Research Projects
The role of SIRT7 mediated de-acylation in controlling T cell differentiation and autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases affect approximately 1-3% of the whole population worldwide and the incidences increased dramatically in the past half century. Th17 cells mediated proinflammatory responses play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases, especially multiple sclerosis (MS). However, factors that regulate Th17-mediated pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully defined. In this project, we aim to decipher the epigenetic and non-epigenetic mechanisms of sirtuin in promoting Th17 cell differentiation, reveal the correlations between SIRT7 in CD4 T cells and the disease severity of MS in clinic, and test therapeutic potential of SIRT7 inhibition on the pathogenesis and relapse of EAE in mice.

Dr XC Bao, School of Biomedical Sciences

Dr. Xiucong Bao, a Research Assistant Professor in the School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine.

Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) play essential roles in the regulation of almost all biological processes and the dysregulation of proteins PTMs often leads to human diseases. Our lab focuses on the development of chemical biological strategies to decipher the biological functions of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) and their regulatory mechanisms in immune system. Our overall mission is to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms responsible for carcinogenesis and to translate basic biomedical discovery into effective therapies for immune diseases.

Biography
Scholars Hub
ORCID
baoxc@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.