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Major Research Areas
Bioinformatics:
Computational analyses of biological sequences, structures and processes. Emphasis is placed on analyses of gene expression and regulation, analyses of protein structures and structural flexibility, and molecular evolutionary studies. Development of methodology is also pursued.
Cell cycle regulation and cancer:
Regulation of cell cycle progression; altered glycosylation in tumour progression; genomic instability and consequences of DNA-damage; regulation of cellular senescence and early-onset aging using mouse model.
Genetics of disorders:
Analysis and characterization of predisposing genes for common disease such as degenerative disc disease, Alzheimers disease and others. Identifying genetic modifiers for congenital heart disease. Mechanisms of genetic disease at the biochemical level.
Functional proteomics:
Generation and comparative analysis of proteomes using 2-D MS/MS or ICAT LC-MS/MS. Proteomic changes associated with ER stress, systems biology.
Functional and developmental genomics:
Determination and analysis of gene function by gene targeting ('knock-out') technology. Identifying genes and pathways by comparative analyses of transcriptomes.
Glycobiology of cell-matrix interactions:
Growing nerves in glycosaminoglycan-modified environments; towards glycosaminoglycan intervention of respiratory tract inflammation; glycosaminoglycan metabolism in renal stone formation.
Molecular biology of the extracellular matrix:
Regulation of chondrocyte differentiation and gene expression; identification of transcription factors and their target genes important for cartilage formation; genetic factors for the regulation of bone growth and healing; transgenic mouse models of inherited connective tissue disease in humans; regulation of matrix assembly in cartilage and bone.
Molecular mechanisms of intracellular transportation and diseases:
Characterization of the functions of intracellular transportation in neurons, melanocytes and chondrocytes; studies of the relationship between intracellular transportation and Alzheimer's Disease.
Molecular developmental biology :
Genes involved in early mammalian development, tissue regeneration and skeletal development; analysis of regulation of Hox homeobox and Sox gene expression and function; inner ear, pancreatic £]-cell and heart development.
Neurobiochemistry:
Developmental biology of the nervous system; nerve cell membrane functions; role of proteoglycans in neuronal growth and /regeneration; hearing and balance defects.
Chemical biology :
Structural, functional and chemical approaches to probing molecular interactions and networks to elucidate the mechanisms of disease.
Recombineering: mechanisms and applications :
Development of technologies for functional genomic studies and gene therapy. Understanding of the mechanism underlying single strand oligonucleotide mediated homologous recombination.
Reproductive biochemistry:
Biochemical studies of male sex gland components, their interaction with sperm, and their effect on embryogenesis.
Signalling mechanisms:
Gangliosides as multifunctional biomodulators in signal transduction; structure-function relationship of ganglioside-modulated protein kinases; signaling pathways in cellular stress responses; the metabolism and biological functions of reactive oxygen species.
Transgenic technology:
Production of therapeutic proteins in transgenic animals; cell and gene-based therapy in animal models.
Departmental Requirements |
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(1) Annual seminar presentation on research progress.
(2) Written presentation of a literature review in the first
year.
(3) Written progress reports (twice annually).
(4) Active participation in weekly journal club and annual
scientific retreat.
(5) Regular attendance at research seminars and active participation
in extra-departmental courses, workshops, symposia and conferences.
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Postgraduate Admissions Advisor |
Dr M.H. Sham
Tel: 2819 9195
Fax: 2855 1254
Email: biochem@hkusua.hku.hk
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