School of Biomedical Sciences
生物醫學學院
The Chinese University of Hong Kong 香港中文大學

Academic Staff


ZHOU_YuhuanAssistant Lecturer

B.Med., M.Med., Ph.D.

Telephone: 39431380

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Address::  610T, Choh-Ming Li Basic Medical Sciences Building, CUHK

 

 

Biography

Dr. ZHOU Yuhuan (周玉環) is an Assistant Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She received her Ph.D. from Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong. She then did her postdoctoral research fellow training in The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada and later joined University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada, and was promoted as a Research Associate. Dr. Zhou has more than 10 years of experience in biomedical research and strong expertise in diverse biomedical science disciplines ranging from cell biology to immunology and cancer biology. Her research interest is applying high and super resolution microscopy to study cell-matrix adhesion assembly and ion transport in immune surveillance. She is a member of American Society for Cell Biology and a member of Bioimaging of North America. Dr. Zhou has a great passion for teaching and mentorship. She has assisted in organizing and teaching several international cell biology and advanced imaging courses (PhD level). She has mentored undergraduate students to complete summer internships and thesis project in Hong Kong and Canada. Her teaching interests cover physiology, histology, and university general education course.

  1. Physiology, histology, and university general education course.
  2. Course coordination (UGEB2791).
  3. Academic advising, mentorship, and student support.
  1. Zhou Y, Feng Z, Cao F, Liu X, Xia X, Yu CH. “Abl-mediated PI3K activation regulates macrophage podosome formation”. Journal of Cell Sciences, 2020.
  2. Leung G#, Zhou Y#, (2023) Ostrowski P, Mylvaganam S, Boroumand P, Mulder DJ, Guo C, Muise AM, Freeman SA. “ARPC1B binds WASP to control actin polymerization and curtail tonic signaling in B cells”. JCI Insight, 2021.
  3. Li Z#, Li C#, Zhou Y#, Chen W, Luo G, Zhang Z, Wang H, Zhang Y, Xu D, Sheng P. “Advanced glycation end products biphasically modulate bone resorption in osteoclast-like cells”. American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2016.
  4. Cao F, Zhou Y, Liu X, Yu CH. “Podosome formation promotes plasma membrane invagination and integrin-β3 endocytosis on a viscous RGD-membrane”. Communications Biology., 2020.
  5. Yu CH, Rafiq NB, Cao F, Zhou Y, Krishnasamy A, Biswas KH, Ravasio A, Chen Z, Wang YH, Kawauchi K, Jones GE, Sheetz MP. “Integrin-beta3 clusters recruit clathrin-mediated endocytic machinery in the absence of traction force”. Nature Communications, 2015.
  6. Zhang Y, Cao F, Zhou Y, Feng Z, Sit B, Krendel M, Yu CH. “Tail domains of myosin-1e regulate phosphatidylinositol signaling and F-actin polymerization at the ventral layer of podosomes”. Molecular Biology of the Cell, 2019.
  7. Ping S, Liu S, Zhou Y, Li Z, Li Y, Liu K, Bardeesi AS, Wang L, Chen J, Deng L, Wang J, Wang H, Chen D, Zhang Z, Sheng P, Li C. “Protein disulfide isomerase-mediated apoptosis and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells induced by mechanical stress and advanced glycosylation end products result in diabetic mouse vein graft atherosclerosis”. Cell Death & Disease, 2017.
  8. Yan BR, Li T, Coyaud E, Laurent EMN, St-Germain J, Zhou Y, Kim PK, Raught B, Brumell JH. “C5orf51 is a component of the MON1-CCZ1 complex and controls RAB7A localization and stability during mitophagy”. Autophagy, 2021.
  9. Boroumand P, Prescott DC, Mukherjee T, Bilan PJ, Wong M, Shen J, Tattoli I, Zhou Y, Li A, Sivasubramaniyam T, Shi N, Zhu LY, Liu Z, Robbins C, Philpott DJ, Girardin SE, Klip A. “Bone marrow adipocytes drive the development of tissue invasive Ly6Chigh monocytes during obesity”. Elife, 2022.
  10. Chen W, Li Z, Guo Y, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Luo G, Yang X, Li C, Liao W, Sheng P. “Wear Particles Impair Antimicrobial Activity Via Suppression of Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and ERK1/2 Phosphorylation in Activated Macrophages”. Inflammation, 2015.
  11. Chen W, Li Z, Guo Y, Zhou Y, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Luo G, Yang X, Liao W, Li C, Chen L, Sheng P. “Wear particles promote reactive oxygen species-mediated inflammation via the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase pathway in macrophages surrounding loosened implants”. Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry, 2015.

