Personal information
Biography
After obtaining PhD degree from the University of Hong Kong, I joined the Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands as postdoctoral fellow and started my research on neural crest cells (NCCs) and its associated developmental anomalies. I returned to Hong Kong and joined the Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, the University of Hong Kong at the end of 1998 as a Research Assistant professor, promoted to Assistant professor in 2001, and Associate Professor in 2009.
Main research focuses
1. Neural crest cells (NCCs) and enteric nervous system (ENS) development; Genetics of NCC associated developmental anomalies in human such as Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR)
2. Molecular signaling mechanisms in urorectal development and their implications in human anorectal malformations (ARMs)
3. Molecular signaling mechanisms in bile duct development and their implications in human bile duct diseases such as biliary atresia and choledochal cysts
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) ex vivo embryonic gut explant culture; (vii) NCC stem cell culture; (viii) Bulk and single cell RNA sequencing.
We have identified genes and pathways implicated in the human and mouse NCC and ENS; 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.