Page 28 - Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Proceedings 2017-18

School of Science
Division of Life Science

To enhance the quality and ease of Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) research at HKUST, a microfluidic sprayer
device, its design stipulated in Feng et al., 2017, was fabricated using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to apply samples
evenly and thinly in a reproducible manner. The device is also helpful in circumventing protein aggregation and sample
wastage typically incurred during sample preparation for Cryo-EM. The sprayer was tested by means of spray pattern
visualization to gauge preliminarily its ability to produce symmetric spray shape. The resultant pattern was circular and
symmetric about the centre of nozzle. Further examination of device performance includes quantitative characterization
of droplet size and distribution and spray diameter.

Big Data: Bioinformatic Analysis of Single-cell Genomic Data

Supervisor: WU Angela Ruohao / LIFS
Student: SHIN Wai Ching Martin / CPEG Course: UROP1100, Fall
The project will focus on bioinformatics and statistical analysis of state-of-the-art single cell RNA-sequencing data from
human or non-human cells. The project aims to understand what are the differences in gene expression between
individual cells, and how external conditions such as stress, physical perturbation, drug treatment, or physical properties
like cell size, can contribute to heterogeneity within a population.

Human Complex Disease Genomics and Bioinformatics

Supervisor: XUE Hong / LIFS Co-Supervisor: LIANG Chun / LIFS
Student: CHAN Ho Yung / BIBU Course: UROP1100, Spring

Utilizing forefront genomic and bioinformatics advancements, the undertaking means to decode the hereditary reasons
for human complex infections, including malignancies and mental issue. In the project, I will take part in giving help to
postgraduate colleagues in general laboratory assistant. After appropriate nearby training weeks, I am allocated to do
seat work with test systems, for example, PCR and sequencing. Through partaking in the undertaking, I can increase
direct involvement with and coordinate understanding into the quickly developing field of human complex infection
genomics and bioinformatics. Through taking an interest in this task, I have increased direct involvement and coordinate
knowledge into the quickly developing field of human complex illness genomics and the bioinformatics. They offer me a
solid base to proceed with my quest for scholarly and look into greatness, and in addition to begin a profession in this
career field. And this report would be a journal of what I have learnt in this semester.

Receptor based Drug Development from Chinese Herbal Medicine

Supervisor: XUE Hong / LIFS
Student: LEE Lok Yi / SSCI Course: UROP1100, Fall

GABAA receptor, exclusively the β2 subunit (GABRB2) has been found in relation to susceptibility of schizophrenia in
previous studies. Co-relationship between Gabrb2 and neuroinflammation as well as with schizophrenia will be
investigated in this study. Biochemical assays, which includes MDA test and ELIZA, immunostaining analysis and gene
expression are studied in wildtype, heterozygous and Gabrb2 knockout mice. Neuroinflammation is verified in Gabrb2
knockout mice which may lead to neurodegeneration, showing some schizophrenia related symptoms. This study may
be useful for further investigation on association of GABRB2 and schizophrenia in addition to its underlying pathology
and development in later field of study.

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