Horticulture, Crop Pathology and Molecular Biology

3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: 12
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications

Uddin, A.F.M. Jamal, Hashimoto F., Kaketani M., Shimizu K., and Y. Sakata. 2001. Analysis of light
and sucrose potencies on petal coloration and pigmentation of lisianthus cultivars (in vitro). Scientia
horticulturae 89(1): 73-82.
Uddin, A.F.M. Jamal, Hashimoto F., Nishimoto S., Shimizu K., and Y. Sakata. 2002. Flower growth,
coloration and pigmentation of four lisianthus cultivars. J. Japan. Soc. Hort. Sci. 71(1): 40-47
Uddin, A.F.M. Jamal, Hashimoto F., Miwa, T., Ohbo, K., and Y. Sakata.2004. Seasonal variation in
pigmentation and anthocyanidin phenetics in commercial Eustoma flowers. Scientia horticulturae
100:103-115
Uddin, A.F.M. Jamal, Hashimoto F and Y. Sakata. 2004. Monosaccharides and Chitosan sensing in
bud growth and petal pigmentation in Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) shinn. Scientia horticulturae
100:127-138
Uddin, A.F.M. Jamal, Hashimoto F., and Y. Sakata. 2003. Mode of Inheritance and Allele Expression
of three major anthocyanidins in Eustoma grandiflorum Cultivars. Acta Hortculturae 624: 51-59

169
 F. Hashimoto, Jamal Uddin A.F.M, Shimizu K, and Y. Sakata. 2004. Multiple allelism in flavonoid
hydroxylation in Eustoma grandiflorum (Raf.) shinn. flowers. J. Japan. Soc. Hort. Sci. 73: 235-240
T. Mustarin, K. Khatun, H. Kabir, A.F.M. Jamal Uddin and S.M.A. Zaman. 2005. Optimizing the
productivity of French bean by appropriate management of nitrogen and mulch practices.
International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Technology (IJSAT). 1: 20-25
M.H. Kabir, M.R. Amin, T. Mostarin, K. Khatun, and A.F.M. Jamal Uddin. 2005. Effect of Pinching
on growth and Yield of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea Var. Italica) International Journal of Sustainable
Agricultural Technology (IJSAT).1 (3): 57-60
H. M Abdullah, A. S. M. Nahiyan and A.F.M. Jamal Uddin. 2005. Fundamental studies on Chemical
composition and Shelf Life of Jackfruit and Jackfruit Products. J. Subtrop. Agricultural Research and
Development (JSARD). 3(2): 12-19

H. M Abdullah, A. S. M. Nahiyan and A.F.M. Jamal Uddin. 2005. Quality seedling Production of
Sweet Orange from True Seed (In vitro). International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural
Technology 1(5): 21-23
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): not applicable
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: Not applicable
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: Not applicable
8. National and International Collaborations: Not applicable
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?) Not
applicable

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)

1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
Not applicable
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
I will teach my student
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Yes, I will try to establish a molecular biology lab in Bangladesh and there from the young scientist
will learn the modern molecular technique to improve the Agriculture
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh?
Surly, I am interested.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return? Surely I will return to Bangladesh on April,2008
6. Any other comments?
No comments

170
 Local scientists

Dr. Md. Arifuzzaman

A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic title: Dr. Md. Arifuzzaman
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
University of Science and Technology, Chittagong (USTC)
Foy’s Lake, Chittagong, Bangladesh.
E mail: tarif30@yahoo.com
3. Immediate past position(s): Assistant Professor
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS)
MSc (Biological Science, Japan), PhD
Training in Radioisotopes
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research):
a) “Most interesting paper award” Faculty of 1000 Biology (United Kingdon), October 2006
b) Japan Govt. Scholarship (Monbusho) January 1996- March 2002.
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies:
JBA & NEDO Postdoctoral Fellowship, Japan: May 2002 – March 2004.
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
8. Membership of Institutional Committees:
Member HUPO (Human Proteomics Organization), Canada
Member Society of Japan Molecular Biology

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research:
Article I. Transcriptional regulation of stress proteins, Proteomics
2. Area(s) of Expertise:
Article II. Cell biology, Genetic engineering, Proteomics
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: Seven (7)
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
1) Mohammad Arifuzzaman, Maki Maeda, Aya Itoh, Kensaku Nishikata, Chiharu Takita, Rintarou
Saito, Takeshi Ara, Kenji Nakahigashi, Hsuan-cheng Huang, Aki Hirai, Kohei Tsuzuki, Seira
Nakamura, Mohammad Altaf-Ul-Amin, Taku Oshima, Tomoya Baba, Natsuko Yamamoto, Tomoyo
Kawamura, Tomoko Ioka-Nakamichi, Masanari Kitagawa, Masaru Tomita, Shigehiko Kanaya,
Chieko Wada, Hirotada Mori. “Large-Scale identification of protein-protein interaction of
Escherichia Coli K-12.” Genome research (2006) 16 (5) 686-691.
2) Masanari Kitagawa, Takeshi Ara, *Mohammad Arifuzzaman, Tomoko Ioka-Nakamichi, Eiji
Inamoto, Hiromi Toyonaga and Hirotada Mori “Complete set of ORF clones of Eschericia coli ASKA
171
 library (A Complete Set of E.Coli K-12 ORF Archive): Unique resources for Biological Research.”
DNA Research (2005) 12, 291-299.
3) Balan Venkatesh, *Md. Arifuzzaman, Hirotada Mori, S. Suzuki, Takashisa Taguchi and
Yoshihiro Ohmiya. “Use of GFP tags to monitor localization of different luciferase in E.coli.”
Photochem Photobiol. Sci. (2005) 4 (9), 740 – 3.
4) *Mohammad Arifuzzaman, Taku Oshima, and Hirotada Mori. “The ATPase domain of HscC
(DnaK homolog) is essential for interfering 70 activity in E. coli.” FEMS Microbiology letters
(2004) 230:1, 99-104.
5) *Mohammad Arifuzzaman, Taku Oshima, Shinsuke Nakade, and Hirotada Mori. “Characterization
of HscC (Hsc62), homolog of Hsp70 in Escheriachia coli: overexpression of HscC modulates the
activity of house keeping sigma factor 70.” Genes to cells (2002) 7, 553-566.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
Supervised PhD student in Japan (3)
8. National and International Collaborations
International: Collaboration with Japan
National: Vatinery University
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
Protein-protein interactions should provide the foundations to facilitate elucidation of cellular
activities, targeted drug design and cell engineering.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Yes
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? Yes
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return?
6. Any other comments?

172
 Local scientists

Farhana Afroz
A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic title: Farhana Afroz (B.Sc in BTGE, MS in Biotechnology)
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details:
Scientific Officer (Genetic Engr. & Biotech.), Applied Botany Section, Biological Research Division,
BCSIR Laboratories, Dhaka. Mob: +8801716363506
3. Immediate past position(s):
MS Student (Biotechnology, BAU)
4. Graduate and Post Graduate degrees and Training:
Graduate: - BSc. in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Khulna University.
Post Graduate: - MS in Biotechnology, BAU.
5. Prizes/Awards/Honors (academic and research) :
N/A
6. Elected fellowships of Academies:
N/A
7. Research advisory positions/Journal editorship/Directorship of Boards:
N/A
8. Membership of institutional committees:
Member of Scientists Association, BCSIR.

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

N/A

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)
N/A

173
 Local scientists

Gautam Kumar Deb

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title:

Gautam Kumar Deb, B.Sc in Animal Husbandry, M.S in Animal Breeding and Genetics.
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details:
Article III. Scientific Officer
Animal Production Research Division
Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute,
Savar, Dhaka-1341.
Phone: +88-02-7708321, Ext. 278 (off.)
Fax No.: +88-02-7708325
Mobile: +88-01716-523-423 or +88-0191-256-364
Email: debgk2003@yahoo.com or gkdblri@gmail.com
3. Immediate past position(s)
Section 3.01 Scientific Officer
Research on Characterization, Conservation and Improvement of Red Chittagong Cattle of
Bangladesh” a USDA funded project.
Department of Animal Breeding & Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training

Article IV. University Year Degree Class

Bangladesh Agricultural 2004 Master of Science in Animal First
University, Mymensingh Breeding and Genetics
Bangladesh Agricultural 2000 Bachelor of Science in Animal First
University, Mymensingh Husbandry

a. Training Acquired
Name Organization/Institute Duration
Training Workshop on Acquisition & Bangladesh Livestock 23 -27 April 2006
Management of Agro-forestry Knowledge Research Institute Savar,
Dhaka
ILRI-SLU South Asia Training Course on University of Peradeniya, Sri 13 February to 3
Capacity Building for Sustainable Use of Lanka March 2006
Animal Genetic Resources

Extension education training Bangladesh Agricultural 9-14 February 2002

University Mymensingh
5. Prizes/Awards/Honors (academic and research): Not applicable

174
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies: Not applicable
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: Not applicable
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: Not applicable
B. Research and Research Management Experience:
1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research:
Conservation and genetic improvement programme of cattle and buffalo of Bangladesh Livestock
Research Institute. My present researches include molecular characterization of cattle and buffalo
germplasms.
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Cattle breeding, molecular genetics and reproduction biotechnology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: 06
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications:
M. M. Hossain, A. K. F. H. Bhuiyan, M. O. Faruque & G. K. Deb, 2006. Characterization and
distribution pattern of Red Chittagong cattle of Bangladesh. Progressive Agriculture, 17 (1): 103-110.
M. M. Uddin, S. Ahmed, M. S. R. Siddiki, M. N. Islam & G. K. Deb. 2006. The stages of lactation
genotypic influence on milk yield, lactation yield, lactation length and birth weight of calves.
Bangladesh journal of Progressive Science and Technology, 4(1):89-92.
A. K. F. H. Bhuiyan, M. S. A. Bhuiyan & G. K. Deb, 2005. Indigenous Chicken Genetic Resources of
Bangladesh - Current Status and Future Outlook. Animal Genetic Resources Information, FAO-
UNEP, Rome, Italy.
G. K. Deb, M. M. Hussain & A. K. F. H. Bhuiyan, 2005. Estimation of Genetic Parameters for
Economic Traits in Dairy cattle. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 34(1 & 2): 17-26.
G. K. Deb & M. A. I. Talukder, 2006. Genetic Evaluation of Native cattle for Birth Weight.
Bangladesh Journal of Livestock Research, Savar, Dhaka (accepted).
A. K. F. H. Bhuiyan, MM Hussain, G. K. Deb & M. S. A. Bhuiyan, 2006. Indigenous Cattle Genetic
Resources of Bangladesh - an overview. Submitted to Animal Genetic Resources Information, FAO-
UNEP, Rome, Italy.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): Not applicable
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: Not applicable
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: Not applicable
8. National and International Collaborations: Not applicable
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): DNA
extraction, synthesis and sequencing facility. These may be available for other researchers through
institutional agreement

175
 Local scientists

Gazi Nurun Nahar Sultana

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Gazi Nurun Nahar Sultana, Ph. D.

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details: Senior Scientist, Centre of Excellence,
Dhaka University, Dhaka-1000, Tel: 9661900-59/4628/4630, 2006-until now.

3. Immediate past position(s): Post Doctoral Research Associate, University of Mississippi, USA, 2000-
2005

4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: 1 year training on cloning research, RIKEN GENE
BANK, Tsukuba, Japan, 1997.

5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research):

Awarded for training on “Basic Sequencing and Fragment Analysis”, ABI, UK.
Awarded Project Grant from “Biotechnology Research Centre”, University of Dhaka, 2006-2007.
Awarded Project grant for the development of research laboratory from the Ministry of Science and
Technology, Govt of Bangladesh. 1998-2000

6. Elected Fellowships of Academies: Monbusho fellowship for Ph. D. 1992-1995, Japan, AIST
fellowship for Training, 1996, Japan, STA fellowship as invited researcher, 1997, Japan,

7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: Consultant of CIDA for 6

months, 1999, Khamarbari, Dhaka, BD. Participated as Trainer for NITUB, Bangladesh.

8. Membership of Institutional Committees:

American Chemical Society. (ACS)

Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology and Agrochemistry (JSBA)
Bangladesh Biochemical Society (BBS)
Bangladesh Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS)
Bangladesh Scientist Association (BSA).

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research

Presently, I an engaged as a senior scientist in the Centre of Excellence, University of Dhaka. I am in-
charge of DNA Sequencing Laboratory and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry laboratory. I am
involved in analytical method development, optimization and validation of sample preparation for
DNA sequencing. My present research interest in Human DNA profiling as well Clinical
Biochemistry. I am assigned to supervise MS, M.Phil and Ph.D. students in the field of Clinical
Biochemistry.
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Clinical Biochemistry

3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: 16

176
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
Optimization of the Sample Preparation Method for DNA Sequencing, Gazi NN
Sultana, Amir H. Khan, Asian J. Bio Sci. 7(1), 2007, 194-199.
“Flavonoid Glycosides and Cannabinoids from the Pollen of Cannabis sativa L.” Ross S. A., ElSohly
M., Gazi NN Sultana, Mehmedic Z., Hossain, C. F., Chandra S., Phytochemical Analysis 2005, 16,
45-48.
"Syncarpamide, a new Antiplasmodial (+)-Norepinephrine Derivative from Zanthoxylum syncarpum
Tul." Ross S. A., Gazi NN. Sultana; Burandt C. L., ElSohly M. A., Marais J. P. J., and Ferreira D.; J.
Nat. Prod. 2004, 67, 88-90.
"Secondary Metabolites from Plants and Marine Organisms as Selective Anti-cyanobacterial Agents"
in "Off-flavor in Aquaculture" (a book published by American Chemical Society as Symposium
Series on May 2003 (Vol. 848) ISBN# 0-8412-3821-9), Chapter 13, page 179 ~ 194, Editors:
Rimando A.M.; Schrader K.K.; Authors- Nagle, D.G.; Gazi NN. Sultana, Schrader, K.K., Hossain
C.F., Stanikunaite, R., Hamann, M.T., Rajbandari, I.,
"Effect of Inorganic Phosphorus Compounds on Hydrolysis of Phosphatidylcholine Liposome by
Phospholipid Deacylating enzyme" Gazi NN. Sultana, Watanabe Y., Tamai Y., J. Biotechnol. Appl.
Biochem, 1995, 21, 101-110.
"Cloning and Sequencing of Phospholipase B Gene from the Yeast Torulaspora delbrueckii"
Watenabe Y., Yukinari Y., Gazi NN. Sultana, Kanagawa K and Tamai Y., FEMS Microbial Let.,
1994, 124, 29-34.
"Calcium Ion Dependent Interaction of Inorganic Phosphorus Compounds with Phosphatidylcholine"
Gazi NN. Sultana, Watanabe Y., and Tamai Y., J. Biochem., 1993, 114, 251-254.
"Inhibitory Effect of Glycerophosphorylcholine (GPC) on Phospholipase Enzymes" Gazi NN.
Sultana, Watenabe Y., Tamai Y., Bangladesh Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 1997, 13(2),
52-54.
Two New Alkaloids from Zanthoxylum syncarpum Tul.", Gazi NN Sultana, Ross S. A., Burandt C.
L., (In press).

5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): N/A

6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: N/A
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: 4 MS Thesis students supervised in USA during
post doc. Presently supervising 2 MS students and one Ph.D Student.
8. National and International Collaborations: N/A
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): DNA
Sequencer, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, UV Spectrophotometer, Nano pure water system.
Yes, these facilities are available provided conditions.

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)

1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
I can be involved for guiding post graduate students, offering training for instrumentations, support
for idea development regarding research grants, collaboration research can be offered with other
Institutions through my active participation.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Yes
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? Yes.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return?
6. Any other comments?

177
 Local scientists
Md. Harun-or Rashid
A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic title:
Md: Harun-or Rashid, B.Sc.Ag, M.S in Soil Science.
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details: Scientific officer, Soil Science Division,
Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, P.Box-4, Mymensingh-2200, Bangladesh.
3. Immediate past position(s): Student
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: Both degrees have obtained from Bangladesh
Agricultural University. A four month training on Microbial technique from India and A six month
training on Molecular Biology from United Kingdom.
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research): Not applicable.
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies: International Atomic Energy Agency and Islamic Development
Bank fellowship.
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: Life member: Indian Journal of Microbiology, Member:
Krishibid Institution, Bangladesh, Bangladesh Microbiology Society.
B. Research and Research Management Experience:
1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research: I have been working in the field
of Biological Nitrogen Fixation research since 1999.
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Biological Nitrogen Fixation.
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: 7
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications:
1. PodderA.K, Rashid, M. H and Hossain M.B. 2001. Effect of Bradyrhizbobial strain and
nitrogenous fertilizer on groundnut production. Bangladesh J. Microbiol. 18(1): 9-14.
2. Rashid, M.H, M. Islam M. Z and Chowdhury, S.2002. Performance studies of some
Bradyrhizobium isolates on growth and yield of Mungbean (Vigna radiata). Bangladesh J. Environ.
Sci. 8: 172-178.
3. Rashid,M.H. Sattar,M.A., Islam,M.R and Young, J.P.W. Young. 2006. Genotypic
Characterization of Lentil Rhizobia isolated from Bangladesh. Accepted in the 15th International
Congress on Nitrogen fixation, Cape Town, South Africa-2007.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): Not applicable.
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: Senior research fellowship from the ministry of Science and
technology.
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: Not applicable.
8. National and International Collaborations: Not applicable.
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): Gas
Chromatography, Bio-log for bacteria detection, PCR machine, DNA hybridization System, NOI-7
N15 analyzer and skilled manpower.
C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:
(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information. Currently we are train up a scientist from Sugarcane Research
Institute under a collaboration program.
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?: We
will be avail to develop better bio-fertilizer for problem areas in Bangladesh using biotechnological
approaches.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Yes.
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? Yes.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? Yes.If so, what
conditions would induce you to return? Good working environment such as goods inputs (Chemicals
and equipments) and freedom for conducting research.

178
 Local scientists

Md. Israque Hossain Ansari

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title:- Md. Israque Hossain Ansari

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details :- Senior Scientific Officer, Institute of
Nuclear Medicine and Ultrasound, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, 7th-10th Floor, Block-D,
BSMMUCampus, Shahabag, Dhaka-1000.
3. Immediate past position(s):- Scientific Officer.
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: - B.Sc (Hons) Applied Chemistry, M.Sc
Biochemistry. IAEA Fellowship Training in Australia, India and Pakistan.
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: - Member of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Scientist
Association (BAESA) And Society of Nuclear Medicine, Bangladesh (SNMB).

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research:-Estimation of Hormones,
Vitamins and Drugs using Radio nuclides , In vivo Function Study with radionuclides,Imaging
various organ of the body using Radiopharmaceuticals, Radiotherapy to Cancer Patients.
2. Area(s) of Expertise: - Radioimmunoassay and Immunoradiometricassay of Invitro Laboratory of
Nuclear Medicine.
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications :-( 1). Schilling Evaluation- A Dual Isotope Test for
Vitamin B12 Malabsorption.Original article published in Bangladesh Journal of
Medicine,1998;9(2):57-59. (2). Radiochemical Purity Monitoring: How important it is for Commonly
Used 99mTc-Labeled Radiochemical. Published in Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Volume 9, Number1,
January2006, and Page 27-33. (3). Computerized Quality Control of Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Performance in the Invitro Laboratory of INMU.Abstract, Published in World Journal of Nuclear
Medicine, 2007.(4). The comparison Study of the CIAE TSH IRMA kit And the Neonatal TSH
IRMA kit. Submitted in Journal of Nuclear Medicine, Bangladesh. (5). Half life Determination of
99m
Tc by Measuring Activity in dose Calibrator. Submitted in Journal of Nuclear Medicine,
Bangladesh.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
8. National and International Collaborations: M.Phil in Nuclear Medicine Under Dhaka University, and
Nuclear Medicine Facilities With Collaboration of International Atomic Energy
Agency,Viena,Austeria
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?):- RIA &
IRMA Facilities with γ-counter, PCR, and γ-camera, SPECT, & Ultra sonogram.

179
 Local scientists
Mohammod Hossain

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Mohammod Hossain, MS (in Plant Pathology)

2. Current position with affiliation: Senior Scientific Officer, working in molecular biology lab of plant
pathology division on disease resistance.
Address and contact details: SSO, Plant Pathology Division, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute,
Gazipur, Bangladesh. Tel- 029259401-5 & 029257501-5 extn- 589 (O), 214 (R), email-
hossainmbd@yahoo.com, brrihq@bdonline.com
3. Immediate past position (s): Scientific Officer
4. Graduate: B. Sc. Ag.; postgraduate: MS (in Plant Pathology) both from Bangladesh Agricultural
University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

Training
received:
Organization Name of Programme and Year
Duration
Month
Day
(a) Abroad:
University of 6.0 Application of modern molecular bio-
Warwick, UK technological tools for fungal pathogens
diversity and diagnostic, 2004-5.
CABI, UK 2.0 Training on Molecular Biology
Techniques, 2002.
IRRI, 1.0 Integrated nutrient management
Philippines (DINMOD), 2001.
IRRI, 1.5 Rice Seed Health for Crop Management,
Philippines 1999.
(b) In
Country:
BRRI 05 Hybrid seed production, 2006
BRRI Trained as molecular biologist under
Section 4.02 June supervision of Dr. Conrad Stevens, IRRI,
02-July 04 2002-04.
BRRI 1.0 Introductory course in molecular biology,
2002
BRRI 03 Breeder seed production and preservation
technique of rice,2002
BRRI 03 Identification, sampling and data
collection on ShB Disease,2001
BARD 3.5 Foundation Training (including computer
course, motor driving and office
management), 2000
BRRI 2.0 Rice production, communication and
office management, 1998

5. Prizes etc: Two awards in on job training– Distinction at IRRI, 1999 and First Chairman awards at
BARD, 2000.

180
6. Elected Fellowships of Academic: Received fellowship from Science and technology during MS
study.
7. Research Advisory Position etc.: -
8. Membership: Life member of Bangladesh Phytopathological Society and Krisibid Institution of
Bangladesh. Member of BRRI Scientists Association. Associate member of Botanical Society of
Bangladesh.

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area (s): Molecular study of rice pathogens. In the disease screening nursery of BRRI,
Bangladesh, breeding materials are screened against disease only by natural infection of the pathogen
present in the nursery area. But this type of disease screening may not provide broad spectrum of
resistance of breeding materials. The breeding lines those can show resistance against mixed
populations of strains of a certain pathogen in screening program will be well established. Others are
epidemiology of pathogen, yield loss due to pathogen, IPM, seed health management, ICNM.
2. Area (s) of Expertise: Plant pathology, Molecular Biology
3. Number of peer-reviewed Publication:
4. List of Most significant Publication:
i. Hossain, M., Conrad Stevens, M. A. Taher Mia, M. M. Kamal, Sarah Elliot and Steven Wayne.
2003. Identification of rice seed associated bacteria and molecular standardization using
Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis. Bangladesh J. Plant Pathol. 19 (1 & 2): 39-44.
ii. Taher, M. A. T, Conrad Stevens, M. Mostafa Kamal, M. Hossain, M. Salim Mia, Saidur Rahman
and J. A. Begum. 2003. Storage experiment and molecular activities at BRRI. The paper
presented in the Review and Planning Workshop of rice seed health improvement sub-project
held at BRRI, Gazipur during 22-23 April 2003.
iii. Hossain, M., Conrad Stevens, M. M. Kamal and M. A. Taher Mia. 2004. Molecular methods for
identifying rice seed borne pathogen. The paper presented in the Thursday Seminar held at BRRI,
Gazipur on 26 February 2004.
iv. Hossain, M., Mia, M. A. T., Kamal M. M. and Hossain, M.A. 2004. Standardization of DNA
fingerprinting methods to identify genetic variability of Fusarium moniliforme. Submitted to the
Journal of Microbiological World, India for publication.
v. Kamal, M.M and Hossain, M. 2007. Use of biotechnology and development of transgenics for
crop disease management. A paper of National workshop on ‘Strategic intervention in plant
pathology research in Bangladesh’ held on 11-12 February 2007 at BARI, Gazipur. Presented and
excepted for publication in the proceedings.
vi. Hossain, M., M.A.Mazid, M.A.Begum, M.A.Kader and B.Sikdar. 2001. Effect of variety and
seedling age on the yield of hybrid rice. Bangladesh J. genet. biotechnol. 2 (1 & 2): 09-14.
vii. Hossain, M. and M.A.T.Mia. 2001. Management of sheath blight disease of rice under farmer’s
field condition. Bangladesh J.Plant Pathol. 17 (1 & 2): 13-16.
viii. Hossain, M., M.U.Ahmad, N.Ahmed, M.Abul Hossain and M.A.Alim. 2002. A study on control
of root-knot (Meloidogyne javanica) of wheat. Indian Agric.46 (1 & 2): 121 -128.
ix. Hossain, M., M. A. Mazid, M. A. Kader, M. M. Kamal, M.A.T. Mia and I. U. Mollah. 2003.
Effect of soil solarization and nematicide on soil parasitic nematode in direct seeded rice-wheat
system. The Agriculturists 1(1): 47-52.
x. Hossain, M., M. A. Mazid, B. Karmaker, M. M. Kamal, M. Sh. Islam, M. A. Ali and M. A. Zami.
2004. Agronomic management of hybrid rice for better yield. Bangladesh Agron. J. 10 (1&2): 23-
30.
5. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh: Chemical store, Microbalance, Fume hood, Incubators,
Shaker, Freezers, Autoclave, Oven, Still, Flow cabinet, Safety cabinet, Water distillation plant,
Microwave oven, Water baths with controlled temperature, Vacuum desiccators, Freeze-drier,
Microcentrifuges, pH meter, Driblock heating blocks, Shelves, Ice maker, Dehumidifier, Flammable
liquid store, PCR machines, Gel electrophoresis, U.V. Transilluminator and Chemicals for doing
molecular researches. These may be available after the permission of the authority.

181
 Local scientists

Md. Mozammel Hoq, Ph.D

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Md. Mozammel Hoq, Ph.D

Current position with affiliation, address and contact details:
Professor, Dept. of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Tel. 9661920-59/7733, 4402, 5400®, 8613479®, 01717083673, Email: mhoq@univdhaka.edu
2. Immediate past position(s): -
3. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
B.Sc (Hons) M.Sc(Dhaka), Ph.D(Nagoya),
Visiting Professor, International Center for Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka University,
Osaka, Japan, September 2001 to July 2002.
Post doctoral research, Biochemical Engineering Division, National Center for Biotechnological
Researches (GBF), Braunschweig, Germany, 1992-1994.
International Training Program in Industrial Biotechnology, GBF, Braunschweig, Germany, 1991
One year International Post-Graduate University Course in Biotechnology in Osaka and Kyoto
University, Japan, 1980
4. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
Dhaka University Merit Scholarship in M.Sc. (1975-76)
5. Elected Fellowships of Academies
Science and Technology Research Foundation Fellowship, Ministry of Education, BD, (1977-78)
UNESCO-Japan Govt. Fellowship(1980-81)
Scholarship of Ministry of Science, Technology and Culture, Government of Japan (1981-1986)
UNESCO-Germany Govt. Fellowship, 1992
Alexander-Von-Humboldt Research Foundation Fellowship, Government of Germany, 1992-1994
6. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
Bangladesh Journal of Microbiology
7. Membership of Institutional Committees
i. Academic Council, Univ. of Dhaka
ii. Faculty of Bioscience, D.U
iii. Governing Body, Bhashani Medical College, Uttara, Dhaka

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research

2. Area(s) of Expertise : Microbial Biotechnology: Enzyme & Fermentation Biotechnology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: About 58
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications

• Nizam Uddin, M., Ilias, M., Rahman, A. and Hoq, M. M.. Compatibility and stability of alkaline
protease from Bacillus licheniformis MZK-5 with commercial detergents. Bangladesh J.f Microbiolol.
23 (1), 19-23, (2006)
• Hossain, M. S., Ilias, M. and Hoq, M. M.. Production and characterization of alkaline protease
from novel Bacillus licheniformis MZK03. The Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences 15
(2), 139-147, (2006)

182
• Hoq, M. M., Siddiquee, K.A.L, Kawasaki, H. Seki, T. Keratinolytic activity of some newly
isolated Bacillus species. J. Biol. Sciences 5(2) 193-200, (2005).
• Azad, A. K., Shibata, H. and Hoq, M. M. Hide processing with alkaline protease from Bacillus
sp. MA6. Bangladesh J. Microbiol. 19 (1 & 2), 67- 71, (2002).
• Rahman, A.K.M.S, Kawamura, S. Hatsu, M., Hoq M.M. and Takamizawa, K. Physicochemical
properties of a novel α-L-arabinofuranosidase from Rhizomucor pusillus HHT-1. Can J. Microbiol.
47: 767-772, (2001)
• Hoq, M.M. and Deckwer, W.D. Cellulas-free xylanase by thermophilic fungi: A comparison on
the production of xylanases by two Thermomyces lanuginosus strains. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol.
43: 604-609, (1995)
• Hoq, M.M. Solomon. B.O., Hempel, C. Rinas, U. Deckwer, W.-D. The kinetics of cellulase-free
xylanase excretion by Thermomyces lanuginosus RT9. J. Chem. Tech.
• Hoq, M.M. Hempel, C. and Deckwer, W.-D. Cellulase-free xylanase by Thermomyces
lanuginosus: Effect of agitation, aeration and medium components on production. J. Biotechnol 37:
49-58 (1994)
• Alam, M.M. Gomes, I Mohiuddin, G and Hoq, M.M. Production and characterization of
thermostable xylanases by Thermomyces lanuginosus and Thermoascus auranticacus grown on
lignocelluloses. Enz. Microbiol. Technol. 16, 298-302 (1994)
• Hoq, M.M., Yamane, T. and Shimizu, S. Continuous hydrolysis of olive oil by lipase in a
microporous hydrophobic membrane bioreactor. J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc., 62 1017-1021 (1985).

183
 Local scientists

Dr. Nazmul Ahsan

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Dr. Nazmul Ahsan

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details: Asst. Prof. Dept. of Genetic Engineering
and Biotechnology, Dhaka University, Dhaka-1000.
3. Immediate past position(s): Lecturer, Dept. of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Dhaka
University, Dhaka-1000.
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: B.Sc. in Microbiology, M. Sc. in Microbiology,
Ph.D. in Tumor virology, Post doc. in Cancer Biology.
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research): Japan Government (Monbukagakusho) scholarship.
International EBV Association Research Award, 2004 (student category).
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies:
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
8. Membership of Institutional Committees

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research:

a. Prevalence and rapid diagnosis of Virus mediated cancer.
b. Molecular basis and consequences of Arsenicosis.
2. Area(s) of Expertise:
Analysis of viral infection and virus associated diseases, analysis of oncogene regulation, Growth
factors analysis, Cell culture etc.
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: Five (5)
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications:
i) Production of high-titer EBV recombinants derived from Akata cells using a bacterial artificial
chromosome system. T. Kanda, Yajima. M., Ahsan N., Tanaka M., Takada K. 2004. J. Virology. 78:
7004-15.
ii) Viral transforming protein LMP1 plays a critical role in virus production. Nazmul Ahsan., Kanda
T. Nagashima K., Takada. K. 2005. J. Virology. 79: 4415-4424.
iii) Association between decision making autonomy and knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention among
ever-married women in Bangladesh. Aklimunnessa Khondoker, M.M.H. Khan, Nazmul Ahsan, M.
Fazley Elahi Chowdhury, M. Kabir, Mitsuru Mori. 2006. J. Med. Sci. 6 (2): 155-163.
iv) Characterization of Cellular Haemagglutination of Vibrio cholerae O139 Bengal Against Different
Human Blood Groups. Nazmul Ahsan, Hasan, N.A., Kamal S.M.M., Bashar S.A.M.K., Miyoshi, S.,
Shinoda, S., M. Alam. 2005. B. J. Med. Sci. 11:96-100.
v) Case-control study of arsenicosis in some arsenic contaminated villages of Bangladesh. MMH
Khan , Khandoker Aklimunnessa, Nazmul Ahsan, M Kabir, Mitsuru Mori. 2006. Sapporo Med. J.
Vol.76.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): Not applicable
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: Not applicable
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: Not applicable
8. National and International Collaborations: Among different departments of Dhaka University.

184
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): Laminar
airflow, Incubator, CO2 incubator, Centrifuge machine, PCR machine, Florescent microscope, Gel-
doc machine etc.

Local scientists

Mohammad Shahnoor Hossain

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Mohammad Shahnoor Hossain

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details:
Lecturer, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka,Dhaka-1000
3. Immediate past position(s):Student
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training:B.Sc(honours)and MS
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research):Dean’s award
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies: Not applicable
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: Not applicable
8. Membership of Institutional Committees Not applicable

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research: Microbial enzymes in leather
processing and bioremediation of chromium pollution caused by tannery effluent
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Enzymology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: Three
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications: Not applicable
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): Not applicable
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: Not applicable
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: Not applicable
8. National and International Collaborations: Not applicable
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)

185
 Local scientists

Dr Md Shamsher Ali

A. Biosketch of participants:

1. Name with academic title: Dr Md Shamsher Ali

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details:
Chief Scientific Officer, Biotechnology Division, BRRI, Gazipur 1701.
Tel. 9263729, Fax:9261110, Mob:01715158031
3. Immediate past position (s): Principal Scientific Officer
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training

a. Degree

Degree Board/University Year

Ph D University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 2002
M.Sc (Ag) (Genetics & Plant Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), 1983
Breeding Mymensingh
B.Sc Ag. (Hons.) BAU, Mymensingh 1981

b. Training:

Course Duration Year Venue

Biotechnological issues and Risk 19-20 June 2005 BRAC Inn Centre, Bangladesh
communication workshop (Organised by BARC).
Workshop on review and evaluation of 23-25 May 2005 BRAC Inn Centre, Bangladesh
experimental field trials of transgenic (Organised by BARC).
crops
Training course on DNA fingerprinting 9 days 2004 International Rice Research
Institute, Philippines (IRRI)
Rice Cultivation Technology 10 months 1994 Tsukuba, Japan
Research Planning and evaluation 2 weeks 1989 Bangladesh Agricultural Research
Council
Genetic Evaluation and Utilization, 4 months 1987 .IRRI, Philippines
Deepwater Rice
Rice production, research management 4 months 1983 Bangladesh Rice Research
and administration Institute
Seed cane inspection and protection Two weeks 1983 Sugarcane Research Institute,
Bangladesh
Administration, office management and 10 days 1983 BAU, Mymensingh
communication

5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research):

Awarded grants for perusing PhD.
6. Elected fellowships of Academies: Not applicable
7. Research Advisory positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: Not applicable
8. Membership of Institutional Committees:
Member of Varietal Development Committee, Member Secretary, Institutional Biosafety Committee
186
B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area (s); with very brief description of current research:
Environmental control of plant stress tolerance, development of high grain yield varieties,
Development of stress tolerant variety.
2. Area (s) of Expertise: Functional genomics, gene isolation
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: Not allicable
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications:

1. MS Ali, MA Salam, ME Hoque, MS Kabir, MS Islam , S Sultana, HU Ahmed,, S Khatun and

BAA Mustafi (2006) Breeding and adoption of Boro varieties in Bangladesh. Int. J. Sustain. Agril.
Tech. 2 (4):61-68.

2. MA Latif, MY Omar, SG Tan, SS Siraj and MS Ali (2005) Inheritance studies of RAPD-PCR
molecualr markers in two sympatric populations of brown plant hopper, Nilaparbata lugens (Stål).
Int. J. Sustain. Agril. Tech. 1(6):63-68.

3. ME Hoque,. MA Hossain, TL, Aditya, MKhalequzzaman and M. S Ali. (2005). Genotype-

environment interaction and stability analysis in anther culture derived rice (Oryza sativa) genotypes.
Bangladesh Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics (in press).

4. MS Ali, S Khatun, MK Bashar, MS Alam, D Purba, M Kawase, K Okuno and S Kiyosawa (2004)
Genetic Analysis for Two Components of Field Resistance: Lesion size and Number, to Rice Blast.
Online J. Biol., Sci., 6(9):900-915.

5. Basher MK, K Akhter, KM Ittekharuddin and MS Ali (2003) Genetics of leaf water potential and
its relationship with drought avoidance components in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Online J. Biol., Sci.,
3(9):760-765.

5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): Not Applicable

6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: Not Applicable
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised:
Development of stress tolerant variety, Development of high grain yield varieties.
8. National and International Collaborations: Collaborating with IRRI on Golden rice Network
9. Major Equipment/facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other Researchers?): All general
equipments are available in the laboratory and is available for any interested researchers.

