1. Setting up a Molecular Lab in a Developing Country
Dr. Azhar Hussain
Research Associate
Molecular Oncology Unit.
King Fahad National Center for Children’s
Cancer and Research.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital &
Research center.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

2. Translational Research
Since the emergence of Translational Research (TR), the term, “from bench to bedside” has taken a new meaning in the management of cancer
Translational research (TR) involves both, the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics.

3. Translational Research Novel Diagnostics
Results achieved in research laboratories have direct implications on clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of cancer today
Monitoring of patients for minimal residual disease during and after treatment using molecular markers
Detection of chromosomal abnormalities using PCR techniques

4. Translational Research Novel Therapeutics
New Drug Discovery
Gleevic (STI571) for the treatment of CML
Radio labeled Monoclonal antibodies for metastatic medullary thyroid cancer
Trastuzumab (Herceptin) for the treatment of HER- 2’ (ErbB-2)-over-expressing metastatic breast cancer

5. Translational Research Novel Therapeutics
On-going trials with drugs or naturally occurring
compounds.
PI3’-kinase pathway inhibitor (LY294002)
Jak-Stat pathway inhibitor (Ag490)
Curcumin (PI3’-kinase and Jak-Stat pathway inhibitor)

6. Why is a Molecular biology lab needed in a developing country?
Advances in the understanding of the biology of cancer
have increased the cure rate of selected cancers in
developed countries.
Developing countries continue to lack far behind.
Better understanding of the biology of cancers is needed
A functional molecular biology laboratory is vital
in developing countries to ensure accurate diagnosis
and appropriate treatment.

7. Three essential components for establishing a molecular biology lab.
1: Adequate and well organized laboratory
space
2: Essential and specialized lab
equipment with proper storage capacity
3: Well-trained staff including lab chief,
supervisors, post-docs and technicians

8. Adequate and well organized laboratory space
Long hallways can be utilized for storage as well as for
work benches for different procedures and experiments
The flow of a lab should ALWAYS be in one direction

9. One way road. No U-turn allowed!!!
Pre-PCR area
Template area
PCR area

10. One way road. No U-turn allowed!!!
Pre-PCR area
PCR area
Template area
Gel running area

11. Sample processing area

12. Tissue culture facility
Class 2-Type2
Tissue culture
Hood
CO2 Incubators
Microscope

13. Individual work benches

14. Essential lab equipment
Table top centrifuges
and microwave oven
Water purification system
Microfuge
Thermal cyclers
Miscellaneous

15. Specialized lab equipment
Real-time light cycler (PCR)
Photo documentation system
Affimetrix gene chip arrayer
ABI genetic analyzer

16. Storage facility 40 to –200 refrigerators and freezers
-700 to –800 freezers

17. SO NOW WHAT?????

18. Machines cannot replace the human mind.
Machines and instruments do not run on their own
Machines and instruments do not run researchers and scientists
Researchers and scientists run these machines

19. Molecular biology lab in a developing country
The same Quality of work can be achieved with essential lab equipment in a developing country
Proper planning
Clear goals
Expertise in the molecular biology field
Adequate funding
Dedication of lab personnel

20. All that glitters is not Gold!!!
Third and most important component of establishing a good molecular biology lab
Well-trained staff
Head of the lab
Supervisors
post-docs
technicians.

21. Head of the Lab Should be an experienced scientist (MD or PhD)
Up to date in molecular techniques and latest scientific literature
Has a strong track record for funding and publications
Has creative ideas for research
Diplomatic and patient
Has good rapport with the staff

22. Supervisor and lab manager
Responsible for standardization of molecular biology techniques and protocols
Conforms to international standards for all techniques e.g.
DNA isolation, RNA isolation and protein extraction
Sets up projects for post-docs and technicians
Supervises staff
Orders reagents and consumables for the lab
May have an independent project of his/her own

23. Post-docs
Manage and execute independent projects in the lab with minimal supervision
Take care of the daily bench work
running experiments
collecting data
Search relevant scientific literature
Write abstracts and papers on results achieved in the lab

24. Technicians
Help the post-docs and scientists in different projects and experiments
Responsible for all the standard work in the lab such DNA, RNA and protein isolation
Can also be trained to run more involved experiments e.g.
western blots, PCR
Help in collecting data that is generated by these experiments

25. Training Requirements for all lab personnel
Universal precautions
Lab safety course
Radiation safety course
Molecular biology updates
Human subject training

26. Conclusions
Should a Molecular lab be established in a developing country?
Yes
How?
private and governmental funding
International, national and regional collaborations
Dedicated and qualified personnel
Basic lab equipment
COMMITMENT TO RESEARCH!

27. King Fahad National Center for Children’s Cancer & Research