Skip to main content
Start main content

News

News

The University of Hong Kong and Northwest University join forces to establish the NWU-HKU Joint Center for Earth and Planetary Sciences. Image credits: NWU

HKU and NWU Unveil Joint Center for Earth and Planetary Sciences

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Northwest University (NWU) from Xian, China, have come together to establish the 'NWU-HKU Joint Center for Earth and Planetary Sciences'. The center was recently unveiled in the presence of 18 Chinese Academy of Sciences academicians and numerous expert scholars. This joint endeavour aims to actively respond to the national strategy of science and technology innovation and the requirements of discipline construction. The center will engage in teaching and scientific research in the field of Earth and planetary sciences, focusing on in-depth investigations into significant scientific issues. These issues include the formation and early evolution of the Earth, pre-tectonic plate tectonics and the origins of continental life, lunar and comparative planetary sciences, planetary geological evolution, the geological role of extraterrestrial dynamics, astrobiology, and the evolution and habitability of planetary magnetic fields. Professor Guochun ZHAO, Chair Professor of HKU Earth Sciences and Director of the joint center, emphasised the importance of scientific leadership in Earth and Planetary Science research. Both universities will maximise their resource advantages in analysis and testing platforms, planetary science talent, and more, to actively participate in national deep space exploration programmes and produce research outcomes at the forefront of the international stage. Click here to learn more.   

NEWS DETAIL

Secretin signaling in the ventromedial hypothalamus regulates skeletal and metabolic homeostasis. Image adapted from respective paper in Nature Communications (2024)

HKU Scientists Unveil Significant Discovery with Potential Impact on Obesity and Osteoporosis Treatments

A team of researchers from The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has made a significant breakthrough in understanding how energy metabolism and bone homeostasis are regulated in mice, which could lead to novel treatments for obesity and osteoporosis. The study, led by Professor Billy CHOW from the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Faculty of Science, Professor Kelvin YEUNG from the School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, and Professor Will Wei QIAO from the Faculty of Dentistry, along with their colleagues, has been published in the top journal Nature Communications, with Dr Fengwei ZHANG from SBS as the first author. In their pioneering research, the team discover that the hormone secretin, found within the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) of the brain, plays a vital role in controlling both energy balance and bone density. This finding challenges the traditional view that secretin's primary function is in the digestive system, showcasing its importance in the central nervous system. Using advanced genetic techniques, the researchers manipulated secretin signalling in mice and observed remarkable outcome. They found that disruptions to secretin pathways in the VMH led to increased appetite, metabolic dysfunctions, and significant bone density loss. Conversely, enhancing secretin signals in the same area increased bone mass without affecting body weight or appetite. ‘Our study opens new doors to treating metabolic and bone diseases. The ability to control appetite and bone density through the brain has significant implications for tackling obesity and osteoporosis,’ notes principal investigator Professor Chow. Looking forward, this research provides new ideas for developing innovative therapies targeting the brain to regulate body metabolism and bone health. The team plans to further investigate the applicability of these findings to human physiology and potential drug development. The University of Hong Kong is known for its interdisciplinary approach, and this research represents a close collaboration between the fields of neuroscience, endocrinology, and orthopedics. Details can be found at Nature Communications under the title ‘Secretin-dependent signals in the ventromedial hypothalamus regulate energy metabolism and bone homeostasis in mice’. The journal paper can be accessed here.  Click here to learn more about Professor Billy Chow and his research group.  Click here to learn more about Professor Kelvin Yeung and his research group. Click here to learn more about Professor Will Wei Qiao and his research group. 

NEWS DETAIL

HKU biologists unlock the secrets of epigenetic inheritance. The key members of the research team at HKU include Professor Yuanliang Zhai (left) and PhD student Yuan Gao (right).