    12. #co-first author.

  1. Certificate of Attendance, Quantitative Super-resolution Microscopy Workshop, University of Calgary, 2023.
  2. Certificate of Attendance, The American Society for Cell Biology | European Molecular Biology Organization Conference, Canada, 2021.
  3. Certificate of Presentation, Gordon Research Conference, USA, 2018.
  4. Certificate of Presentation, Gordon Research Seminar, USA, 2018.
  5. Certificate of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, The University of Hong Kong, 2016.
  6. HKU Foundation Postgraduate Fellowship, The University of Hong Kong, 2015.


Barbara_ChanAu Chik Ko and Au Leung Shook Yin Professor of Biomedical Engineering

PhD CSci CEng MIMMM

Telephone:  3943 0509

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Address:  622A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, CUHK

 

 

Biography

Prof. CHAN Pui Barbara （陳佩） obtained her Bachelor degree in Biochemistry and PhD degree in Surgical Science from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She received Postdoctoral Fellowship in Laser Medicine from the Massachusetts General Hospital in US. Prof. Chan served the Biomedical Engineering programme of the University of Hong Kong since 2003. She joined the School of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Engineering, and Institute of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, of the Chinese University of Hong Kong since 2023.

Prof. Chan established the Tissue Engineering Laboratory with the vision to improve the quality of life in patients through bioengineering biomaterials- and stem cell-based tissues for personalized therapies. Her research interests centered around tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, natural and biomimetic biomaterials, multi-cellular organoids and tumoroids, mechano-regulation, multiphoton microfabrication and micropatterning, cell niche engineering and laser medicine.

Prof. Chan obtained her professional membership (Biomedical Engineering) and the status of Chartered Engineer and Chartered Scientist from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining IMMM) since 2015. She has been a registered authorized person (AP) for advanced therapeutic products (ATPs) in Hong Kong since 2020. She has served the professional community in many areas, such as being an Associate Editor in Biomaterials since 2017, a panel member for the European Research Council since 2022, a member of the Task Force on Regulations of ATPs in Hong Kong. On knowledge exchange, together with her business partner, PhD students and Postdocs, she has co-founded a technology startup company in developing personalized tissue engineering therapies.

