JAKARTA, July 14, 2024 – SEAMEO RECFON proudly announces that one of its dedicated researchers, Dwi Yanti, S.Pd., M.Biomed, has officially earned her Doctoral degree in Biomedical Sciences from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia (FKUI). She successfully defended her dissertation in an open ceremony held at the IMERI FKUI Teaching Theater.
Dr. Dwi Yanti presented her groundbreaking research titled “Epigenetic Determinants of Stunted Growth and Cognitive Development,” which provides a new molecular perspective on addressing stunting through the lens of epigenetics.
Uncovering the Biological Traces of Stunting
The study focused on children aged 18-24 months in East Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Using a relatable analogy, Dr. Dwi Yanti compared DNA to a “manual book” and DNA methylation to “sticky notes” that regulate how genes are read without changing the genetic code itself.
The research identified that stunted children exhibit distinct methylation patterns in specific genes, including SOCS3 (involved in growth signaling), SOX10 (involved in neural myelination), PCDHGC5 (involved in neuronal connection), and MTHFR (involved in one carbon metabolism). Dr. Dwi Yanti described these findings as “biological embedding,” where early-life environmental and nutritional factors leave measurable biological traces.
A significant finding was the “dissociation” between these biological changes and actual cognitive performance at 18-24 months. This indicates a latency period, where biological alterations serve as an early warning sign before functional cognitive deficits become fully apparent in later school years.
The Synergy of Nutrition and Psychosocial Stimulation
A key takeaway from the dissertation is the necessity of integrating psychosocial stimulation with nutritional interventions. The data showed that positive home stimulation is a strong predictor of cognitive development at 18-24 months, even among children who are already stunted.
Furthermore, the research highlighted the critical role of micronutrients. In the studied population, over 80% of children had inadequate folate intake, which directly impacts the DNA methylation process. Dr. Dwi Yanti explained that while Vitamin B12 acts as a “vehicle,” folate is the “material” being transported; therefore, both must be balanced in nutritional programs.
A Global Collaborative Success
This doctoral research is part of the Action Against Stunting Hub (AASH), an international multidisciplinary project funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF). The project involves 17 partner institutions across Indonesia, India, and Senegal.
The promotion was supervised by Prof. Dr. Dra. Asmarinah, M.S. as Promoter, with Dr. Ir. Umi Fahmida, M.Sc. (SEAMEO RECFON) and Prof. Paul Haggarty, Ph.D. (University of Aberdeen, UK) serving as Co-promoters. The examination board awarded Dr. Dwi Yanti the predicate of “Very Satisfying” (Sangat Memuaskan) with a cumulative GPA of 3.97, honoring her 12-semester academic journey.
Advocating for Evidence-Based Policy
Leadership at FKUI emphasized that these findings must move beyond academic publication to inform evidence-based public policy. By adopting a “precision medicine” approach, molecular changes can be detected early, allowing for targeted interventions to protect the developmental potential of Indonesia’s children.
The management and staff of SEAMEO RECFON extend their warmest congratulations to Dr. Dwi Yanti, S.Pd., M.Biomed. We look forward to the impact her expertise will have on reducing stunting and improving the quality of life for future generations.
