Research Projects
Roles of MicroRNAs in Endometrial Cells During Implantation


Programme(s) to which this project applies:
☒ MPhil/PhD ☑ MRes[Med] ☒ URIS

Objective and Significance:

MicroRNAs are a new class of RNA. They are small and consist of only 17-23 nucleotides. They do not code for proteins but inhibit the translation of mRNAs and may degrade mRNAs. Therefore they modulate protein expression. Implantation is a complicated process involving expressions of endometrial genes in a spatial- and temporal-specific manner.

Dysregulation of gene expression in the endometrium is associated with infertility and endometriosis. Expression of microRNAs in the endometrium has recently been reported.

Objective:

To study the role of microRNA in affecting gene expression in endometrial cells

Research Plan and Methodology:

The project will involve

  1. Determination of the expression of microRNAs in endometrial tissues/cells of mouse and human,
  2. Correlation of microRNA expression with the reproductive cycle and early pregnancy events
  3. Study the action of some microRNAs on specific endometrial gene expression using cell culture model.

Prof WSB Yeung, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Biography
wsbyeung@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. 

Research @ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology