We
used transposon-mediated somatic mutagenesis to screen novel
genes that potentially involved in cortical development and
brain malformations. This innovative method identified over
30 new genes and was published in Nature Communications...>>
Many
neural stem cells possess a primary cilium, a tiny cell protrusion
known to transduce key extracellular signals. This structure
is important for controling their motility, proliferation, and
differentiation. Defects in the ciliary functions lead to "ciliopathy"
syndromes and certain brain tumors...>>
Mutations
in LIS1 gene are responsible for Miller-Dieker Syndrome (MDS)
and Isolated Lissencephaly Sequence (ILS). Understanding the
role of LIS1 at the cellular and molecular level in the control
of cell division and neuronal migration is the key for its
possible therapeutic use...>>
Neural
stem cells are capable of producing neurons and other glial
cell types. During brain development, these cells go through
mysterious motile behaviors. There are multiple mechanisms controling
their motility, proliferation, and differentiation...>>
During
brain development, neurons migrate a long distance from their
"birth place" to the destination where their reside
and make connections. This process is important for the normal
development of the nervous system...>>
Two-photon microscopy is an advanced technique utilizing non-linear
laser optical effects to visualize microscopic structures in
the deep tissue. This technique is particularly suitable for
the detection of neuronal activities in live animals...>>
My
previous research interest focused mainly on the studies of
biological processes using advanced biophysical techniques.
I was especially interested in the development of new optical
technologies, e.g., optical tweezers,
Side View Technology, etc.
Optical
Tweezers
The non-contact and noninvasive tool for manipulating microscopic
objects including microorganisms, cells, and even intracellular
organelles...>>
Side
View Technolgy
The
patended Side View Technology allows us to observe cultured
cells from their side with high resolution and in REAL TIME...>>
Cellular
Hepatology
We
study the hepatobiliary secretion and protein sorting mechanisms
of polarized liver cells, which form bile canaliculi between
neighboring cells...>>
Venom-Platelet
Interaction
The snake
venom rhodostomin from Malayan pit viper strongly interacts
with platelets and triggers intracellular signaling pathways...>>
