June 2021 | Issue 04
• Bioinformatics Research @ SBMS • Research & Knowledge Exchange Retreat • VR-enriched integrative online task-oriented practicals for preclinical education of health professionals • HKUMed identifies Collagen IV differentially regulates planarian stem cell potency and lineage progression: Striving towards tissue regeneration in humans
www.sbms.hku.hk
Associate Director’s Message
I would like to first acknowledge my colleagues for all the work that goes into this 4th edition of our School Newsletter. I am almost certain that all of you would agree, publicity has become more important than ever, and on this front, our School now also has presence in social media to share the many happenings with its followers and the public. We are also taking an active role to engage the community, including launching of our upcoming and inaugural Biomedical Sciences Summer Academy. Science and publicity go hand in hand, and it is through effective communication that we can put into context the observations we make at the bench for the general public, hoping to leave lasting impacts not only to those in your field but to a much greater audience. I would therefore like to encourage all of you to venture into the many opportunities available around you, and to actively participate in events where we can then make better communicators of science.
Professor Michael Huen Associate Director(Research & Innovation) School of Biomedical Sciences
Teaching and Learning VR-enriched integrative online task-oriented practicals forpreclinical education ofhealth professionals Feature Story
Drawing from the expertise for the VR-enriched anatomy education and the experience of the integrated online practical, in the current research project funded by the UGC Special Grant for Strategic Development of Virtual Teaching and Learning, we propose to incorporate the 3D VR lab for biochemistry and anatomy, 3D scanned VR gross anatomy specimens, VR biomolecule models, 360-degree VR videos in anatomy/biochemistry, and interactive VR quizzes into the task-oriented online practical delivered via mobile apps or e-learning platforms, to provide students with a remote immersive learning environment and to initiate collaboration between students and teachers to co-create the learning materials. We hope this project will provide a novel solution forvirtual teaching and learning of the preclinical medical education, and help the students to improve their virtual learning experience, gain comprehensive understanding and achieve higher order cognition through VR-enriched online active-learning.
In the School of Biomedical Sciences at HKUMed, we are striving to improve students’ learning experience through technology-enriched active-learning pedagogies. The COVID-19 pandemic has inevitably reshaped the higher education, and we have designed and developed cutting-edge learning technologies and pedagogies for active-learning to accommodate the challenges presented in this online-education era. During the past year, we have developed and improved the pedagogy of Virtual-Reality-Enabled Tasks (VRETs) based on the trial study and students’ feedback, and successfully implemented the virtual reality (VR) technology in the gross anatomy dissection lab to the MBBS1 and MBBS2 curricula. To accommodate the feedback of MBBS students for preclinical education, that they would like to have a more integrative approach in learning of the different system blocks to weave the knowledge obtained from anatomy, histology, biochemistry and physiology together, we have also conducted a successful pilot trial on integrated anatomy, histology and biochemistry online task-oriented practical session. The Anatomy Team includes (front row from left): Dr. Mandy Liu, Dr. Rocky Cheung, Dr. Jian Yang, Dr. Tomasz Cecot; (back row from left) Mr. Jeffery Lau, Mr. Patrick Wong, Mr. Siu Pang Ho, Mr. Dicky Lau and Ms. Vanessa Woo.
