Research Project - Biological Sciences

To understand the cellular control of the viral gene expression using the promoter region of LMP1-LMP2B; to study the differential expression of LMP1 genes in both Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Investigators: Dr. L. Cao (Principal)

Professor M.H. Ng

Department: Microbiology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.09

BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES IN THE SAWDUST SUBSTRATUM IN THE "PIG-ON-LITTER" METHOD OF PIG WASTE TREATMENT

To elucidate the biochemical mechanisms responsible for the microbial degradation of pig wastes in the sawdust substratum in the 'pig-on-litter' method of waste treatment; to determination the nutrient build-up in the sawdust substratum as the system matures and to assess its value as plant fertilizer; to determine the optimal microbe seeding regime.

Investigators: Professor D.K.O. Chan (Principal)

Miss D. Chaw

Mr. Y.C. Lin

Departments: Zoology

c/o Kadoorie Agricultural Research Centre

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1991.05

BIOCHEMICAL GENETICS OF THE JAPANESE EEL ANGUILLA JAPONICA

To determine the population genetics and geographical distribution of the Japanese eel, so as to build up a firm scientific basis for stock selection and breeding.

Investigators: Professor D.K.O. Chan (Principal)

Mr. I. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1993.09

APPLICATION OF MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGIES TO DEVELOP A GENE BANK FOR CHINESE CHICKEN PURE LINE BREEDS

To establish a modern selective breeding programme based on genome information and phenotypic expression data to conserve "Pure Lines" of the Chinese chicken breeds in a "Gene Bank"; to establish and maintain a computerized "Chinese Chicken Gene Data Bank" based on gene mapping information obtained by modern molecular biology techniques; to re-vitalize Hong Kong's chicken farming industry - making its products more competitive in the market, and to create a new export market of "value-added day-old chicks".

Investigator: Professor D.K.O. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Industrial Support Fund, Industry Department of Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1996.04 Completion date: 1999.03

BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES DURING KOJI FERMENTATION

To characterize the enzymes in the Koji (solid phase) fermentation in soy sauce making.

Investigator: Professor D.K.O. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

FOOD PROCESSING FOR FERMENTED PRODUCTS

To modernize fermentation processes for soy fermentation products.

Investigator: Professor D.K.O. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Private donation

Starting date: 1996.07

APPLICATION OF MODERN ENZYME TECHNOLOGY IN CHINESE TRADITIONAL FERMENTED FOOD PROCESSING

To setup a specialized laboratory to promote the safe and effective use of enzyme technology in the food manufacture and processing industry: (1) as a core project, it will study the enzymatic processes involved in the fermentation of Chinese foods with the aim of improving the process in the factory setting; (2) the laboratory setup will be in a high degree of readiness to provide advanced analytical service and protocol development to tackle enzyme-based problems put to it by the local food industry; (3) it will provide a training and literature service to help factories to plan and set up their own monitoring programme.

Investigator: Professor D.K.O. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Industrial Support Fund, Industry Department of Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1997.07

PARTITION OF FUNCTION BETWEEN THE CHLORIDE CELL AND THE PAVEMENT CELL OF THE GILL EPITHELIUM OF THE EEL, ANGUILLA JAPONICA

To define the functional roles of the chloride cells and the pavement cells in the overall physiology-biochemistry of the eel gill epithelium.

Investigator: Professor D.K.O. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

MOLECULAR CLONING AND EXPRESSION OF A CDNA ENCODING THE STANNIOCALCIN RECEPTOR

To definitively define the sites of action of Stanniocalcin (STC) hormone, which has been assumed for a century to be unique to fish but has recently been identified in mammalian tissue as well. The main action of this hormone is on calcium and inorganic phosphate metabolism. Its site of action has been found to include the chloride cell of the gill epithelium, the kidney tubules, and possibly the bone.

Investigators: Professor D.K.O. Chan (Principal)

Dr. C.K.C. Wong

Departments: Zoology

Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.09

DEVELOPMENT OF AN INDUSTRIAL PROCESS TO UTILIZE MARINE MAMMAL OILS IN FORTIFIED FOODS AND FUNCTIONAL FOODS

To develop an industrial scale process to concentrate nutritionally valuable components in marine mammal oil, free from undesirable contaminants, and stabilize the preparation, including prevention of autooxidation to toxic metabolites and off flavours, for use in fortified foods and health foods; to provide a firm scientific basis to support the claim that the fortified food product we develop actually effectively delivers the PUFA to the consumer and hence provide the health benefits as claimed.

Investigators: Professor D.K.O. Chan (Principal)

Dr. E.T.S. Li

Professor M.S.F. Lie Ken Jie

Dr. J.M.F. Wan

Dr. R.J. Xu

Departments: Zoology

Chemistry

Source of funding: Industrial Support Fund, Industry Department of Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1999.07

MOLECULAR BASIS OF GANGLIOSIDE-PROTEIN INTERACTIONS IN SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND DISEASES

To determine the molecular motifs involved in protein-glycoconjugate interaction, in particular, the recognition of gangliosides by signal transduction enzymes such as ganglioside-stimulated protein kinase and bacterial toxins such as cholera toxin. These investigations are designed to provide vital information on the biological functional roles of complex carbohydrates and ganglioside-binding proteins.

Investigator: Dr. K.F.J. Chan

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.09

MOLECULAR CLONING OF THE SHRIMP MOLT INHIBITING HORMONE GENE

To study : (i) molecular cloning of the molt inhibiting hormone (MIH) gene of the cryfish by rapid production of full-length cDNA from rare transcripts (RACE); (ii) synthesis of MIH full-length cDNA; (iii) production of bacterial expressed MIH; (iv) bioassay of MIH to verify the function.

Investigator: Dr. S.M. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1994.11 Completion date: 1999.01

MOLECULAR CLONING OF GROWTH-RELATED HORMONE GENE IN SHRIMP

Construction of shrimp genomic DNA library; identification of growth related gene in shrimp using vertebrate and invertebrate gene probe; cloning of the growth related genes.

Investigator: Dr. S.M. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07 Completion date: 1999.01

MOLECULAR CLONING OF STEROID HORMONE RECEPTOR GENE IN SHRIMP

To clone the ecdysone receptor gene; to detect ecdysone receptor gene expression in various targets; to determine if the expression of ecdysone receptor in the targets is stimulated by ecdysteroids; to express the shrimp ecdysone receptor in an insect cell line.

Investigators: Dr. S.M. Chan (Principal)

Dr. X.G. Chen

Departments: Zoology

Molecular Parasitology, 1st Military University, GuangZhou, People's Republic of China

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.09

PURIFICATION AND AMPLIFICATION OF BACULOVIRUS DNA FROM VIRUS INFECTED SHRIMP

To purify large quantity of baculovirus genomic DNA from virus infected shrimp; to design gene specific primers to amplify virus genomic DNA by PCR; to detect virus infection in cultured shrimp by PCR.

