Research Projects
Single-cell transcriptomics analysis of rare paediatric diseases


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

The study of rare paediatric diseases pose a unique set of challenges owing to both the limited availability of patient sample size and the high genetic & pathological diversity. Single cell omics and bioinformatics approaches can help overcome these by precisely determining the key cellular processes and pathomechanisms underlying specific pathological subtypes, leading to improved disease diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.

The project will harness the latest advances in computational and AI approaches to investigate paediatric liver and lung disorders. Through the bioinformatics analysis of single cell transcriptomics data, the project aims to elucidate the developmental basis of these disorder by uncovering defects in cellular differentiation and cell-to-cell communication. Using gene regulatory network inference and trajectory analysis, the student will identify defects in transcriptional regulation underpinning the developmental disorders. The student will apply state-of-the-art computational tools to identify cell-type specific mRNA splicing variants that are associated with the disease state and use machine learning models to improve their detection. Lastly, the student will use AI techniques to identify the genetic and transcriptomics signatures which predispose paediatric patients to develop certain types of cancers later in life.  

Dr PD Blakeley, Department of Surgery

HKU Scholars Hub
blakeley@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 Surgery