Dr. Jian Yang demonstrating VRETs
Feature Story Research & Innovation
Bioinformatics is a rapidly growing research strength in SBMS. A few bioinformatics-focused principal investigators (PIs) have joined the School in the last three years (see lab research interest below), and many other laboratories are adopting increasingly sophisticated computational or statistical techniques in their own research area. The increased demand of bioinformatics is in part driven by the increasing volume and complexity of modern biomedical big data. From Sanger sequencing to next (now third!) generation sequencing, the quality and quantity of genomic, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and metagenomic data generated by modern biomedical research are growing rapidly. In addition to sequencing data, we are also experiencing a proliferation of other data types, such as mass spectrometry data, microscopic and medical imaging data, and emerging digital health data. Bioinformatics researchers develop and adopt innovative computational, statistical or mathematical techniques to extract useful information from these big data. The SBMS bioinformatics laboratories are strong in developing innovative general bioinformatics tools and custom software for a variety of biomedical data, especially in the areas of genomics, single cell transcriptomics, and metagenomics. Bioinformatics research @ SBMS
Bioinformatics is a highly collaborative discipline. Bioinformatics laboratories at SBMS collaborate with many colleagues in the SBMS and beyond areas of common interest. The bioinformatics PIs are involved in a variety of collaborative research projects, such as research programmes based at the Centre for PanorOmic Sciences (CPOS), InnoHK centres, and theme-based orcollaborative project grants. To promote data-intensive research at SBMS, the School has invested in computational infrastructure to support the growth of bioinformatics research. Our School has a high-performance computing server in which all members of the School can use. It provides reasonable computing and short to medium-term data storage need. The bioinformatics PIs are passionate in nurturing a new generation of data savvy biomedical scientists. In terms of formal Teaching and Learning activities, we are introducing modern big data concepts and skills into the Precision Medicine stream in the MBBS curriculum, and some new bioinformatics topics in specific BBMS courses. The team is working towards rejuvenating the BSc (Bioinformatics) programme. In addition, we organises specialised training workshops in bioinformatics. A single cell analysis workshop is being planned for June and July this year, with potentially more to follow in the future. We welcome suggestions for additional topics to be covered in the future.
Dr. Joshua Ho Our group develops software to support scalable big data analysis of a variety of sequencing data, including single-cell omic data and metagenomics data. Digital health is another emerging area of research in the lab, in which we develop smartphone apps and AI methods to enable innovative healthcare solutions by harnessing a variety of sensors in wearable and mobile devices. Dr. Jason Wong Our laboratory applies advanced computational methods and genomics to study mutational processes that lead to cancer development. We leverage somatic mutations from hundreds of thousands of cancer samples to identify patterns associated with specific carcinogens and DNA repair defects. We are also starting to explore third-generation long-read sequencing technology to study the expression of transposable elements in cancer cells.
Dr. Asif Javed Our group combines state-of-the-art omics workflows with downstream integrative analytics to study disease impact in primarysamples.The current areas ofourfocus are congenital diseases and blood cancers. In parallel we work on understanding the biases in new data generation technologies to develop computational tools to better counteract them.
Dr.Yuanhua Huang We work on single cell data science, by developing statistical models and machine learning algorithms to decipher cell states from single-cell omics data, including transient differentiation via RNA velocity and clonal evolution via detected somatic mutations.
Knowledge Exchange & Global Feature Story
The School of Biomedical Sciences Research and Knowledge Exchange Retreat was held on June 21&22, 2021 at the HKU Faculty of Medicine Campus and HKU Main Campus, respectively. The first day of the retreat was inclusive of all School members where colleagues and trainees reported on progress in their current research as well as emerging research strengths of the School so we could celebrate and learn from each other. The second day of the retreat was for Faculty members only where we came together to exchange views on research and knowledge transfer as well as the overall direction and strategic development of the School. For the knowledge exchange perspective of the retreat, it was a pleasure to have Prof. Aimin Xu of HKUMed Department of Medicine and the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy to share with us his success in research-inspired entrepreneurship and on inspiring impactful research. We also had the company of Dr. Katherine Gan of HKU Technology Transfer Office who shared her experience with aiding HKU academics in transferring research innovations to business opportunities. Jun 21 & 22, 2021 Research & Knowledge Exchange Retreat
In the Media School Highlights
Apr 29, 2021 - Media Coverage: Dr. Stephanie Ma shared her experience and journey as a cancer research scientist in an interview on Topick
Jun 01, 2021 - Press Release: HKUMed researchers unveil a novel molecular mechanism underlying liver cancer drug resistance and tumour recurrence
Apr 26, 2021 - Press Release: HKUMed identifies Collagen IV differentially regulates planarian stem cell potency and lineage progression: Striving towards tissue regeneration in humans
All Media Coverage
Congratulations
Awards & External Grants
Students Awards
Conferment ofProfessorTitle
Prof. Ren Sun is conferred Professor (by courtesy) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering on May 12, 2021.
