Molecular Pathology Laboratory
                         Understanding disease
                                       One molecule at a time....

Al-Mulla
Lab

Diagnostic
Division

Literature

      Welcome

Wordle of our research focus

The Molecular Pathology Laboratory was established in 2000 in an attempt to study, diagnose and understand diseases at the molecular level specifically utilizing the uniqueness of the Arabian genome for this purpose.    

Using haplotype mapping we were able to identify genomic sites linked to metastatic behaviour in colorectal cancer. These regions are now being refined and mapped at high resolution to identify the genes involved. On this front we have identified RKIP (PEBP1) Raf Kinas Inhibitory Protein, as an independent marker for metastasis and reduced survival. Moreover, we found RKIP to be the only marker to date to be able to detect patients with early colorectal caner that relapse with metastasis.

We now offer our patented "METASTASIS PREDICTION" method for detecting patients with bad prognosis. The test is mainly applied to early stage (Dukes' A and B) colorectal cancer to predict, with high accuracy,  metastatic relapse.

 We have recently also found that RKIP acts as a regulator and protein stabilizer of many other factors in cells. RKIP can stabilize GSK3β in cells and therefore its loss induces degradation of this protein and enhanced cellular motility.

We have recently found yet another reason why cells become resistant to chemotherapy when RKIP is lost or diminished in expression.

• Identification of novel metastasis suppressor genes
   
• Carbonyl Reductase
• Raf Kinase Inhibitory Protein (RKIP or PEBP1)

• Treatment of ovarian cancer
• Identification of metastasis suppressor regions for colorectal cancer

• In 2006 we have established a Molecular Genetics Diagnostic Service Division that is focused on delivering state-of-the-art diagnostic service for the Kuwaiti population. Introducing these services in the health sector gives our laboratory a unique opportunity to meet probands.

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