187
 Local scientists

Shanchita Rahnuma Khan

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Shanchita Rahnuma Khan

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details:
Lecturer, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology,
University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000.
Tel: 9661920 Ext: 7818 (W)
8611217 (H)
01714200899 (M)
Email: shanchita@yahoo.com
3. Immediate past position(s): Lecturer, Department of Microbiology,
Primeasia University, Banani, Dhaka
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training:
BSc (Hons) in Microbiology, University of Dhaka
MSc in Microbiology, University of Dhaka
MSc (by Research), University of New England, Armidale, Australia
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research):
ASBMB student award for poster presented at the Yeast: Products and Discovery (YPD) Meeting
held in Melbourne, Australia in 2002
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies: N/A
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: N/A
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: N/A

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research: None
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Microbiological quality control of frozen fish.
Oxidative stress response in yeasts.
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: 2
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications:
Khan SR & Khan SI (2003). Bacteriological quality of locally available and exportable frozen shrimp
of Bangladesh. Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences 12(1): 1-6
Khan SR, Talukder KA & Khan SI (2004). Plasmid profiles and toxicity of Escherichia coli isolated
from frozen shrimp in Bangladesh. Dhaka University Journal of Biological Sciences 13(2): 173-179
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): N/A
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: N/A
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: N/A
8. National and International Collaborations: N/A
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): None

188
 Local scientists

S. M. Zakiur Rahman

A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic title
S. M. Zakiur Rahman
Scientific Officer
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Scientific Officer
Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute
Marine Fisheries and Technology Station
Cox’s Bazar – 4700.
Email: zakiurrahman2009@yahoo.com
Mobile: +8801710214046
3. Immediate past position(s)
Student
M.S. in Biotechnology
Biotechnology Department
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh-2202
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
Academic Career:

Name of the Board/ Division/ Marks (%)/ GPA

Year
examination University Class/Grade Obtained
S.S.C Rajshahi Board 1996 First 78.10
H.S.C Rajshahi Board 1998 First 66.90
Bachelor of Bangladesh
Science in Fisheries Agricultural 2002 (held in
First 65.11
(Honors) University, 2004)
Mymensingh
Master of Science Bangladesh
in Biotechnology Agricultural 73.60 /
2005 First / A-
University, 3.68 (out of 4)
Mymensingh

Training:

No. Name of the Course Institute Duration

1. Training Course on Mymensingh Aquaculture and 6 days
“Aquaculture and Extension” Extension Project (MAEP),
Mymensingh
2. Training Course on Fisheries Bangladesh Fisheries Research 6 days
and Aquaculture Research Institute (BFRI), Mymensingh
3. Extension Field Trip Department of Agricultural 7 days
Extension and Education at
Bhaluka, Mymensingh
189
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
• Fellowship of Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System (BAURES) under the
supervision of Dr. Md. Mukhlesur Rahman Khan, Head, Department of Fisheries Biology and
Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University
• Fellowship of ICLARM under the supervision of Dr. Md. Mukhlesur Rahman Khan, Head,
Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University
6. Elected Fellowships of Academics
Obtained Part-time general Fellowships of National Science and Information Communication
Technology in 2005.
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
Not applicable
8. Membership of Institutional Committees
Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum (BFRF), Bangladesh (2006)

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research

PCR-RAPD analysis using nuclear DNA of catla (Catla catla) is also conducted in the fishereis
biology and genetics department of Bangladesh Agricultural University. Here I have worked under
the supervision of Dr. Md. Mukhlesur Rahman Khan, Head, Department of fishereis biology and
genetics. Riverine and hatchery stocks are analyzed to know the genetic variation of stocks for
aquaculture program. Four population were studied namely Halda, Jamuna, Padma and one Hatchery
population where percentage of polymorphic loci and Nei’s gene diversity (Nei, 1973) were 41.94%
and 0.164 for Halda; 41.94% and 0.147 for Jamuna; 45.16% and 0.176 for Padma; and 35.48% and
0.154 for Hatchery populations respectively, revealing relatively higher level of genetic variation in
the Padma population.
2. Number of peer-reviewed publications:
3. List of 5-10 most significant publications:
Full Length Paper
1) Parvez I., M.M.R.Khan, S.M.Zakiur Rahman and M .A.Alam. (2006). Present status and future
potential of the gene pool of local sarpunti, Puntius sarana (Hamilton), J of Bangladesh Agril. Univ.
4(2): 319-324
2) Khan, M.M.R., N.R.U. Noor and S.M.Z. Rahman. 2005. Use of allozyme markers to determine the
genetic structure of hatchery population of Thai pangas, Pangasius hypophthalmus of Jessore,
Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Fish. Res., Special issue 9(1): 7-8.
3) Khan M.M.R., M.S. Alam, S.M.Z. Rahman and I. Parvez (2003). Genetic variation of Tilapia
strains inferred by allozyme marker. Journal of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Journal,
1(1&2): 59-62.
Short Length Paper (Proceedings)
1) Noor, A.M., M.M.R. Khan, S.M.Z. Rahman and I. Parvez. 2006. Growth and morphological
comparison between local and Thai koi Anabas testudinius (Bloch) in Bangladesh. 2nd Fisheries
Conference and Research Fair 2006, BFRF, Abstracts. p 6.
2) Rahman, S.M.Z., M.M.R. Khan, M.S. Islam, I. Parvez and M.S. Alam. 2006. Genetic variation
study in wild and hatchery population of Catla catla (Ham.) using randomly amplified polymorphic
DNA (RAPD) markers. 2nd Fisheries Conference and Research Fair 2006, BFRF, Abstracts. p 11-12.
3) Parvez, I., M.M.R. Khan and S.M.Z. Rahman. 2006. Study for conservation of endangered local
sarpunti Puntius sarana (Ham). 2nd Fisheries Conference and Research Fair 2006, BFRF, Abstracts.
p 13-14.

4. Patents (PCT applications/granted): None

190
5. Competitive Research Grants obtained: None
6. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: None
7. National and International Collaborations: None
8. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?) A
minimum facility is available to carry out Biotechnology related research in the field of Fish
and shrimp Diseases, as well as, molecular marker based research to stock improvement of
fish in Bangladesh.

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)-
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information. No
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
I am working on shrimp disease where PCR based research is going on.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Yes I can.
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? Yes I need training relating to biotechnology
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return?
I need higher study like PhD but I must like to do research and teaching for my country Bangladesh.
6. Any other comments? I am a Scientific Officer of a Research Institute of Bangladesh. As a scientist, I
have an appeal to all that if there is any chance please try to help us for the development of
Laboratory facilities in my Institute.

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 Oral presenters
Abul K M Ekramoddoullah
A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title

Abul K M Ekramoddoullah, Ph.D.
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Senior Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor
Pacific Forestry Centre, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada
506 West Burnside Rd, Victoria, British Columbia, V8Z 1M5, Canada
aekramoddoul@nrcan.gc.ca
3. Immediate past position(s)
a. Research Associate, Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Canada
b. Head, Quality Control Division, Squibb Pharmaceuticals, Dhaka, Bangladesh
c. Senior Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka University, Bangladesh
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training.
BSc. (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics; Dhaka University);
M. Sc.(Biochemistry, Dhaka University); Ph. D. (Biochemistry, McGill University,
Montreal, Canada) and received specialized training in quality control of pharmaceuticals and
management of pharmaceutical plants in England and Argentina
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research); Distinguished Member ( awarded by International
Society of Plant Microbe-Interaction); Outstanding Research (awarded by the Canadian Society of
Plant Pathology); Valuable Research Scholarly Contribution (awarded by the Department of
Immunology and Medical Research Group for Allergy Research, University of Manitoba)
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies
New York Academy of Sciences
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
Member of the Editorial Board, Tree Physiology, Ex-member of the WHO Allergen Nomenclature
and Standardization Committees
Ex-Chairmen of Science Council Graduate Students Scholarship Committee,
Ex-member, Research Council Granting Agency
External Reviewer, National Science Foundation (USA)
8. Membership of Institutional Committees
d. Graduate Student Committee
e. Research Scientist Promotion Committee

B Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research

Our previous screening program at CFS-Victoria identified white pine seedlings with several
resistance mechanisms including dominant gene resistance (R). These are being used to build seed
orchards. To improve and sustain the genetic resistance, it is essential that we understand the genetic
and biochemical mechanisms of white pine defence against blister rust. In this project, we will
investigate the biological function of the white pine R gene family for the ultimate purpose of the
molecular understanding of the conifer defence mechanism against fungal infection, and pyramiding
different resistance mechanisms into western white pine in forest breeding. We have also has
identified more than 130 resistance gene analogues (RGAs) of the NBS-LRR family and an anti-
blister rust anti-microbial peptide (PmAMP1), and a chitinase isoform associated with slow-canker
growth resistance. RGAs will be used in a candidate-gene based approach to characterize the Cr2
gene in WWP. In this approach, a genetic map will be constructed, followed by isolation and
characterization of Cr2 gene. In the Cr2 mediated signal transduction pathway we will characterize
up-stream regulatory genes e.g. transcription factors, particularly those inducible by the rust fungus.

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 This transcription factor (the “master switch”) will help to induce increased defence response in white
pine to the rust fungus. The gene regulation of PmAMP1 and chitinase isoform will be studied to
develop markers for SCG. Ultimately, the molecular and genetic basis of resistance and susceptibility
to white pine disease will be elucidated.

2. Area(s) of Expertise
Proteomics and genomics
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications
Ninety seven
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications

Ekramodddoullah, A.K.M.; Tan, Y.; Yu, X.; Taylor, D. and Misra, S.M. 1999. Cloning, sequencing
and characterization of a gene encoding a novel secreted fungal protein discovered in white pine
needles infected with blister rust fungus, Cronartium ribicola. Can. J. Bot. 77: 800-808.
Yu, X.; Ekramoddoullah, A.K.M.; Taylor, D.W. and Piggott, N. 2002. Cloning and characterization
of a cDNA of cro r I from the white pine blister rust fungus, Cronartium ribicola,. Fungal Genetics
and Biology. 35:53-66.
Liu, J-J. and Ekramoddoullah, A.K.M. 2003. Root specific expression of a western white pine PR-10
gene mediated by different promoter regions in transgenic tobacco. Plant Mol. Biol. 52:103-120.
Mattheus, N.; Ekramoddoullah, A.K.M. and Lee, S.P. 2003. Isolation of high quality RNA from
white spruce tissue using a three stage purification and subsequent cloning of a transcript from the
PR-10 gene family. Phytochemical Analysis. 14:209-215.
Liu, J-J.; Ekramoddoullah, A.K.M. and Podila, G.K. 2003. A MAD-Box gene specifcally expressed
in the reproductive tissues of red pine (Pinus resinosa) is a homologue to floral homeotic gene with
C-function in angiosperms. Physiol. Mol. Biol. Plants. 9:197-206.
Liu, J-J. and Ekramoddoullah, A.K.M. 2003. Isolation, genetic variation and expression of TIR-
NBS-LRR resistance gene analogue from western white pine
(Pinus monticola Dougl. Ex. D. Don). Molecular Genetics and Genomics. 270:432-441.
Liu, J-J.; Ekramoddoullah, A.K.M.; Piggott, N. and Zamani, A. 2004. A pathogen/wound-inducible
PR10 promoter from Pinus monticola: molecular cloning and characterization in transgenic
Arabidopsis plants. Planta. 221: 159-169.
Liu, J-J.; Ekramoddoullah, A.K.M. and Zamani, A. 2005. A class IV chitinase is up-regulated by
fungal infection and abiotic stresses and associated with slow-canker-growth resistance to Cronartium
ribicola in western white pine (Pinus monticola, Dougl. Ex D. Don). Phytopathology 94:1235-1243.
Ekramoddoullah, A.K.M., Liu, J-J and Zamani, A. 2006. Cloning and characterization of a putative
antifungal peptide gene (Pm-AMP1) in Pinus monticola. Phytopsthology 96: 164-170.
Liu, J-J.; Ekramoddoullah, A.K.M. Hunt, R.S. and Zamani, A. 2006. Identification of random
amplified polymorphic DNA markers linked to major gene (Cr 2) for resistance to Cronartium
ribicola in Pinus monticola. Phytopathology. 96: 395-399.
1) Publication in Refereed Conference Proceedings:
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): 6 patents
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained
17 million dollars (over a period of 30 years)
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
18 graduates students (M.Sc. and (Ph. D.), 7 PDF, 8 visiting scientists)
8. National and International Collaborations
USA, Sweden, Norway, Poland
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)
None
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 Oral presenters

Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details: Foreign Researcher, Dept. of Life
Science and Biotechnology, Shimane University, Shimane 690-8504, Japan, e-mail:
dakazad@yahoo.com
3. Immediate past position(s): Assistant Professor (Currently on Leave), Dept. of Biotechnology,
Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: B.Sc (Hons) and M.Sc. (Dept. of Microbiology, DU,
Bangladesh), Ph.D. (Tottori University, Japan), Postdoc (Shimane University, Japan)
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research): (1) JSPS Fellowship for postdoctoral research (2)
Monbusho Scholarship for Ph.D. research (3) Dhaka University Scholarship for first class (4) Dean
award from Faculty of Biological Sciences, DU, Bangladesh (5) Govt. first grade scholarship from
class six to B.Sc. (Hons) levels.
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: Technical editor, Several
Journals published by Asian Network for Scientific Information.
8. Membership of Institutional Committees

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research:

● Functional and expression analysis and molecular regulation mechanisms of
Aquaporins, the water channel proteins, to elucidate their roles in Molecular
Cell Physiology. Environmental factors stimulating cellular signal transduction through
protein-protein interaction, post-translational modifications of proteins. Elucidation of
genes for cellular physiology, and protein structure and functions.
● Studies about the molecular markers involved in the process of Program Cell Death
(PCD) during natural as well as induced senescence or aging.
● Research on microbial proteinases with biotechnological potentiality for
biodegradation or bioprocessing or bioconversion.
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Molecular Biotechnology and Recombinant Protein Technology, Signal
Transduction, Microbial Enzymology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: 8 (eight)
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications:
● Azad A.K., Sawa Y, Ishikawa, T. and Shibata H. (2007) Temperature-dependent
stomatal movement in tulip petals controls water transpiration during flower opening
and closing. Annals of Applied Biology, 150 (1): 81-87. Blackwell Publishers.
● Azad A.K., Sawa Y, Ishikawa, T. and Shibata H. (2006) Purification and
characterization of protein phosphates 2A from petals of the tulip Tulipa gesnerina.
Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 39 (6): 671-676. PubMed available.
● Azad A. K., Sawa Y., Ishikawa T. and Shibata H. (2004) Phosphorylation of plasma
membrane aquaporin regulates the temperature-dependent opening of tulip petals. Plant
& Cell Physiology 45(5): 608- 617. Available in PubMed.
● Azad A. K., Sawa Y., Ishikawa T. and Shibata H. (2004) Characterization of protein
phosphatase 2A acting on phosphorylated plasma membrane aquaporin of tulip petals.
Bioscience Biotechnology and Biochemistry, 68(5): 1170-1174. Available in PubMed.
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 ● Azad A.K. Ishikawa Takayuki, Sawa Y., Ishikawa Takahiro and Shibata H. (2007)
Intracellular energy depletion triggers programmed cell death through DNA
degradation and mitochondrial disintegration during petal senescence in tulip. Revised
version submitted.
● Azad A.K. Maki K., Sawa Y., Ishikawa Takahiro and Shibata H. (2007) Molecular
cloning, functional and expression analysis of four isoforms of plasma membrane
aquaporin subfamilies of the tulip petal Tulipa gesnerina. Submitted.
● Hossain M. S., Azad A. K., Sayem S. M. A., Mostafa G. and Hoq M. M. (2007)
Production and partial characterization of feather-degrading keratinolytic serine
protease from Bacillus licheniformis MZK-3. Journal of Biological Sciences, In Press.
● Hosen M. J., Sarif D. I., M. Rahman M. M. and Azad A.K. (2006) Contamination of
coliforms in different paper currency notes of Bangladesh. Pakistan Journal of
Biological Sciences, 9(5): 868-870.
● Azad A. K., Shibata H. and Hoq M. M. (2002) Hide processing with alkaline protease
from Bacillus sp MA6. Bangladesh J. Microbiology, 19(1&2): 67-71. ISSN 1011-9981
● Azad A. K. and Hoq M. M. (2000) Production of alkaline serine protease from
Bacillus sp. MA6. Bangladesh Journal of Microbiology, 17(2): 143-149.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: 1 (Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture, Japan)
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: 4 (Graduation)
8. National and International Collaborations
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information. I am trying to build up a collaboration with Shimane University and
Okayama University, Japan
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh? My
research is especially in Molecular Cell Physiology, Molecular Biotechnology and Recombinant
Protein Technology, which exploits molecular approaches. When I will return in my teaching
profession in Bangladesh, this expertise will help me to train up the students with practical
knowledge, lead the research team, generate biotechnological approaches, and contribute in the
development of potential Biotechnology. I would be able to collaborate with other laboratories in
abroad that would open research scope in home. As I am directly associated with Biotechnology, I
could try to encourage the industrial sector to be associated with biotechnological research and
funding, and products. I could be associated with the Biotechnology family in Bangladesh to solve
many obstacles in the research of Biotechnology.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Yes, I am confident.
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? As I have position in Bangladesh, I am going to return just after six
months to contribute permanently.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return? I am returning permanently.
6. Any other comments? I would like to share comments directly later. For example, strategically
changes in funding, equipments and reagent imports.

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 Oral presenters

Ahmad S. Islam
A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Ahmad S. Islam

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details:
Research Associate, Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology
University of Texas, Austin, TX78713
3. Immediate past position(s): Professor of Botany, Dhaka University (retired)
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: Ph.D. from Manchester University; postdoctoral
from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY and University of California at Davis, USA
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research): Currie Memorial Prize from Manchester
University, Ekushey Padak in Education, President’s Gold Medal in Agriculture, BAS Gold Medal in
Biology.
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies: Fellow of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS), Fellow of
Islamic Academy of Sciences (IAS)
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: Chief Editor, J. Tissue
Culture and Biotechnology; also worked as Chief Editor Bangladesh J. of Botany, Chief Editor
Pakistan J. of Botany
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: Currently none

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research: Cloning of genes of agronomic
importance in jute species, Corchorus olitorius from cDNA library
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Genetic Engineering
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: Ten
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications: See the footnote marked with an asterisk
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): None
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: Pakistan and then Bangladesh Government; grants from
USAID to visit a number of important labs after jute project was short-listed. It was dropped from
the final list.
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: Twenty-two students did their Ph.D. under my
sole or joint supervision
8. National and International Collaborations. N/A
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?) N/A

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)

1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information. Dr. K. Sathasivan at University of Texas, Austin and myself as his
research associate are doing joint research project on jute cDNA library construction with Professor
Haseena Khan, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dhaka University. USDA is
expected to fund the project soon.
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
Molecular cloning of useful genes of jute will be a first step toward improvement of quality of jute
fibers and production of flood-, drought tolerant and disease and pest resistant jute varieties.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Yes.

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4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? Yes, in any capacity suitable to my qualifications and experience.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return? I have decided to return and serve Bangladesh in this
capacity as long as I live

6. Any other comments? If India and Pakistan can build up a strong team of Biotechnology, we can do
it. We have manpower resources distributed all over the world (See database of GNOBB using its
search engine). Wheel need not be reinvented; whatever strategy has worked for India and Pakistan
to bring back a substantial scientific workforce from abroad, may also apply in Bangladesh with
some modifications. Time is running out. The biotechnology projected was submitted early 1973 and
now it is 2007. The National Institute of Biotechnology has the building with some partially equipped
labs, where only a handful of junior scientists have been working with hardly anyone to guide them.

