Lt Col Prof. WMMS Bandara
Professor in Biochemistry
Head of the Department – Pre-Clinical Sciences
Subject Head – Biochemistry
Contact Details: Phone : 00-94-71-4917612
Fax : 00- 94-11-2638660
E-mail : manojsbw@yahoo.com / bandarawmms@kdu.ac.lk
Qualifications
Teaching Areas
Training
Research Interests
Publications
Current Positions
Experience
Awards and Grants
Memberships
Involvement with Other Organizations
Qualifications
- PhD: University of Colombo , Sri Lanka (2018)
- MS: Wayne State University, Detrot MI, USA(2010)
- MSc: University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2005)
- B.Sc (Hons) : Faculty of Science,University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, (2003) – Second Class Upper Division
- CTHE: Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education, Staff Development Centre, General Sir John KotelawelaDefence University, Sri Lanka (2013)
Teaching Areas
- Biochemistry & molecular biologyy
- Cell biology
Training
- Next Generation Sequencing Technology by Illumina, USA, 2015
- Stem cells and regenerative medicine by Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India, 15-30 th January 2013
- Radiological Health/ radiation Safety, Health Physics Office, Wayne State University, USA (May 2010)
- Investigating the Mouse by the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources and The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Wayne State University, USA (April 2010
- Cytogenetics and Fluorescence in situ hybridization conducted by Human Genetics Unit, University of Colombo in collaboration with Kings College London (February 2014)
- Stem Cell Technology by Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo. (November 2012)
- 12th FERCAP International conference conducted by Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Asia and the Western Pacific Region. (18th -21st of November 2012)
- Quality Assurance in Genetic Diagnostic Laboratories -Molecular Genetics, Cytogenetics, Biochemical Genetics & Newborn screening” Organized by the Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka in collaboration with the European Molecular Genetics Quality Network (6th and 7th of February 2012)
- Bioinformatics, by the School of Computing, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. (28th of August 2006)
- Postgraduate Certificate Course in Practical Molecular Biology conducted by Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya (28th of March to 8th of April, 2005).
- Molecular applications in microbiology by Agricultural Biotechnology Center, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (27th to 28th of December 2004)
- Molecular characterization of animals by Agricultural Biotechnology Center, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (11th to 13th of December 2004)
- Neuroscience and Molecular Biology by Asia Pasific Society for Neurochemistry. Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (9th to 13th of August 2004)
- The certificate course in Gene Technology conducted by Genetech School of gene Technology, Sri Lanka (22nd of May to 6th of June 2003)
- Vacation training programme entitled “Development of PCR Techniques for Rapid Diagnosis of Brucella infections and their Epidemiological investigation”, Veterinary Research Institute. Sri Lanka (10th of April to 21st of May 2002)
Research Interests
- Cancer stem cells
Publications
PUBLICATIONS IN PEER REVIEWED JOURNALS
- Bandara W. M.M.S., Muhinudeen F. T., Rathnayake A. J.I.S., Malaviarachchi S. L (2023). Comparison of serum concentrations of interleukin-8 and carcinoembryonic antigen in a south Asian cohort of patients with colorectal cancer. WCRJ; 10: e2477. DOI: 10.32113/wcrj_20231_2477
- Bandara M, Goonasekera H, Dissanayake V. (2021). Identification of Novel Insertions and Deletions in Haematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells in de novo Myelodysplastic Syndromes . Int J Mol Cell Med. 10 (3)
- W.M. Manoj S. Bandara, A.J. Iresha S. Rathnayake, Nilaksha F. Neththikumara, Hemali W.W. Goonasekera, Vajira H.W. Dissanayake,(2021). Comparative Analysis of the Genetic Variants in Haematopoietic Stem/Progenitor andMesenchymal Stem Cell Compartments in de novo Myelodysplastic Syndromes, BloodCells, Molecules and Diseases.88, 102535
- Manoj S. Bandara, Hemali W.W. Goonasekera , Vajira H.W. Dissanayake (2016). The utility of haematopoietic stem cell karyotyping in the diagnosis of de novo myelodysplastic syndromes. Journal of Hematopathology9 (3)121–128
- Muthunuwan JT, Ganhewa AGKH, Perera HDSG, Hishaam M, Bandara WMMS, HAKM Gunasekera (2017). Preliminary survey on knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding rabies.Sri Lankan Journal of Infectious Diseases. 7 (1):38-46
- Cunqi Ye, WM M S Bandara, Miriam L Greenberg (2013).Regulation of inositol metabolism is fine-tuned by inositol pyrophosphates in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Journal of Biological Chemistry 288 (34) 24898-24908
- Fei Song, Manoj Bandara, HarvinderDeol, Jeffrey A Loeb, Joyce Benjamins, Robert P Lisak (2013).Complexity of trophic factor signaling in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: Differential expression of neurotrophic and gliotrophic factors. Journal of Neuroimmunology. 262(1-2):11-8
- Gamini Seneviratne, J. S. Zavahir, W. M. M. S. Bandara and M. L. M. A. W. Weerasekara (2007). Fungal-bacterial biofilms: their development for novel biotechnological applications. WorldJ Microbiol Biotechnol.24 (5) 739-743
- Bandara W M M S, Seneviratne G and Kulasooriya S A (2006) Interactions among endophytic bacteria and fungi: effects and potentials; J. Biosci. 31(5) 645–650.