  1. Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
  2. Enabling technologies
  3. Biomaterials
  4. Complex organoid and tumoroids
  5. Cell niche engineering
  6. Mechanoregulation
  1. Wang XN, Ou WJ, Feng D, Gao B, Chan BP* (2023) A Bio-Functional Wnt3a Gradient Microarray for Cell Niche Studies. Advanced Functional Materials, 33(33):2301941.
  2. Yang XX, Yip CH, Zhao SR, Ho YP, Chan BP* (2023) A bio-inspired nano-material recapitulating the composition, ultra-structure, and function of the glycosaminoglycan-rich extracellular matrix of nucleus pulposus. Biomaterials, 293:121991.
  3. Yip CH, Chen AD, Wong YH, Chan BP* (2022) Multiphoton microfabrication and micropatternining (MMM)-based screening of multiplex cell niche factors for phenotype maintenance - Bovine nucleus pulposus cell as an example. Biomaterials, 281:121367.
  4. Lam KL, Wong YH, Chew SY, Chan BP* (2021) Rac1-GTPase regulates compression-induced actin protrusions (CAPs) of mesenchymal stem cells in 3D collagen micro-tissues. Biomaterials, 274:120829.
  5. Wang XN, Gao B, Chan BP* (2021) Multiphoton microfabrication and micropatterning (MMM) – An all-in-one platform for engineering biomimetic soluble cell niches. Biomaterials, 269:120644.
  6. Li CW, Lau YT, Lam KL, Chan BP* (2020) Mechanically induced formation and maturation of 3D-matrix adhesions (3DMAs) in human mesenchymal stem cells. Biomaterials, 258:120292.
  7. Li YY, Lam KL, Chen AD, Zhang W, Chan BP* (2019) Collagen microencapsulation recapitulates mesenchymal condensation and potentiates chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells–A matrix-driven in vitro model of early skeletogenesis. Biomaterials, 213:119210.
  8. Huang N, Li CW, Chan BP* (2018) Multiphoton 3D Microprinting of Protein Micropatterns with Spatially Controlled Heterogeneity – A Platform for Single Cell Matrix Niche Studies. Advanced Biosystems, 2(8):1800053.
  9. Yeung P, Zhang W, Wang XN, Yan CH, Chan BP* (2018) A human osteoarthritis osteochondral organ culture model for cartilage tissue engineering. Biomaterials, 162:1–21.
  10. Ho FC, Zhang W, Li YY, Chan BP* (2015) Mechanoresponsive, omni-directional and local matrix-degrading actin protrusions in human mesenchymal stem cells microencapsulated in a 3D collagen matrix. Biomaterials, 53:392–405.
  11. Li YY, Choy TH, Ho FC, Chan BP* (2015) Scaffold composition affects cytoskeleton organization, cell-matrix interaction and the cellular fate of human mesenchymal stem cells upon chondrogenic differentiation. Biomaterials, 52:208–220.
  12. Chik TK, Chooi WH, Li YY, Ho FC, Cheng HW, Choy TH, Sze KY, Luk KKD, Cheung KMC, Chan BP* (2015) Bioengineering a multicomponent spinal motion segment construct-a 3d model for complex tissue engineering. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 4(1):99–112.
  13. Chan BP*, Ma JN, Xu JY, Li CW, Cheng JP, Cheng SH (2014) Femto-Second Laser-Based Free Writing of 3D Protein Microstructures and Micropatterns with Sub-Micrometer Features: A Study on Voxels, Porosity, and Cytocompatibility. Advanced Functional Materials, 24(3):277–294.
  14. Yuan MT, Yeung CW, Li YY, Diao HJ, Cheung KMC, Chan D, Cheah K, Chan BP* (2013) Effects of nucleus pulposus cell-derived acellular matrix on the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Biomaterials, 34(16):3948–3961.
  15. Cheng HW, Luk KDK, Cheung KMC, Chan BP* (2011) In vitro generation of an osteochondral interface from mesenchymal stem cell-collagen microspheres. Biomaterials, 32(6):1526–1535.
  16. Lee M, Lo AC, Cheung PT, Wong D, Chan BP* (2009) Drug carrier systems based on collagen-alginate composite structures for improving the performance of GDNF-secreting HEK293 cells. Biomaterials, 30(6):1214–1221.
  17. Chan OCM, So KF, Chan BP* (2008) Fabrication of nano-fibrous collagen microspheres for protein delivery and effects of photochemical crosslinking on release kinetics. Journal of Controlled Release, 129(2):135–143.
  18. Hui TY, Cheung KMC, Cheung WL, Chan D, Chan BP* (2008) In vitro chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells in collagen microspheres: Influence of cell seeding density and collagen concentration. Biomaterials, 29(22):3201–3212.
  19. Wong HL, Wang MX, Cheung PT, Yao KM, Chan BP* (2007) A 3D collagen microsphere culture system for GDNF-secreting HEK293 cells with enhanced protein productivity. Biomaterials, 28(35):5369–5380.
  20. Chan BP*, Hui TY, Yeung CW, Li J, Mo I, Chan GCF (2007) Self-assembled collagen-human mesenchymal stem cell microspheres for regenerative medicine. Biomaterials, 28(31):4652–4666.

*Corresponding Author


Long_XiaohangResearch Assistant Professor

B.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.

Telephone: 39439843

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Address: 407, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, CUHK

 

 

Biography

Dr. LONG Xiaohang (龍小杭) obtained her Bachelor’s degree from the School of Life Sciences at Peking University and her MPhil and Ph.D. degree from the School of Life Sciences at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). She completed her postdoctoral training in the State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease CUHK, focusing on driver bacteria carcinogenesis in tumor microenvironments and organoids modeling in colorectal cancer.

