Research Projects
Repressive and transactivation activities of HDAC1 along neuronal lineage differentiation

HDAC1 possesses dual regulatory roles in gene transcription, so it can mediate a large number of genes and control various cellular processes.  HDAC1 forms Sin3, NuRD and CoREST complexes to repress gene expression through promoting histone deacetylation, while it can bind directly onto the promoter/enhancer regions of the genes to induce their transcription. Our latest data suggest that the aberrant transactivation activity of HDAC1 perturbs the neuronal differentiation, while HDAC1-mediated epigenetic suppression is essential for the development of the neuronal progenitors. In the project, the candidate will make use of the human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) model to delineate the roles of HDAC1 in various stages of neurogenesis.

Professor ESW Ngan, Department of Surgery

Professor Elly Sau-wai Ngan is a professor in the department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine. Her main research interest is to translate the genetic data obtained from patients into biology to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of neural crest associated diseases, with a particular focus on neuroblastoma and Hirschsprung disease (HSCR). Her laboratory has established various disease models using human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived cell- and organoid models and transgenic/knock-out mice to decode the functional impacts of HSCR associated mutations in enteric nervous system development. The recent focus of her group is to develop methods for generation of functional neurons for cell-based therapy.

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
Laboratory Homepage
ORCID
engan@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.