Cracking Epigenetic Inheritance: HKU Biologists Discovered the Secrets of How Gene Traits are Passed on

A research team led by Professor Yuanliang ZHAI at the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) collaborating  with Professor Ning GAO and Professor Qing LI from Peking University (PKU), as well as Professor Bik-Kwoon TYE from Cornell University, has recently made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the DNA copying machine helps pass on epigenetic information to maintain gene traits at each cell division. Understanding how this coupled mechanism could lead to new treatments for cancer and other epigenetic diseases by targeting specific changes in gene activity. Their findings have recently been published in Nature. Background of the Research Our bodies are composed of many differentiated cell types. Genetic information is stored within our DNA which serves as a blueprint guiding the functions and development of our cells. However, not all parts of our DNA are active at all times. In fact, every cell type in our body contains the same DNA, but only specific portions are active, leading to distinct cellular functions. For example, identical twins share nearly identical genetic material but exhibit variations in physical characteristics, behaviours and disease susceptibility due to the influence of epigenetics. Epigenetics functions as a set of molecular switches that can turn genes on or off without altering the DNA sequence. These switches are influenced by various environmental factors, such as nutrition, stress, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. In our cells, DNA is organised into chromatin. The nucleosome forms a fundamental repeating unit of chromatin. Each nucleosome consists of approximately 147 base pairs of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer which is composed of two H2A-H2B dimers and one H3-H4 tetramer. During DNA replication, parental nucleosomes carrying the epigenetic tags, also known as histone modifications, are dismantled and recycled, ensuring the accurate transfer of epigenetic information to new cells during cell division. Errors in this process can alter the epigenetic landscape, gene expression and cell identity, with potential implications for cancer and ageing. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanism by which epigenetic information is passed down through the DNA copying machine, called the replisome, remains unclear. This knowledge gap is primarily due to the absence of detailed structures that capture the replisome in action when transferring parental histones with epigenetic tags. Studying the process is challenging because of the fast-paced nature of chromatin replication, as it involves rapid disruption and restoration of nucleosomes to keep up with the swift DNA synthesis. In previous studies, the research team made significant progress in understanding the DNA copying mechanism, including determining the structures of various replication complexes. These findings laid a solid foundation for the current research on the dynamic process of chromatin duplication. Summary of Research Findings This time, the team achieved another breakthrough by successfully capturing a key snapshot of parental histone transfer at the replication fork. They purified endogenous replisome complexes from early-S-phase yeast cells on a large scale and utilised cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) for visualisation. They found that a chaperone complex FACT (consisting of Spt16 and Pob3) interacts with parental histones at the front of the replisome during the replication process. Notably, they observed that Spt16, a component of FACT, captures the histones that have been completely stripped off the duplex DNA from the parental nucleosome. The evicted histones are preserved as a hexamer, with one H2A-H2B dimer missing. Another protein that involved in DNA replication, Mcm2, takes the place of the missing H2A-H2B dimer on the vacant site of the parental histones, placing the FACT-histone complex onto  the front bumper of the replisome engine, called Tof1. This strategic positioning of histone hexamer on Tof1 by Mcm2 facilitates the subsequent transfer of parental histones to the newly synthesised DNA strands. These findings provide crucial insights into the mechanism that regulates parental histone recycling by the replisome to ensure the faithful propagation of epigenetic information at each cell division. This study, led by Professor Zhai, involved a collaborative effort that  spanned nearly eight years, starting at HKUST and concluding at HKU. He expressed his excitement about the findings, ‘It only took us less than four months from submission to Nature magazine to the acceptance of our manuscript. The results are incredibly beautiful. Our cryo-EM structures offer the first visual glimpse into how the DNA copying machine and FACT collaborate to transfer parental histone at the replication fork during DNA replication. This knowledge is crucial for elucidating how epigenetic information is faithfully maintained and passed on to subsequent generations. But, there is still much to learn. As we venture into uncharted  territory, each new development in this field will represent a big step forward for the study of epigenetic inheritance.’ The implications of this research extend beyond understanding epigenetic inheritance. Scientists can now explore gene expression regulation, development, and disease with greater depth. Moreover, this breakthrough opens up possibilities for targeted therapeutic interventions and innovative strategies to modulate epigenetic modifications for cancer treatment. As the scientific community delves deeper into the world of epigenetics, this study represents a major step towards unravelling the complexities of replication-coupled histone recycling. The cryo-EM structure of the yeast replisome in complex with FACT and parental histones (A) and its atomic model (B). Modified from Li et al, Nature (2024)   The evicted histone hexamer and its chaperons from the replisome structure. (A-B) The architecture of the parental histone hexamer. (C-D) The histone-chaperone complex on the replisome. (E-F) The structure of an intact nucleosome. Modified from Li et al, Nature (2024)   About the Research Team Apart from Professor Yuanliang Zhai’s lab, the research team also includes Professor Xiang David Li from Department of Chemistry of HKU, Professor Yang Liu and Professor Keda Zhou from School of Biomedical Sciences of HKU, Professor Shangyu Dang from Division of Life Science of HKUST, and others. Learn more about Professor Yuanliang Zhai’s work and his research team: https://www.scifac.hku.hk/people/zhai-yuanliang or https://zhai95.wixsite.com/mysite-1 Co-authors include Mr Yuan Gao, Mr Jian Li, Dr Zhichun Xu from School of Biological Sciences (SBS) of HKU; Dr Ningning Li, Ms Yujie Zhang, Dr Jianxun Feng from School of Life Sciences of PKU, Dr Daqi Yu and Dr Jianwei Lin from Department of Chemistry of HKU, and Dr Yingyi ZHANG from Biological Cryo- EM Center of HKUST. The journal paper can be accessed here. 