  1. Genomic and epigenomic alterations in liver cancer
  2. Molecular mechanism of immunotherapy resistance
  3. Therapeutic targets for liver cancer
  1. Long X, Wong CC, Tong L, Chu ESH, Ho Szeto C, Go MYY, Coker OO, Chan AWH, Chan FKL, Sung JJY, Yu J. (2019) Peptostreptococcus anaerobius promotes colorectal carcinogenesis and modulates tumor-immunity. Nature Microbiology 2019 Dec;4(12):2319-2330.
  2. Cheung SC, Long X, Liu L, Liu Q, Lan L, Tong PC, Sun SS. (2013) Inhibition of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells and HT-29 colon cancer cells by rice-produced recombinant human insulin-like growth binding protein-3 (rhIGFBP-3). Plos One 8:e77516 (co-first author)
  3. Long X, Liu Q, Chan M, Wang Q, Sun S.S.M. (2013) Metabolic engineering and profiling of rice with increased lysine. Plant Biotechnol. J 11:490-501
  1. Health and Medical Research Fund [Co-I; 01-April-2018] “Functional investigation of a novel oncogenic bacterium Peptostreptococcus anaerobius in colorectal carcinogenesis” (HK$1,196,904)
  2. Science and Technology Program Grant, Shenzhen [Co-I; 01 July 2017] “Study on the relationship between gut microbiome dysbiosis and colorectal cancer” (RMB 2,000,000)


GAO BoAssociate Professor

Ph.D.

Telephone: 3943 6801

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Address: 604A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, CUHK

Website:   https://www.gaobolab.com/

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8684-5199

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=7b4ogf0AAAAJ&hl=en

 

 

Biography

Prof. GAO Bo (高波) is an Associate Professor of the School of Biomedical Sciences of the Faculty of Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). He obtained his bachelor and doctoral degrees from the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, where he received the academic training in the fields of human genetics and developmental genetics. After completing his postdoctoral training at National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), he worked in the same institute as staff scientist. He then set up his own laboratory at the University of Hong Kong, where his research mainly focused on cell signaling in development and disease with a special interest in skeletal disorders. In 2023, he joined CUHK and expanded his research to broader areas of cell biology, developmental biology, and skeletal biology. Prof. Gao has published in leading international journals including Nature, Nature Genetics, Developmental Cell, Journal of Clinical Investigation, Cell Research, Science Advances, Nature Communications, and Development as first and/or corresponding authors. He has received a number of academic honors and awards, including Dr Cheng Yu Tung Fellowship, Shanghai Youth Science and Technology Innovation Mayor Award, Second-Class Prize of National Natural Science Award, National Youth Science and Technology Innovation Award, NIH The Fellows Award for Research Excellence, NHGRI Intramural Research Training Award, NIH Genome Recognition of Employee Accomplishments and Talents (GREAT) Award, and Chinese Medical Science and Technology Award for Youths.

  1. Skeletal Biology and Skeletal Disorders
  2. Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity (Wnt/PCP) signaling
  3. ER Biology

Selected publications as first/corresponding/co-corresponding authors.