- Bandara, W. M. M. S. Silva, L. P. Rajapaksha, W. R. A. K. J. S. (2007) Sensitivity of PCR assay technique for processed meat. Indian Vet J .84 (8) 842-844
COMMUNICATIONS AT SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS PUBLISHED AS ABSTRACTS
- T Muhinudeen, S Rasnayake, AJIS Rathnayake and WMMS Bandara . Analysis of Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-8 in a Cohort of Patients with Colorectal Cancers in Sri Lanka.. General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. 15th International Research Conference. 2022, pp 25.
- FT Muhinudeen, AJIS Rathnayake, SL Malaviarachchi and WMMS Bandara. Investigating the Clinical Data and Their Correlation with Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels in a Cohort of Patients with Colorectal Cancer. 14thInternational research conference, General Sir John KotelawelaDefence University 2021,p 08
- WMMS Bandara, AJIS Rathnayake, NF Neththikumara, HWW Goonasekera, VHW Dissanayake. Associations of Genetic Variations in Altered Cellular Pathways in Haematopoietic and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Compartments in Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Colombo Medical Congress February, 2020, p 114
- MS Bandara, I Rathnayake, N Neththikumara, H Goonasekera, V Dissanayake. Genetic Variations in Hematopoietic and Mesenchymal Stem Cells in de novo Myelodysplastic Syndromes, European society for medical oncology, Asia Congress 2019, Singapore. Annals of Oncology, Volume 30, Issue Supplement 9, November 2019
- W.M.M.S. Bandara ,N.F Neththikumara, A.J.I S Rathnayake, H. W. W. Goonasekera. , V. H. W.Dissanayake. Next Generation Sequencing Anaysis of Haematopoietic Stem Cells in a Sri Lankan Cohort of Myelodysplastic Syndromes patients.Annual Scientific Sessions 2017, Sri Lanka College of Hematologists, pp 22
- Bandara W.M.M.S, Neththikumara NF, Goonasekera H. W. W , Dissanayake V. H. W.Investigating the Mutational Status of Haematopoietic Stem Cells in de novoMyelodysplastic Syndromes. Sri Lanka Medical Association, 130th Anniversary International Medical Congress 2017, Ceylon Medical Journal, Volume 62, Supplement 1, July 2017, p 266
- W.M.M.S. Bandara , N.F Neththikumara, H. W. W. Goonasekera. , V. H. W. Dissanayake , A next generation sequencing approach to understand the mutational status of haematopoietic stem cells of de novo myelodysplastic syndromes. Annual research symposium 2017, University of Colombo, p 225
- Bandara, WMMS, Rathnayake, AJIS, Neththikumara, NF, Goonasekera, HWW and Dissanayake, VHW Genetic bio-marker discovery in de novo Myelodysplastic Syndromes. National Health Research Symposium, 2017, Ministry of Health Nutrition & Indigenous Medicine
- W. M. Manoj S Bandara, Hemali W WGoonasekera,Vajira H W Dissanayake. Cytogenetic characterization of Sri Lankan patients with de novo Myelodysplastic Syndromes.13th International Congress of Human Genetics, April 03-07 2016, Kyoto International Conference Center, Japan (Abstracted in the proceedings of the conference)
- Bandara WM M S, Dissanayake V H W, Goonasekera HW W.Cytogenetic characterization of bone marrow and hematopoietic stem cells in primary Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Second International conference on Natural Products Genomics and Drug Discovery, “Basic and Translational Research on Cancer and Inflammation” June 23-24 2016, Colombo , Sri Lanka. (Abstracted in the proceedings of the conference p13)
- K G Somasiri, B W M T J Basnayake, M K O K De Silva, W M M S Bandara, A J I S Rathnayake, E P D R Edirisinghe. Comparison of Physical Health Parameters of Cadets and Day Scholars in General Sir John KotelwalaDefence University (KDU). 8th International research conference, technical sessions medicine, 27 – 28 August 2015. General Sir John KotelawelaDefence University. Rathmalana, Sri Lanka
- WMMS Bandara, AJIS Rathnayake, BWMTJ Basnayake, MKOK De Silva, D. Edirisinghe, B.C.I.J.N. Nanayakkara and KG Somasiri. Military Training Improves Lipid Profile .International research conference, technical sessions medicine, 21 – 22 August 2014. General Sir John KotelawelaDefence University. Rathmalana, Sri Lanka, pp 57-58
- M K O K De Silva, K G Somasiri, B W M T J Basnayake, E P D R Edirisinghe, W M M S Bandara, A J I S Rathnayake. Reliability and Validity of the Sinhala translation of the Lakaev Academic Stress Response Scale (LASRS-S) (accepted for Poster Presentation at the 127th Anniversary International Medical Congress of the Sri Lanka Medical Association 2014)
- W. M. M. S. Bandara. The Effect of Mutants in the inositol biosynthesis on the therapeutic action of valproate. Annual International Symposium, General Sir John KotelawelaDefence University. 22nd& 23rd August 2012.
- W. M. M. S. Bandara. Can genetic alterations in inositol biosynthesis affect patients responsiveness to Valproate? Scientific Sessions 2012, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayawardenepura.p22-23
- F. Song, J. Loeb, M. Bandara, J. Benjamins, R. Lisak. Disease stage and severity in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis modulate expression of gliotrophic and neurotrophic factors. Multiple Sclerosis Journal17: S53–S276,2011
- W.M.M.S Bandara and G. Seneviratne. Importance of interactions among endophytes for plant growth Proceedings of the 62nd Annual Sessions, Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science 2006pp419/D
RESEARCH PROJECTS CONDUCTED AS A SUPERVISOR
- Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from human umbilical cord using tissue explant and Trypsin digestion: Method comparison : 3 projects (2020)
- Analysis of mutations in the KITand SCF genes in colorectal cancers(2021)
- Analysis of mutations in the TP53 gene in colorectal cancers(2021)
- Analysis of mutation in the KITgene in gastrointestinal cancer(2021)
- Analysis of mutations in PDGFRAgene in gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers(2021)
- Analysis of Interleukin-6 (IL6) in colorectal cancers (2022)
- Analysis of KRAS mutations in colon cancer (2022)
- DNA extraction from clotted blood: A method optimization (2022)
- Analysis of mutations in interleukins in colorectal cancers (2023)
- Analysis of mutations in RAS genes in colorectal cancers (2023)
Current Positions
FACULTY OF MEDICINE, General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University, Sri Lanka
- Major in the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (August 2011- to date)
- Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry, Department of Pre Clinical Sciences (August 2011- to date)
- Head Biochemistry, Department of Pre Clinical Sciences (July 2015- to date)
- Web Manager (May 2012 – May 2015)
Experience
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Head of the Department – Pre-Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University, Sri Lanka (July 2020- to date)
- Professor in Biochemistry, Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences , Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University, Sri Lanka (June 2022- to date)
- Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry, Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences , Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University, Sri Lanka (October 2011- June 2022)
- Head Biochemistry, Department of Pre-Clinical Sciences , Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John KotelawelaDefence University, Sri Lanka (June 2015- June 2019)
- In-Charge, Biomedical Research Laboratory-1,Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University, Sri Lanka (January 2019-January 2022)
- Researcher, Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Detroit , MI USA (May 2010 – Jan 2011)
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, Wayne State University, Detroit , MI USA (September 2007 – May 2009)
- Graduate Research Assistant, Wayne State University, Detroit , MI USA (May 2008 to May 2010)
- Research Assistant, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka (March 2005 – June 2007)
- Research Assistant, Veterinary Research Institute. Sri Lanka (January 2004 – January 2005)
- Temporary Demonstrator, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (May 2003- December 2003)
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
- As a Professor/Senior Lecturer : Basic Biochemistry, Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
For degree in Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery of General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University Sri Lanka (2011- to date) - As a visiting Lecturer : Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology
For BSc in Bio-medical Engineering of General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University, Sri Lanka (2015- to date) - As a visiting Lecturer : Molecular pathology of Myeloid Neoplasms , Genetic basis of Myeloid neoplasms
For MSc in Molecular Pathology, Human genetics unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (2019- to date) - External examiner : Research projects of the M.Sc Molecular Pathology, faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (2021- to date)
- As a visiting Lecturer :Signal Transduction by Hormones
For postgraduate diploma in medical physiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, Colombo, Sri Lanka (2017) - As a graduate Teaching Assistant: Basic biology (Biochemisty, molecular biology and cell biology)
For pre-Medicine Degree Program, Wayne State University,Detroit , MI USA (2008 to 2010)
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
- Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawela Defence University, Rathmalana, Sri Lanka (2020-up-to-date)
Research Title: Profiling of cytokines as potential biomarkers in colorectal cancers
Key research areas:Quantification of serum cytokines using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka – PhD (2012-2018)
Thesis Title: Molecular and Cytogenetic Characterization of Haematopoietic Stem Cells of Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome in a Sri Lankan Population
Key research areas:Flowcytometric, Karyotypic, Fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH), Sanger and Next Generation Sequencing analysis of haematopoietic stem cells. Bioinformatic analysis for single nucleotide variations (SNVs), insertions and deletions, analyzing phenotypic-genotypic correlations - Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, USA – Postgraduate Research (2010 – 2011)
Research Title: Disease stage and severity in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis modulate expression of gliotrophic and neurotrophic factors
Key research areas: Study gene expression patterns of neurotrophic and gliotrophic factors in mouse brain in MOG-induced experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, Study protein expression patterns of human and mouse tissue by fluorescence microscopy - Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, USA – MS (2007-2010)
ResearchTitle: Identification of deletion mutants of inositol kinases and phosphatases hypersensitive to valproate
Key research areas: Screening deletion mutants which are hypersensitive to drug, determinationof intracellular inositol levels, Study gene expression patterns of inositol metabolism pathway - Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka (2005 – 2007)
Research Title: Interactions among endophytic bacteria and fungi: effects and potentials
Key research areas: Comparative analysis of indoleacetic acid like substances of fungal-bacterial biofilms with fungi and bacteria - Veterinary Research Institute. Sri Lanka– MSc research (2004 – 2005)
Research Title: Sensitivity of PCR assay techniques for processed meat
Key research areas: Detection of mitochondrial cytodchrome b gene by PCR - Veterinary Research Institute. Sri Lanka- BSc research (2002)
Research Title: Development of PCR techniques for rapid diagnosis of Brucella infections and for their epidemiological investigation
Key research areas: Detection of Brucella genes by PCR
EXPERIENCE/SKILLS IN LABORATORY TECHNIQUES
- Isolation, cell counting, cryopreservation and culture expansion of stem cells
- Conducting proliferation and differentiation assays of stem cells
- Isolation of DNA, RNA from human tissues and cells
- Quantification of DNA and RNA using fluorometer and bioanalyzer
- Performing PCR and real time PCR
- Molecular cloning : Plasmid preparation, ligation, transformation
- Conducting next generation sequencing
- Data analysis using bioinformatic tools for next generation sequencing
- Karyotyping
- Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
- Protein purification, SDS-PAGE, Western blot
- Immunohistochemical staining
- Immunofluorescence microscopic analysis
Awards and Grants
- Research Grant: Sri Lanka College of Oncology Research Grant, 2022, “Detection of Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)) in Gastric &Oesophagealadenocarcinoma -paradigm of predicting treatment response & prognosis”
- Research Grant: KDU/RG/2020/FOM/007, Profiling of cytokines as potential biomarkers in colorectal cancers, Rs 2,000,000.00
- Research Grant: National Science Foundation research award (RPHS/2016/C04) for Biomarker Discovery in Haematology – Myelodysplastic Syndromes under Programme on Health Science/expression of interest in 2016
- Best oral presentation: Annual Scientific Sessions 2017, Sri Lanka College of Haematologists
- Travelling fellowship: National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka travelling fellowship OSTP/2012/24
- Graduate Teaching Assistantship: Biological Sciences graduate program, Wayne state University, USA 2007
- Graduate Research Assistantship: Biological Sciences graduate program, Wayne state University, USA 2009
- Scholarship: Masters degree program, ministry of Science and Technology, Sri Lanka and Asian Development Bank, 2004
Memberships
- Life member, Institute of Biology,Sri Lanka
- Lifemember, National Science Foundation (NSF), Sri Lanka
- Lifemember, Sri LankaAssociation for the Advancement of Science(SLAAS), Sri Lanka
- President, Sri Lankan Student Association, Wayne State University, USA ( May 2008- May 2009)
- Treasurer, Zoologists Association, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (August 2001- August 2002)
Involvement with Other Organizations
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT AS A RESOURCE PERSON
- Committee member: National Stem cell Committee for preparation of guidelines for stem cell work – National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka, 2019
- Resource person : “Applications & Hands on Training Workshop on Stem Cells” at the Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2016
- Invited speaker: SLAAS Biotechnology symposia series 2019,organized by Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Invited speaker :“Haem-ICon 2019 “The Annual Academic Sessions, Sri Lanka College of Haematologists,Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Invited speaker : SYNERGY’19; panel discussion on ‘The Next Frontier of Molecular Diagnostics in Clinical Oncology’ on 01st of December, 2019 at SLMA Auditorium, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo, organized by the Rotaract Club
- Invited speaker : Workshop on “Haematology Laboratory Technologies” 19th September 2019, Annual Academic Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Haematologists
- Invited speaker : In-service Training in Genetics Workshop , 16th -20th December 2019, Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, organized by the Sri Lanka College of Haematologists
- Resource person:Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Physiology, 2015, Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo
- Resource person: Microteaching evaluation, Staff Development Centre, KDU, 14th September 2020
- Resource person: Career Guidance Seminar, 9th November, 2012, Richmond College Union(Colombo) 70-80 group
TRAINING
- Next Generation Sequencing Technology, conducted by Human Genetics Unit, University of Colombo in Collaboration with Illumina,USA, 2015
- Cytogenetics and Fluorescent in situ hybridization conducted by Human Genetics Unit, University of Colombo in Collaboration with Kings College London, 2014
- Short term training programme in “stem cells and regenerative medicine” conducted by Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India, 15-30th January 2013
- Course of training for Radiological Health/ radiation Safety, Health Physics Office, Wayne State University, USA, May 2010
- Training session on “Investigating the Mouse” conducted by the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources and The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, Wayne State University, USA, April 2010
- Workshop on “An Introduction to Quality Assurance in Genetic Diagnostic Laboratories -Molecular Genetics, Cytogenetics, Biochemical Genetics & Newborn screening” Organized by the Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka in collaboration with the European Molecular Genetics Quality Network, 6th and 7th of February 2012
- Stem Cell course conducted by Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, November 2012
- 12th FERCAP International conference conducted by Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Asia and the Western Pacific Region, 18th -21st of November 2012
- 13th annual academic sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Haematologists, 10th -11th of August 2012
- National Workshop on Bioinformatics, conducted by the School of Computing, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 28th of August 2006
- A short course on theory and practice of FTIR spectroscopy, Institute of Fundamental Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka, 31st of October 2006
- Workshop on Scientific Data Processing and Evaluation, Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 13th to 15th of May 2005
- Postgraduate Certificate Course in Practical Molecular Biology conducted by Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture (PGIA), University of Peradeniya, 28th of March to 8th of April, 2005
- Training programme on “Molecular applications in microbiology” Agricultural Biotechnology Center, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 27th to 28th of December 2004
- Training programme on “Molecular characterization of animals”, Agricultural Biotechnology Center, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 11th to 13th of December 2004
- Workshop on Neuroscience and Molecular Biology Organized by Asia Pasific Society for Neurochemistry. Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 9th to 13th of August 2004
- The certificate course in Gene Technology conducted by Genetech School of gene Technology, Sri Lanka, 22nd of May to 6th of June 2003
- Vacation training programme entitled “Development of PCR Techniques for Rapid Diagnosis of Brucella infections and their Epidemiological investigation”, Veterinary Research Institute. Sri Lanka, 10th of April to 21st of May 2002