NEWS DETAIL

Filter by
The University of Hong Kong and Northwest University join forces to establish the NWU-HKU Joint Center for Earth and Planetary Sciences. Image credits: NWU

HKU and NWU Unveil Joint Center for Earth and Planetary Sciences

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and Northwest University (NWU) from Xian, China, have come together to establish the 'NWU-HKU Joint Center for Earth and Planetary Sciences'. The center was recently unveiled in the presence of 18 Chinese Academy of Sciences academicians and numerous expert scholars. This joint endeavour aims to actively respond to the national strategy of science and technology innovation and the requirements of discipline construction. The center will engage in teaching and scientific research in the field of Earth and planetary sciences, focusing on in-depth investigations into significant scientific issues. These issues include the formation and early evolution of the Earth, pre-tectonic plate tectonics and the origins of continental life, lunar and comparative planetary sciences, planetary geological evolution, the geological role of extraterrestrial dynamics, astrobiology, and the evolution and habitability of planetary magnetic fields. Professor Guochun ZHAO, Chair Professor of HKU Earth Sciences and Director of the joint center, emphasised the importance of scientific leadership in Earth and Planetary Science research. Both universities will maximise their resource advantages in analysis and testing platforms, planetary science talent, and more, to actively participate in national deep space exploration programmes and produce research outcomes at the forefront of the international stage. Click here to learn more.   

NEWS DETAIL

Secretin signaling in the ventromedial hypothalamus regulates skeletal and metabolic homeostasis. Image adapted from respective paper in Nature Communications (2024)

HKU Scientists Unveil Significant Discovery with Potential Impact on Obesity and Osteoporosis Treatments

