Ongoing Projects

Multiple approaches are taken in my laboratory including (i) Gene knockout in mice; (ii) Transgenic mouse; (iii) CRISPR/Cas9 gene knockout in zebrafish; (iv) Transgenic zebrafish; (v) Human/mouse liver organoids; (vi) RNA sequencing. We have identified genes and pathways implicated in the human and mouse anorectal and bile duct development and their associated birth defects. Our insights into the pathomechanisms of these birth defects not only provide markers for more precise diagnosis and choice of the appropriate treatment forms, but also provide targets for the development of new therapeutic or preventive approaches.

Major Fundings

1. Innovation and Technology Fund, University-Industry Collaboration Programme, HKSAR. Date of award: Sep 2017
Project title: Advancing Diagnosis and Treatment of Two Liver Diseases, Alagille Syndrome and Biliary Atresia, by Organoid and Single Cell Transcriptome Analysis

2. Health and Medical Research Fund 2015. Date of award: May 2016
Project title: Functional genetic study to unravel the genetic background of biliary atresia

3. Health and Medical Research Fund 2015. Date of award: May 2016
Project title: Decoding Biliary Atresia at the transcriptome and tissue architecture level

4. Health and Medical Research Fund 2014. Date of award: February 2015
Project title: The Roles of Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor Alpha (PDGFRA) in Urethra Tubularization and in Hypospasdia