Research Projects
Discovery and Validation of Early Detection Markers for High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is frequently diagnosed at advanced stages, contributing to poor patient outcomes. This project aims to identify and validate novel early detection biomarkers for HGSOC, focusing on precursor lesions such as serous tubal intraepithelial carcinoma (STIC). Leveraging RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and spatial transcriptomics databases, the student will computationally identify candidate protein targets upregulated in STIC lesions. Promising markers will then be validated in a local Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) clinical cohort using multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC), qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. Further functional validation will be performed using HGSOC patient-derived organoid models to assess biomarker expression and potential therapeutic relevance.

The student will gain interdisciplinary training in bioinformatics, molecular techniques (mIHC, qRT-PCR, Western blot), and advanced 3D organoid culture. This integrative approach bridges computational discovery with translational validation, offering insights into early HGSOC detection and personalized therapeutic strategies.

Impact: Successful identification of STIC-associated biomarkers could revolutionize early diagnosis and surveillance protocols for HGSOC, ultimately improving patient survival through timely intervention.

Professor HN Lu, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Professor Lu is a Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He has an interest in cancer genomics, tumour-microenvironment interaction, and novel therapeutic strategies in gynaecological cancers.

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
Lab Homepage
ORCID
haonanlu@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.