Investigator: Dr. S.M. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

NEUROENDOCRINE REGULATION OF CRUSTACEAN MOLTING: THE STUDY OF THE CRAB MOLT INHIBITING HORMONE GENES

To clone and characterize the MIH-I and MIH-II genes in the crab; to study the spatial and temporal expression of the MIH.

Investigator: Dr. S.M. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.01 Completion date: 1998.09

CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE STEROID HORMONE RECEPTOR (FTZ-F1) OF THE SAND SHRIMP, METAPENAEUS ENSIS

To characterize a steroid hormone receptor (SHR) Ftz-F1 isolated in shrimp. The result of this study will provide information in the understanding on the role of SHR in the regulation of gene expression during the molting.

Investigator: Dr. S.M. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

A STUDY OF THE SHRIMP CHH/MIH/GIH GENE FAMILY: GENE STRUCTURE, EXPRESSION AND BIOLOGICAL ASSAY OF RECOMBINANT NEUROPEPTIDES

To study the expression, biological actions and gene structure of four cDNAs that encode the shrimp important neunrohormones. These cDNAs were isolated from the eyestalk of the shrimp, Metapenaeus ensis. Based on the nucleotide and amino acid sequences comparison, these cDNAs are homologous to those of the cHH/MIH/GIH gene family. Although many reports have desribed the cloning of cDNA for a number of crustacean neurohormones, most of these studies are focused in a different of crustacean. Moreover, the cross-bioactivity and structural similarity of the neurohormone also complicate the process of developing a biological assay for these neurohormones. Thus, we propose to express these cDNA to obtain large quantity of recombinant neurohormones for research.

Investigator: Dr. S.M. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

SEX REVERSAL AND SEX CONTROL IN FISH

To study the phenomenon of natural sex reversal and sex control in fish, with special emphasis on the various facets of developmental and endocrine mechanism in sex determination, sex differentiation and reproductive functions in teleost fish, particularly those species which are of economical importance in local fish culture.

Investigator: Professor S.T.H. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Nuffield Foundation, London

Starting date: 1970.01

FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF OTOLITH NEURONS IN THE VESTIBULAR NUCLEUS

To characterize the resting discharge and spatiotemporal properties of otolith-related second or higher order vestibular nuclear neurons projecting to the extracoular motor nuclei and/or spinal cord; to determine the influence of the cerebellar uvulonodular lobe to the properties of central otolith neurons; to examine the contribution of the regular and irregular otolith afferents to the spatiotemporal properties of oculomotor- or spinal-projecting neurons in the vestibular nucleus.

Investigator: Professor Y.S. Chan

Department: Physiology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.12

THE ALPHA1(II) COLLAGEN GENE: REGULATION OF TISSUE-SPECIFIC EXPRESSION AND ITS POTENTIAL ROLE IN PATTERN FORMATION DURING EMBRYOGENESIS

To identify the cis-acting DNA elements essential for the expression of alpha1(II) collagen in the different domains during early embryogenesis; to test whether Col2a-1 is a target for segmentation genes.

Investigators: Professor K.S.E. Cheah (Principal)

Dr. M.H. Sham

Professor P.P.L. Tam

Departments: Biochemistry

Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1994.11 Completion date: 1998.09

DEFINING THE ROLE OF SOX9 IN CHONDROGENESIS BY TISSUE-SPECIFIC GENE INACTIVATION

To create tissue-specific (conditional) null mutations in Sox9 in mice in order to understand the role of SOX9 in skeletal development and the relationship between loss of Sox9 gene function and skeletal dysmorphology.

Investigators: Professor K.S.E. Cheah (Principal)

Dr. R.H. Lovell-Badge

Professor P.P.L. Tam

Departments: Biochemistry

Development Genetics, National Institute for Medical Research, U.K.

Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.01

MOLECULAR AND TRANSGENIC APPROACHES FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF GENES REGULATED BY SOX9 DURING MOUSE DEVELOPMENT

To use a combination of molecular cloning, cell culture and transgenic/chimeric mouse approaches to: 1) identify other downstream targets of SOX9; 2) test the possibility that SOX9 may have a role as a negative regulator of transcription; 3) study SOX9 function by determining the developmental consequences of mis-expression of the gene in transgenic mice. These studies will provide fundatmental information on the mechanisms by which SOX9 regulates gene expression, with profound implications for understanding it's development role and the molecular basis of CD caused by loss of SOX9 function.

Investigators: Professor K.S.E. Cheah (Principal)

Professor P.P.L. Tam

Departments: Biochemistry

Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Outstanding Researcher Award, Vice-Chancellor's Development Fund

Starting date: 1998.09

MASS PRODUCTION OF POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS BY MICROALGAE USING EXISTING INDUSTRIAL FERMENTATION FACILITIES

To obtain suitable microalgae which can produce large quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids under heterotrophic conditions of growth; to optimize culture media, and identify key compounds affecting the fatty acid content and composition; to investigate effects of environmental factors on the growth and the fatty acid production; to establish criteria for scale-up of the fermentation process; to scale up and validate the process; to employ high cell density and productivity strategies for the production.

Investigator: Dr. S.F. Chen

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.07

ACCUMULATION OF CAROTENOIDS IN MICROALGAE

To investigate the accumulation of some valuable carotenoids in selected microalgae.

Investigator: Dr. S.F. Chen

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

PRODUCTION OF OMEGA-3 POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS BY MICROALGAE USING CONVENTIONAL INDUSTRIAL FERMENTATION FACILITIES

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are important dietary compounds for human nutrition. Among the PUFAs, omega-3 PUFAs (particularly eicosapentaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid) have been recognized as important dietary compounds for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Most culture experiments are carried out on a laboratory scale and are under photosynthetic growth conditions where light is required as an energy source. We intend to develop an industrial scale heterotrophic process for the production of omega-3 PUFAs using conventional industrial fermentation facilities. The high yielding microalgae will be employed for further experiments, in which effects of environmental conditions and medium composition on heterotrophic growth and production of the omega-3 PUFAs will be investigated. The optimal fermentation process obtained will be scaled up to a pilot scale and finally to industrial scale. To explore the possibility of using high cell density and productivity strategies (i.e. fed-batch, membrane cell recycle systems) for the production of the PUFAs. The success of large-scale fermentation will facilitate the use of existing food and fermentation facilities to produce other highly valuable products from microalgae.

Investigators: Dr. S.F. Chen (Principal)

Professor Z. Cohen

Professor Z.Y. Li

Departments: Botany

Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Israel

Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, People's Republic of China

Source of funding: Industrial Support Fund, Industry Department of Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1997.07

HIGH CELL DENSITY MIXOTROPHIC CULTURE OF SPIRULINA PLATENSIS FOR PRODUCTION OF PHYCOCYANIN AND GAMMA-LINOLENIC ACID

To optimize culture media (particularly with respect to the nitrogen and carbon sources) for mixotrophic growth of Spirulina platensis; to identify key compounds that affect the formation of phycocyanin (PC) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA); to investigate effects of environmental factors on the growth and product formation; to maximize the productivities by optimizing key limiting factors (e.g. light intensity and organic carbon concentration) in batch culture; to further improve the productivities by employing high cell density photobioreactor systems.