*Islam A. S. and A. Rashid (1960) First successful hybridization between the two jute yielding
species. Nature 185 : 258-259.
Islam A. S. and A. Rashid (1961) A new jute hybrid. J. Heredity 52: 287-291.
Islam A. S. (1964) A rare hybrid combination through application of hormone and
embryo culture. Nature 201 : 320.
Islam A. S. and R. Mughal (1969) Corchorus pascorum : Transmission of chemically induced fruit
formation with environmental change. Science 164: 315-316.
Islam A.S. and Sharif A. (1970) Breeding of cotton Varieties for Jassid resistance. Canadian Journal
Genetics and Cytology 12:454-460
Islam A. S. and M. M. Haque (1973) Improvement of jute through interspecific hybridization.
SABRAO Jour 5: 75-82.
Islam A. S., M. M. Haque and M. B. A. Dewan (1975) Attempt to produce photo-neutral strain of jute
through interspecific hybridization. Japan. J. Breed. and Genet. 25 (6) : 349-354.
Haque M. M., L. A. Khan, M. Rahman and A. S. Islam (1980) Attempt to overcome crossibility
between the two jute species by use of a wild parent. Japan J. Breed. and Genet. 30: 231-235.
Islam A. S., M. Haque and M.S. Haque (1980) Fibre-bearing Potentiality of two jute hybrids. Indian
J. Genetics & Plant Breeding 40(3) 578-580.
Seraj Z.I, Sarker AB and Islam AS (1992) Plant regeneration in a jute species (C. capsularis) and its
possible relationship with glyoxalase-1. Plant Cell Rep. 12:29-33.
Islam A. S., M.M. Haque, M.I. Hoque, and Z.I. Seraj (1992) Tissue Culture and micropropagation of
jute (Corchorus species), In: Biotechnology in Agriculture and Forestry, Vol 19, High Tech and
Micropropagation III. Bajaj YPS (Ed.), Springer Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg. pp. 505-526.

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 Oral presenters
Ahmed Abdullah Azad
A Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title

Professor Ahmed Abdullah Azad PhD
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Current Positions:
A. TWAS Research Professor, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
B. Programme Director and International Coordinator, OIC Drug Discovery and Development
Network
C. Honorary Professor of Medical Biotechnology, University of Cape Town
D. Postal Address: 4 Chapel Court
Doncaster
Victoria 3108
Australia
Email Address: a_azad05@yahoo.com.au
Telephone: +61 3 9848 4770
3. Immediate past position(s)
Director of Research and Professor of Medical Biotechnology
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town (Till January, 2006)
4. Chief Research Scientist and Program Manager, Molecular Virology
CSIRO Division of Molecular Biosciences, Melbourne (Till December, 1999)
5. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
B.Sc.(Hons.); First Class; Biochemistry, Dhaka University; 1967
M.Sc.(Thesis); First Class (First); Biochemistry, Dhaka University, 1968
PhD; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; University of Toronto; 1970-1973
Canadian MRC Postdoctoral Fellowship; Molecular Biology; University of Toronto; 1973-75
6. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
The CSIRO Chairman’s Medal for Exceptional Achievement, 1997 (for development and
commercialisation of a recombinant subunit vaccine against an immunosuppressive viral disease)
Vice-Chancellors Prize for Rank 1 in Biochemistry (M.Sc), 1968
Dr. Bart Rispens Memorial Award for Avian Pathology, 1991
Undergraduate Talent Scheme Scholarship, 1964-67
Graduate Talent Scheme Scholarship, 1967-68
University Merit Scholarship, 1967-68
Canadian Commonwealth Post-graduate Scholarship (1970-73),
Canadian MRC Postdoctoral Fellowship, 1973-75
7. Elected Fellowships of Science Academies
Fellow, TWAS (Academy of Science of the Developing World) (2002)
Member, ASSAf (Academy of Sciences of South Africa) (2001)
Fellow, RSSA (Royal Society of South Africa) (2002)
Fellow, IAS (Islamic-World Academy of Sciences) (2000)
Fellow, BAS (Bangladesh Academy of Science) (2005)
8. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
Director, Board of the Medical Research Council of South Africa (appointed by the South African
Minister of Health, August 2004)
Member, Council of Scientific Advisors, ICGEB (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and
Biotechnology)
Member, Scientific Advisory Committee of SAAVI (The South African AIDS Vaccine Initiative)
Member, Finance and International Programmes Committee, TWAS (The Academy of the
Developing World)

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 Member, Standing Panel on Biotechnology, TWAS
Member, Technical Advisory Committee, COMSATS (Commission for Science and Technology for
Sustainable Development in the South)
Member, Scientific Coordination Committee of USHEPiA (a research network of eight universities in
Sub-Saharan Africa)
Visiting Professor and Scientific Advisor, Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, Delhi
University (New Delhi, India))
Visiting Professor and Scientific Advisor, Biomedical Research Laboratory, Gono University (Dhaka,
Bangladesh)
Visiting Professor and Scientific Advisor, HEJ Research Institute for Chemistry and Dr. Panjwani
Centre for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, University of Karachi (Karachi, Pakistan)
Scientific Advisor, Arab School of Science and Technology (Damascus and Kuwait)
9. Membership of Institutional Committees
University of Cape Town (UCT): (2000-2005)
Chair, Faculty of Health Sciences Research Committee
Member of the following Academic Bodies:
UCT Senate; University Research Committee; Health Sciences Faculty Board; Faculty Executive
Committee; Faculty Senior Management Team
Director/Board Member of the following UCT Management/Advisory Boards:
UCT Innovation Advisory Board; UCT Sports Science Centre Scientific Advisory Board; Chris
Barnard Fund; UCT Lung Institute Board; Medicines Information Centre
Member of the Project Implementation Committee and the Fund Raising Committee of the Institute
of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IIDMM)
Some Research Management and Capacity Building Activities at UCT:
Played major role in the planning and establishment of the Institute of Infectious Disease and
Molecular Medicine (IIDM) at the University of Cape Town (now the Third Component of ICGEB)
Developed comprehensive Guidelines for the Conduct of Research and Research Management
Procedures for the Faculty of Health Sciences
Helped set up a financial planning process for recovery of full cost of research and generation of
excess research funds for strategic purposes
Helped develop strategies for Intellectual Property Development and Commercialisation of Research
at UCT
Carried out a comprehensive Audit of all research activities in the Faculty of Health Sciences, and
developed strategies for addressing deficiencies identified by the Research Audit

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research
Current Research and Research Management Focus:
“Establishment of a Drug Discovery and Development Research Network in the scientifically
lagging countries of Asia and Africa” (co-sponsors: TWAS, ICGEB, COMSTECH, IDB, IAS and
AAS)
Past Research Activities:
Role of RNA-RNA interactions (5SrRNA-18SrRNA; mRNA-18SrRNA) in protein synthesis
Yeast and plant molecular biology
Cloning and sequencing of Influenza neuraminidase gene (this helped in solving the 3D structure of
neuraminidase and the development of a rationally designed anti-influenza drug)
Cloning and sequencing of other genes of Influenza Virus, Rotavirus, Potyvirus, and Birnavirus.
Genetic improvement of cheese starter strains
Development of new expression vectors for the high level production of recombinant proteins
Molecular Biology of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus, and the development and commercialisation of
recombinant subunit vaccine (this resulted in the award of the CSIRO Chairman’s Gold Medal for
Exceptional Achievement in 1997)
Role of HIV-1 accessory proteins Nef and Vpr in AIDS pathogenesis, and development of drugs
(based on the structures and functions of Nef and Vpr) that slow progression to AIDS (R&D
Syndicate funding: $7.5 million)
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2. Area(s) of Expertise
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Molecular Virology
High-level expression and large-scale production of Recombinant Proteins
Vaccine Development
Discovery and Rational Design of Drugs
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications
Over 130 publications in international peer reviewed and indexed journals.
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
The following list of publications represent the range of research I have been involved in over 30
years:
A. Azad, A.A. (1979). Intermolecular base-paired interaction between complementary sequences
present near the 3’ ends of 5S rRNA and 18S (16S) rRNA might be involved in the reversible
association of ribosomal subunits. Nuc. Acids Res. 7, 1913-1929.
B. Azad, A.A., Elleman, T.C., Laver, W.G. & Ward, C.W. (1983). Sequence changes associated
with antigenic shift and drift in influenza virus neuraminidase. The origin of pandemic influenza
viruses. Proc. Int. Workshop, 1982, (Laver, W.G. ed.) Elsevier, New York, 59-76.
C. Azad, A.A., Barrett, S.A. & Fahey, K.J. (1985). The characterisation and molecular cloning of
the double-stranded RNA genome of an Australian strain of infectious bursal disease virus. Virology.
143, 35-44.
D. Azad, A.A., Jagadish, M.N., Brown, M.A. & Hudson, P.J. (1987). Deletion mapping and
expression in Escherichia coli of the large genomic segment of a birnavirus. Virology. 161, 145-152.
E. Azad, A.A., Macreadie, I.G., Vaughan, P.R., Jagadish, M.N., McKern, N.M., Heine, H.G., Failla,
P.P., Ward, C.W., Chapman, A. & Fahey, K. (1990). Full protection against an immunodepressive
viral disease by a recombinant antigen produced in yeast. Vaccines 90 : modern approaches to new
vaccines including the prevention of AIDS, (Brown, F., Chanock, R.M., Ginsberg, H.S., Lerner, R.A.
eds.). Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York, 59-62.
F. Azad, A.A., McKern, N.M., Macreadie, I.G., Failla, P.P., Heine, H.G., Chapman, A., Ward, C.W.
& Fahey, K.J. (1991). Physiochemical and immunological characterisation of recombinant host-
protective antigen (VP2) of infectious bursal disease virus. Vaccine. 9, 715-722.
G. Azad, A.A., Failla, P.P., Lucantoni, A.C., Bentley, J.D., Mardon, C.J., Wolfe, A.G., Fuller, K.,
Hewish, D.R., Sengupta, S., Sankovich, S.E., Grgacic, E., McPhee, D. & Macreadie, I.G. (1994).
Large scale production and characterisation of recombinant human immunodeficiency virus type 1
Nef. J. Gen. Virol. 75, 651-655.
H. Macreadie, I.G., Castelli, L.A., Hewish, D.R., Kirkpatrick, A., Ward, A.C. & Azad, A.A. (1995).
A domain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vpr containing repeated H(S/F) RIG amino acid
motifs causes cell growth arrest and structural defects. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 92, 2770-2774.
I. Arunagiri, C., Macreadie, I., Hewish, & Azad, A.A. (1997). A C-terminal domain of HIV-1
accessory protein Vpr is involved in penetration, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis of human
CD4+ lymphocytes. Apoptosis. 2, 69-76.
J. Azad. A. A. (2000). Could Nef and Vpr proteins contribute to disease progression by promoting
depletion of bystander cells and prolonged survival of HIV-infected cells. Biochem. Biophys. Res.
Commun. 267, 677-685.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)
i. IBDV Patents (all granted)
(i) Title: Cloning and expression of a host-protective immunogen of IBDV and its efficacy in
vivo (1985).
Inventors: Azad, A.A., Fahey, K.J. and Hudson, P.J.
(ii)Title: Expression System (1987).
Inventors: Macreadie, I.G., Vaughan, P.R. and Azad, A.A.
c. (iii)Title: IBDV VP2 epitope recognised by virus neutralising and protective monoclonal
antibodies (1987).
Inventors: Azad, A.A., Jagadish, M.N., Fahey, K.J.
d. (iv)Title: Production of IBDV VP2 in highly immunogenic form (1989).
Inventors: Azad, A.A., McKern, N.W., Macreadie, I.G., Vaughan, P.R., Heine. H.G., Jagadish,
M.N., Chapman, A.J. and Fahey, K.J.
200
 ii. HIV Patents (The following PCT applications have also been granted)
(v)International Patent Application : PCT/AU94/00254
Title: Therapeutic Compounds (Nef)
Inventors: Azad, A.A., Curtain, C., Macreadie, I.G., Greenway, A. & McPhee, D.
(vi)International patent Application : PCT/AU95/00169
Title: Therapeutic Compounds (Vpr)
Inventors: Macreadie, I.G., Arunagiri, C. & Azad, A.A.
(vii) International Patent Application : PCT/AU97/00640
Title: Cytotoxic Peptides (Nef)
Inventors: Azad, A.A., Curtain, C., Lowe, M., Macreadie, I.G., Arunagiri, C., Baell, J., Matthews,
B., Barnham, J., Norton, R. &Rivett,
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained
National Biotechnology Program Research Grants Scheme, $700,000. 1985-88. Development of
IBDV Vaccine.
GIRD Biotechnology Grant, $150,000. 1988-89. Development of IBDV Vaccine.
Arthur Webster Pty Ltd. $570,000, 1986-89.
Commonwealth AIDS Research Grant, $146,000, 1989-92. Expression of HIV Regulatory Proteins
for Function and Structure Determination
Commonwealth AIDS Research Grant, $190,638, 1993-96. Function and Structure Determination
of HIV-1 Auxiliary Proteins
Syndicated R&D, $7,500,000. 1995-97. Discovery and Development of AIDS Therapeutics Based
on HIV Protein Nef
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
My last research group consisted of 39 scientists in five different disciplines, 14 with PhD degrees
and 5 with MSc degrees
8. National and International Collaborations
Too many to list here
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)
N/A

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
I am a TWAS Research Professor at BRAC University and an Honorary Professor at Gono
University. In both these institutions my role is research capacity development in Bangladesh. I am
also involved in this activity as a Member of the Council of Scientific Advisers of the ICGEB
(nominated by the GoB), and as a Member of the Biotechnology Standing Panel of TWAS.
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
With my considerable experience in research, research management and commercialization, I am in
good position to help develop Biotechnology Research in Bangladesh. I am currently helping to
organize a Biotechnology Conference in Dhaka (as an Adviser and as the Conference Chair), and in
preparing a Position Paper on Biotechnology Development for the GoB.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
I no longer have an active laboratory but will help young researchers in Bangladesh to develop their
research programmes.
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh?
I am already involved in these activities and will hope to play a bigger role in future.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return?
I already spend considerable time in Bangladesh (at least one month p.a. at BRAC University), and
have visited Bangladesh regularly (six times in the last fourteen months). I will be prepared to spend
more time in Bangladesh as Member/Chairperson the International Scientific Advisory Committee for
the proposed Council for Biotechnology and the NIB.
6. Any other comments?
I will leave my comments for later.

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 Oral presenters

Dr. Ananda Kumar Saha

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Dr. Ananda Kumar Saha

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details: Professor, Department of Zoology,
Rajshahi University, Rajshahi 6205 Mobile: 01712637349
3. Immediate past position(s): Associate Professor
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: Graduate: Rajshahi University, Post Graduation:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Ph.D: University of Pune, India.
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research): Awarded second prize basing on presentation of
paper entitled “Plasmid involvement in the degradation of Trimethyl phenol by bacteria” organized
by National Environmental Science Academy New Delhi, held on 25-27 October,2005 at Hyderabad,
India.
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies: N/A
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: N/A
8. Membership of Institutional Committees:
Life member, The Zoological Society of Bangladesh (ZSB)
Life member, The Genetical Society of Bangladesh
Life member, National Environmental Science Academy, India
Life member, Biodiversity Research Group of Bangladesh (BRGB)
Member, Bangladesh Association for the Advancement of Science (BASS)
Member, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh
Member, Microbiological Society of Bangladesh
Member, Microbiological Society of India
B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research: Environmental Microbiology
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Environment and Agricultural Microbiology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: Twenty
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications:
Chowdhury, A.H., Mossadik, M.A., Bhuyan, S.A., Rahman, M.H., Saha, A.K. and Hossain, M.
2000. Plasmid mediated degeneration of phenol by two bacterial strains, Pseudomonas sp.
and Staphylococcus sp. Pakistan J. Bio. Sci. 3(6) 939-942.
Saha, A.K., Despande, M.V. and Kapadnis, B.P. 2001. Studies on survival of Rhizibium in the
carriers at different temperatures using green fluroscent protein marker. Current Science.
80(5), 669-671.
Saha, A.K and Kapadnis, B.P. 2001.Effect of inoculam density on survival rate of Rhizobium
carrying reporter gene gfp in different soils. Asian Jr. of Microbiol. Biotech. & Env.l Sc.3(6),
20-25.
Saha, A.K and Kapadnis, B.P. 2001 Reporter gene, gfp for monitoring survival of Rhizobium in
soils. Indian J. Microbiol.3(41),153-156

202
 Saha, A.K. and Kapadnis, B.P. 2002. Green fluorescent protein as marker to monitor the fate of
Rhizobium sp. released into the rhizosphere of Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp] and
Green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilezeck]. Asian Jr. of Microbiol. Biotech & Env. Sc.
4(3):309-316.
Saha, A.K. and Kapadnis, B.P. 2002. Effect of adhesives on population of green fluoresence
protein (gfp) marked Rhizobium on legume seeds and their germination. Bangladesh
j.genet.biotechnol. 2: 133-141.
Saha, A.K. and Haque, M.F. 2002. Effect of soil quality on the viability of GFP marked
Rhizobium. Univ.j.zool.Rajshahi univ. 21: 59-61.
Saha, A.K., Mohonta, M.K., Rahman, A. and Salam, M.A. 2005. Plasmid mediated degradation
of carbofuran by bacteria. Bangladesh j.genet.biotechnol. 6 (1&2):29-32
Saha, A.K. and Haque, F. 2005. Effect of inoculation with Rhizobium on nodulation and growth
of bean, Dolichos lablab. J.Life Earth Science. 1(1):71-74
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted) N/A
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: UGC, University of Rajshahi, Ministry of Science and
Technology, Bangladesh
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: Five (M.Phil/ Ph.D.) research students are
working at present under my supervision.
8. National and International Collaborations:
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): Cooling
refrigerator centrifuge, Gel Electrophoresis apparatus, -200C cooling Incubator, Laminar Flow,
Spectrophotometer etc.(Most welcome for research students to use the equipments available at our
Lab.)

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)

1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
Microbial Degradation of Effluent from Leather Tanning Industry in Bangladesh.(Financed by Ministry
of Science and Information & Communication Technology)
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
Biodegradation of hazardous pollutants and promote and provide facilities of higher studies and
coordinated research on advanced biological fields in the country for M.Phil and Ph.D. degree.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Yes.
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? Yes.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what conditions
would induce you to return? N/A
6. Any other comments?

