Research Projects
Dissecting the Molecular Mechanism by Which Human Tubulin Isotypes Regulate the Polymerisation Dynamics and Stability of Microtubules


Programme(s) to which this project applies:
☑ MPhil/PhD ☒ MRes[Med] ☒ URIS

The human genome encodes multiple α- and β-tubulin gene families (i.e., isotypes) that have the protein expression profile varying with cell types and developmental stages. While single point mutations in a specific tubulin isotype have been associated with human diseases, the molecular mechanism by which tubulin isotypes confer microtubules’ functions remains poorly understood. Using our field-leading strategy to generate isotypically pure recombinant human tubulin, Ti Lab will employ combinatorial approaches of biochemistry, biophysics, chemical biology, and structural biology to investigate the intrinsic properties of different human tubulin isotypes. Please see the following references to learn more about Dr Ti’s previous work.

Professor JSC Ti, School of Biomedical Sciences

Professor Jeff Shih-chieh Ti joined the School of Biomedical Sciences as Assistant Professor in September 2019. Before joining HKU, Professor Ti received his Ph.D. (Biochemistry and Biophysics) from Yale University and then worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the Rockefeller University. His current research focuses on dissecting the mechanism by which cells organize microtubules into complex arrays that play critical roles in cell division, organelle transportation, and cell migration. In particular, employing protein biochemistry, proteomics, optical tweezers, single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, and cryo-electron microscopy, Professor Ti’s group will examine the molecular basis that confers the unique and essential functions of the diverse human tubulin isotypes.

Biography
Laboratory Homepage
jeffti@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

  1. your CV,
  2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
  3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information. 

Research @ School of Biomedical Sciences