Research Projects
Investigating the Role of Immune Checkpoint Genes in Vascular Immune Organoids

Targeting immune checkpoints such as PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3 has advanced the outcome of cancer immunotherapy. However, the fundamental mechanisms of how these checkpoints function in human immune cells are not clear. Using an established platform of vascular immune organoids in our lab, students will study the role of immune checkpoint genes. Students will employ cutting-edge technologies such as organoid formation and CRISPR gene targeting in human pluripotent stem cells. Upon deletion of immune checkpoint genes, students will measure the inflammatory cytokines and cellular phenotypes by Bio Luminex and flow cytometry respectively. This project will contribute to the understanding of fundamental mechanisms of the role of immune checkpoints in human immune cells as well as potential application to immunotherapy.

Learning Activities/Methodology

Students will learn the following techniques.

• Stem cell culture and differentiation
• Organoid formation
• CRISPR gene targeting
• gRNA design
• Immunofluorescence
• Confocal microscopy
• Bio Luminex
• Flow cytometry

Dr RR Sugimura, School of Biomedical Sciences

Dr Rio Sugimura received his M.D. from Osaka University, Japan, in 2008, and his Ph.D. in Stem Cells and Regeneration from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, USA, in 2012. He has been trained at world-leading institutes, including Harvard Medical School and Kyoto University. He is an Assistant Professor in the School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong. Dr Sugimura is a full faculty member of the Stem Cells & Regeneration Section in F1000Prime, a member of American Association of Immunologists (AAI), American Society of Hematology (ASH), Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), Association for Cancer Immunotherapy (CIMT), Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), International Society of Experimental Hematology (ISEH), International Union of Immunological Societies (IUIS), the North American Vascular Biology Organization (NAVBO), Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC), and a co-founder of the medical branch of Kagakusha-Net. Dr. Sugimura is a recipient of the ASH Scholar Award, March of Dimes, Early Career Grant from Japanese Ministry, Genius Award from Young Hematologist Meeting in Japan, Takeda Science Foundation, iPS Academia Japan Foundation, SMRF Fellowship, Kanehara Memorial Foundation, and Uehara Memorial Foundation. Dr. Sugimura mastered grantsmanship at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Scientific Writing Retreat 2019. Dr Sugimura supervised one postdoctoral fellow, one medical student, three Ph.D. students, two master students, and three undergraduate students.

Biography
HKU Scholars Hub
Google Scholar
ORCID
Laboratory Homepage
rios@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.