203
 Oral presenters

Dr. Aparna Islam

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title:

Dr. Aparna Islam
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Assistant Professor, Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences,
BRAC University, Dhaka.
Email: aparnai20@yahoo.com
Mobile: 0187114304
3. Immediate past position(s):
Post-doctoral Fellow, USDA Project, Department of Botany, University of Dhaka, Dhaka.
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
BSc (Hons.): Department of Botany, DU.
MSc (with thesis in ‘Plant Biotechnology’): Dept. of Botany, DU with thesis in tissue culture and
Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of peanut.
PhD: Plant Transformation Group, ICGEB, New Delhi in Plant Transformation and antifungal gene
isolation and characterization.
Post-doctoral Fellow: USDA-project, Department of Botany, University of Dhaka, Dhaka.
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
a. ‘Post-Doctoral Fellowship’ of the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) from
February 2005 till January 2007.
b. ‘Pre-Doctoral Fellowship’ of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
(ICGEB) from January 2001 till December 2004.
c. ‘Research Fellowship’ under the agricultural project entitled ‘Application of Biotechnology in the
Improvement of Jute, Kenaf and Allied Fibres’ of International Jute Organisation (IJO) from
March 1999 to December 1999.
d. ‘National Science and Technology Fellowship’ under the Ministry of Science and Technology,
Government of Bangladesh from 1st November 1997 to 28th February 1998.
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies: None
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: None
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: None. But have membership of several learned society,
such as,
Life Member, Bangladesh Association Plant Tissue Culture & Biotechnology (BAPTC&B).
Life Member, Bangladesh Botanical Society.
Member, Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologist (GNOBB).
Member, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research
Plant Biotechnology including plant tissue culture and Agrobacterium-mediated genetic
transformation to develop transgenic plant.
2. Area(s) of Expertise
Plant Biotechnology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications
Three scientific papers and two review / opinion papers
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications

204
(ii) RESEARCH ARTICLE
a. Islam A, A Hassari and VS Reddy. 2007. Analysis of Molecular and Morphological
Characteristics of Plants Transformed with Antifungal Gene. Bangladesh J. Bot. 36(1) (accepted)
b. Sarker RH, MN Islam, A Islam and ZI Seraj. 2000. Agrobacterium-mediated genetic
transformation of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Plant Tissue Cult. 10(2): 137-142.
c. Sarker RH and A Islam. 2000. Direct organogenesis from leaflet explants of peanut (Arachis
hypogaea L.). Bangladesh J. Bot. 29(2): 109-114.
d. Sarker RH and A Islam. 1999. In vitro regeneration and genetic transformation of peanut (Arachis
hypogaea L.). Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 8(2): 1-9.
(iii) REVIEW ARTICLE
e. Islam A. 2006. Fungus resistant transgenic plants: strategies, progress and lessons learnt. Plant
Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 16(2): 117-138.
Section 4.03 POPULAR ARTICLE
f. Islam A. 2006. GM crop: whether to accept or reject? Palindrome. 1(1): 22-23.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)
g. V. Siva Reddy, Afif Hassari and Aparna Islam have applied for a patent for an invention titled
“New antifungal protein isolated from the seeds of chickpea, methods for isolation of such
proteins, cloning of the encoding gene and transgenic plants incorporating such genes” on 31st
December 2004. Indian Patent Application No. 2617/DEL/2004.
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained : None
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
8. National and International Collaborations
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
Not involved in capacity building but capacity assessment in the “National Capacity Self-
Assessment (NCSA)” project of MoEF with technical help from IUCN, as a member of the
“Thematic group” on ‘Cartagena protocol on Biosafety including risk assessment and risk
management’. This project aims at capacity assessment of our country in Biotechnology and
Biosafety.
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
During my PhD and Postdoctoral Fellow position I have been trained in various field of
Biotechnology along with Plant transformation which includes antimicrobial protein identification,
purification, and characterization; toxicity analysis etc. I have also been trained at home and abroad in
the field of Biosafety which is very much related to GM plant releases to the environment. Utilizing
these expertises in national interest related to plant sciences project will benefit in achieving our goal
to develop Bangladesh in the field of Plant Biotechnology.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
At my present institute Biotechnology lab is yet to be developed. However, if any training program is
organized at any other institute then I would be very happy to work as a resource person to train
young scientists and students in various field of plant biotechnology.
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh?
Yes.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what conditions
would induce you to return?
N/A
6. Any other comments?
205
 Oral presenters

Jalaluddin Bhuiyan
A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Jalaluddin Bhuiyan, PhD, DABCC, FACB

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details: Head of Clinical Biochemistry,
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research
Center, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
MBC 10, P.O. Box 3354, Riyadh 11211
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel 966 1 442 4293 (Office) Mobile 966 503207589
Fax 966 1 442 4280 E-mail: jbhuiyan@kfshrc.edu.sa
3. Immediate past position(s)
Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
4. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
5. Elected Fellowships of Academies
6. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
7. Membership of Institutional Committees
Jalaluddin Bhuiyan, PhD, DABCC, FACB
Head of Clinical Biochemistry,
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine,
King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center
MBC 10, P.O. Box 3354, Riyadh 11211
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Tel 966 1 442 4293 (Office) Mobile 966 503207589
Fax 966 1 442 4280 E-mail: jbhuiyan@kfshrc.edu.sa
B. Research and Research Management Experience:
1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research
2. Area(s) of Expertise
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
8. National and International Collaborations
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)
For above A & B, please see my attached CV
C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:
(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
Very little and in early stage. Offering support in introducing ‘Laboratory Science Courses’ in the
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dhaka University
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
Correct diagnosis and clinical practices are closely inter-related with biotechnological innovation.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
No. Difficult to enter Saudi and Lab is mainly clinical.
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? Yes.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return? Yes.
6. Any other comments? Thanks to OC for invitation to give a talk.
206
 Oral presenters

Md. Jamal Uddin

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Md. Jamal Uddin, BSc in Animal Husbandry and MS in Dairy Science
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details: Scientific Officer (Dairy
Microbiology), Biotechnology Division, BLRI, Savar, Dhaka-1341.
3. Immediate past position(s): Not applicable
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: BSc in Animal Husbandry and MS in Dairy Science
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research): Not applicable
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies: Not applicable
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: Not applicable
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: Not applicable

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research: Comparison of the physical,
chemical and bacteriological characteristic of indigenous milk available in selected region with that of
laboratory made products. To standardize the methods for the preparation of milk products.
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Dairy Microbiology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: 5
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications:
M.N. Sultana, A. Wadud, M.N. Islam and M.J. Uddin (2006). Study on the quality of dahi prepared
from buffalo milk with the addition of different levels of soya milk. Journal of Bangladesh
Agricultural University. Vol. 4(1): 111-116.
M.J. Uddin1, M.N. Hassan1, A. Wadud1 S. Basak1 and M.R. Hassan1 (2006). The manufacture of ice
cream from skim milk with the addition of vegetable oil and different levels of non-fat dry
milk. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science. (Accepted)
M.J. Uddin1, M.R. Hassan, S. Ahmed and M. Asaduzzaman2 (2006). Effect of different levels of
volume reduction of skim milk on the storage life of dahi prepared from cows milk. Bangladesh
Journal of Bangladesh Livestock Research. (Accepted)
M.R.Hassan1, A. Wadud1, A. Akbar2, M.J. Uddin1 and M.S. Huda2(2006).Effect of partial
replacement of concentrate mixture by poultry droppings on milk yield and milk composition
changes of lactating crossbred cows. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science. (Accepted)
S. Basak1, M. N. Hassan1, M.J. Uddin1, A. Iqbal2, M. N. Hasan3 (2006). Study on the quality of
rasogolla prepared from cow’s milk with the addition of different levels of flour. Bangladesh
Journal of Animal Science. (Accepted)
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): Not applicable
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: Not applicable
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: Not applicable
8. National and International Collaborations: Not applicable
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): Not
applicable

207
 Oral presenters

Lamia Sharmeen, PhD

A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic title : Lamia Sharmeen, PhD
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details: Founder and Chief Scientific Officer,
Nanoderm Therapeutics Inc.
3. Immediate past position(s): Associate Research Fellow & Group Leader, Molecular Science and
Technology, Pfizer Global R&D Inc.
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: Graduate training in Cell Biology & Biochemistry,
Department of Biochemistry, University of Sydney, Australia. Thesis Title: Role of cyclic AMP in
B16 melanoma cells.
a. Post doctoral training in Animal Virology at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, USA with
Dr. John Taylor
b. Senior Fellow in department of molecular medicine, Fred Hutchinson Cancer
c. Center, Basic Science Division.
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research) : (a) Dhaka University Salekunnesa Gold Medal (b)
University of Sydney Post-graduate research scholarship (3) NIH individual fellowship grant (4)
American Cancer Society post-doctoral grant (5) University of Washington Virology training grant
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies N/A
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: University of Michigan
Technology Transfer (consulting advisor), ad hoc reviewer for Antiviral Research, Journal of
Virology/ Biosafety level 1-3 laboratory management board (Parke-Davis/Warner Lambert), Co-
director of Biotech Start-up Company.
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: Biosafety committee, Ann Arbor site Pfizer, Investigational
New Drug (IND) application committee Parke Davis and Pfizer, Ann Arbor site.

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research: Signal transduction through G-
protein coupled receptor proteins, small peptides, Retrovirology, Neurodegeneration & small RNA
biology.
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Anti-infective, Antiviral, Central Nervous system Diseases and wound care.
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications ~ 20
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
i. HIV-1 Tat induces neuronal cell death through activation of NMDA receptors. Aleida
Perez, Albert W. Pobert, Kevin K.W. Wang and Lamia Sharmeen, J.of Neurovirology,
2001, 7( 2 ), 1-10.
ii. Inhibition of the early phase of HIV replication cycle by an isothiazolone, PD161374 (CI-
1012). Lamia Sharmeen, Thomas McQuade, Andrea Heldsinger,Rocco Gogliotti, John
Domagala and Stephen Gracheck. Antiviral Research, 2001, 49,101-114.
iii. Sharmeen, L., Adams, M., Kimpton, J., Romeo, J., Garcia, J. V., Peterlin, B. M., Groudine,
M, and Emerman, M.( 1994 ) Cellular latency in human immunodeficiency virus-infected

208
 individuals with high CD4 levels can be detected by the presence of promoter-proximal
transcripts. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.( USA ), 91, 3862-3866.
iv. Sharmeen, L., Bass, B., Sonenberg, N., Weintraub, H., and Groudine, M. ( 1991 ) Tat
dependent adenosine to inosine modification of wild-type TAR RNA. Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA, 88, 8096-8100.
v. Kuo, M.Y.-P., Sharmeen, L., Dinter-Gottlieb, G. and Taylor, J. (1989 ) Characterization of
self cleaving RNA sequneces on the genome and antigenome of human hepatitis delta
virus. J. Virol. 62, 4439-4444.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted) : 1. Combination of Atomoxetine and a 5HT1a receptor agonist
for treating ADHD and other disorders Inventors / Carroll, RT & Sharmeen, L. WO 2005/115396 A2.
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: National Institute of Health (NIH), University technology
commercialization grant, small business development grant.
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: 3-10 Masters to PhD levels.
8. National and International Collaborations: US academic and corporate research projects.
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?) N/A

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information. No.
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh? My
background and expertise can help develop drug discovery and commercialization of Life science
technologies to benefit health, health related education and training , establish research institute
through public (government) and private initiatives to develop talent pools of future scientists,
educators and scientific entrepreneurs in a knowledge based society.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
May be possible.
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? Yes.
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return? I may consider such opportunities in next few years.
Conditions that can give an opportunity to utilize my expertise and add value to creating institutions
of International standard in Bangladesh with a goal to produce future generation of professional,
ethical, knowledgeable biotechnologists who will contribute to medical and environment sectors.
6. Any other comments? I wish and pray for success of the “promotion of biotechnology initiative” in
Bangladesh in near future.

209
 Oral presenters
Khan Shahidul Huque
Article V.

Name with academic title Khan Shahidul Huque, PhD (UK)

Current position with affiliation, Chief Scientific Officer, Animal Production Research
address and contact details Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute,
Savar, Dhaka-1341, BANGLADESH
Fax: 880-2-7708325, e-mail: khan05@bdonline.com,
Tel: 880-2-7708005 (Work), 880-2-7708117
(Residence), 0152376788 (Cell)
Immediate past position(s) Principal Scientific Officer
Graduate and postgraduate degrees B.Sc.AH (Hons), M.Sc (Animal Nutrition), PhD
and training Local and foreign training on statistics, Development
management of animal agriculture
Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic -
and research)
Elected Fellowships of Academies -
Research Advisory Editor, Bangladesh Journal of Livestock Research,
Positions/Journal Member, Board of Management, BLRI;
Editorship/Directorship of Boards Technical Expert and Coordinator: Drafting group of
the country report on Animal Genetic Resources in
Bangladesh, Ministry Fisheries and Livestock
Membership of Institutional Member Secretary: Animal Biotechnology Action
Committees plan,
Member: Drafting committee on National Guidelines
for Fish and Animal Biotechnology, Ministry
Fisheries and Livestock
Member Secretary: National Livestock Team for
Livestock Development Planning, Ministry of
Fisheries and Livestock
Member: National Consultative Committee for
Animal genetic Resources in Bangladesh, Ministry
Fisheries and Livestock
Country Representative, AD HOC
INTERGOVERNMENTAL CODEX TASK FORCE
ON ANIMAL FEEDING;
Member: Drafting Group for codex formulation on
ON-FARM PRODUCTION AND USE OF
FEEDINGSTUFFS under Section 6 of the
FAO/WHO draft document of the UNO.
Member Secretary: National Task Force on Poverty
alleviation through Goat production
Major project area(s); with very Development of herbal additives for feeding
brief description of current research ruminants,
Cattle fattening development,
Fodder conservation and development
Project Director: Red Chittagong Cattle development
and conservation project
Area(s) of Expertise Dairy and beef cattle feeding and nutrition

210
Number of peer-reviewed 36 (Thirty six)
publications
List of 5-10 most significant ¾ Huque, K.,S., Chowdhury, S.A. (1997). Study on
publications the supplementing effects or feeding systems of
molasses and urea on methane and microbial
nitrogen production in the rumen and growth
performances of bulls fed a straw diet. Asian
Austral-Asian Journal of Animal Science, 10:35-46.
¾ Huque, K.,S., M. M. Rahman and M. A. Jalil, 2001.
Study on growth pattern of Gayals (Bos frontalis)
and their crossbred calves. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci.
14(9).
¾ Huque, K.,S., M. M. Rahman and A. I. Talukder
2001. Study on forage crop production on sloping
land in Bangladesh. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci.
14:956-959.
¾ Huque, K.,S., Chowdhury, S.A. and Kibria, S.S.
1995. Study on the potentiality of duckweed as a
feed for cattle, Asian Austral-Asian Journal of
Animal Science, 9:133-137.
¾ Huque, K.,S., and Talukder, A. I. 1995. Effect of
molasses supplementation of a roughage based diet
on the growth performances of cattle. Asian-
Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 8:337-
342.
¾ Huque, K.,S., Chowdhury, S.A., Khatun, M. and
Nahar, Q. 1994. Comparative study on the effect of
algae (Chlorella and Scenedemus) or oil cake
supplementation of a straw diet on the rumen
environment of cattle. Livestock research for Rural
Development, an electronic journal, Published in
Vol. 6.
Patents (PCT applications/granted) -
Competitive Research Grants -
obtained
Size and qualifications of research 8 (Eight)
team supervised
National and International Collaboration with Chittagong Veterinary and Animal
Collaborations Sciences University,
Major Equipment/Facilities in Nutrition: Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer,
Bangladesh (will these be available High Power Liquid Chromatography, Gas
to other researchers?) Chromatography etc
Genetics and Breeding: PCR, DNA Synthesizer,
DNA Concentrator, Electrophoreses etc
Yes, it may be available

211
 Oral presenters
Dr. Md. Shamsul Haque Prodhan
A. Biosketch
1. Name: Dr. Md. Shamsul Haque Prodhan
2. Current position with affiliation
Visiting researcher in the University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba city, Japan
(Collaborative research with Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Science)
E. mail: shamsulhp@yahoo.com
3. Immediate past position: Researcher (post doctoral)
Laboratory of Plant Genetic Engineering
Institute of life and environmental sciences
University of Tsukuba, Japan.
4. Graduate and post graduate degrees and training

Years attended Degree

Field of
University/ institution from to Awarded with
Specialization
class
Tokyo University of Agriculture April March Doctor of Plant
Tokyo, Japan 2000 2003 Philosophy biotechnology
(3 years) (Agriculture Tissue culture
with grade A) and
transformation
with genetic
engineering
Tokyo University of Agriculture April 1998 March Master of Studies on
Tokyo, Japan 2000 Science tissue culture
(2 years) (Agriculture) Efficient
with first class callus
induction and
regeneration
Bidhan Chandra Krishi October December Bachelor of Agricultural
ViswaVidyalaya (University) 1991 1995 Science science
(4 years) (Agriculture) Genetics.
Nadia, W.B., India with first class horticulture,
agronomy,
soil science,
Extension etc.
Tokyo University of Agriculture October March Research Learning and
Tokyo, Japan 1997 1998 student training on
(6months) Molecular
techniques

Indonesian Embassy of Japan, February 1 day Panel

Tokyo 1998 discussion on
Indonesia’s
Bio-resource
Management
and Policies
Tokyo University of Agriculture March Septembe Japanese Japanese
and Technology 1997 r course language
Tokyo, Japan 1997 (training) Intensive
(6 course for 6
months) months.
212
5. Prizes/Merit awards/Honours/ fellowship

Best Cadet Award From Pabna Cadet College, Bangladesh (for academic and other
(Bangadesh) curriculum excellence), 1990
ICCR Award Indian Council for Cultural Relations, scholarship award, by Indian
(India) Government Ministry of Education for 4 years undergraduate
program, in BCKVV, W.B., India, 1991-1995
Monbusho Award This award is given by the Ministry of Education, Japan for
(Japan) conducting the research as research student and Masters and Ph. D.
program in Tokyo University of Agriculture from 1997 to 2003.

6. Membership of Institutional Committees

i) Japanese society of Biotechnology.
ii) Bangladesh society of Biotechnology
iii) Breeding society of Japan

B. Research and Research Management Experience

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research

Research Summary: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the most important food crops in the
world and it is the staple food of Bangladesh. Salinity is a major
constraint to food production because it limits crop yield. So the rice
plants have to develop unique mechanisms to avoid these
environmental stresses like salinity.
Salinity causes hyper osmotic stress as well as oxidative stress by the
production of O2- (super oxide anion), OH- (hydroxyl radical) and
H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide). Catalase acts as a scavenger to break down
of H2O2 producing H2O which brings the osmotic balance and results
in protecting the cells from oxidative damage to help the survival of
the plants. In my previous research in Ph.D, I tried to over-express
catalase by introducing catalase katE gene derived from E. coli to an
Indica rice genome using the tools of genetic engineering. This
transgenic rice could survive 100 mM salt concentration for more than
three months and could form seeds. By the application of multi genes
following the same strategy more stronger transgenic rice could be
obtained.

2. Area(s) of Expertise
Biotechnology/ Plant Tissue Culture/ Molecular Biology) Tissue culture technique (invitro technique)
in all plants
(i) Efficient cell culture technique
Callus induction and Efficient plant regeneration Embryo manipulation and transfer
Micropropagation for ornamental plants Agriculture and Agribusiness development etc.
ii) Genetic engineering for crops development : Transformation with reporter genes
Transformation with desire gene To obtain disease and pest resistant plants
Stress resistant plants by genetic engineering Production of diversified plants.
iii) Molecular techniques known
DNA, RNA isolation, PCR, Electrophoresis, Southern and western hybridization, Molecular
marker development (SSR, AFLP etc), Gene cloning, Recombinant DNA techniques etc.

3. List of significant publications

i) Prodhan Shamsul H. (1998). Argiculture and Agribusiness development in Bangladesh. In the
proceedings of International Seminar on Development of Agribusiness and its impact on
Agriclutural production in South East Asia. DABIA III, p 411-419, TUA, Tokyo Japan.

213
ii) Prodhan, Shamsul H., Nagamiya, K., Komamine, A. and Hirai, Y. (2001). Regeneration Response
of Indica and Japonica Rice in Different Media, Bangladesh Journal of Breeding and
Genetics ,14(2) :01-06.
iii) Prodhan, Shamsul H. and Hirai, Y. (2002). Growth Pattern and Yield Component Traits of
Bangladesh Rice Varieties with Good Grain Quality and Salinity Tolerance tested in Japan.
Jour. of Agri. Sci., Tokyo Univ. of Agric., 47 (2): 130-136, 2002
iv) Nagamiya, K., Nakao, K., Prodhan, Shamsul H., Motohashi, T., Morishima, H., Hirose, S.,
Ozawa,
K., Ohkawa, Y., Takabe, T., Takabe, T. and Komamine, A. (2003). Production of salt tolerant rice
by introduction of a gene encoding catalase, katE. In Plant Biotechnology 2002 and Beyond (Ed.
Vasil K.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, The Netherlands, 167-170.
v) Prodhan, Shamsul H., Komamine A., (2004). Recalcitrant Indica Rice Callus Initiation and
Regeneration Variability with the Effect of Plant Growth Regulators, Mol Biol Biotech J, 2 (1&2)
vi) Prodhan, Shamsul H., Mannan A., Komamine A., (2006). Expression of Reporter Genes in
Transformed Indica Rice Through Agrobacterium Mediated Method; Plant Tissue Culture &
Biotechnology. (Accepted)
vii) Prodhan, Shamsul H., Komamine A., Morishima H., (2006). Transformation of Aromatic Indica
Rice (Kataribhog) Through Genetic Engineering; Bangladesh Journal of Breeding and Genetics.
(Accepted, in press)
Manuscripts under review
i) Nagamiya, K., Nakao, K., Prodhan, Shamsul H., Shimura, K., Motohashi, T., Morishima, H.,
Hirose, S., Ozawa, K., Ohkawa, Y., Takabe, T., Takabe, T. and Komamine, A. Over expression
of catalase gene (katE) improved salt tolerance in rice. Plant Cell Report. (Submitted)
ii Jesmin, S., Maeda, S., Mowa, N C., Zaedi, S., Togashi, T., Prodhan, Shamsul H., Yamaguchi, T.,
Yoshioka, M., Sakuma, I., Gando, S., Miyauchi, T., (2007). Antagonism of Endothelin Action
Normalizes Altered levels of VEGF and its Signaling in the Brain of Stroke-prone Spontaneously
Hypertensive Rat. European Journal of Physiology.
Manuscripts in revision
i) Jesmin, S., Zaedi, S., Mowa, N. C., Togashi, T., Prodhan, Shamsul H., Shimojo, N., Iemitsu, M.,
Yamaguchi, N., Sakuma, I., Yamaguchi, N., Miyauchi, T., Hattori, Y., Maeda, S., (2007). VEGF
signaling is disrupted in the hearts of mice lacking estrogen receptor; Cardiovascular Research
(preferred journal to be submitted)
Manuscripts in preparation
i) Prodhan, Shamsul H., Nagamiya K., Jesmin S., Komamine A., Morishima H., (2007). Catalase
Gene (katE) Overxpression and Improved Salt Tolerance in Indica rice; Plant Science, (preferred
journal to be submitted).
ii) Prodhan, Shamsul H., Komamine A., Morishima H., Fujimura T., (2007). Development of
molecular markers for the construction of genome map in sweetpotato; Theory and Applied
Genetics, (preferred journal to be submitted)
iii) Prodhan Shamsul H., Nagamiya K., Jesmin S., Komamine A., Morishima H.,(2007). Improved
Salt Tolerance and morphological Variation in Transgenic Indica rice derived from E. coli;
African Journal of Biotechnology; (preferred journal to be submitted)
Presentations at Symposium or Meeting of academic society
i) Prodhan, Shamsul H. (1998). Argiculture and Agribusiness development in Bangladesh. Presented
at International Seminar on Development of Agribusiness and its impact on Agriclutural
production in South East Asia, held at Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan.
ii) Prodhan, Shamsul H., Komamine, A. and Hirai, Y., (2000). Differentiation of rice with special
reference of indica (IR-36) and Japonica (Nipponbare) rice response on different induction and
regeneration medium. In the proceedings of the 2000 Japan Korea Joint Symposium of plant
science, p172, held at July 22-24, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka Japan.
iii) Prodhan, Shamsul. H., Asada, M., Motohashi, T., Komamine, A. and Morishima, H., (2002).
Agrobacteriummediated transformation of Indica rice plants. Breeding Research, Vol. 4 (Special
issue 1):167, (101st Meeting of Japanese Society of Breeding), Tokyo, Japan.

214
 iv) Komamine, A., Nagamiya, K., Nakao K., Prodhan, Shamsul H., Motohashi, T., Ohkawa, Y.,
Hirose, S., Ozawa, K., Takabe, T. and Takabe, T. (2002). (Oral presentation by Komamine, A.)
Production of salt tolerant rice by introduction of a gene encoding catalase, katE.10th
International Association Plant Tissue Culture and biotechnology Congress, Orlando, Florida,
USA.
v) Prodhan, Shamsul H., Shishido, T., Asada, M., Motohashi, T., Komamine, A. and Morishima,
H. (2002). Production of salt tolerant Indica rice harboring katE gene through Agrobacterium
mediated transformation. Breeding Research, Vol. 4(Special issue 2): 198, (102nd Meeting of
Japanese Society of Breeding, Obihiro, Japan
vi) Prodhan, Shamsul H., Asada, M., Motohashi, T., Komamine, A. and Morishima, H., (2003).
Production of salt tolerant Indica rice harboring katE gene through genetic engineering, Oral
presentation in the seminar of Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute (BSRI), Ishurdi, Pabna,
Bangladesh.
4. Competitive Research Grants obtained (with project title)
In the year 2000, Studies on the tissue culture of Indica rice with special reference to good callus
induction and regeneration medium; Tokyo University of Agriculture, Japan
In the year 2003, Production of Salt Tolerant Indica Rice Harboring katE, a Gene Encoding
Catalase, Through Agrobacterium Mediated Transformation; Tokyo University of
Agriculture, Japan.
In the year 2004, Development of molecular marker and construction of genome map in sweetpotato
5. Size and qualifications of research team supervised
Three undergraduate students and one Masters students research were supervised partially with the
host professor
6. International collaborative research
Collaborative research with Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Science, Ami city, Ibaraki
prefecture, Japan

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh

1. I am not yet involved in any collaborative research in Bangladesh. But I visited several times in
Bangladesh Sugarcane Research Institute (BSRI) and Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI)
laboratory of Biotechnology. We had some discussions regarding the collaborative research with
Japan. My host professor (Dr. A. Komamine, Director of Research Institute of Evolutionary Biology
and Kihara Institute) has great will and desire to start the collaborative research with some institutions
of Bangladesh. I hope I shall be able to start the program in near future.
2. My last 9 years experience of research in Biotechnology, if I get opportunity in Bangladesh I shall try
to apply and teach the young scientists for the benefit of my country.
3. During my research period in Japan I had opportunity to work and teach with many Japanese and
other foreign students. From these experiences I hope I would be able to train Bangladeshi students
and researchers.
4. I am interested (on the basis of time schedule) to conduct and/ or participating in short term teaching
and training programmes in Bangladesh.
5. Bangladesh is my motherland and from my core of heart I have wish and desire to serve the country.
But all the people know the reality, to enter any person to any place/ institution how the authority
evaluate. Now, we hope the situation will be changed and in future according to merit basis all the
recruitment will be done and government will create more facilities with modern equipments and
institution.

215
 Poster presenters

Dr. Md. Ekramul Hoque

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title

Dr. Md. Ekramul Hoque
Ph.D in Molecular Genetics
Post-Doc. (Genetic Engineering), ICGEB
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Assistant Professor and Chairman
Dept. of Biotechnology
Sher-e-Bangla Agriculture University
Sher-e-Bangla Nagor, Dhaka-1207
Mobile : 01712-836595
Tel : 0088-02-9144270-8 ext-284
E-mail : dmehoquebd@yahoo.co.in
3. Immediate past position(s)
Senior Scientific Officer
Biotechnology Division
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI)
Gazipur-1701
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
Graduate degree
B. Sc. Ag (Hons.)
Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh
Post-graduate degree
MS (Genetics and Plant Breeding)
Institute of Post-graduate studies in Agriculture (IPSA)
Gazipur-1703
Training
Post-Doctoral training at
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
New Delhi, India
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
Not applicable
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies
Not Applicable
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
Research Advisory Positions
Research supervisor of following Department
Biotechnology
Biochemistry
Genetics and Plant Breeding
Horticulture
Journal Reviewers
International Journal of Sustainable Agricultural Technology (IJSAT), Dhaka.
Bangladesh Journal of Agricultural Research, BARI, Gazipur
Journal of Subtropical Agricultural Research and Development (JSARD), Dhaka.
Journal of Agricultural Education and Technology (JAET), SAU, Dhaka.
8. Membership of Institutional Committees
Not applicable
216
B. Research and Research Management Experience:
1. Major project area(s): with very brief description of current research
Project area(s)
DNA fingerprinting and molecular diversity analysis
Gene cloning, sequencing and expression
Morphological characterization of Agricultural crops.
All the above project were submitted in different government and international organization.
2. Area(s) of Expertise
Gene tagging and mapping
Marker Assisted Selection (MAS)
DNA fingerprinting and polymorphism study
Gene cloning, sequencing and expression
Protein purification and characterization
Plant Tissue Culture
3. Number of peer-reviewed publication
Full length paper- 15
Short communication- 1
Abstract- 3
4. List of 5 – 10 most significant publication
Hoque M.E., A. Bhowmik and M. Kalequzzaman. 1998. In vitro culture of pointed gourd
(Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.). Thai J. Agric. Sci. 31(3): 369-374.

Hoque M.E., S.K. Mishra and A. Sarkar, 2002. Inheritance and linkage relationship between
morphological and RAPD markers in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). India J. Genet., 62(1): 5-10.

Hoque M.E., S.K. Mishra., Yogesh Kumar., Rajesh Kumar and S.M.S. Tomar. 2002 Inheritance of
leaf colour and plant pubescence and their linkage in lentil (Lens culinaris (Medik.). Indian J. Genet.,
62(2): 140-142.

Hoque, M.E., M.T. Islam and M.A.K Main, 2002 Sex modification in pointed gourd (Trichosanthes
dioica Roxb.). Indian J. Hort., 59(1): 52-56.

Islam M.T., M.A.K. Mian. M.E. Hoque and M. A. Afzal. 1998. Inheritance of photoperiod sensitivity
in Mung bean (Vigna radiata L.Wilczek). Thai J. Agric. Sci., 31(2): 217-223.
Hoque, M. E., M. S. Hossain and S. K. Mishra. 2007. Digenic inheritance of cotyledon colour and its
epistatic interaction in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). Int. J. Sustain. Agril. Tech. 3(1): 07 – 11,
February, 2007. (An online journal of “g-science: Implementation and publication”)
Hoque M.E., S.K. Mishra., Y.Kumar, R.Kumar and S.M.S. Tomar. 2002. Inheritance and linkage of
flower colour , testa pattern and testa colour in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). Bangladesh J . Pt
Breed., 15(2):01-08.
Kumar, Yoges., S. P. Singh, S. K. Mishra, Shrinivas Giri and M. E. Hoque. 2005. Arrangement of
four genes in the linkages group I of lentil. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 30 (4): 615-621.
Abstract
Hoque, M.E., S.Sivakumer, Rajagopal R and R.K. Bhatnagar. 2004. Cloning and characterization of
prophenol oxidase activating enzyme. The 5th International Plant Tissue Culture & Biotechnology
Conference. Organised by Bangladesh Association or Plant Tissue Culture & Biotechnology
(BAPTC&B). December 4-6, 2004, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Hoque, M.E., M.T. Islam and M.A.K. Mian. 2001. Sex modification in pointed gourd
(Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.). Diamond Jubilee Symposium of the Indian Journal of Genetics and
Plant Breeding. Organised by The Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding, November 6-9,
2001, New Delhi, India.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)
Gene Bank Registration
(1) Cloning and sequencing of prophenol oxidase activating enzyme 1 (PPAE 1)
217
 in Spodoptera litura AY677081 (Available on 1st August, 2005)

(2) Cloning and sequencing of prophenol oxidase activating enzyme 3 (PPAE 3)

in Spodoptera litura AY677082 (Available on 1st August, 2005)
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained
Not applicable
7. Size and qualification of research team supervised
M.S Student from three Department
8. National and International Collaborations
National
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI)
Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI)
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahaman Agricultural University (BSMRAU)
Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU)
International
Trying to collaboration with
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Italy
International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Aleppo, Syria
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)
Biotechnology is a new Department at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka. At present only
the minor equipments are available. We are trying to establish a modern molecular biology lab.
Collaboration and donation is needed from different National and International Organization.

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientist)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information.
Not Applicable
2. How can you research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
Not Applicable
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Yes, I can provide research training to Bangladesh students and young researchers. But as a new
Department the infra-structure of my lab is not suitable. Need support for establishing molecular lab
at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University.
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh?
Yes, I am interested
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return?
Not applicable
6. Any other comments?
Not applicable

218
 Poster presenters

Halima Sadia Khan

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Halima Sadia Khan (Ph.D)

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details:
a. Current position and address: Lecturer of Biology, Al-Hajj Mockbul Hossain University
College, Kaderabad Housing, Mohammadpur, Dhaka-1207
b. Affiliation: Life member, Genetical Society of Bangladesh
c. Contact: E-mail: halima_cc@yahoo.com, neelakhan@gmail.com
Phone: 0152328633
3. Immediate past position(s): Not applicable
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: B.Sc., M.Sc. (Zoology, Sp. branch: Animal Genetics
and Breeding)
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research): Awarded fellowship under N.S.I.C.T.F program
during Ph.D
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies: Not applicable
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: Not applicable
8. Membership of Institutional Committees: Not applicable

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research:
Project area- Genetic manipulation of reproductive potential in the housefly Musca domestica L.
(Diptera:Muscidae); Description- Using gamma radiation doses of 0-10 Gy to pupal and adult
stadium, reproduction and survival parameters in the parents and subsequent progenies up to F3
generations of the common houseflies Musca domestica L. have been investigated. For the pupal
treatment, compared to the untreated controls, irradiations significantly reduced egg laying, increased
sterility and immature mortality, and diminished adult eclosion and female ratio in the treated lines.
Sterility reached 100% above 5 Gy levels except for the cross U×I that resulted in 55.2±21.3%
sterility at 6 Gy, while complete infecundity in all flies was induced by 10 Gy. Males were readily
radiosterilized than the females. Dose mortality (LD50) and sterility (SD50) responses of the test
insects were determined 53.03 Gy and 4.34 Gy, respectively. Otherwise in the adult treatment,
compared to the untreated controls, irradiations significantly increased at all the parameters with
oviposition in the treated lines. Sterility reached 100% above 8 Gy levels and males were also readily
radiosterilized than the females. LD50 and SD50 responses of the test insects were determined to be
10.04 Gy and 6.23 Gy, respectively. The findings of the investigation showed that gamma radiation
had also much effect on longevity and salivary gland size (decreased as the dose increased) of M.
domestica and showed maximum percentage of dominant lethal mutations than UV radiation. Results
are promising in connection with a sterile insect technique (SIT) for this pest species.
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Animal Genetics and Breeding [Title of Ph.D research: Genetic manipulation of
reproductive potential in the housefly Musca domestica L. (Diptera:Muscidae)]
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications: -------------
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications:
Published:
Islam, M. S. & Khan, H. S. 2000. Changes in reproductive attributes associated with
larval rearing density in the housefly, M. domestica L. Univ. J. Rajshahi Univ. 19: 61-66.

219
 Khan, H. S. & Islam, M. S. 2005. Effect of larval rearing density on the heritability of
reproductive potential in the housefly, Musca domestica L., Bangladesh j. genet.
biotechnol. 6 (1&2): 69-70.
Khan, H. S., Islam, M. S. & Salam, M. A. 2005. Gamma radiation-induced deformities in
the F1 progenies of housefly Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) Bangladesh j.
genet. biotechnol. 6 (1&2): 71-73.
Accepted:
Khan, H. S., Islam, M. S. & Salam, M. A. The effects of UV and gamma radiations on
adult recovery and adult mortality in Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae). J. Asiat.
Soc. Bangladesh (Serial No. S1143)
Islam, M. S. & Khan, H. S. Efficacy of gamma radiations against housefly (Musca
domestica L.) reproduction and survival I. Pupal treatment. J. Faculty of Bio. Sci.
Khan, H. S. & Islam, M. S. Efficacy of gamma radiations against housefly (Musca
domestica L.) reproduction and survival II. Adult treatment. J. Bio. Sci.
Submitted:
Khan, H. S., Salam, M. A. & Islam, M. S. The effects of radiations on dose-mortality and
dose-sterility responses in Musca domestica. Bangladesh J. Entomol.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): Not applicable
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: National Science and Information & Communication
Technology Fellowship
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: Not applicable
8. National and International Collaborations: Not applicable
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): Not
applicable

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information. Not applicable
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
The results of my research suggest that the reproductive attributes of the progeny of irradiated pupae
of M. domestica be affected by the gamma radiation in a proper manner and carry-over effects in
generation to generation. It could be said that the results of these efforts would be helpful to control of
this noxious species through Sterile Insect Release Method. We can also use this technique against
mosquito and any other pest species.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
Not applicable
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh? Yes
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return? Not applicable
6. Any other comments?
a. I think we will get a lot of information about current research on biotechnology in whole world
from this International Conference.
b. This conference will play an important role to create interaction among scientists, researchers and
others who think progress for our country and science.
c. We could exchange our views from several corners of bioscience
d. We could share our ideas in several ways to apply biotechnology in our country according to
proper manner
e. I think this conference will influential to develop of biotechnology in Bangladesh.