Investigator: Dr. S.F. Chen

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

PRODUCTION OF TANSHINONES AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS IN TI-TRANSFORMED SALVIA MILTIORRHIZA CELL SUSPENSION CULTURE

To establish stable Ti transformed cell cultures of Salvia miltiorrhiza; to investigate the tanshinone production potential of Ti transformed S. miltiorrhiza cell suspension cultures; to explore the ability of the Ti transformed S. miltiorrhiza cell suspension cultures to produce phenolic compounds, particularly rosmarinic acid and lithospermic acid B; to investigate the effect of the various nutrient media on the growth and production of the secondary metabolites in the Ti transformed S. miltiorrhiza cell suspension cultures; to scale up the cultivation process using a fermentor.

Investigator: Dr. S.F. Chen

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

STRUCTURE-FUNCTION ANALYSIS AND TISSUE SPECIFIC EXPRESSION OF THE HUMAN SECRETIN RECEPTOR GENE

To study the structure-function relationships of the human secretin receptor (HSR) by site-directed mutagenesis; to raise polyclonal antibodies against the N-terminal extracellular domain of the HSR for immunocytochemical staining and for Western Blot analysis; to investigate the tissue-specificity of HSR.

Investigator: Dr. B.K.C. Chow

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.09

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF THE GOLDFISH GLUCAGON AND GLP-1 RECEPTORS

To study the molecular evolution and phylogenetic relationships of glucagon and GLP-1 receptors in vertebrates; to investigate the tissue-specificity and physiological role of glucagon, GLP-1 and their receptors in goldfish.

Investigator: Dr. B.K.C. Chow

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06

FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE HUMAN GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE RECEPTOR GENE PROMOTER

To understand the complex interaction of GnRHR and its ligand in controlling the systemic and coordinated processes of gonadotropins secretion.

Investigators: Dr. B.K.C. Chow (Principal)

Professor P.C.K. Leung

Departments: Zoology

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Canada

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1997.12 Completion date: 1998.09

DEVELOPMENT OF A RECOMBINANT VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL PEPTIDE (VIP) VACCINE TO BOOST THE EGG-LAYING PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC GEESE

To increase the reproductive efficiency of domestic geese by the development of an inexpensive VIP vaccine using recombinant DNA and protein engineering technology.

Investigator: Dr. B.K.C. Chow

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

REGULATION OF THE HUMAN SECRETIN RECEPTOR GENE: DIFFERENTIAL DISPLAY AND PROMOTER ANALYSIS

To identify cis-acting and trans-acting regulatory elements responsible for basal and tissue-specific expression of the human secretin receptor gene; to identify proteins that are transcriptionally activated upon the binding of secretin and/or VIP to their receptor on the pancreatic ductal cell surface.

Investigator: Dr. B.K.C. Chow

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

TARGETED DISRUPTION OF ALDOSE REDUCTASE GENE IN MICE TO STUDY ITS ROLE IN DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

To develop mutant mice that lack aldose reductase (AR) and see how it affects the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Investigators: Dr. S.K. Chung (Principal)

Dr. S.S.M. Chung

Department: Institute of Molecular Biology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.10

GENERATION OF LIGAND-INDUCIBLE KNOCKOUT MOUSE MODEL OF ENDOTHELIN-1 TO STUDY NEURAL INJURY AND PROTECTION AND BLOOD BRAIN BARRIER MAINTENANCE

To investigate whether induced level of endothelin-1 in the astrocytes plays a protective or destructive role during cerebral injury and its effect on astrocyte-endothelial interaction using ligand (synthetic estrogen, tamoxifen) inducible knockout mouse models of endothelin-1 in astrocyte.

Investigator: Dr. S.K. Chung

Department: Institute of Molecular Biology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.10

THE ROLE OF POLYOL PATHWAY IN DIABETIC CATARACT

In Hong Kong, probably due to the change in living habit, the number of diabetes mellitus patients is increasing. Despite careful control of their blood glucose level, a large number of them will experience complications such as cataract, retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy etc. The aim of this project is to find out why hyperglycaemia leads to these diseases.

Investigator: Dr. S.S.M. Chung

Department: Institute of Molecular Biology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1994.10

MOLECULAR CLONING AND CHARACTERISATION OF SCL, A GENE HIGHLY EXPRESSED IN SCLERENCHYMA OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA

To clone the SCL gene from an Arabidopsis thaliana genomic library using its cDNA as a hybridization probe; to elucidate the DNA sequence and gene structure of SCL; to analyse the SCL promoter and to define the upstream DNA sequence elements which con sclerenchyma-specific expression.

Investigator: Dr. M.L. Chye

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.09 Completion date: 1999.08

EXPRESSION OF A HEVEA CDNA ENCODING BETA-1,3-GLUCANASE IN TRANSGENIC POTATO

To clone the Hevea cDNA encoding beta-1,3-glucanase in a plant transformation vector pBI121; to transform potato with the beta-1,3-glucanase plasmid construct using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation; to examine the expression of Hevea beta-1,3-glucanase in transgenic potato by northern blot analysis and genomic Southern analysis.

Investigator: Dr. M.L. Chye

Department: Botany

Source of funding: HKUST Biotechnology Research Institute

Starting date: 1996.09 Completion date: 1998.12

ISOLATION OF CDNAS ENCODING CHITINASE FROM BRASSICA JUNCEA

To clone the cDNA encoding chitinase, an anti-fungal enzyme, from Brassica juncea.

Investigator: Dr. M.L. Chye

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06

EXPRESSION OF INSECTICIDAL PROTEINASE INHIBITOR II PROTEIN IN BRASSICA PARACHINENSIS

To clone the S. americanum cDNA encoding PI-II in a plant transformation vector; to transform B. parachinensis with the cDNA encoding PI-II from S. americanum; to analyse the putative transgenic vegetables for expression of PI-II and for insect resistance.

Investigators: Dr. M.L. Chye (Principal)

Dr. E.C. Pua

Departments: Botany

School of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.01 Completion date: 1998.09

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF ACBPII IN ARABIDOPSIS

To elucidate the role in plant lipid metabolism of ACBPII, a new class of acyl-CoA binding proteins in Arabidopsis. To this end investigations will be carried out: l) to elucidate the cDNA sequence of ACBPII, 2) to investigate the expression of ACBPII.

Investigator: Dr. M.L. Chye

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

ARABIDOPSIS MEMBRANE-ASSOCIATED PROTEIN WITH AN ACYL-COA BINDING DOMAIN

To elucidate the role of ACBP1 in plant lipid metabolism. To this end in vitro binding assays will be carried out to investigate the binding of ACBP1 to acyl Co-A esters and the ACBP1 protein will be localised using western blot analysis and immunoelectron microscopy.

Investigators: Dr. M.L. Chye (Principal)

Dr. B.Q. Huang

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.09

THE DIVERSITY OF CEREAL GRAIN PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA

The cereal industry in this region is incredibly diverse. There is a vast expansion of diversity fueled by increasing consumer affluence in China, and by the need for convenience products. What attributes of the cereal grain raw materials are most related to quality of these products? What additives and modified starches will be in most demand in future? Without basic scientific analysis of products on the market, these questions cannot be answered.

Investigator: Dr. H. Corke

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Woo Ting Sang Agricultural Development Research Fund

Starting date: 1996.01

DIVERSITY AND FUNCTIONALITY OF WHEAT STARCH

To identify diversity in physical properties of starch; to identify the best sources of diversity in these properties; to develop best methods for screening starch properties; to develop a resource for biotechnological development of adapted wheat types carrying specific starch properties.

Investigator: Dr. H. Corke

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.09

THE GENETIC BASIS OF COLOR DEVELOPMENT IN WHEAT DOUGH

To identify genetic resources of hexaploid wheat which lack the functional enzymes causing discoloration of dough, and to characterize the color stability of doughs formed from these variants.

Investigator: Dr. H. Corke

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

STARCH QUALITY CRITERIA FOR SORGHUM-BASED FOODS

To conduct a coordinated comparative study of Zimbabwean and Chinese-adapted sorghum germplasm, focusing on starch quality.

Investigator: Dr. H. Corke

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

GENOTYPIC DIFFERENCES IN WHEAT STARCH PROPERTIES RELATED TO FOOD PRODUCT QUALITY

1) To analyze genetic variation in wheat starch properties of selected genotypoes under a wide range of potential processing conditions (pH and salt levels), with and without added propylene glycol alginate; and 2) to use the results to elucidate the mechanism of oil content reduction and texture changes, in steamed-and-fried instant noodles (SFIN). The key issues are a) the current inability of manufacturers to full control oil content; b) the recent introduction of oil-reducing additives on the market, the effects of which are poorly understood; c) the desirability of developing a greater fundamental understanding of this product, so that predictive modelling of desired product changes will be feasible.

Investigators: Dr. H. Corke (Principal)

Dr. R. Abeysekera

Professor A.W. Robards

Departments: Botany

University of York, U.K.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.09

CHECKLIST OF THE VASCULAR PLANT FLORA OF HONG KONG

To produce an accurate checklist of the vascular plant species occurring in Hong Kong.

Investigator: Dr. R.T. Corlett

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Starting date: 1992.09

CONSERVATION RANKING OF HONG KONG HABITATS

To establish an objective system for ranking terrestrial habitats in Hong Kong in terms of their conservation value.

Investigator: Dr. R.T. Corlett

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Starting date: 1994.01

ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION OF THE HONG KONG FAGACEAE (OAKS AND CHESTNUTS)

To describe the current status of Hong Kong's largest tree family and most endangered plant family; to investigate the reasons for the decline in the family; to test possible strategies for reversing this decline.

Investigator: Dr. R.T. Corlett

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

ECOTOXICOLOGY OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS FROM TOLO AND VICTORIA HARBOURS

To document areas where contaminted sediments have adversely impacted the natural benthic diatom and benthic macroinvetebrate populations of Tolo and Victoria Harbours; to culture diatoms and benthic invertebrates in contaminated sediments from Tolo and Victoria Harbours to determine whether sediment contaminants are capable of inducing deformities in organisms from these two communities.

Investigator: Professor M.D. Dickman

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1994.07

PUBLICATION OF A BOOK ENTITLED ASIAN DIATOMS

Publication of a book entitled Asian Diatoms.

Investigator: Professor M.D. Dickman

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: The Freemasons' Fund for East Asian Studies

Starting date: 1996.05

PALEOECOLOGY OF A SEDIMENT CORE FROM KOWLOON BAY, VICTORIA HARBOUR, HONG KONG

To determine if toxic diatoms such as Pseudonitzschia have been present in Hong Kong waters for long periods of time or if they have only appeared in the last twenty years or so after sewage began entering Hong Kong harbours on a large scale.

Investigator: Professor M.D. Dickman

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

EVIDENCE OF THE RATE OF EUTROPHICATION IN HONG KONG'S VICTORIA HARBOUR, BASED ON PLANKTON SAMPLES AND SEDIMENT CORE ANALYSES

To determine if Victoria Harbour red tide frequency and species composition is changing and to examine the algal impacts of recent Sha Tin and Tai Po sewage water discharges to Victoria Harbour via Kwun Tong.

Investigator: Professor M.D. Dickman

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

EVALUATING WAYS OF LIMITING THE RELEASE OF TOXIC ALAGE AND CHOLERA BACTERIA FROM SHIP BALLAST WATERS

To determine whether exchanging coastal ballast water for open ocean water would be in Hong Kong's best interest.

Investigators: Professor M.D. Dickman (Principal)

Mr. L.N. Bakountouzis

Dr. W.C. Yam

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Mechanical Engineering

Microbiology (Hospital Pathology Services)

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1997.12 Completion date: 1998.09

A BIODIVERSITY SURVEY OF HONG KONG

To undertake a systematic survey of biodiversity in Hong Kong in order to produce a ranking and classification system to establish priorities for future conservation activities.

Investigators: Professor D. Dudgeon (Principal)

Dr. R.T. Corlett

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Environment and Conservation Fund, Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1995.09

STRATEGIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS IN HONG KONG

To study the extent of natural spatial and temporal variability in aquatic ecosystems in Hong Kong.

Investigators: Professor D. Dudgeon (Principal)

Dr. G.A. Williams

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.10

RIVER CONSERVATION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: POLICY AND PRACTICE

To address the regional context for river conservation in Southeast Asia, and to summarise the existing sources of information on legislative frameworks and implementation. Particular attention will be paid to the types of local impacts which arise from different development pressures and the conflicts of interest which they can cause.

Investigators: Professor D. Dudgeon (Principal)

Dr. S. Choowawae

Dr. S.C. Ho

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Mahidr University, Thailand

Universiti-Sains-Malaysia, Malaysia

Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1999.06

CONSERVATION STATUS OF STREAM FISHES IN HONG KONG

To assess the conservation status of freshwater fishes in Hong Kong, in order to highlight those species which are threatened locally and to identify habitats which support unusually high numbers of species and are therefore worthy of protection.

Investigator: Professor D. Dudgeon

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

BACTERIAL REDUCTION OF TOXIC METALS UNDER SULFATE-REDUCING AND METHANOGENIC CONDITIONS

To set up laboratory-scale microcosms that enrich microorganisms capable of reduction of metal species, under strictly anaerobic conditions using polluted marine sediments as an inoculum; to determine the biochemical processes of metal reduction by microoganisms and the mechanisms invovled; to isolate the microorganism(s) responsible for the detoxification in pure culture and identify the microorganism(s) using 16S rRNA analysis.

Investigator: Dr. J.D. Gu

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1999.08

NEW AVENUES IN DUCK IMMUNOBIOLOGY: THE T-CELL ANTIGEN RECEPTOR, LYMPHOBLASTOID CELL LINES, AND ANTI-IMMUNOGLOBULIN-PEPTIDE ANTIBODIES

To complete the cloning and characterization (already commenced) of the genes encoding the duck T-cell antigen receptor (TcR) polypeptides; to study the genes, products and surface markers of cloned duck T and B lymphoblastoid cells; to raise monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) to the duck TcRs (using the cloned T cell lines as antigens and targets) and other T cell surface antigens, and to Ig heavy and light chains (using as antigens peptides constructed from deduced amino acid sequences).

Investigator: Dr. D.A. Higgins

Department: Pathology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.09

BACTERIAL ANALYSIS OF BEACH WATERS

To regularly update data on bacteria in the water at bathing beaches.

Investigator: Professor I.J. Hodgkiss

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Starting date: 1976.01

MOLECULAR STUDIES ON THE GENUS MASSARINA

To establish the phylogenetic relationships of Massarina species by comparison of the nucleotide sequences of evolutionary conserved regions of their mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA; to establish the phylogenetic relationships of Massarina species to other families by comparison of the nucleotide sequences of evolutionary conserved regions of their mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA; to equate the phylogenetic relationships derived from DNA sequencing with our observations derived from morphological and ultrastructural studies; to establish the evolutionary phylogeny of Massarina species including freshwater, marine and terrestrial taxa, by comparison of the nucleotide sequences of evolutionary conserved regions of their mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA; to examine the character coding and phylogenetic analysis of morphological and ultrastructural characteristics.

Investigators: Professor I.J. Hodgkiss (Principal)

Dr. A. Aptroot

Dr. K.D. Hyde

Dr. J. Spatafora

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, U.S.A.

Central Bureau voor Schimmelcultures Baarn, The Netherlands

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.01

INDIRECT INTERACTIONS BETWEEN FRESHWATER ASCOMYCETES ON WOOD

To test the hypothesis that indirect interactions between species may allow the coexistence of competing species on a natural substrate; to look for the presence of indirect interactions between species of ascomycetes of wood from streams.

Investigators: Professor I.J. Hodgkiss (Principal)

Dr. S.C. Fryar

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07 Completion date: 1999.06

HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS

To investigate HABs in Hong Kong and Chinese waters in terms of numbers, major species and effects; to investigate means of predicting and combatting HABs.

Investigator: Professor I.J. Hodgkiss

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Numerous local, mainland China and international collaborators

Starting date: 1998.07

POPULATION GENETICS OF PHYTOPHTHORA INFESTANS IN NEPAL AND SURROUNDING REGIONS

To determine the mating types of Phytophthora infestans present in various potato and tomato growing areas in Nepal. Is mating type A2, previously unknown to this region, now present? To characterise isolates of P. infestans collected in this region in terms of pathogenic races based on differential potato cultivars. To determine the levels of resistance of P. infestans isolates to metalaxyl, a systemic fungicide commonly used in the control of potato late blight. Are isolates collected from urban and peri-urban areas where this fungicide is routinely used more resistant to metalaxyl than those collected in areas where fungicide application is rarely or not practised? To assess the gentypic diversity of the P. infestans isolates based on DNA fingerprinting and allozyme analysis. This will give an indication of the genetic variability and the extent of contribution of sexual reproduction, if present, to the diversity of this pathogen in the field.

Investigators: Professor I.J. Hodgkiss (Principal)

Dr. A. Drenth

Mr. S.R. Ghimire

Dr. K.D. Hyde

Dr. E.C.Y. Liew

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Cooperative Centre for Tropical Plant Pathology, The University of Queensland, Australia

Lumle Agricultural Research Centre, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Nepal

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Outstanding Researcher Award, Vice-Chancellor's Development Fund

Starting date: 1998.09

ARTIFICIAL FERTILIZATION THROUGH MICROINJECTION OF MALE GAMETES INTO THE FEMALE CELL OF MAIZE

To directly transfer sperm cells of various plants into partially isolated maize embryo sacs with the following aims: (1) to understand the mechanism of sexual fertilization in plants, and (2) to transform the genetic make up of maize using sperm cells from different plants.

Investigator: Dr. B.Q. Huang

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

REGULATION OF ACTIN ORGANIZATION DURING FERTILIZATION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

To test interactions between actin and actin-associated proteins by: a) localization of actin, profilin, and actin depolymerizing factor in fixed and living embryo sacs, b) localization of myosin in pollen and embryo sacs, c) examining filament polarity and dynamics of actin coronas. To perturb actin corona function by microinjecting profilin into unfertilized and fertilized embryo sacs. To examine the role of calcium in actin regulation during fertilization by tracing the changes of actin and calcium in living embryo sacs and synergids.

Investigator: Dr. B.Q. Huang

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

DYNAMIC CHANGES OF ACTIN CYTOSKELETON IN LIVING EGG APPARATUS DURING FERTILIZTION IN FLOWERING PLANTS

To examine the three-dimensional organization of action cytoskeleton in the living embryo sac; to investigate how synergid and egg cell rapidly rearrange their actin cytoskeleton in response to the signals during fertilization; to determine the role of actin cytoskeleton in gametic recognition and fusion.

Investigator: Dr. B.Q. Huang

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

STUDY ON ABERRANT FERTILIZATION IN THE INDETERMINATE GAMETOPHYTE MUTANT OF MAIZE

To obtain a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of aberrant fertization modes in maize and also to develop a simple technique to directly manipulate the ploidy of embryo in angiosperms.

Investigator: Dr. B.Q. Huang

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1999.01

MORPHOLOGICAL, ULTRASTRUCTURAL AND MOLECULAR STUDIES IN THE AMPHISPHAERIACEAE

To use ultrastructural studies to establish the relationship of Amphisphaeriaceous and related taxa and examine their ascomatal, ascus, ascospore and ascospore appendage morphology and ontogeny; to establish the phylogenetic relationship of well established Amphisphaeriaceous and related genera by comparison of the nucleotide sequences of evolutionary conserved region of their mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA; to construct taxa specific gene-probes using the DNA sequence data; to assemble a pool of different species of Amphisphaeriaceous and related taxa from different geographical locations for further molecular studies.

Investigators: Dr. K.D. Hyde (Principal)

Dr. R. Kong

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.10 Completion date: 1998.09

FLORA ACCOUNTS OF FAMILY PHYLLACHORACEAE

To study flora accounts of family Phyllachoraceae.

Investigator: Dr. K.D. Hyde

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Australian Biological Resources Study Participatory Program

Starting date: 1996.01

MOLECULAR STUDIES ON TROPICAL FRESHWATER ASCOMYCETES

To establish the phylogenetic relationships of Annulatascus-like species by comparison of the nucleotide sequences of evolutionary conserved regions of their mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA; to establish the phylogenetic relationships of Annulatascus-like species to other families by comparison of the nucleotide sequences of evolutionary conserved regions of their mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA; to equate the phylogenetic relationships derived from DNA sequencing with our observations derived from ultrastructural studies, to establish if we reach the same conclusions from the data; to establish the evolutionary phylogeny of tropical freshwater ascomycetes as compared to tropical terrestrial fungi and marine fungi, by comparison of the nucleotide sequences of evolutionary conserved regions of their mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA; to examine the character coding and phylogenetic analysis of morphological and ultrastructural characteristics.

