Awards
- 2022 – A*STAR Biomedical Research Council Central Research Fund for Use-Inspired Research (CRF-UIBR)
- 2021 – National Medical Research Council Open Fund – Young Investigator Research Grant (OF-YIRG)
- 2014 – A*STAR National Science Scholarship (PhD)
- 2013 – Peter Wildy Memorial Prize, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge
- 2010 – A*STAR National Science Scholarship (BS)
Research Focus
My group implements and integrates complementary approaches, such as the introduction of chemical perturbations, the use of myriad CRISPR systems for gene regulation, metabolite manipulation and tracing, and employment of newly developed genetic tools
for redox interrogation. These approaches are supported by the use of sophisticated analytical techniques, particularly highly quantitative mass spectrometry, for specificity and sensitivity. Importantly, we perform cross-validation of our findings
in diverse experimental systems, such as primary human cells and tissues, cell lines and suitable mouse models, to achieve robustness.
Our research is broadly organized into the two following Themes:
Theme 1: Lymphocyte activation entails dramatic rewiring of their metabolic programmes to provide substrates for growth (increase in cell size), proliferation (increase in cell numbers) and functionalization (production of bioactive molecules). Lymphomas
and lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) essentially augment those phenotypes, thereby driving extraordinarily high demand for nutrients. In so doing, lymphoma and LPD cells can develop unique metabolic vulnerabilities. In this Theme, we aim to delineate
metabolic dependencies in lymphomas and LPDs, focusing on less-studied or Asian-prevalent subtypes. We will then characterize, investigate and exploit these metabolic Achilles’ heels for development towards therapeutic products.
Theme 2: Professional antibody-secreting cells (ASCs) i.e., plasmablasts and plasma cells, are crucial components of the immune system responsible for producing antibodies that protect against pathogens. In fact, certain ASCs can produce hundreds to thousands
of antibodies per second for decades. These cells foreseeably bear enormous metabolic burdens. Yet, it is not well-understood how metabolic pathways impact ASC function and longevity. In this Theme, we look to identify, characterize and exploit targetable
ASC metabolic pathways that regulate secretory and glycosylation capacities and cellular lifespan.