Research Projects
Identification of therapeutic targets of bone metastasis using molecular interactions in single-cell analysis

Bone metastasis, which occurs when cancer cells spread from the primary tumour to the bone marrow to form new tumours in the bone, accounts for approximately 65-80% of all metastatic cases in patients with solid tumours, in particular in breast, prostate, and lung cancer. 

Previous studies on molecular mechanisms have suggested that bone metastasis is regulated by various signalling pathways involving biomolecules such as TGF-beta, FGF, PDGF, IGF, Jagged, PTHrP, and RANKL, all of which are involved in the communication between tumour cells and bone marrow cells. However, these pathways also play crucial roles in normal physiological conditions, which makes it challenging to develop long-term therapies targeting such molecules to prevent bone metastasis without disturbing the normal functioning of these signalling pathways. 

Unfortunately, there are currently no effective therapies available to inhibit bone metastasis nor even to predict which patients might suffer from it. 

In this study, we aim to systematically investigate the molecular interactions between tumour cells and bone marrow cells in patients with bone metastasis using single-cell analysis, a cutting-edge technology that allows for the examination of molecular signatures such as RNA, DNA, and protein at an unparalleled resolution. Cells isolated from bone marrow and bone metastasis will be collected from patients for single-cell analysis.

This study will take knowledge from bedside to bench. By identifying druggable molecular interactions prevalent in bone metastasis in our patient samples, we hope to further evaluate their therapeutic potential by testing a drug panel against these targets in pre-clinical mouse models of bone metastasis. 

Dr Z Su, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

As a dedicated interdisciplinary researcher in molecular cell biology and bioinformatics, Dr. Su aims to bridge the gap between clinicians and scientists to foster advancements in biomedical sciences. His expertise has significantly contributed to the understanding of cellular heterogeneity, disease progression, and the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets in orthopaedics and cancer research.

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
zzsu@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.