Investigators: Dr. K.D. Hyde (Principal)

Dr. D.K.L. Lee

Dr. J. Spatafora

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, U.S.A.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.01

MOLECULAR TECHNIQUES TO MEASURE ENDOPHYTE DIVERSITY

To develop a method for measuring diversity of fungi (endophytes) within living plant tissue using molecular techniques; to establish if the fungi identified as endophytes within plant tissue by molecular techniques is similar to those fungi identified by traditional isolation techniques; to establish the identity of endophytes within palms using DNA sequencing to confirm our morphological identifications and to identify the non-sporulating species; to establish the relationships of fungi as endophytes within palms to the pathogens and saprophyte known to occur on palms; to establish if latent pathogens occur as symptonless endophytes in palms, before becoming pathogenic.

Investigators: Dr. K.D. Hyde (Principal)

Dr. W.R. Abraham

Dr. K.L.D. Lee

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

National Research Center for Biotechnology, Germany

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1997.12 Completion date: 1998.09

MOLECULAR TAXONOMY OF PESTALOTIOPSIS AND RELATED GENERA

To establish the phylogenetic relationships between Pestalotiopsis and related genera; to differentiate species within Pestalotiopsis on the basis of DNA nucleotide sequence information; to establish useful characters (both morphological and molecular) for quick and reliable differentiation among Pestalotiopsis species and related taxa.

Investigators: Dr. K.D. Hyde (Principal)

Dr. E.C.Y. Liew

Dr. J. Simpson

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

State Forests of New South Wales, Research Division, Australia

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

AN INDUSTRIAL CULTURE COLLECTION FOR HONG KONG

To establish a microbial resource collection in Hong Kong including medicinal fungi to provide services to industry currently provided by collections outside Hong Kong and to provide a resource that can maintain Hong Kong's crobial diversity.

Investigators: Dr. K.D. Hyde (Principal)

Professor I.J. Hodgkiss

Dr. D. Smith

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

International Mycological Institute, U.K.

Source of funding: Industrial Support Fund, Industry Department of Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1998.08

MOLECULAR AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES ON THE SORDARIALES

To establish the phylogenetic relationships of genera presently included in the Sordariales by comparison of the nucleotide sequences of evolutionary conserved regions of their ribosomal DNA. To establish the phylogenetic relationships of these genera to each other in order to establish if groups cluster into existing families. To equate the phylogenetic relationships derived from DNA sequencing with our observations derived from morphological and ultrastructural studies, to establish whether or not we reach the same conclusion from the data. To establish the evolutionary phylogeny of the Sordariales by comparison of evolutionary conserved regions of their ribosomal DNA with species fro closely related and distant orders. To examine the character coding and phylogenetic analysis of morphological and ultrastructural characteristics.

Investigators: Dr. K.D. Hyde (Principal)

Dr. E.C.Y. Liew

Dr. W.S.W. Wong

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

XYLARIACEAE OF AUSTRALIA

To study Xylariaceae of Australia.

Investigators: Dr. K.D. Hyde (Principal)

Professor A.J.S. Whalley

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Australian Biological Resources Study Participatory Program

Starting date: 1999.01

DETECTION OF CIRCULATING ANTIGENS IN EOSINOPHILIC MENOENCEPHALITIS, A PARASITIC DISEASE OF MAN IN SOUTH EAST ASIA AND CHINA

To develop an antigen detection method which can diagnose acute infection in man.

Investigator: Professor R.C.C. Ko

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

FUNCTIONS OF DNA-BINDING PROTEINS SECRETED BY THE PARASITIC NEMATODE, TRICHINELLA SPIRALIS, IN THE REORGANIZATION OF MAMMALIAN MUSCLES

To identify the DNA-binding protein(s) in ES products of T. spiralis; to determine the specific DNA sequence in the genome which binds the protein; to clone and characterize the genes which produce the protein(s); to determine whether DNA-binding prot also occur in ES of T. pseudospiralis, a closely related species; to assay the in vitro effects of the DNA-binding protein on myocytes.

Investigators: Professor R.C.C. Ko (Principal)

Professor W.W.M. Lee

Dr. F.C.C. Leung

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.12

MECHANISM OF A PARASITE INDUCED MAMMALIAN MUSCLE TRANSFORMATION

To identify and characterize the nuclear factors in the Trichinella E/S products and to study their roles in muscle transformation; to identify the host target genes involved in the transformation.

Investigators: Professor R.C.C. Ko (Principal)

Dr. C.H. Mak

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

MOLECULAR CONTROL OF MUSCLE CELL-CYCLE BY AN INTRACELLULAR PARASITE

To determine the effects of ES products from the newborn and infective-stage larvae on muscle cycle; to determine the genes which are differentiately regulated at different stages of ES products treated cells. This will identify the key regulator(s); to clone and characterize the parasitic factor(s) involved in the initiation of muscle reorganization; to analyze the in vitro effects of the identified factors.

Investigators: Professor R.C.C. Ko (Principal)

Dr. C.H. Mak

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

HIGH RESOLUTION 3D X-RAY STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND FUNCTIONAL STUDY OF HUMAN GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE (G6PD): NORMAL AND MUTANT ENZYMES

To understand the role of individual amino acid and how changes lead to enzyme deficiency, we need to obtain a higher resolution structure, at 2.5 A or better; to solve the wild type (B) enzyme; to obtain, a full set of kinetic data on substrate/coenzyme binding, stability of the proteins under varying conditins, susceptibility to thermal/chemical denaturation and ease of folding/renaturation in order to establish the primary functional basis of the disease, we can then interpret the data in the context of the structural details.

Investigators: Dr. V.M.S. Lam (Principal)

Dr. M.J. Adams

Dr. P.C. Engel

Departments: Biochemistry

Biochemistry, University College, Ireland

Somerville College, Biochemistry, Oxford University, U.K.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.11

ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN SOUTHEAST ASIAN MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS

To investigate important ecological processes in southeast Asian mangrove ecosystems and compare with the classical New World model; to provide basic research data for management.

Investigator: Dr. S.Y. Lee

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Starting date: 1985.07

EFFECTS OF POLLUTION STRESS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL ENERGETICS AND POPULATION DYNAMICS OF THE GREEN-LIPPED MUSSEL PERNA VIRIDIS

To investigate the response of the green-lipped mussel to different levels of pollution stress; to understand the mechanism of pollution tolerance of this mussel.

Investigators: Dr. S.Y. Lee (Principal)

Dr. S.G. Cheung

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong

Source of funding: City Polytechnic of Hong Kong Strategic Research Grant

Starting date: 1993.04

THE ECOLOGY OF SEAGRASS IN HONG KONG

To investigate the community ecology and physiology of the seagrass Zostera japonica in Hong Kong in relation to its conservation.

