Date: 4 January 2024 (Thursday)
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Venue: Cheung Kung Hai Lecture Theatre 1, G/F, William M.W. Mong Block, 21 Sassoon Road

5:00 p.m.

Presenter: Yan PAN (MPhil candidate)
Primary Supervisor: Dr. Asif JAVED
Presentation Title: Immunological signatures of lupus nephritis identified via single-cell approach
Abstract: Lupus nephritis, or kidney inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, is a common comorbidity resulting in long-term kidney damage and additional complications. Advancements in single-cell technology have paved the way for comprehensive assessment of gene expression at a single-cell level. This allows simultaneous interrogation of cell-type specific functional differences across patient groups. We leverage this technology and the availability of large published datasets to conduct a comprehensive examination of T cells in SLE patients from a nephritis perspective. By corroborating information across five independent datasets, we have defined processes differentially active in major T cell types. This integrative approach provides a nuanced multifaceted view of the immunological dysregulation observed in patients with nephritis.

5:30 p.m.

Presenter: Hyunji PARK (MPhil candidate)
Primary Supervisor: Dr. Mu HE
Presentation Title: Evolutionarily conserved KINESIN 27-associated complex promotes cilia motility through control of the central pair microtubule formation
Abstract: Motile cilia are conserved organelles that produce directional flow through coordinated beating. Impaired motility can result in multisystem disorders such as Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) involving defects in brain, airway and reproductive system. The axonemal central pair (CP) microtubules are indispensable for ciliary movement, but the mechanisms that regulate the formation of motile cilia CP are not understood. In this study, we use mouse genetics and proteomics to demonstrate that kinesin KIF27 is an essential and evolutionarily conserved core protein driving the establishment of CP. Kif27 KO mice display features of human PCD and lack CP in motile cilia. KIF27 can physically interacts with a PCD candidate STK36, which is required for CP formation. Using tissue proteomics, we identify a list of putative in vivo interactors including CEP162, a centriolar protein crucial for the biogenesis and integrity of ciliary microtubules. Our study suggests a model in which KIF27-associated protein complex is required for the recruitment of central pair proteins, offering new insight into mechanism of regulating cilia movement.

ALL ARE WELCOME

Should you have any enquiries, please feel free to contact Jerry Siu at 3917 6912.