220
 Poster presenters

Imran Parvez
A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic title
Imran Parvez
Lecturer
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Lecturer
Department of Fisheries Biology & Genetics
Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University
Dinajpur-5200
Email: imran_bau2007@yahoo.com
Mobile: +8801713-163344
3. Immediate past position(s)
Student
M.S. in Biotechnology
Biotechnology Department
Bangladesh Agricultural University
Mymensingh-2202
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
Academic Career:
Name of Name of Board/ Year of Marks Division/
Examination Institution University Passing obtained Class
(%)
S.S.C. Ishwargong 1st
Bisweswari pilot Dhaka 1995 84.3%
high school. Division

H.S.C. Notre Dame 1st

Dhaka 1997 69.2%
College Division.
B.Sc. Bangladesh Bangladesh
Fisheries Agricultural Agricultural 2002(Held
(Hons.) University University 68.83% 1st Class.
in 2004)
Mymensingh Mymensingh.
Master of Bangladesh Bangladesh
Science in Agricultural Agricultural December GPA 3.791
Biotechnolog University University 2005 A grade
(out of 4)
y Mymensingh.
Mymensingh

Training:
No. Name of the Course Institute Duration
1. Training Course on Mymensingh Aquaculture and Extension 6 days
“Aquaculture and Project (MAEP), Mymensingh
Extension”
2. Training Course on Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute 6 days
Fisheries and Aquaculture (BFRI), Mymensingh
Research
3. Extension Field Trip Department of Agricultural Extension and 7 days
Education at Bhaluka, Mymensingh
221
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)
Fellowship of Bangladesh Agricultural University Research System under the supervision of Dr. Md.
Mukhlesur Rahman Khan, Head, Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh
Agricultural University
6. Elected Fellowships of Academics Junior scholarship (1992), S.S.C scholarship from Dhaka Board
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
None
8. Membership of Institutional Committees
Bangladesh Fisheries Research Forum (BFRF), Bangladesh (2006)

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research:
Research work to know the Effect of 17 α-methyl testosterone on growth and sex-ratio of common
carp, Cyprinus carpio var. communis were preliminary conducted and more research work relating to
this also going on for higher production of common carp. We know that in common carp production
there is the major problem that the early maturation of the female. This study is conducting due
overcome the problems of early maturation.
2. Number of peer-reviewed publications:
3. List of 5-10 most significant publications:
Full Length Paper
1) Parvez I., M.M.R.Khan, S.M.Zakiur Rahman and M .A.Alam. (2006). Present status and future
potential of the gene pool of local sarpunti, Puntius sarana (Hamilton), J of Bangladesh Agril.
Univ. 4(2): 319-324
2) Alam, M.A., I., Parvez and M.M.R.Khan. (2006). Effect of 17 α-methyl testosterone on growth
and sex-ratio of common carp, Cyprinus carpio var. communis (Linnaeus). J of Bangladesh Agril.
Univ. 4(2): 313-318
3) Parvez I. and M. M. R. Khan (2005). Effect of feed on larval rearing of endangered local sarpunti
(Puntius sarana, Hamilton) in laboratory condition. Bangladesh J. Fish, 29 (1&2): 63-68.
4) Khan M.M.R., M.S. Alam, S.M.Z. Rahman and I. Parvez (2003). Genetic variation of Tilapia
strains inferred by allozyme marker. Journal of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Journal,
1(1&2): 59-62.
Short Length Paper (Proceedings)
1) Noor, A.M., M.M.R. Khan, S.M.Z. Rahman and I. Parvez. 2006. Growth and morphological
comparison between local and Thai koi Anabas testudinius (Bloch) in Bangladesh. 2nd Fisheries
Conference and Research Fair 2006, BFRF, Abstracts. p 6.
2) Rahman, S.M.Z., M.M.R. Khan, M.S. Islam, I. Parvez and M.S. Alam. 2006. Genetic variation
study in wild and hatchery population of Catla catla (Ham.) using randomly amplified
polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. 2nd Fisheries Conference and Research Fair 2006, BFRF,
Abstracts. p 11-12.
3) Parvez, I., M.M.R. Khan and S.M.Z. Rahman. 2006. Study for conservation of endangered local
sarpunti Puntius sarana (Ham). 2nd Fisheries Conference and Research Fair 2006, BFRF,
Abstracts. p 13-14.
4) Khan, M. M. R. and I. Parvez (2005). Comparison of genetic variation of local sarpunti (Puntius
sarana) and Thai sarpunti (Barbodes gonionotus) using allozyme marker. Proceeding Bangladesh
Agricultural University Research Progress. Workshop held on dated 15-16 January 2005, Vol. 15.
pp 75.
222
4. Patents (PCT applications/granted): Fry rearing of endangered local sarpunti Puntius sarana in
laboratory condition, development of mono-sex male and sterile common carp production technology
to over come the problems of early maturation of the species
5. Competitive Research Grants obtained: None
6. National and International Collaborations: None
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: None
8. National and International Collaborations: None
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)
To conduct such type of study relating to fish genetic variation and selective breeding for the genetic
improvement of fish species specially the endangered one as far I know facilities are available in the
laboratory of Department of Fisheries Biology and Genetics and also the central laboratory of
Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

C. Capacity Development and Training Activities in Bangladesh:

(Information requested from Expatriate Scientists)-
1. Are you currently involved in any collaboration or capacity building activities in Bangladesh? If so,
please provide brief information. NO
2. How can your research, expertise and resources benefit Biotechnology research in Bangladesh?
So far, I have conducted research work as a young man; I think my research topic can benefit
biotechnology research by genetic improvement of fish species. This genetic improvement is
concerned with increasing the genetic variation of the species and by achieving the genetic variation
we can get individuals with higher genetic variability’s which ultimately increases the growth and
survival of the species. This genetic improvement can only be achieved first by collection of fish
species from different location, and then make their genetic evaluation as well as morphological
evaluation and then select the quality brood for production of spawn. And I think the spawn which
will produce by this method will perform higher growth and survival rate. Thus can enhance our fish
production and also can save our fish species to become extinct.
3. Can you provide research training to Bangladeshi students and young researchers in your laboratory?
No
4. Would you be interested in conducting and/or participating in short-term teaching and training
programmes in Bangladesh?
Yes I need training relating to biotechnology
5. Would you consider returning to Bangladesh or spending substantial time there? If so, what
conditions would induce you to return?
I need higher study like PhD but I must like to do research and teaching for my country Bangladesh.
6. Any other comments?
I am a lecturer from a newly established university. As a man of new university I have a appeal to all
that if there is any chance please try to help us for the development of Fisheries Biology and Genetic
Laboratory in my university.

223
 Poster presenters

Dr Mohammad Shoeb
A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title: Dr Mohammad Shoeb

2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details: Assistant Professor, Department of
Chemistry, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh, E-mail:shoeb712yahoo.com,
Phone:017151919188
3. Immediate past position(s)
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training: PhD in Natural Products Chemistry from the Robert
Gordon University, UK and MSc from University of Aberdeen, UK. MSc and BSC in Chemistry,
University of Dhaka.
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research): Young Chemist Travel Grant Award from
Phytochemical Society of Europe
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards
8. Membership of Institutional Committees:
Bangladesh Chemical Society, Phytochemical Society of Europe, Asian Network of Research on
Antidiabetic Plant materials (ANRAP), NITUB

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research: Natural Products Chemistry and
Environmental Chemistry
2. Area(s) of Expertise: Natural Products, Analytical Chemistry
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications:25
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: 10
8. National and International Collaborations:
National: with Department of Fisheries, Department of Environment, BIRDEM, Bangladesh
National Herbarium, BCSIR
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?): In Our
lab: HPLC, GC, GC-MS, Extraction and Chromatographic Techniques

224
 Poster presenters
Md. Rashedul Islam
A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic title
Md. Rashedul Islam, B.Sc. AH and MS in ABG (BAU)
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details
Scientific Officer (SO), Animal Division, National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB),
C/O Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE), EPZ, Savar, Dhaka-1349, Bangladesh
3. Immediate past position(s): Not applicable
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training
Graduate: Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry (B.Sc. AH)
Postgraduate: Master of Science in Animal Breeding and Genetics (MS in ABG)
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research): Not applicable
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies : Not applicable
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards: Not applicable
8. Membership of Institutional Committees
Member of GNOBB

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research
Reproductive Biotechnology, Mouse embryo culture
2. Area(s) of Expertise
Assisted reproductive technology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications
4. List of 5-10 most significant publications
Islam, M.R., Khandoker, M.A.M.Y., Afroz, S., Rahman, M.G.M. and Khan, R.I. 2005. Qualitative
and quantitative analysis of goat ovaries, follicles and oocytes in view of in vitro production of
embryos. MOL BIOL & BIOTECH J. 3 (1&2)
Islam, M.R., Khandoker, M.A.M.Y. and Afroz, S. 2005. In vitro maturation, fertilization and
subsequent development of goat oocytes. MOL BIOL & BIOTECH J. 3 (1&2)
Khandoker, M.A.M.Y., Ali, M.R., Islam, M.R., Rahman, M.G.M. and Talukder, M.A.S. 2005. In
vitro culture of mouse embryos. Progress. Agric. 16 (1): 121-128.
Talukder, M.A.S., Khandoker, M.A.M.Y., Rahman, M.G.M., Islam, M.R. and Khan, M.A.A. 2005.
Reproductive Problems of Cows at Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm and Possible
Remedies. Pakistan J. Biol. Sci. 8(11): 1561-1567.
Khandoker, M.A.M.Y., Ali, M.R., Islam, M.R., Rahman, M.G.M. and Talukder, M.A.S. 2005. In
vitro culture of mouse embryos. BAU Res. Prog. 16: 34. Proceedings of the workshop held in 29-30
November 2005.
Khandoker, M.A.M.Y. and Islam, M.R. 2005. In vitro culture of bovine embryos. BAU Res. Prog.
16: 34. Proceedings of the workshop held in 29-30 November 2005.
Khandoker, M.A.M.Y., Afroz, S., Islam, M. R. and Husain, S. S. 2006. Cryopreservation of Black
Bengal Buck Semen. P. 526. Proceedings of 12th aaap Animal Science Congress, held in september
18- 22, 2006 in Korea.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted): Not applicable
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained: Not applicable
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised: Not applicable
8. National and International Collaborations: Not applicable
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)

225
 Poster presenters
Md. Rashedul Kabir Mondol
A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title-

Md. Rashedul Kabir Mondol
Lecturer
2. Current position with affiliation, address and contact details-
Lecturer
Department of Fisheries
University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205
Phone: +88-0721-750041-4117 (Office)
Fax: +88-0721-750064
Mobile: 01716-446562
E-mail: rkmondol_ru@yahoo.com
3. Immediate past position(s)-
Research Fellow in the research project entitled “Comparative studies on genetic variability between
wild and hatchery stocks of catla (Catla catla Hamilton) by microsatellite marker and implication of
hatchery management practices on its pond performance” funded by SUFFER, Department For
International Development (DFID) from 1st February to 31st December 2004 in the Department of
Fisheries Biology and Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh.
4. Graduate and postgraduate degrees and training-
B. Sc, Fisheries (Honours), Bangladesh Agricultural University
M. S. in Fisheries Biology & Genetics, Bangladesh Agricultural University
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours (academic and research)-
Not Applicable
6. Elected Fellowships of Academies-
Not applicable
7. Research Advisory Positions/Journal Editorship/Directorship of Boards-
Not applicable
8. Membership of Institutional Committees-
Not applicable

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with very brief description of current research-
Not applicable
2. Area(s) of Expertise-
Not applicable
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications-
Not Applicable
4. List of 5-10 most significant publication-
Not Applicable
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted)-
Not Applicable
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained-
Not Applicable
7. Size and qualifications of research team supervised-
Not Applicable
8. National and International Collaborations-
Not Applicable
9. Major Equipment/Facilities in Bangladesh (will these be available to other researchers?)-
Not applicable
226
 Poster presenters

Mr. Md. Sazzadur Rahman

A. Biosketch of Participants:

1. Name with academic title Mr. Md. Sazzadur Rahman

1. Current position with Scientific Officer, Molecular Plant Physiology (Stress

affiliation, address and Physiology), Plant Physiology Division, Bangladesh Rice
contact details Research Institute (BRRI), Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh.
9. Immediate past Not applicable
position(s)
2. Graduate and Education:
postgraduate degrees and M.S. in Crop Botany (Appeared)
training B.Sc. in Agriculture (1st class and placed 10th in merit)
Training:
1. Introductory Course in Molecular Biology, Held at BRRI,
Gazipur, 1-5 March 2003.
2. Hybrid Rice Seed production Technology, Held at IRRI, Los
Banos, Philippines, 29 March to 7 April 2004.
3. Foundation Training Course for NARS scientist, Held at
BARD, Comilla, 28th February 2005 to 26th June 2005.
4. Rice Production, Communication and Office Management,
Held at BRRI, Gazipur, 21 December 2003 to 18 February
2004
3. Prizes/Awards/Honours Karim memorial trust prize for best student at the Department of
(academic and research) Agricultural Chemistry in the year 2001 (BAU, Mymensingh).

DG’s award 2005 for getting first position at the Foundation

Training Course for NARS scientist (12th batch, BARD,
Comilla).
4. Elected Fellowships of 1. NST fellow in 2001.
Academies 2. Outreach Research fellow 2006.
5. Research Advisory Not applicable
Positions/Journal
Editorship/Directorship
of Boards
6. Membership of Office Secretary of the BRRI Scientist Association (BRRISA)
Institutional Committees

B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); “Marker Assisted Backcrossing for salinity tolerance of
with very brief rice” which is under the project of Generation Challenge
description of current Program (GCP).
research
2. Area(s) of Expertise Stress Physiology of rice and Physiology of rice plant
nutrition.

227
3. Number of peer- Not applicable.
reviewed publications
4. List of 5-10 most a. Mahbub, A.A., Sazzadur Rahman, M. Khanam, M.
significant publications and Gomosta, A.R. 2005. Development of Preharvest
sprouting tolerance screening technique in rice. IRRN
30(1):50-51.
b. Mahbub, A.A., Khanam, M., Rahman, M.S., Hossain,
M.A. and Gomosta, A.R. 2006. Determination of
lodging characters of some BRRI recommended rice
varieties at three nitrogen levels during wet season in
Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Bot. 35(2):117-124.
c. Rahman, M.S., Khanam, M., Mahbub, A.A., Gomosta,
A.R. and Islam, M.S. 2007. Effects of a growth
retardant Multi-Effects-Triazole (MET) on lodging of
BRRI dhan32. IJBR-35 (Press).
d. Rahman, M.S., Khanam, M., Rashid Sorker,
A.S.M.H., Aurangozeb, M.K. and Islam, M.S. 2007.
Effect of Multi-Effect Triazole (MET) on the growth
and yield of BRRI dhan32. IJBR-41 (Press).
e. Khanam, M., Rahman, M.S., Mahbub, A.A., Yeasa,
M. and Gomosta, A.R. 2007. Growth efficiency of
rice. Bangladesh J. Bot. 36 (press).
5. Patents (PCT Not applicable.
applications/granted)
6. Competitive Research Not applicable.
Grants obtained
7. Size and qualifications Not applicable.
of research team
supervised
8. National and Not applicable.
International
Collaborations
9. Major Not applicable.
Equipment/Facilities in
Bangladesh (will these
be available to other
researchers?)

228
 Poster presenters

Dr. S. M. Shahinul Islam

A. Biosketch of Participants:
1. Name with academic Dr. S. M. Shahinul Islam
title
2. Current position with Assistant Professor, Plant Biotechnology Lab., Institute of
affiliation, address and Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi-6205,
contact details: Bangladesh
3. Immediate past Assistant Director (Research Section), BOU
position(s)
4. Graduate and Graduate: B. Sc (Hons) Botany
Postgraduate degrees
Postgraduate: M. Sc (Botany), Ph.D (Plant Biotechnology),
and training
Post-doctorate (Genetic Engineering)
Training:
Plant/Microarray Hybridization Workshop (July 11, 2005 -
July 15, 2005) .Organized by The Institute of Genomic
Research (TIGR), Rockville, MD, USA.
Concepts and Techniques in Plant Cell and Molecular
Biology. Organized by Friedrich Miescher Institute (FMI),
Basel, Switzerland (October 14-25, 1996).
5. Prizes/Awards/Honours i) Awarded the Swiss Federal Commission of Scholarships for
(academic Foreign Students (ESKAS, Bern) for Two years (15th July
1995 – 25th July 1997) and then Four months 15th March – 15th
and research)
July 1999 (Switzerland).
ii) Awarded The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
(JSPS) Fellowship for Postdoctoral research in Japan (October
2003 to October 2005- Two years).
iii) Fellowship awarded by the Ministry of Science and
Technology (NST), Govt. of Bangladesh, Bangladesh for post-
graduate research (2000).
6. Elected Fellowships of Not applicable
Academics
7. Research Advisory Not applicable
Positions/Journal
Editorship/Directorship
of Boards
8. Membership of American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB)- Member
Institutional Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and
Committees Agrochemistry (JSBBA)- Member
Bangladesh Association of Plant Tissue Culture and
Biotechnology (BAPTC& B)- Life Member
Bangladesh Botanical Society-Life Member

229
B. Research and Research Management Experience:

1. Major project area(s); with brief Not applicable

description of current research
2. Area(s) of Expertise Plant Biotechnology
3. Number of peer-reviewed publications Not applicable
4.
5. Patents (PCT applications/granted) Not applicable
6. Competitive Research Grants obtained Not applicable
7. Size and qualifications of research team Not applicable
supervised
8. National and International Collaborations Not yet
9. Major Equipments/Facilities in PCR Machine, Horizontal and vertical gel
Bangladesh (will these be available to electrophoresis, Florescence Microscope,
other researchers?) Microtome Machine, Laminar Air Flow,
Ultrasonic Cell Disintrigator, Rotary Vacuum
evaporator, etc.

230
 Conference

Committees

Professor Dr. S.M.A. Faiz, duregstr@bangla.net

Chief Patrons
VC, Dhaka University (DU)

Professor Dr. J. R. Choudhury vc@bracuniversity.net

VC, BRAC University

Patrons Professor Dr. Yusuf Haider provc@univdhaka.edu

ProVC, Dhaka University

Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed salehuddin@bracuniversity.ac.bd

ProVC, BRAC University

Advisors Mr. M. Syeduzzaman ashraf_ba2002@yahoo.com

Chairman. Bank Asia and BRF

231
 Dr. A. A. Azad a_azad05@yahoo.com.au
TWAS Fellow & Research Professor

Prof. Dr. M. Abdul Aziz mbiobaec@bdcom.com

Project Director, NIB

Dr. Abed Chaudhury abdul.chaudhury@csiro.au

CSIRO, Australia

Steering Committee

Convener Prof. Dr. A. S. Islam aislam24@yahoo.com

Scientist, UT and GNOBB moderator

Member Secretary Prof. Dr. N. Choudhury naiyyum@gmail.com

Sec. BAS & Coordtr Biotech, BU

Members Mr. Tapan Choudhury tapan@squaregroup.com

Managing Director
Square Pharmaceuticals

Prof. Harun Yusuf hkmyusuf2003@yahoo.com

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dhaka University
President, Bangladesh Biochemical.Society

Prof. Mustafizur Rahman m22_rahman@yahoo.com

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology,
Dhaka University

Professor Dr. Saleheen Qadri ssqadri@gmail.com

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology,
Dhaka University
VP, Bangladesh Biochemical Society
Prof. Khairul Bashar, SKBASHAR@northsouth.edu
Pro VC, North South University

Prof. Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed z-ahmed@bdcom.com

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology,
Jahangir Nagar University

Dr. M.A. Hossain hossain.50@gmail.com

Prof. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dean, Biological Science Faculty

232
 Dhaka University

Dr. S. M. Faruque faruque@icddrb.org

Scientist,
Molecular Genetics, ICDDR,B

Prof. Dr. M.A. Rashid rashidma@aitlbd.net

Dean, Pharmacy, Dhaka University

Prof. Dr. Serajul Islam sikhan119@yahoo.com

VC , Jagannath University

Prof. Bahadur Meah bmeah@yahoo.com

Plant Pathology,
Bangladesh Agricultural University

Prof. M. Rahmatullah rahamatm@hotmail.com

Dean Life Science.
University of Development Alternative

Mr. Abdul Muktadir muk@inceptapharma.com

MD, Incepta Pharmaceuticals

Ashfaque Hossain ashfaquehossain@yahoo.com

U.S.A

Dr. Liaquat Ali lali@dab-bd.org

Prof. Biochemistry & Cell Biology.,
BIRDEM, Dhaka

Prof. Dr. S.K. Bhadra skbhadrabd@yahoo.com

Botany, Chittagong University

Dr. Khan Shahidul Haque khan05@bdonline.com

Chief Scientific Officer, BLRI

Dr. Sayedul Islam sayedmsi@yahoo.com

Prof. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology,
Dhaka University
Dr. Sharif Akhteruzzaman, sharif.akhteruzzaman@gmail.com
DNA profiling Laboratory.,
Dhaka Medical College Hospital

Ex-Officio members Advisors, Member-secretaries of OC, convener and co-convener of OC

Financial Committee
233
Convener Professor Dr. Saleheen Qadri ssqadri@gmail.com
Director, Center of Excellence,
Dhaka University

Dr. Zakir H. Howlader hhzakir@yahoo.com

Member-Secretary
Biochemistry and Molecular biology, DU

Members Dr. Sultanul Aziz azizkms@gmail.com

former Associate. Director, ICDDR,B

Dr. Jalaluddin Bhuiyan jbhuiyan@kfshrc.edu.sa

King Faisal Hosp and Res.

Mr. Abdul Muktadir muk@inceptapharma.com

MD, Incepta Pharmaceuticals

Mr. Muhammadul Haque mhaque@squaregroup.com

Director Marketing

Mr. Rafiqul Islam rislam.dms@acmeglobal.com

Marketing Dir., ACME Pharma

Dr. Abdur Razzaque razzaque002@yahoo.com

Member Crop
BARC

Dr. Abul Kalam Azad profakazad@btsnet.net

Professor, Biochemistry, NICD

Mr. Munir Hasan munirhasan@pmo.gov.bd

Natl. P. Coortr., ICT Capacity of PMO

Dr. Samir Saha sksaha@bangla.net

Prof. and Sr. consultant, Dhaka Shishu Hosp.
Dr. Mozammel Hoq mhoq@univdhaka.edu
Professor, Micrbiology, Dhaka University

Ms. Momtaz Faruki momtazchowdhury@hotmail.com

Free-lance Conlt Agri. Persps.

Dr. Nasiruddin nasirbiotech@yahoo.com

Bangladesh Agriculture
University , Mymensingh
Dr. Mamun Ahmed cvdrcpb@hotmail.com
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dhaka University

234
 Dr. Emran K. Choudhury emrankc@yahoo.com
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dhaka University

Ex-officio members Advisors, Convener, Co-conveners and member secretaries, OC and SC.

Scientific Committee

Convener Dr. Firdausi Qadri, fqadri@icddrb.org

Senior. Scientist and Head,
Immunology, ICDDR,B

Dr. Mohammad Arif, marif567@yahoo.com

Member-Secretary
Biochemistry & Molecular
Biology, Dhaka University.

Members Professor Dr. Rafiqur Rahman rrahman629@yahoo.com

Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology, Dhaka University.

Prof. Dr. Laila N. Islam lailanislam@yahoo.com

Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology, Dhaka University.

Dr. Matiur Rahman mrahman@icddrb.org

ICDDR,B

Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq Mahmud ishtiaq51@yahoo.com

Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology, Dhaka University..
Prof. Dr. Mamum R. Choudhury
Biochemistry and Molecular
Biology, Dhaka University.

Dr. Ahmed Ashraf syed.a.ahmed@us.army.mil

Dr USAMRIID

Dr. Nur e Kamal

nurekamal@yahoo.com
Dr. Abu Siddique
abu_siddique@merck.com
Dr. Lamia Sharmeen lamia.sharmeen@att.net

Dr. ATM Shamsul Hoque atmshoque1@yahoo.com

Sc.D., Sanofi Aventis

Prof. Dr. C. Rafiqul Ahsan crahsan@yahoo.com

Microbiology, Dhaka University.

235
 Dr. Parvez Haris pharis@dmu.ac.uk

Dr. Hemayet Ullah hullah@howard.edu

Dr. Abul Ekramuddoullah aekramoddoullah@pfc.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca

Dr. Kamal Choudhury kamalc54@yahoo.com

Dr. Zaheed Hosain husain@cbrinstitute.org

Dr. Zahid Hossain zahidhossain@yahoo.com

Dr. Mir Firoz Ahmad mirahmad@hotmail.com

Dr. Reza Haque RHaque@cpcus.jnj.com

Dr. Abidur Rahman abidur@iwate-u.ac.jp

Prof. Dr. Anwar Hossain anwarhossain@hotmail.com

Microbiology, Dhaka University.

Prof. Dr. Apala F. Naved apala@accesstel.net

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, DU
Prof. Dr. Aftab Uddin, aftabu@univdhaka.edu
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, DU

Dr. Jesmin mailjesmin@yahoo.com

Genetic Engineering and
Biotechnology, Dhaka University.

Ex-officio members Advisors, Convener, Co-conveners and member secretaries, OC and SC

Organizing Committee

Convener Prof. Dr. Yusuf Haider provc@univdhaka.edu

ProVC, Dhaka University

Co-Convener Professor Dr. Saleheen Qadri ssqadri@gmail.com

Director, Center of Excellence
Dhaka University

Member-secretaries Dr. Zeba I. Seraj zseraj@citech-bd.com

Prof. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dhaka University

Dr. Haseena Khan haseena@bangla.net

236
 Prof. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dhaka University

Members: Mr. Rafiqul Islam rislam.dms@acmeglobal.com

Marketing Dir., ACME Pharma

Dr. Abdur Razzaque marazzaque@barcbgd.org

Member Crop,
BARC

Dr. Mozammel Hoq mhoq@univdhaka.edu

Prof. Micrbiology
Dhaka University

Dr. S. M. Faruque faruque@icddrb.org

Scientist, Molecular Genetics
ICDDR,B

Dr. R. H. Sarker rhsarker2000@yahoo.co.uk

Prof, Botany
Dhaka University

Dr. Imdadul Hoque mimdadul@yahoo.co.uk

Prof, Botany
Dhaka University

Dr. Raihan Ali raihanmd@khulna.bangla.net

Head, Biotechnology discipline,
Khulna University

Dr. Yousuf Islam yislam@bracuniversity.net

Prof. CS & Res. Director,
BRAC University

Dr. M. Shahjahan mohd_shahjahan@yahoo.com

Prof. Biochemistry
Rajshahi University

Dr. Samir Saha sksaha@bangla.net

Prof. and Senior. consultant,
Dhaka Shishu Hospital.

Mr. Abdul Muktadir muk@inceptapharma.com

MD, Incepta Pharmaceuticals

Mr. Muhammadul Haque mhaque@squaregroup.com

Director Marketing

237
 Dr. Abul Kalam Azad profakazad@btsnet.net
Prof, Biochemistry, NICD

Mr. Munir Hasan munirhasan@pmo.gov.bd

Natl. P. Coortr., ICT Capacity of PMO

Dr. A. A. Akhand akhand66@yahoo.com

Chairman, Genetic Engineering &
Biotechnology , Dhaka University

Dr. Nurun Nahar nngazi@univdhaka.edu

Scientist, DNA laboratory,
Center of Excellence, Dhaka University

Dr. Aparna Islam aparnai20@yahoo.com

Assistant Professor, MS, Biotechnology
BRAC University

Mr. Mustak Ibn Ayub clingb@gmail.com

Representative Young BB group

Ex-Officio members Advisors, convener and member secretary, SC

Organizing Assistants
Conference Secretariat

Shamim Reza Nazlee Sharmin

MS, Genetic Engineering and
MS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biotechnology
Lisa Perveen Miraj Kobad Choudhury
MS, Genetic Engineering and
MS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biotechnology

Richard Malo S.M. Mahbubur Rashid

238
 4th year, Genetic Engineering and
MS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biotechnology

Shakhinul Islam Mondol Md. Mehedi Hasan

4th year, Genetic Engineering and
MS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biotechnology

Sharmin Jahan Salim Ahmed

4th year, Genetic Engineering and
MS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biotechnology

Waise Quarni
Rejbana Alam
4th year, Genetic Engineering and
MS. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biotechnology

Sarmah Bin Nayeem

Sabrina Moriom Elias
4th year, Genetic Engineering and
4th year, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biotechnology

Sadia Nawraz Khan Tanzila Mahzabin

4th year, Genetic Engineering and 4th year, Genetic Engineering and
Biotechnology Biotechnology

Mustak Ibn Ayub Nusrat Sharmeen

4th year, Genetic Engineering and 3rd year, Genetic Engineering and
Biotechnology Biotechnology

INDEX
A Hoque , 57 Abdul Quyyum Khan, 82 Apala Farhat Naved, 44
A K Mattoo, 92 Abdullah Al Mueen, 52 Aparna Islam , 37
A. A. Chowdhury, 42 Abed Chaudhury , 133 Aryati, 97
A. H. Khan , 48, 97 Abul K M Ekramoddoullah, 28 B. C. Sarker, 33
A. Hoque, 58 Ahmad Humayan Kabir , 83 B.B. Roy , 56
A. Jittmittraphap, 97 Ahmad S. Islam , 84 B.C.Y. Collard, 40
A. K. Azad Chowdhury , Ahmed A Azad, 19 Bo L Lonnerdal., 46
22,81,129,137 Akihiro Takeuchi, 26 Chieko Wada, 51
A. K. Azad Khan, 125 Alam Nur-E-Kamal , 20 D. A. N. Majumder, 33
A. K. M. Shahidur Rahman, 22 Aleya Awal, 27 D.L. Adorada, 40
A. Komamine , 41 Ali Azam Talukder , 85 David Sack., 45
A. Siddika , 136 Aliya Ferdousi, 131 Dinesh Mondal, 45
A. Tanaka A H Ide, 50 And J.F. Prescott , 124 Dominique Bataille, 114
A.F.M. Jamal Uddin, 38 Anne-Dominique Lajoix, 114 Dr. A. K. Azad, 66
A.K.M. Shahidur Rahman , 81 Anwarul Azim Akhand, 47 Dr. Anwar Nasim, 62
A.K.Saha, 54 Anwarul karim, 45 Dr. Jalaluddin Bhuiyan, 67
239
Dr. Liaquat Ali , 71 L. Ali, 125,130 Maki Maeda, 51
Dr. Md. Abdur Razzaque, 68 L. Hassan, 40 MB. Ahmed, 58
Dr. Md. Mukhlesur Rahman Laisa Ahmed Lisa, 93 Md Abdul Khaleque , 96
Khan, 55 Lamia Sharmeen, 21 Md Maksudul Alam, 121
Dr. Sharif Akhteruzzaman, 70 Liaquat Ali, 114 Md. Asaduzzaman, 98
Dung Lenguyen, 114 Lisa Parvin, 134 Md. Ashraful Islam Bhuiya , 99
E H Emran, 126 Lutful Hassan , 36 Md. Azizur Rahman , 100
E. J. Garvey, 104,35,105 Lutfur Rahman, 34,95,119,122 Md. Belal Hossain, 102
E. Tumimbang-Raiz, 40 M A Hasanat, 94 Md. Ekramul Hoque , 103
E.H.M.S. Rahaman, 105 M. A. Sattar 106 Md. Golam Rabbani , 104
Eiichi Tamiya, 26 M. A. Hossain, 113 Md. Harun-or Rashid, 106
El Habib Hani., 114 M. A. Kabir, 33 Md. Israque Hossain Ansari ,
M. A. Maya, 104 107
Eric Vives, 114
M. A. Mazid, 42,72 Md. Jamal Uddin, 108
F. Hasebe , 48
M. A. Rahim, 33 Md. Maksudul Alam , 52
F. Islam, 33
M. A. Rahman , 35 Md. Mukhlesur Rahman Khan ,
F. Okamoto, 91
87
Fahima Chowdhury, 45 M. A. Rashid, 42,72
Md. Munan Shaik , 111
Farzana Marni, 137 M. Alimul Islam S. Inoue, 97 Md. Munan Shaik , 112
Fumio Arisaka , 139 M. Anwar Hossain, 26 Md. Nazim-ud-Dowla , 34
G. A. Hitman , 125 M. Asaduzzaman, 22 Md. Omar Faruque , 114
G.B Gregorio, 39,40 M. Azizur Rahman, 109 Md. Omar Faruque, 115
Gary Adams, 49 M. Bahadur Meah , 101 Md. Rashedul Islam, 117
Gazi Nurun Nahar, 133 M. C. Parquet , 48 Md. Rashedul Kabir Mondol,
Golam Hasan Rabbani, 22,137 M. Firoz Alam, 31 118
H Islam , 126 M. Goto , 91 Md. Rezwan Molla , 122
H. Hashimoto, 91 M. Hossain, 57,58 Md. Rezwan Molla, 119
H. Morishima., 41 M. I. Hawa, 125 Md. Rezwan Molla, 95
H. R. M. Masud Anwar, 33 M. I. Hoque, 30 Md. Saidur Rahman, 52
Habibul Bari Sozib, 131 Md. Samsul Alam , 119
M. Jisaka, 42
Halima Sadia Khan , 86 Md. Samsul Alam , 95
M. Khalekuzzaman, 31
Haseena Khan, 27 Md. Samsul Alam, 118
M. M. Islam, 136 Md. Sazzadur Rahman , 120
Hirotada Mori, 51 M. Mahfuzur Rahman , 109 Md. Shahidul Islam , 118
Hosne Ara Ali , 81 M. Moshiuzzaman , 123 Md. Shakhinur Islam, 121
Imran Parvez, 87 M. N. Anwar, 113 Md. Shamsuzzoha Bayzid, 52
Izumi Nakashima, 47 M. N. Sultana, 108 Md. Shawkat Ali , 137
J. Matthew Taliaferro, 84 M. O. Faruque, 125 Md. Shefatur Rahman, 119
J.P.W. Young , 106 M. R. Haque, 72 Md. Shefatur Rahman, 122
J.W. Choi and K.S. Ryu , 102 M. R. Hassan, 108 Md. Shefatur Rahman, 34
Jalaluddin Bhuiyan , 88 M. S. Alam, 33 Md. Shefatur Rahman, 95
Jan Andersson, 45 M. S. Bari, 33 Md. Shoeb, 123
Jesmin , 89 M. S. Rahman, 72 Md. Tanvir Rahman, 124
K Farhana, 126 M. Sawkat Ali, 81 Md. Zahid Hassan , 125
K H M Nazmul Hussain Nazir, M. Senda, 38 Mehmet Ozturk, 63
91 M. U. Ahmed , 48
K Hoshinoo, 50 MK Biswas, 57
M.A. Alim , 115
K. Azad, 125 M.A. Azam , 82 MK. Biswas , 58
K. B. Biswas, 125 Mohamad W. Wazni, 84
M.A. Islam, 40,48
K. Furukawa, 91 M.A.I. Talukder; , 56 Mohammad Arifuzzaman, 51
K. Kageyama, 38 M.A.M.Y. Khandoker , 117 Mohammad Bakhtiar Hossain,
K. Morita , 48,97 M.A.Mannan , 54 46
K. Nagamiya, 41 M.A.N.Nazim-Ud-Dowla, 95 Mohammad Nazrul Islam, 119
K. Nakao, 41 M.G. Rabbani, 35,105 Mohammad Nazrul Islam, 34
K. Nishimura, 42 M.K. Mahanta , 54 Mohammad Nazrul Islam, 95
K. S. Huque , 53 M.M. Islam , 39,82 Mohammad Shawkat Ali, 22
K. Sathasivan, 84 M.R. Anower , 116 Monira Obaid, 27
K. T. Osman , 113 M.R. Islam, 40 Mr.Michael Behan, 69
K. Yokota, 42 M.S. Haque, 82 N Islam, 126
K.M. Hossain , 56 M.S.Alam , 34 N Nahar, 57
Kagan Kerman, 26 M.S.R. Khan, 50 N. A. Chowdhury , 48
Kaisar Ali Talukder, 22,98 M.Shah-e-Alam, 34 N. Begum , 48
Kazi Asraful Alam , 90 Mafizul Islam , 110 N. Nahar, 123
Khaled Hossain , 47 Mahbubur Rahman , 22,129 N. Talemaitoga, 97
KM Nasiruddin, 92 Mahzabin Amin, 132 N.Naher, 33

240
Nadim Ashraf , 49 Rejbana Alam, 131 Sharmin Jahan, 134
Nadim Ashraf, 27 Rezwan Mollah, 34 Sheikh Zahir Raihan, 137
Nadira Islam , 127 Richard Malo, 132 Sheikh Zahir Raihan, 22
Nahid Akhter, 22 Rintarou Saito, 51 Shigehiko Kanaya, 51
Naoki Nagatani, 26 Rokeya Begum, 133 Shuji Kanamaru, 139
Nasrin Sultana, 53 Rokeya Sultana, 27 Soheli Sattar , 138
Nazlee Sharmin, 121 Rubhana Raqib, 45 Stephen Luby, 45
Nesar Uddin Ahmed, 34 Rumana Sultana Tammi, 134 Subodh Kumar Sarkar, 139
Nilufar Yasmin Shaikh , 128 S K Sopory , 92 Suhaila Rahman, 131
Nishat Nasreen, 22 S. Afroz, 117 Sultan Ahmed, 45
Nishat Nasrin , 129 S. Basak , 108 Swapan K. Datta , 31
Noorain Munim Rasul, 134 S. Bipolo , 48 T. Futagami, 91
Philippe Herve, 31 S. Inoue , 48 T. Motohashi, 41
Pierre Petit, 114 S. Islam, 130 T. Nabeshima, 97
Prof Asma Ismail, 64 S. Jesmin, 41 T. Nagaya, 42
Prof. A. K. Azad Chowdhury , S. M. Shahinul Islam et al , 135 Taher Uddin , 140
98 S. Mahfuja Khatun, 31 Taiji Adachi, 128
Prof. Ahmed A. Azad, 65 S. N. Begum, 136 Takao Kondo, 85
Prof. Virander Singh Chauhan, S. Sultana, 136 Tasnim Azim , 141
61 S. Uematsu, 38 Tatsuro Endo, 26
R Begum, 92 S.A. Aziz, 115 Teruko Yuhi, 26
R Islam, 57 S.K. Talukder, 36 U.K. Roy, 57
R. D. G. Leslie, 125 S.N. Begum, 82 V. S. Reddy, 37
R. H. Sarker, 30 Saaimatul Hoque, 27 V.M. Nicholson, 124
R. Islam, 125 Salil Kumar Bhowmik , 136 Y Hanafusa , 50
R. Islam, 58 Samir K. Saha, 73 Y Tagawa2, 50
R. Karim, 130 Samiul Haque, 27 Y. Jin, 97
R. Karim, 57 Sanaul Bashar, 45 Y. Suzuki , 48
R. M. Emon, 136 Sayeda Sulata, 34 Yuzuru Takamura , 26
R.D. Mendoza, 40 Sazzadur Rahman , 131 Zeba I Seraj , 2s9,93 ,131, 132, 134
R.M. Emon, 82 Sazzadur Rahman, 93
Rahelee Zinat, 130 Shahani Noor, 89
Rakibul Islam, 132 Shakinur Islam Mondal , 27
Rashidul Haque, 43 Shamsul H. Prodhan, 41
Rehana Hashem , 30 Shannon L Kelleher, 46

241