A team of researchers from The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has made a significant breakthrough in understanding how energy metabolism and bone homeostasis are regulated in mice, which could lead to novel treatments for obesity and osteoporosis. The study, led by Professor Billy CHOW from the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Faculty of Science, Professor Kelvin YEUNG from the School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, and Professor Will Wei QIAO from the Faculty of Dentistry, along with their colleagues, has been published in the top journal Nature Communications, with Dr Fengwei ZHANG from SBS as the first author. In their pioneering research, the team discover that the hormone secretin, found within the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) of the brain, plays a vital role in controlling both energy balance and bone density. This finding challenges the traditional view that secretin's primary function is in the digestive system, showcasing its importance in the central nervous system. Using advanced genetic techniques, the researchers manipulated secretin signalling in mice and observed remarkable outcome. They found that disruptions to secretin pathways in the VMH led to increased appetite, metabolic dysfunctions, and significant bone density loss. Conversely, enhancing secretin signals in the same area increased bone mass without affecting body weight or appetite. ‘Our study opens new doors to treating metabolic and bone diseases. The ability to control appetite and bone density through the brain has significant implications for tackling obesity and osteoporosis,’ notes principal investigator Professor Chow. Looking forward, this research provides new ideas for developing innovative therapies targeting the brain to regulate body metabolism and bone health. The team plans to further investigate the applicability of these findings to human physiology and potential drug development. The University of Hong Kong is known for its interdisciplinary approach, and this research represents a close collaboration between the fields of neuroscience, endocrinology, and orthopedics. Details can be found at Nature Communications under the title ‘Secretin-dependent signals in the ventromedial hypothalamus regulate energy metabolism and bone homeostasis in mice’. The journal paper can be accessed here.  Click here to learn more about Professor Billy Chow and his research group.  Click here to learn more about Professor Kelvin Yeung and his research group. Click here to learn more about Professor Will Wei Qiao and his research group. 

NEWS DETAIL

HKU biologists unlock the secrets of epigenetic inheritance. The key members of the research team at HKU include Professor Yuanliang Zhai (left) and PhD student Yuan Gao (right).

Cracking Epigenetic Inheritance: HKU Biologists Discovered the Secrets of How Gene Traits are Passed on

