Dr PAN Li (left), Winner of the PolyU Outstanding PhD Thesis Award 2023 and her Chief Supervisor Dr DO Chi-wai (right).
Congratulations to SO PhD graduates, Dr PAN Li, on receiving the PolyU Outstanding PhD Thesis Award 2023.
Under the supervision of Dr DO Chi-wai, Associate Professor of SO, Dr Pan has demonstrated distinctive research achievements through her graduation thesis which contributed to retinal neuroinflammation and neuroprotection. This award also symbolises the recognition of her endeavour to advance knowledge with applications. Dr Pan is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow of the School.
These findings hold promise for thousands of individuals affected by debilitating conditions, offering renewed hope and an improved quality of life.
Dr PAN Li
Winner of the PolyU Outstanding PhD Thesis Award 2023, School of Optometry
- Thesis Title: Neuroprotection through pharmacological targeting retinal immune microenvironment in retinal neurodegenerative diseases
- Chief Supervisor: Dr DO Chi-wai
- Abstract: Retinal neurodegeneration is a complex process involving the structural and functional loss of neurons and, ultimately, cell death. It commonly occurs in many ocular diseases, leading to severe vision impairment and even blindness. However, current available treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases are scarce. Neuroinflammation triggered by prolonged microglia activation is increasingly reported as a key driver in the progression of neurodegeneration. Emerging evidence suggests that the suppression of neuroinflammation may present a potential therapy for these diseases. In our studies, we discovered that insulin-like growth factor binding protein-like protein 1 (IGFBPL1) is a key regulator of pro-homeostatic microglia through in-depth RNA-sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing analyses. IGFBPL1 exerted remarkably potent therapeutic effects by inhibiting neuroinflammation and microglial activation via IGF-1R signalling. In addition, we found that baicalein, a natural flavonoid extracted from the root of Scutellaria baocalensis Georgi (SB), effectively suppressed microglia activation via inhibiting IL-17 pathway, as demonstrated by the proteomic study. Therapeutic administration of IGFBPL1 or baicalein not only suppressed microglia-dependent inflammatory cascades but also exhibited neuroprotective effects and improved visual functions post-retinal I/R injury. These results provide new promising alternatives for treating retinal neurodegenerative diseases by suppressing neuroinflammation.