Y S and Christabel Lung Postgraduate Scholarship 2020/21 Mr. Hu Fang (PhD candidate, Dr. Jason Wong’s Lab) Mr. Chaiyaporn Kuwentrai (PhD candidate, Prof. Jiandong Huang’s Lab) Miss Ho Chun Loong (PhD candidate, Dr. Stephanie Ma’s Lab) Mr. Chi Him Poon (PhD candidate, Dr. Lee Wei Lim’s Lab)
Prof. Pengtao Liu is conferred Professor (by courtesy) in Dr Li Dak-Sum Research Centre on Mar 1, 2021.
Ms. Ling Rao (PhD candidate, Dr. Lydia Cheung’s Lab) Ms. Huajian Yu (PhD candidate, Dr. Stephanie Ma’s Lab) Mr. Xiaoqiang Zhu (PhD candidate, Dr. Jason Wong’s Lab)
Internal Grants URC Small Equipment Grant 2020/21 A grand total of HK$2,720,252 has been awarded to Prof. George Tsao, Dr. Stephanie Ma and Dr. Asif Javed. Seed Funding for Strategic Interdisciplinary Research Scheme (CRF) A grand total of HK$5,040,000 has been awarded to Prof. Dong-yan Jin, Dr. Ralf Jauch, Dr. Stephanie Ma, Dr. Bo Gao and Dr. JeffTi. Platform Technology Funding (PTF) A grand total of HK$1,980,000 has been awarded to Dr. Sung Chul Kwon and Dr. Rio Sugimura.
The 2021 Hong Kong Inter-University Postgraduate Symposium in Biochemical Sciences Oral Presentation Award Ms. Huajian Yu (PhD candidate, Dr. Stephanie Ma’s Lab) Poster Presentation Award Mr. Mingpeng Kong (PhD candidate, Prof. Kathryn Cheah’s Lab) Miss Xinyi Tan (PhD candidate, Prof. Michael Huen’s Lab)
Innovation and Technology Scholarship 2021 Miss Siu Wa Chui, BBMS I
External Grants
Innovation and Technology Fund – Innovation and Technology Support Program (ITSP) A grand total of HK$1,221,875 has been awarded to Dr. Stephanie Ma. NSFC/RGC Joint Research Scheme 2021/22 A grand total of HK$247,900 has been awarded to Dr. Yuanhua Huang.
Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) 2019 A grand total of HK$1,477,032 has been awarded to Dr. Ralf Jauch.
Recap of Events School Highlights
Mar27- Apr11,2021 Croucher Science Week 2021
Who Stole My Snacks?
A Day in the Life of a Biologist
Ms. Jane Loong and Mr. Matthew Wong, two PhD students of Dr. Stephanie Ma' Lab, have participated in the Croucher Science Week 2021 via making two videos on "Who Stole My Snacks" and "A Day in the Life of a Biologist". Hope you find the videos entertaining and educational.
Recap of Events School Highlights
Apr7, 2021 - HKU Biomed Entrepreneurship Talk Series by Dr. Renchen Liu, Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen
May 27, 2021 - Seminar Series on Human Embryonic Development and Developmental Genomics by Prof. Shankar Srinivas, University of Oxford, UK
May 28, 2021 - RPG Seminar
Apr 9, 2021 - Seminar by Dr. Jianhua Qin, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Jun 2, 2021 - PDF Seminar
Apr14,2021 - PDF Seminar
Jun 4, 2021 -CareerTalk byMr. Mark Kong, DBS Group Research
Apr16,2021 - RPG Seminar
Jun 4, 2021 - RPG Seminar
Apr 22, 2021 - Seminar Series on Human Embryonic Development and Developmental Genomics by Prof. Bertie Göttgens, University of Cambridge, UK
Jun 12, 2021 - 2021 Hong Kong Inter-University Postgraduate Symposium in Biochemical Sciences The Hong Kong Inter-University Symposium in Biochemical Sciences 2021 was held successfully on June 12, 2021 (Saturday) on Zoom and YouTube Live. The purpose of the Symposium is to encourage and facilitate communication between the postgraduate students of HKU, CUHK and HKUST. The
Apr 22, 2021 -Teaching & Learning ChalkTalk (Zoom) by Dr. Joanna Ho
Apr 23, 2021 - RPG Seminar
Apr 28, 2021 - PDF Seminar
Apr 29, 2021 - Seminar Series on Human Embryonic Development and Developmental Genomics by Prof. Kathy Niakan, The Francis Crick Institute, UK
Apr 30, 2021 - RPG Seminar
organisers were delighted to have 268 researchers and postgraduate students registered forthe event. It was a pleasure seeing postgraduate students from the three universities presenting their research projects, for it was evident that all students worked hard and thus had excellent performances in the Symposium. The organisers look forward to next year’s Symposium, to be hosted by HKUST.
May 5, 2021 - PDF Seminar
May7, 2021 - RPG Seminar
May7, 2021 - Research Chalk Talk by Dr. Rio Sugimura
Jun 18, 2021 - RPG Information Session
May11, 2021 - Seminar by Dr. Ting Xie, Division of Life Science, HKUST
Jun 21 & 22, 2021 - School Research & Knowledge Exchange Retreat
May 13, 2021 - Seminar by Prof. James Wells, UC Department of Pediatrics, USA
Jun 24, 2021 - Teaching & Learning Chalk Talk by Dr. Janet Chan, School of Biological Sciences, HKU
May14,2021 - RPG Seminar
Jun 24, 2021 - Seminar Series on Human Embryonic Development, Stem Cells & Developmental Genomics by Prof. Andrew McMahon, Keck School of Medicine of USC, USA
May18, 2021 - Teaching & Learning Chalk Talk (Zoom) by Dr. Janet Chan, School of Biological Sciences
May 20, 2021 - Seminar Series on Human Embryonic Development and Developmental Genomics by Prof. Fuchou Tang, Peking University, China
May 21, 2021 - RPG Seminar
May 26, 2021 - Research Chalk Talk by Prof. Danny Chan
May 26 & 27, 2021 - JUPAS Information Week for S6 students - HKUMed Session
Jun 25 & 26, 2021 - Body Donation Day 2021
Jun 28, 2021 - Single Cell Workshop by Dr. Joshua Ho, Dr. Asif Javed and Dr. Yuanhua Huang
Jun 30, 2021 - HKU Biomed Entrepreneurship Talk Series by Dr. Yiwu He, SeniorAdvisorto the President and Chief Innovation Officer, HKU
School Highlights
New Equipment
We continuously purchase and install new equipment to facilitate our research and innovation, and we’re happy to introduce the following new members of our equipment family:
Hybridization Oven (ACD/HybEZII System)
Gene Pulser(Biorad/ GenePulserXcellTotal System) Electroporation system for transfection of mammalian cells, bacteria & fungi Location: L4-06, Lab Block Tech-in-charge: Mr. Leonard Cheung leonardc@hku.hk | +852-3917-6832
Gasket-sealed, temperature-controlled benchtop hybridization oven for 20 slides
Location: L4-01, Lab Block Tech-in-charge: Ms. Kary Xu karyxu@hku.hk | +852-3917-9268
Sonifier(Emerson/SFX550) Ultrasonic homogenizer system for liquid processing from 0.2 to 1000ml
Location: L4-03, Lab Block Tech-in-charge: Ms. Sandra Wong syywong@hku.hk | +852-3917-6926
Publication Highlights *Co-corresponding Authors
Guo W, Kinghorn AB , Zhang Y, Li Q, Poonam AD, Tanner JA *, Shum HC*. Non-associative phase separation in an evaporating droplet as a model for prebiotic compartmentalization. Nat Commun. 2021 May 27;12(1):3194. Zhang T, Pramanik G, Zhang K, Gulka M, Wang L, Jing J, Xu F, Li Z, Wei Q, Cigler P*, Chu Z *. Toward Quantitative Bio-sensing with Nitrogen-VacancyCenterin Diamond. ACS Sens. 2021 May 26. doi:10.1021/acssensors.1c00415. Yu J, Oentaryo MJ, Lee CW . Local protein synthesis of neuronal MT1-MMPforagrin-induced presynaptic development. Development. 2021 May15;148(10):dev199000. Feng D, Wang J, Yang W , Li J, Lin X, Zha F, Wang X, Ma L, Choi NT , Mii Y, Takada S, Huen MS , Guo Y, Zhang L, Gao B . Regulation of Wnt/PCP signaling through p97/VCP-KBTBD7-mediated Vangl ubiquitination and endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation. Sci Adv. 2021 May14;7(20):eabg2099. Feng Z, Yu CH . PI(3,4)P2-mediated membrane tubulation promotes integrin trafficking and invasive cell migration. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2021 May11;118(19):e2017645118. Huang X, Huang Y . Cellsnp-lite: an efficient tool for genotyping single cells. Bioinformatics. 2021 May 8:btab358. Lin Q, Rong L , Jia X, Li R, Yu B , Hu J, Luo X, Badea SR, Xu C , Fu G, Lai K, Lee MC , Zhang B, Gong H , Zhou N, Chen XL, Lin SH*, Fu G*, Huang JD *. IFN- γ -dependent NK cell activation is essential to metastasis suppression by engineered Salmonella. Nat Commun. 2021 May 5;12(1):2537. Tan SZ, Poon CH, Chan YS, Lim LW . Prelimbic Cortical Stimulation Disrupts Fear Memory Consolidation through Ventral Hippocampal Dopamine 2 Receptors. Br J Pharmacol. 2021 Apr 26. doi: 10.1111/bph.15505. Loong JH, Wong TL, Tong M , Sharma R, Zhou L, Ng KY, Yu HJ, Li CH , Man K, Lo CM, Guan XY, Lee TK, Yun JP, Ma S . Glucose deprivation induced aberrant FUT1-mediated fucosylation drives cancer stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Clin Invest. 2021 Apr 20:143377. Chan A, Ma S , Pearson BJ, Chan D . Collagen IV differentially regulates planarian stem cell potency and lineage progression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Apr 20;118(16):e2021251118. Zhao L, Gao X , Zheng Y, Wang Z, Zhao G, Ren J, Zhang J, Wu J , Wu B, Chen Y, Sun W, Li Y, Su J, Ding Y, Gao Y, Liu M, Bai X, Sun L, Cao G, Tang F, Bao S, Liu P *, Li X*. Establishment of bovine expanded potential stem cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2021 Apr 13;118(15):e2018505118. Buang N, Tapeng L, Gray V , Sardini A, Whilding C, Lightstone L, Cairns TD, Pickering MC, Behmoaras J, Ling GS *, Botto M*. Type I interferons affect the metabolic fitness of CD8+ T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Nat Commun. 2021 Mar 31;12(1):1980.
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Upcoming Events
Jul 5 & 6, 2021
Aug 2 - 6, 2021 HKU Biomedical Sciences Summer Academy
Single Cell Workshop by Dr. Joshua Ho, Dr. Asif Javed and Dr. Yuanhua Huang
Jul 14, 2021 Research Chalk Talk by Dr. Mu He
Jul 15, 2021 HKU Distinguished Visiting Scholars Seminar Series by Prof. Lee Zou, Harvard Medical School, USA
Aug 25, 2021 PDF Seminar
Jul 21, 2021 PDF Seminar
Jul 22, 2021 HKU Distinguished Visiting Scholars Seminar Series by Prof. Andras Nagy, UniversityofToronto, Canada
Sep 8, 2021 PDF Seminar
Sep 15, 2021 Research Chalk Talk by Dr. Rubén Hervas Millan
Sep 29, 2021 PDF Seminar
Upcoming Events
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