Investigators: Dr. S.Y. Lee (Principal)

Professor R.S.S. Wu

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong

Source of funding: Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1994.04

PURIFICATION OF THE PROTEIN FACTORS FROM GERM CELL-CONDITIONED MEDIUM THAT MODULATE THE FORMATION OF JUNCTIONAL COMPLEXES IN THE SEMINIFEROUS EPITHELIUM

To identify paracine factors produced by developing germ cells which affect sertoli cell secretion and spermatogenesis, a pilot study.

Investigator: Professor W.W.M. Lee

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: The Population Council, U.S.A.

The Rockefeller Foundation, International Consortium on Male Contraception

Starting date: 1995.07 Completion date: 1999.06

TESTICULAR PROTEASES IN SPERM MIGRATION DURING SPERMATOGENESIS

To study the functional characterization of testicular protease and look at its role in regulating the fomration and dissolution of junctional complexes.

Investigators: Professor W.W.M. Lee (Principal)

Dr. C.Y. Cheng

Departments: Zoology

Center for Biomedical Research, The Population Council, New York, U.S.A.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.08

MOUSE TESTIN: GENOMIC STRUCTURE AND CONSTRUCTION OF DELETION VECTOR FOR TRANSGENIC STUDIES

To carry out genomic structure and construction of deletion vector for transgenic studies.

Investigator: Professor W.W.M. Lee

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: The Population Council, U.S.A.

Starting date: 1997.08

STUDIES OF JUNCTIONAL COMPLEX FORMATION IN TESTIS BY A NOVEL CELL CULTURE TECHNIQUE

By in vitro Sertoli-Sertoli cell culture model, the interactions of the proteases, protease inhibitors and junctional complex components when specialized junctions are formed will be examined. The involvement of multiple protein factors during inter-sertoli cell junction formation can gain insight into exploration of the yet-to-be-defined biochemical pathways, which are operating in the testis to allow the translocation of germ cells across the seminiferous epithelium.

Investigator: Professor W.W.M. Lee

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF TESTIN: A NOVEL JUNCTIONAL COMPLEX PROTEIN IN TISSUE RECONSTRUCTION AND SPERMATOGENESIS

To examine the exon-intron organization of the mouse testin gene and its chromosomal location; to characterize the transcriptional start sites of the testin gene in the testis, ovary and lung; to identify the promoter sequences mediating tissue-specific expression of the testin gene; to characterize the trans-acting factors mediating tissue-specific expression of the testin gene; to construct a testin-deficient vector for use in gene knock-out transgenic study; to examine the mechanism by which testin can become tightly associated with the Sertoli cell membrane by characterizing the binding of testin onto the Sertoli cell membrane; identifying the testin binding protein on Sertoli cell membrane using cell surface labeling technique; and isolating testin receptor-like binding protein components for amino acid microsequencing.

Investigators: Professor W.W.M. Lee (Principal)

Dr. C.Y. Cheng

Departments: Zoology

Center for Biomedical Research, The Population Council, New York, U.S.A.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.10

ANALYSIS OF THE PROMOTER SEQUENCE OF RAT AND MOUSE TESTIN

To analysis promoter sequence of rat and mouse testin.

Investigator: Professor W.W.M. Lee

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: The Population Council, U.S.A.

Starting date: 1999.07

GAS6 EXPRESSION AND TYROSINE KINASE PHOSPHORYLATION IN TESTICULAR CELL LINES

To study Gas6 expression and tyrosine kinase phosphorlation in testicular cell lines.

Investigator: Professor W.W.M. Lee

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: The Population Council, U.S.A.

Starting date: 1999.08

USE OF DNA FINGERPRINTING TO ACCESS THE ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF THE GREEN MUSSEL, PERNA VIRIDIS (L.) IN HONG KONG

To apply DNA fingerprinting

Investigator: Dr. F.C.C. Leung

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.08

DEVELOPMENT OF DNA VACCINE BIOTECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG

To establish the DNA vaccine technology in Hong Kong for use in the production of vaccines, especially for veterinary medicines; to design DNA vaccines for the Hog Cholera virus and for birth control in women.

Investigator: Dr. F.C.C. Leung

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Industrial Support Fund, Industry Department of Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1996.04

USE OF TRANSGENIC CHICKEN AS BIOREACTOR

To study the use of transgenic chicken as bioreactor.

Investigator: Dr. F.C.C. Leung

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.10

GENETIC MARKER FOR THE MOUSE WOBBLER MUTATION

To develop genetic marker using repetitive sequences as probes for the early detection of mouse wobbler mutation.

Investigator: Dr. F.C.C. Leung

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

MOLECULAR CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CALMODULIN GENE IN RICE

To understand the organization of the calmodulin gene in the rice plant so as to facilitate the expression of a mutated calmodulin gene transferred to the plant.

Investigator: Dr. P.C. Leung

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1994.10

MOLECULAR CLONING OF THE GENE OF 1-AMINOCYCLOPROPANE-1-CARBOXYLIC ACID MALONYL TRANSFERASE OF MUNG BEAN

To use the purified enzyme to clone the transferase gene so as to get the nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the enzyme. This will enable us to understand and to manipulate the enzyme.

Investigator: Dr. P.C. Leung

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

TO STUDY THE ACTION OF PITUITARY ADENYLATE CYCLASE ACTIVATING POLYPEPTIDE

To find out (i) if the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) will interact with calmodulin in the cell as part of its mode of action in the cell, (ii) what kind of calmodulin-mediated processes in the cell is affected PACAP does interact with calmodulin in the cell, and (iii) the protein-phosphorylation cascade in the cell induced by PACAP.

Investigator: Dr. P.C. Leung

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Croucher Foundation

Starting date: 1996.09

CHARACTERIZATION OF ACC N-MALONYLTRANSFERASE FROM MUNG BEAN

To study the enzyme in detail, to find out how the mechanism of the enzymatic reaction, and to see if the enzyme can malonylate D-amino acids.

Investigator: Dr. P.C. Leung

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW FORM OF THE FYN ONCOGENE

To characterize this new variant form of the fyn oncogene, so as to assess the significance of this new fyn gene in the cell.

Investigator: Dr. P.C. Leung

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE GENE OF 1-AMINOCYCLO-PROPANE-1-CARBOXYLIC ACID N-MALONYLTRANSFERASE OF MUNG BEAN

To study the mRNA gene of the enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-l-carboxylic acid (ACC) N-malonyltransferase from mung bean and other plants.

Investigator: Dr. P.C. Leung

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF HONG KONG UNIVERISITY STUDENTS

To establish a database on the nutritional status of the Hong Kong population; to design and implement programs and health messages to improve dietary habits; to promote this University as the Centre of Excellence in Food and Nutrition. Short-term: to establish a database on the nutritional status and dietary habits of students studying at the University of Hong Kong.

Investigator: Dr. E.T.S. Li

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1994.07

THE IMPACT OF DIET RESTRICTION ON BODY WEIGHT AND ENERGY METABOLISM OF YOUNG OVERWEIGHT MALES

To examine energy metabolism and energy intake in young overweight/obese men and to correlate these parameters with body weight and weight change at different stages of a diet restriction programme.

