Date: Wednesday, 28 April 2021

Venue: Cheung Kung Hai Lecture Theatre 3, G/F, William M.W. Mong Block, Faculty of Medicine Building, 21 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong [Mixed mode: Face-to-Face and Zoom]

Time: 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Zoom Link: https://hku.zoom.us/j/95037206602?pwd=RFRScTROTkppTmdxSEx2c2x0N0FRdz09

Meeting ID: 950 3720 6602

Password: 424792

Time: 5:00 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Andrew Brian Kinghorn (Post-doctoral Fellow)
Primary Supervisor: Prof. JA Tanner
Presentation Title: Microfluidic selection of light-up RNA aptamer/fluorogen pairs as tools for RNA tracking
Abstract: The use of fluorescent proteins such as GFP in cellular imaging has revolutionized protein localisation over the last 30 years. Over this time enhancements to fluorescent proteins such as eGFP, have increased the intensity and spectral range available for imaging. Recently RNA aptamers have been isolated against fluorogens creating a method for the tracking and localisation of RNA in cells, although fluorescence intensity and spectral range remain issues. Herein, we isolate light-up RNA aptamer/fluorogen pairs with enhanced fluorescence intensity. Using a water in oil droplet based microfluidic sorting system we conducted many cycles of directed evolution to enhance the fluorescence intensity of light-up RNA aptamer/fluorogen pairs. We demonstrated our novel aptamer’s fluorescence increases over their predecessors using in vitro assays.

Time: 5:30 p.m. 
Speaker: Dr. Vivian Tam (Post-doctoral Fellow)
Primary Supervisor: Prof. D Chan
Presentation Title: A spatiotemporal proteomics atlas of human intervertebral discs
Abstract: The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a spinal joint which provides structural support and facilitates movement for daily activities. IVD degeneration is a progressive condition with no cure, that can lead to low back pain impacting heavily on quality of life, and a result of changes in the structure and biomechanics that is deeply connected to its protein composition. Using a proteomic approach, we performed a comprehensive comparison of different disc regions, and levels in young and aged cadaveric discs to better understand their differences, which revealed novel region-specific profiles of regulatory activities. Machine learning methods predicted a ‘hydration matrisome’ and connected the extracellular matrix with MRI image intensity. Integration of the static proteome with dynamic proteome (SILAC/degradome) and transcriptome data from other clinical samples demonstrated its robustness and value as a highly informative resource.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Should you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact Miss River Wong at 3917 9216.