MMSU adds first microbial genomes to global scientific databases
By Jareason Fabre
Researchers of the Center for Cellular and Molecular Medical Research (CMED) reached a milestone in March by adding MMSUβs first microbial genome sequences to global scientific databases.
CMED Chief Peter James Icalia-Gann and team published two probiotic genome studies in the international journal Microbiology Resource Announcements, released by the American Society for Microbiology.
The studies focus on two possible probiotic bacteria taken from the nipa palm (ππΊπ±π’ π§π³πΆπ΅πͺπ€π’π―π΄), a plant commonly found in Philippine coastal areas.
βThese publications are among the first microbial genome sequences of MMSU to be included in global genomic databases,β said Dr. Gann. He added that these publications will help expand knowledge and enrich international research on microbiology and bioinformatics.
The published studies describe two bacterial strains: ππ¦π―π΅πͺππ’π€π΅π°π£π’π€πͺπππΆπ΄ π©πͺππ¨π’π³π₯πͺπͺ S5, collected from nipa palm in Pangasinan, and ππ’π€π΅πͺπ€π’π΄π¦πͺπ£π’π€πͺπππΆπ΄ π±π’π³π’π€π’π΄π¦πͺ π΄πΆπ£π΄π±. π±π’π³π’π€π’π΄π¦πͺ S1, collected from nipa palm in Cagayan.
Through genome sequencing, the researchers studied the genetic makeup of these bacteria. This helps scientists understand traits linked to health benefits, such as digestion support, stress resistance, antimicrobial activity, and interaction with host tissues.
These genome sequences are now shared in international databases. By making this information public, MMSU supports global research on beneficial microorganisms.
The studies were funded by MMSU IFP-Probiotic Program, which supports research on discovering and developing local probiotic microorganisms for health and biotechnology use. Through this effort, MMSU continues to invest in advanced research and promote the use of local microbial resources for science and industry.
With these international publications, MMSU aims to contribute to microbial genomics and probiotic research in the Philippines, bringing global attention to the value of locally sourced microbes.
Mar, 24, 2026 03:17:pm
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