Research Projects
Developing vaccines against aging

Aging is a complex biological process that leads to the gradual decline of physiological functions, making individuals more susceptible to diseases and ultimately leading to death. Recent advances in biotechnology and immunology have opened new avenues for addressing the underlying mechanisms of aging. This project aims to explore the development of vaccines that can target and mitigate the biological processes associated with aging, thereby enhancing healthspan and potentially extending lifespan.

Professor JD Huang, School of Biomedical Sciences

Prof. Huang's current research focuses on synthetic biology.  Prof. Huang have created novel genetic circuits for the control of gene expression and hence biological behavior.  He also generated several vaccines by using synthetic biology approach and programmed bacteria as tumor therapeutic drug.  Prof. Huang was the first researcher in the greater China region to publish a paper in synthetic biology in Science. 

Synthetic Biology: Synthetic Biology refers to the design and fabrication of biological components and systems that do not already exist in the natural world; and the re-design and fabrication of existing biological systems for useful purpose. Prof. huang's laboratory is aiming to design and fabricate artificial biological parts, devices and circuits to control biological pattern formation (Science V334; Nature Physics (article) V16), to attack cancer cells (Nature Communications V12:2537), and to prevent infectious diseases (Cell Host & Microbe, V 31; Advanced Functional Materials, 2305120; Nature Communications, V14(1):3440).

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
Lab Homepage
ORCID
jdhuang@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.