A research team led by Professor Yuanliang ZHAI at the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) collaborating  with Professor Ning GAO and Professor Qing LI from Peking University (PKU), as well as Professor Bik-Kwoon TYE from Cornell University, has recently made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the DNA copying machine helps pass on epigenetic information to maintain gene traits at each cell division. Understanding how this coupled mechanism could lead to new treatments for cancer and other epigenetic diseases by targeting specific changes in gene activity. Their findings have recently been published in Nature. Background of the Research Our bodies are composed of many differentiated cell types. Genetic information is stored within our DNA which serves as a blueprint guiding the functions and development of our cells. However, not all parts of our DNA are active at all times. In fact, every cell type in our body contains the same DNA, but only specific portions are active, leading to distinct cellular functions. For example, identical twins share nearly identical genetic material but exhibit variations in physical characteristics, behaviours and disease susceptibility due to the influence of epigenetics. Epigenetics functions as a set of molecular switches that can turn genes on or off without altering the DNA sequence. These switches are influenced by various environmental factors, such as nutrition, stress, lifestyle, and environmental exposures. In our cells, DNA is organised into chromatin. The nucleosome forms a fundamental repeating unit of chromatin. Each nucleosome consists of approximately 147 base pairs of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer which is composed of two H2A-H2B dimers and one H3-H4 tetramer. During DNA replication, parental nucleosomes carrying the epigenetic tags, also known as histone modifications, are dismantled and recycled, ensuring the accurate transfer of epigenetic information to new cells during cell division. Errors in this process can alter the epigenetic landscape, gene expression and cell identity, with potential implications for cancer and ageing. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanism by which epigenetic information is passed down through the DNA copying machine, called the replisome, remains unclear. This knowledge gap is primarily due to the absence of detailed structures that capture the replisome in action when transferring parental histones with epigenetic tags. Studying the process is challenging because of the fast-paced nature of chromatin replication, as it involves rapid disruption and restoration of nucleosomes to keep up with the swift DNA synthesis. In previous studies, the research team made significant progress in understanding the DNA copying mechanism, including determining the structures of various replication complexes. These findings laid a solid foundation for the current research on the dynamic process of chromatin duplication. Summary of Research Findings This time, the team achieved another breakthrough by successfully capturing a key snapshot of parental histone transfer at the replication fork. They purified endogenous replisome complexes from early-S-phase yeast cells on a large scale and utilised cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) for visualisation. They found that a chaperone complex FACT (consisting of Spt16 and Pob3) interacts with parental histones at the front of the replisome during the replication process. Notably, they observed that Spt16, a component of FACT, captures the histones that have been completely stripped off the duplex DNA from the parental nucleosome. The evicted histones are preserved as a hexamer, with one H2A-H2B dimer missing. Another protein that involved in DNA replication, Mcm2, takes the place of the missing H2A-H2B dimer on the vacant site of the parental histones, placing the FACT-histone complex onto  the front bumper of the replisome engine, called Tof1. This strategic positioning of histone hexamer on Tof1 by Mcm2 facilitates the subsequent transfer of parental histones to the newly synthesised DNA strands. These findings provide crucial insights into the mechanism that regulates parental histone recycling by the replisome to ensure the faithful propagation of epigenetic information at each cell division. This study, led by Professor Zhai, involved a collaborative effort that  spanned nearly eight years, starting at HKUST and concluding at HKU. He expressed his excitement about the findings, ‘It only took us less than four months from submission to Nature magazine to the acceptance of our manuscript. The results are incredibly beautiful. Our cryo-EM structures offer the first visual glimpse into how the DNA copying machine and FACT collaborate to transfer parental histone at the replication fork during DNA replication. This knowledge is crucial for elucidating how epigenetic information is faithfully maintained and passed on to subsequent generations. But, there is still much to learn. As we venture into uncharted  territory, each new development in this field will represent a big step forward for the study of epigenetic inheritance.’ The implications of this research extend beyond understanding epigenetic inheritance. Scientists can now explore gene expression regulation, development, and disease with greater depth. Moreover, this breakthrough opens up possibilities for targeted therapeutic interventions and innovative strategies to modulate epigenetic modifications for cancer treatment. As the scientific community delves deeper into the world of epigenetics, this study represents a major step towards unravelling the complexities of replication-coupled histone recycling. The cryo-EM structure of the yeast replisome in complex with FACT and parental histones (A) and its atomic model (B). Modified from Li et al, Nature (2024)   The evicted histone hexamer and its chaperons from the replisome structure. (A-B) The architecture of the parental histone hexamer. (C-D) The histone-chaperone complex on the replisome. (E-F) The structure of an intact nucleosome. Modified from Li et al, Nature (2024)   About the Research Team Apart from Professor Yuanliang Zhai’s lab, the research team also includes Professor Xiang David Li from Department of Chemistry of HKU, Professor Yang Liu and Professor Keda Zhou from School of Biomedical Sciences of HKU, Professor Shangyu Dang from Division of Life Science of HKUST, and others. Learn more about Professor Yuanliang Zhai’s work and his research team: https://www.scifac.hku.hk/people/zhai-yuanliang or https://zhai95.wixsite.com/mysite-1 Co-authors include Mr Yuan Gao, Mr Jian Li, Dr Zhichun Xu from School of Biological Sciences (SBS) of HKU; Dr Ningning Li, Ms Yujie Zhang, Dr Jianxun Feng from School of Life Sciences of PKU, Dr Daqi Yu and Dr Jianwei Lin from Department of Chemistry of HKU, and Dr Yingyi ZHANG from Biological Cryo- EM Center of HKUST. The journal paper can be accessed here. 

NEWS DETAIL

PhD student Chaowei Charlene ZHANG.

PhD Student Won Best Talk Award at AsiaEvo Conference for Research on Germline Mutation Rates in Sticklebacks

PhD student Chaowei Charlene ZHANG from the School of Biological Sciences was honored with the Best Talk award at the Third AsiaEvo Conference held in December 2023 at the National University of Singapore. She won the award by presenting her research paper titled 'Pedigree-based Germline Mutation Rate in Sticklebacks,' which shed light on the significance of accurately estimating mutation rates in genetics. Her findings served as a valuable resource for researchers studying fish population genetics, especially in the context of sticklebacks. This research has been published in Molecular Biology and Evolution in Issue 9, Volume 40. The AsiaEvo Conference aims to provide a platform for evolutionary researchers from Asian countries, enabling them to present their work and engage in meaningful discussions. Additionally, the conference seeks to foster international collaboration in the field of evolutionary biology, enhance the understanding and application of evolutionary thinking in Asia, and inspire talented students to pursue studies in evolutionary science. Charlene is currently supervised by Professor Juha MERILÄ in the Area of Ecology and Biodiversity.

NEWS DETAIL

Bovern's research centres around understanding the interaction between animal hosts and their associated microbial community in high thermal environments.

Biological Sciences PhD Graduate Awarded Prestigious Grant by Malacological Society of London in 2023

PhD graduate Dr Bovern ARROMRAK from the School of Biological Sciences was awarded the Early-Career Research Grant by the Malacological Society of London in 2023. This highly competitive grant is conferred on students and researchers who have demonstrated exceptional potential and achievements in their respective fields. A major part of Bovern's research from his PhD thesis centres around understanding the interaction between animal hosts and their associated microbial community under extremely high thermal environments, which holds significant implications to unravel the mechanisms that govern their tolerance range and limit under warming oceans in the future. The awarded grant was applied with the support of his PhD supervisor, Professor Juan Diego GAITÁN-ESPITIA, that aims as a follow-up work from this PhD thesis, to delve deeper into the working mechanisms underpinning organismal survival and tolerance under extreme conditions. Currently, Bovern is a Postdoctoral fellow being supervised by Professor Bayden RUSSELL at the School of Biological Sciences.

NEWS DETAIL

HKUST and HKU collaborate on DNA replication initiation, recognized as one of Top 10 Scientific Advances in China for 2023

Joint Study by HKU and HKUST on DNA Replication Initiation Selected as One of Top 10 Scientific Advances in China for 2023

A joint study revealing a new mechanism on DNA Replication Initiation, led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and other institutions, has been selected as one of the Top 10 Scientific Advances in China for 2023, making it the only research project from Hong Kong to be included in the list. Organised by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the "Top 10 Scientific Advances in China for 2023" is jointly hosted by the High Technology Research and Development Center and the Center for Science Communication and Achievement Transformation, with the support of five journals, namely China Basic Science, Science & Technology Review, Bulletin of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Science Foundation in China, and Science Bulletin. These 10 advancements were judiciously selected by thousands of experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Engineering, and other institutions. The objective is to promote frontier and innovative research progress in China and encourage more researchers to engage in basic research. By deepening public understanding, concern and support for science, the event also seeks to foster a national climate favourable to scientific exploration. This prestigious accolade was awarded to the team that includes Prof. ZHAI Yuanliang, Assistant Professor from the HKU School of Biological Sciences, Prof. DANG Shangyu, Assistant Professor from HKUST Division of Life Science (LIFS), and Prof. TYE Bik-Kwoon, Senior Member of HKUST Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), in recognition of their groundbreaking discovery of a new mechanism of the human pre-replication complex (Pre-RC) in regulating DNA replication initiation. The atomic resolution structure of the human Pre-RC provides detailed critical information for devising novel and effective anticancer strategies with the ability to selectively kill cancer cells. “This recognition is a great honour for our research team and shows that our work is highly respected in the scientific community,” said Prof. Zhai Yuanliang from HKU. “Our knowledge of how DNA is copied is still quite limited. While previous studies in a type of yeast have given us some insights, there's still so much we don't know about how this process happens in human cells. Since there's still a lot to discover in this field, every new development in understanding how DNA is copied by our replication machines is a big step forward. The knowledge we gain from our research will not only deepen our understanding of the basic processes of life, but it may also provide important insights into diseases like cancer and help us find new ways to treat them.” Prof. Dang Shangyu from HKUST said, "Enhancing the specificity of chemotherapy drugs has always been a crucial consideration in developing anticancer compounds. We are delighted that our research breakthrough has received national recognition. Notably, all of the project’s structural work, including cryo-sample preparation, cryo-EM data collection and processing, was conducted at the HKUST Biological Cryo-EM Center. We are immensely grateful to the Lo Kwee Seong (LKS) Foundation for their generous support in establishing this state-of-the-art facility at HKUST, which has already facilitated several breakthroughs and discoveries in our research since its establishment in 2019. We look forward to continuing our investigations in this field and forging new hopes for cancer treatment." Research Background DNA is the blueprint of life. It is present in every cell. Its duplex structure in complementary notations informs how it is replicated. It must be first separated into single strands and copied precisely. The history of DNA replication study can be traced back to 1950s when Prof. Arthur KORNBERG discovered an enzyme system in Escherichia coli extracts, which ultimately earned him a Nobel Prize. However, due to the lack of high-resolution structures, progress in DNA replication research lagged behind those achieved in the study of other macro molecular machines, such as the ribosome or the RNA polymerase. Professor Tye Bik-Kwoon, who has joined HKUST since 2011, overcome these hurdles initially by collaborating with the Peking University team led by Professor GAO Ning, as well as Prof. Zhai, who obtained his PhD from HKUST before becoming a HKUST-IAS junior fellow. Together they made a series of groundbreaking findings, including determining the cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the yeast MCM2-7 double hexamer (DH) and the yeast origin recognition complex, which were published in Nature in 2015 and 2018. These studies laid the foundation for the present work on the structure of the human pre-replication complex when the HKUST cryo-EM facility became available and when Prof. Dang joined HKUST in 2019. As one of the Top 10 Scientific Advances in China for 2023, this research determined at 2.59 Å the cryo-EM structure of the human Pre-RC, which is formed by the loading of the MCM2-7 DH onto origin DNA. This structure provides a clear understanding of how the MCM2-7 complex destabilises DNA, leading to the initial unwinding of the DNA duplex precisely at the juncture of the two coupled MCM2-7 hexamers. Additionally, the team discovered that the MCM2-7 DH complexes are loaded onto DNA at numerous sites throughout the human genome. Importantly, these sites are mutually exclusive with loci of active transcription to minimise interference between DNA replication and transcription. Moreover, when the initial open structure is disrupted, the MCM2-7 DH complexes fail to assemble onto DNA, resulting in a complete suppression of DNA replication initiation. The study provides a detailed understanding of the high-resolution structure and mechanism of the human Pre-RC. This knowledge can be leveraged to develop non-toxic anticancer drugs in the future. The research was published in the top international scientific journal Cell in January, 2023. (click here for link) About The University of Hong Kong Founded in 1911, The University of Hong Kong (HKU)( www.hku.hk) is the first and oldest institution of higher education in Hong Kong. For over a century, the University has dedicated itself to creating knowledge, providing education, and serving society. Today, HKU has an established worldwide reputation for being a research-led comprehensive University with ten Faculties. HKU has a proud record of academic recognition in research through honours and awards received from both local and international bodies. The University strives to attract and nurture outstanding scholars through excellence and innovation in its research and knowledge exchange activities. Its research areas cover a wide range of issues with the aim of benefitting industries, businesses and the community. Regarded as Asia’s Global University, HKU brings together experts from diverse disciplines, partnering with prestigious universities and research institutes around the world. It has 51 academics named on the list of “Highly Cited Researchers 2023” from Clarivate, ranking 13th globally among all institutions. HKU is in pursuit of teaching and learning excellence in a broad range of disciplines and professions. With the holistic design of the curricula, along with award-winning teaching and learning resources and support, students at HKU can fully develop intellectual and personal strengths while gaining lifelong learning opportunities to contribute to the community. About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class research intensive university that focuses on science, engineering and business as well as humanities and social science. HKUST offers an international campus, and a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy to nurture well-rounded graduates with global vision, a strong entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking. Over 80% of our research work were rated “Internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. We were ranked 2nd in Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2023, and our graduates were ranked 29th worldwide and among the best from universities from Asia in Global Employability University Ranking 2023. As of September 2023, HKUST members have founded 1,747 active start-ups, including 9 Unicorns and 13 exits (IPO or M&A), generating economic impact worth over HK$ 400 billion. InvestHK cited QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 to demonstrate the performance of five world’s top 100 local universities in several innovation-centric areas, among which HKUST ranked top in four engineering and materials science subjects.    

NEWS DETAIL