Skeletal Biology and Skeletal Disorders
  1. Wang, X., Yue, M., Cheung, JPY., Cheung, PWH., Fan, Y., Wu, M., Wang, X., Zhao, S., Khanshour, AM., Rios, JJ., Chen, Z., Wang, X., Tu, W., Chan, D., Yuan, Q., Qin, D., Qiu, G., Wu, Z., Zhang, J., Ikegawa, S., Wu, N., Wise, CA., Hu, Y., Luk, KDK., Song, YQ., Gao, B. Impaired glycine neurotransmission causes adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Journal of Clinical Investigation ,e168783. doi: 10.1172/JCI168783. Online ahead of print.
  2. Ye, Y., Zhang, J., Feng, X., Chen, C., Chang, Y., Qiu, G., Wu, Z., Zhang, TJ., Gao, B. , Wu, N. (2023). Exploring the association between congenital vertebral malformations and neural tube defects. Journal of Medical Genetics, 60(12):1146-1152. doi: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109501.
  3. Feng, X., Cheung, J.P.Y., Je, J.S.H., Cheung, P.W.H., Chen, S.X., Yue, M., Wang, N., Choi, V.N.T., Yang, X.Y., Song, Y.Q., Luk, K.D.K., & Gao, B. (2021). Genetic variants of TBX6 and TBXT identified in patients with congenital scoliosis in Southern China. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 39(5):971-988. doi: 10.1002/jor.24805.
  4. Li, C., Wang, N., Schaffer, A.A., Liu, X., Zhao, Z., Elliott, G., Garrett, L., Choi, N.T., Wang, Y., Wang, Y., Wang, C., Wang, J., Su, P., Chan, D., Cui, S., Yang, Y., & Gao, B. (2020). Mutations in COMP cause familial carpal tunnel syndrome. Nature Communications, 11(1):3642, doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-17378-z.
  5. Gao, B., Hu, J., Stricker, S., Cheung, M., Ma, G., Law, K.F., Witte, F., Briscoe, J., Mundlos, S., He, L., Cheah, K.S., & Chan, D. (2009). A mutation in Ihh that causes digit abnormalities alters its signalling capacity and range. Nature, 30;458(7242):1196-200.
  6. Gao, B., & He, L. (2004). Answering a century old riddle: brachydactyly type A1. Cell Research, 14(3):179-87.
  7. Gao, B., Guo, J., She, C., Shu, A., Yang, M., Tan, Z., Yang, X., Guo, S., Feng, G., & He, L. (2001). Mutations in IHH, encoding Indian hedgehog, cause brachydactyly type A-1. Nature Genetics, 28(4):386-8.
Wnt/PCP signaling
  1. Feng, D., He, Z., & Gao, B. (2022). Analysis of the Ubiquitination and Phosphorylation of Vangl Proteins. Bio Protocol, 2022 Oct 20;12(20):e4533..
  2. Wang, J., Feng, D., & Gao, B. (2021). An overview of potential therapeutic agents targeting WNT/PCP signaling. Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, 269:175-213.
  3. Feng, D., Wang, J., Yang, W., Li, J., Lin, X., Zha, F., Wang, X., Ma, L., Choi, N.T., Mii, Y., Takada, S., Huen, M.S.Y., Guo, Y., Zhang, L., & Gao, B. (2021) Regulation of Wnt/PCP Signaling through p97/VCP-KBTBD7-mediated Vangl Ubiquitination and Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation. Science Advances, 7(20):eabg2099.
  4. Yang, W., Garrett, L., Feng, D., Elliott, G., Liu, X., Wang, N., Wong, Y.M., Choi, N.T., Yang, Y., & Gao, B. (2017). Wnt-induced Vangl2 phosphorylation is dose-dependently required for planar cell polarity in mammalian development. Cell Research, 27(12):1466-1484.
  5. Gao, B., Ajima, R., Yang, W., Li, C., Song, H., Anderson, M.J., Liu, R.R., Lewandoski, M.B., Yamaguchi, T.P., & Yang, Y. (2018). Coordinated directional outgrowth and pattern formation by integration of Wnt5a and Fgf signaling in planar cell polarity. Development, 13;145(8).
  6. Gao, B., & Yang, Y. (2013). Planar Cell Polarity in vertebrate limb morphogenesis. Current Opinion in Genetics & Development, 23(4):438-44.
  7. Gao, B.(2012). Wnt Regulation of Planar Cell Polarity (PCP). Current Topics in Developmental Biology, 101:263-295.
  8. Gao, B., Song, H., Bishop, K., Elliot, G., Garrett, L., English, M.A., Andre, P., Robinson, J., Sood, R., Minami, Y., Economides, A.N., & Yang, Y. (2011). Wnt signaling gradients establish planar cell polarity by inducing Vangl2 phosphorylation through Ror2. Developmental Cell, 20(2): 163-176.
  1. RGC – General Research Fund [PI; 01-Jan-23]: “A Novel Protein Quality Control Mechanism in Regulating Core Planar Cell Polarity Protein Vangl2 and Beyond” (HK $1,180,218).
  2. RGC – General Research Fund [PI; 01-Jan-22]: “Investigating the role of Vangl2 phosphorylation at the C-terminal PDZ-binding motif” (HK $1,075,732).
  3. RGC – General Research Fund [PI; 01-Jan-21]: “Elucidating the role of USP6/32 in Wnt/PCP signaling” (HK $1,195,542).
  4. RGC – General Research Fund [PI; 01-Sept-19]: “Elucidating the role of CUL3-KBTBD6/7 in regulating Vangl2 ubiquitination and PCP signaling” (HK $1,116,019).
  5. RGC – Early Career Scheme [PI; 01-July-17]: “Regulation of non-canonical Wnt/PCP signaling by Vangl2 phosphorylation” (HK $1,313,444).
  6. Health and Medical Research Fund [PI; 30-Jan-22]: "The role of ECM mutations as predisposing factors for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome” (HK $1,499,848).
  7. Health and Medical Research Fund [PI; 01-Sept-20]: “Genetic Diagnosis and Research of Osteogenesis Imperfecta” (HK $1,499,870).
  8. Health and Medical Research Fund [PI; 01-June-19]: “Identifying the Genetic Factors underlying Congenital Scoliosis in Hong Kong” (HK $1,499,752).
  9. Health and Medical Research Fund [PI; 01-March-18]: “Understanding the Molecular Basis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome” (HK $1,195,048).
  10. National Natural Science Foundation – General Program [PI; 01-Jan-22]: “The molecular mechanism of deubiquitinases in the regulation of planar cell polarity signaling” (RMB $580,000).
  11. National Natural Science Foundation – General Program [PI; 01-Jan-18]: “Elucidating the role of post-translational modification of planar cell polarity core protein Vangl2 in Wnt/PCP signaling pathway” (RMB $580,000).


