Research at FAST

62 Dr TAI Chi Shing William Research Assistant Professor Research Overview Pre-clinical development of anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory therapeutics from natural compounds and probiotics A major focus of our lab is the translation of research discoveries from bench to bedside. Using natural compounds and probiotics as a starting point, we carry out in vitro screenings to identify those with potential for chemical/biological modification and evaluation of bioactivity. We then submit potential leads for further pre-clinical testing, with the goal of developing drugs with clinical impact and benefit to patients. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect and potential mechanisms of major components of widely used herbal medicines, with the aim of developing novel compounds with strong anti-inflammatory efficacy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Here, we investigated the use of probiotics for the treatment of IBD and colorectal cancer, identifying strains with therapeutic efficacy, and elucidating their mechanisms of action. • Front Oncol, 2020 , doi:10.3389/fonc.2020.00491 • J Med Chem, 2019 , 62:1541−1561 • Front Pharmacol, 2019 , 10:594 • Nat Commun, 2018 , 9:1283 • Oncotarget, 2017 , 8(50):87401–87414 • Proteomics, 2016 , 16:1557–1569 Qualification BSc (UW–Madison) PhD (HKUST) ORCID ID 0000-0002-0771-7894 Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Functional role of exosomes in molecular pathogenesis of cancer and inflammatory diseases We have investigated the pro-inflammatory effects and signalling activity of serum exosomes isolated from IBD model mice. Our findings provide insight into the role of circulating serum exosomes in IBD and their contribution to disease pathogenesis. Further research along these lines is also being carried out by us in colorectal and breast cancers. • Proteomics, 2019 , 19:1800149 • Proteomics, 2016 , 16:1131–1145 BK polyomavirus in renal transplantation and outcomes Here we investigate different aspects of BK polyomavirus (BKV), including viral loads, viral strains, detection methods, donor/recipient effects, and their effect on renal transplant patients and transplantation outcomes. We are also investigating and identifying novel compounds for drug development against BKV. This work can be useful to clinicians and patients in assessments of risk factors, testing, and treatments. • Microb Pathog, 2020 , 142:104036 Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology