RESEARCH AND EXTENSION

X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism (XDP) or Lubag is a debilitatingly severe neurodegenerative disease that affects males with maternal ancestry tracing back to the Panay region of the Philippines. The characterization of the genetic prevalence of the causative gene will provide a better understanding of the burden of disease in the Philippines and help decision makers to determine where investments in health care should be targeted for this uniquely Filipino disease.

This project aims to use randomly selected biobanked de-identified residual dried blood spots (DBS) from the Philippine Newborn Screening Program which will provide a nearly complete representation of the population. An initial 100,000 filter cards will be processed using a rapid-detection assay developed at the Massachusetts General Hospital, which employs semi-automated technology. The output generated from this project may serve as reference for further research, clinical guidelines, and public health policymaking. More importantly, a similar workflow for the study of other diseases common to the Filipino population may be developed, tested, and validated in the future. The project also aims to involve and train graduate students in the implementation of the project, to add to the country’s experts in OMIC applications in health research.

Investigating the Epidemiology of X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP)
Project Leader: Dr. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-de la Paz | Co-Project Leader: Dr. Ian Tabios
Duration: 03/01/2022 to 02/28/2024 | Funding Agency: DOST-PCHRD

Demonstrating the Genotyping Applications in Health of Residual Dried Blood Spots (rDBS) Collected by the Philippine Newborn Screening Program using X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism (XDP) as Disease Model
Project Leader: Dr. Ian Tabios | Co-Project Leader: Dr. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-de la Paz
Duration: 01/1/2023 to 12/31/2023 | Funding Agency: NSRI

UP Training Assistance Program to DOH and RITM Phase 3 (UP TRAINS 3)
Project Leader: Dr. Eva Maria C. Cutiongco-de la Paz | Co-Project Leader: Dr. Ian Tabios
Duration: 08/15/2022 to 6/15/2023 | Funding Agency: DOH

Development of  Novel Detection Tools for the Integrated Surveillance and Monitoring of Helminthic NTDs of Potential International Spread Between the Philippines and China
Project Leader: Dr. Ian Fontanilla | Project Staff: Dr. Ian Tabios, Raffy Fornillos
Duration: 06/01/2021 to 05/31/2023 | Funding Agency: DOST-MOST

Identification of high-risk areas for Taenia solium active transmission in the Philippines
Project Leader: Dr. Ian Fontanilla | Project Staff: Dr. Ian Tabios, Raffy Fornillos
Duration: 06/01/2021 to 05/01/2023 | Funding Agency: WHO WPRO

An integrative diagnostic approach in detecting human and animal schistosomiasis in situations of varying levels of prevalence in the Philippines
Project Leader: Raffy Fornillos | Project Staff: Dr. Ian Tabios
Duration: 07/01/2021 to 12/31/2022 | Funding Agency: WHO TDR

Seroprevalence of Human Adenovirus 5 Neutralizing Antibodies in an Adult Population from Urban Philippines
Project Leader: Dr. Sheriah Laine M. de Paz-Silava | Project Staff: Dr. Ian Tabios
Duration: 02/01/2021 to 12/31/2022 | Funding Agency: DOST-PCHRD