TONG ManCarolAssistant Professor

Telephone:  3943 3115

Email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Address: Room 404, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, CUHK

Publons: https://publons.com/researcher/1501660/man-tong/

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5725-0391

 

 

Biography

Prof. TONG Man, Carol (唐旻) obtained her B.Sc. in Biotechnology (First Class Honors) and Ph.D. degree from the University of Hong Kong (HKU). Prof. Tong received her postdoctoral training in the School of Biomedical Sciences at HKU in 2015 and was promoted to Research Assistant Professor in 2019. She joined the School of Biomedical Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong as Assistant Professor in 2022. During her postgraduate study and postdoctoral training, she received a number of scholarships and awards including the prestigious Chinese Youth Science and Technology Innovation Award (China), Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship, and presentation awards and travel award in local international conference. Prof. Tong is the principal investigator of research grants including General Research Fund, Health and Medical Research Fund and NSFC - Young Scientist Fund. Her research work has been published in international journals including Journal of Hepatology, Hepatology, Cancer Research, Cell Reports and Stem Cell Reports. Prof. Tong has devoted her research to identifying the molecular determinants of tumor heterogeneity from both cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous perspectives, with the vision and mission to develop novel therapeutic strategies for effective cancer treatment. Her recent research focus and efforts point towards an understanding of an intertwined relationship between metabolic heterogeneity, cellular stress responses in response to therapy and remodeling of tumor microenvironment in liver cancer.

  1. Metabolic heterogeneity and aberrations in cancer.
  2. Resistance mechanism to cancer therapies.
  3. Bidirectional interaction between tumor microenvironment and cancer cells.
  4. Development of novel and rational combination therapies for effective cancer treatment.
  5. Biology of cancer stem cells.
  1. Feng, X.#, Tong, M.#, Tong, CS., Chan, BK., Chu, HY., Wong, TL., Fong, JH., Cheung, MS., Mak, KH., Pardeshi, L., Huang, YH., Wong, KH., Choi, GC., Ma, S., Wong, AL. (2021). A combinatorial CRISPR-Cas9 screen identifies ifenprodil as an adjunct to sorafenib for liver cancer treatment. Cancer Res, 81:6219-32.
  2. Tong, M.^, Wong, TL., Zhao, H., Zhang, Y., Xie, YN., Li, CH., Zhou, L., Che, N., Yun, JP., Man, K., Lee, TK., Cai, Z.^, Ma, S.^ Loss of tyrosine catabolic enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase HPD promotes glutamine anaplerosis through mTOR signaling in liver cancer. (2021). Cell Rep, 36:109617.
  3. Loh, JJ., Li, TW., Zhou, L., Wong, TL., Liu, X., Ma, V., Lo, CM., Man, K., Lee, TK., Ning, W., Tong, M.^, Ma, S.^ FSTL1 secreted by activated fibroblasts promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis and stemness. (2021). Cancer Res, 81:5692-705.
  4. 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. (2021). J Clin Invest, 131:143377.
  5. Ng, KY., Shea, QT., Wong, TL., Luk, ST., Tong, M., Lo, CM., Man, K., Yun, JP., Guan, XY., Lee, TK., Zheng, YP., Ma, S. Chemotherapy enriched THBS2-deficient cancer stem cells drive hepatocarcinogenesis through matrix softness induced histone H3 modifications. (2021). Adv Sci, 8:2002483. 
  6. Zhou, L., Yu, KH., Wong, TL., Zhang, Z., Chan, CH., Loong, JH., Che, N., Yu, HJ., Tan, KV., Tong, M., Ngan, ES., Ho, JW., Ma, S. Lineage tracing and single-cell analysis reveal proliferative Prom1+ tumor-propagating cells and their dynamic cellular transition during liver cancer progression. (2021). Gut, gutjnl-2021-324321. 
  7. Che, N., Ng, KY., Wong, TL., Tong, M., Kau, PW., Chan, LH., Lee, TK., Huen, MS., Yun, JP., Ma, S. PRMT6 deficiency induces autophagy in hostile microenvironments of hepatocellular carcinoma tumors by regulating BAG5-associated HSC70 stability. (2021). Cancer Lett, 501:247-62. 
  8. Leung, HW., Leung, CO., Lau, EY., Chung, KP., Mok, EH., Lei, MM., Leung, RW., Tong, M., Keng, VW., Ma, C., Zhao, Q., Ng, IO., Ma, S., Lee, TK. EPHB2 activates β-catenin to enhance cancer stem cell properties and drive sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. (2021). Cancer Res, 81:3229-40.
  9. Zheng, Y., Zhao, H., Tong, M., Zhu, L., Ma, S., Cai, Z. Characterization and determination of 13C-labeled nonessential amino acids in a 13C5-glutamine isotope tracer experiment with a mass spectrometry strategy combining parallel reaction monitoring and multiple reaction monitoring. (2021). Anal Chem, 93:13564-13571.
  10. Ho, NP., Leung, CO., Wong, TL., Lau, EY., Lei, MM., Mok, EH., Leung, HW., Tong, M., Ng, IO., Yun, JP., Ma, S., Lee, TK. The interplay of UBE2T and Mule in regulating Wnt/β-catenin activation to promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression. (2021). Cell Death Dis, 12:148.
  11. Leung, CO.#, Tong, M.#, Chung, KP., Zhou, L., Che, N., Tang, KH., Ding, J., Lau, EY., Ng, IO., Ma, S., Lee, TK. Overriding adaptive resistance of sorafenib through combination therapy with SHP2 blockade in hepatocellular carcinoma. (2020). Hepatology, 72:155-68.
  12. Luk, ST., Ng, KY., Zhou, L., Tong, M., Wong, TL., Yu, HJ., Lo, CM., Man, K., Guan, XY., Lee, TK., Ma, S. Deficiency in embryonic stem cell marker REX1 activates MKK6-dependent p38 MAPK signaling to drive hepatocarcinogenesis. (2020). Hepatology, 72:183-97.
  13. Tong, M., Che, N., Zhou, L., Luk, ST., Kau, PW., Chai, S., Ngan, ES., Lo, CM., Man, K., Ding, J., Lee, TK., Ma, S. Efficacy of annexin A3 blockade in sensitizing hepatocellular carcinoma to sorafenib and regorafenib. (2018). J Hepatol, 69:826-39.
  14. Lau, MC., Ng, KY., Wong, TL., Tong, M., Lee, TK., Ming, XY., Law, S., Lee, NP., Cheung, AL., Qin, YR., Chan, KW., Ning, W., Guan, XY., Ma, S. FSTL1 promotes metastasis and chemoresistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through NFκB-BMP signaling crosstalk. (2017). Cancer Res, 77:5886-99.
  15. Ng, KY., Chan, LH., Chai, S., Tong, M., Guan, XY., Lee, NP., Yuan, YF., Xie, D., Lee, TK., Dusetti, NJ., Carrier, A., Ma, S. TP53INP1 down-regulation activates a p73-dependent DUSP10/ERK signaling pathway to promote metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. (2017). Cancer Res, 77:4602-12.
  16. Chai, S., Ng, KY., Tong, M., Lau, EY., Lee, TK., Chan, KW., Yuan, YF., Cheung, TT., Cheung, ST., Wang, XQ., Wong, N., Lo, CM., Man, K., Guan, XY., Ma, S. Octamer4/microRNA-1246 signaling axis drives Wnt/beta-catenin activation in liver cancer stem cells. (2016). Hepatology, 64:2062-76.
  17. Fung, TM., Ng, KY., Tong, M., Chen, JN., Chai, S., Chan, KT., Law, S., Lee, NP., Choi, MY., Li, B., Cheung, AL., Tsao, SW., Qin, YR., Guan, XY., Chan, KW., Ma, S. Neuropilin-2 promotes tumorigenicity and metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through ERK MAPK/ETV4/MMP/E-cadherin deregulation. (2016). J Pathol, 239:309-19.
  18. Ng, KY., Chai, S., Tong, M., Guan, XY., Lin, CH., Ching, YP., Xie, D., Cheng, AS., Ma, S. C-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus X protein promotes hepatocellular carcinogenesis through induction of cancer and stem cell-like properties. (2016). Oncotarget, 7:24005-17.
  19. Tong, M., Fung, TM., Luk, ST., Ng, KY., Lee, TK., Lin, CH., Yam, JW., Chan, KW., Ng, F., Zheng, BJ., Yuan, YF., Xie, D., Lo, CM., Man, K., Guan, XY., Ma, S. ANXA3/JNK signaling promotes self-renewal and tumor growth and its blockade provides a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. (2015). Stem Cell Rep, 5:45-59.
  20. Chai, S.#, Tong, M.#, Ng, KY.#, Kwan, PS., Chan, YP., Fung, CM., Lee, TK., Wong, N., Xie, D., Yuan, YF., Guan, XY., Ma, S. Regulatory role of miR-142-3p on the functional hepatic cancer stem cell marker CD133. (2014). Oncotarget, 5:5725-35.
  21. Lee, TK., Cheung, VC., Lu, P., Lau, EY., Ma, S., Tang, KH., Tong, M., Lo, J., Ng, IO. Blockade of CD47-mediated cathepsin S/protease-activated receptor 2 signaling provides a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. (2014). Hepatology, 60: 179-91.
  22. Tang, KH., Dai, YD., Tong, M., Chan, YP., Kwan, PS., Fu, L., Qin, YR., Tsao, SW., Lung, HL., Lung, ML., Tong, DK., Law, S., Chan, KW., Ma, S., Guan, XY. A CD90+ tumor-initiating cell population with an aggressive signature and metastatic capacity in esophageal cancer. (2013). Cancer Res, 73: 2322-32.
  23. Tong, M., Chan, KW., Bao, JY., Wong, KY., Chen, JN., Kwan, PS., Tang, KH., Chan, YP., Fu, L., Qin, YR., Lok, S., Guan, XY., Ma, S. Rab25 is a tumor suppressor gene with anti-angiogenic and anti-invasive activities in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. (2012). Cancer Res, 72: 6024-35.
  24. Ma, S., Bao, JY., Kwan, PS., Chan, YP., Tong, M., Fu, L., Zhang, N., Tong, AH., Qin, YR., Tsao, SW., Chan, KW., Lok. S., Guan, XY. Identification of PTK6, via RNA sequencing analysis, as a suppressor of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. (2012). Gastroenterology, 143:675-86.
  25. Tang, KH., Ma, S., Lee, TK., Chan, YP., Kwan, PS., Tong, M., Ng, IO., Man, K., To, KF., Lai, PB., Lo, CM., Guan, XY., Chan. KW. CD133+ liver tumor-initiating cells promote tumor angiogenesis, growth and self-renewal through neurotensin / IL-8 / CXCL1 signaling. (2012). Hepatology, 55: 807-20.
  26. Tong, M.#, Ma, S.#, Guan, XY. Biology of hepatic cancer stem cells. (2011). J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 26:1229-37.

    # Co-first author
    ^ Corresponding/Co-corresponding author
  1. RGC – General Research Fund [PI; 01-Jan-23 – 31-Dec-25]: “AMBRA1 coordinates mitochondrial functions to regulate cancer stemness and tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma” (HK$1,180,218).
  2. National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) – Young Scientist Fund [PI; 01-Jan-22 – 31-Dec-24]: “Down-regulation of tyrosine catabolic enzyme HPD promotes mTOR-dependent metabolic reprogramming in liver cancer stem cells” (RMB240,000).
  3. RGC – General Research Fund [PI; 01-July-21 – 30-Jun-24]: “p38β orchestrates BiP mediated unfolded protein response to promote cancer stemness and therapy resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma” (HK$1,175,732).
  4. Health and Medical Research Fund [PI; 01-Dec-21 – 30-Nov-24]: “Molecular basis and therapeutic potential of ketogenic diet as an adjuvant to receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKi) targeted therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma” (HK$1,452,160).
  5. Health and Medical Research Fund [PI; 01-Sept-19 – 31-Aug-22]: “Cancer-associated fibroblasts derived follistatin-like 1 as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for personalized treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma” (HK$1,499,764).
  6. Health and Medical Research Fund [PI; 01-Sept-18 – 28-Feb-21]: “AXL receptor tyrosine kinase as a biomarker for sorafenib response and target for personalized therapy in patients” (HK$1,199,048).
  1. Dr CHEUNG Wing Shing David
  2. Prof. TIAN Xiaoyu