Investigator: Dr. E.T.S. Li

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07

NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF HOSPITALIZED GERIATRICS

To enhance the health status of congee/enterally fed geriatric patients via an intensive nutrition screening approach and with the introduction of oral supplementation or special manipulation of enteral feeding mood.

Investigators: Dr. E.T.S. Li (Principal)

Dr. V. Ho

Dr. B. Kong

Dr. S.S.H. Lui

Departments: Zoology

Haven of Hope Hospital

Ruttonjee Hospital

Starting date: 1995.07

DELINEATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY FAT AND BODY MASS INDEX IN CHINESE ADULTS

To provide reference values of anthropometry and resting metabolic rate for Hong Kong adults and to develop population specific prediction equations for the estimation of body composition.

Investigator: Dr. E.T.S. Li

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

SEROTONIN METABOLISM IN DIET-INDUCED OBESE RATS

To characterize the serotonergic deficit in the lateral hypothalamus of diet-induced obese rats.

Investigator: Dr. E.T.S. Li

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF DIETARY FIBER SUPPLEMENTATION IN HOSPITALIZED GERIATRICS

To improve gentle bowel fitness, relieve constipation and improve serum lipid profile of institutionalized geriatric patients via dietary fiber supplementation.

Investigators: Dr. E.T.S. Li (Principal)

Dr. V. Chan

Dr. S. Chiu

Dr. D. Dai

Dr. S.S.H. Lui

Departments: Zoology

Dietetic Information Centre, Hospital Authority

Haven of Hope Hospital

Starting date: 1997.09

APPLICATION OF EMBRYO TRANSPLANT TECHNOLOGY TO THE STUDY OF DIET-INDUCED OBESITY IN RATS

To generate DIO and DR Sprague-Dawley rats through selective breeding; to transfer embryos of DIO and DR rats to the uterus of pseudopregnant DR and DIO female rats, respectively; to determine the impact of high fat diet on the growth rate of the progeny; to determine body fat content, plasma insulin and glucose tolerance of the offspring.

Investigators: Dr. E.T.S. Li (Principal)

Professor S.T.H. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

INVESTIGATION OF THE ROLES OF A NOVEL HUMAN PROTEIN, GC1QR, IN THE COMPLEMENT SYSTEM AND THE COAGULATION SYSTEM

To reveal the physiological roles of this novel protein in both systems.

Investigators: Dr. B.L. Lim (Principal)

Professor K.B.M. Reid

Departments: Zoology

MRC Immunochemistry Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, U.K.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.08

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF A NEW FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE VIRUS STRAIN ISOLATED IN HONG KONG

To sequence the full length genome (approximate 8 kb) of the local FMDV strain.

Investigator: Dr. B.L. Lim

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

INVESTIGATION OF THE PATHOGENICITY OF THE INFECTIOUS BURSAL DISEASE VIRUS BY REVERSE GENETICS TECHNOLOGY

Infectious bursal disease (IBD), caused by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), is a highly contagious disease of young chickens, which results in significant losses to the poultry industry. After infection, IBDV multiplies rapidly in the developing B lymphocytes of the bursa of Fabricius, leading to immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to other diseases. According to antigenic variation and virullence, serotype I strains can be divided into several groups: classical virulent strains, attenuated strains, antigenic variant strains and 'very virulent' strains. After characterizing the gene of the neutralizing antigen of eight Chinese and local IBDV field strains, certain amino acid residues affecting the virulence of the virus have been suggested. In this project, the whole genome of the IBDV virus will be duplicated by reverse genetics technology so that recombinant viruses with mutated amino acids can be generated. It is expected that this investigation can figure out the critical amino acids residues affecting the virulence of the virus and generate a live vaccine strain which can confer adequate protection to the broilers from the attack of the 'very virulent' IBDV field strains.

Investigator: Dr. B.L. Lim

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.11

ACUTE INFECTIOUS BURSAL DISEASE IN POULTRY: EPIDEMIOLOGY OF THE DISEASE, BASIS OF VIRULENCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF VACCINATION

To study: 1) development and harmonisation of the diagnostic tools; 2) molecular epidemiology of vvIBDV; 3) constitution of an IBDV genomic cDNA bank and generation of relevant full length cDNA's that could be used in the reverse genetics system to generate genetically engineered recombinant infectious viral clones; 4) harmonisation of nomenclature of IBDV strains based on molecular criteria; 5) pathogenesis of the disease: search for cell receptors and virulence markers - molecular basis of attenuation - cell-mediated immune response; 6) improvement of the vaccination protocols: reverse genetics system - DNA vaccination.

Investigators: Dr. B.L. Lim (Principal)

Dr. N. Eterradossi

Professor H. Muller

Dr. T. van den Berg

Departments: Zoology

CNEVA, France

University of Leipzig, Germany

Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre, Belgium

Source of funding: European Commission International Cooperation

Starting date: 1999.01

TARGETED OVER-EXPRESSION OF ENDOTHELIN-1 IN ASTROCYTES AS A TRANSGENIC MODEL TO INVESTIGATE ITS ROLE IN BRAIN INJURY AND BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER FUNCTION

To investigate whether up-regulation of endothelin-1 in the astrocytes plays a protective or destructive role during cerebral injury and its effect on astrocyte-endothelial interaction using a transgenic approach.

Investigators: Dr. A.C.Y. Lo (Principal)

Dr. S.K. Chung

Department: Institute of Molecular Biology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

TRANSACTIVATION OF ENDOTHELIN-1 IN THE TESTIS BY CRE/LOXP SYSTEM TO STUDY ITS ROLE IN TESTICULAR MICROCIRCULATION AND FUNCTION

To investigate the possible role of endothelin-1 (ET-1) in testicular blood flow and function. ET-1, a 21-amino acid peptide, is one of the most potent vasoconstrictor originally isolated from conditioned medium of cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells.

Investigators: Dr. A.C.Y. Lo (Principal)

Dr. S.K. Chung

Department: Institute of Molecular Biology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.04

THE IMPORTANCE OF COLOUR VISION FOR FORAGING STRATEGIES OF PRIMATES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE EVOLUTION OF TRICHROMATIC COLOUR VISION

To study potential plant foods through the eyes of primates to spot the crucial advantages of trichromatism for feeding.

Investigator: Professor P.W. Lucas

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.01

VASCULAR MECHANISMS OF NASAL CONGESTION AND DECONGESTION

To understand how nasal airway resistance is related to vascular resistance and mucosal blood volume; vascular mechanisms underlying nasal congestion and decongestion will be elucidated.

Investigators: Dr. M.A.K.Y. Lung (Principal)

Dr. H.K. Chang

Dr. J.C.C. Wang

Departments: Physiology

Chemical Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1994.11

STUDY OF THE STRUCTURE-FUNCTION RELATIONS IN LEGUME PROTEINS

To determine the relationship between structure (physicochemical characteristics) and function (functional properties) of proteins fractions isolated from selected legume seeds.

Investigator: Professor C.Y. Ma

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

STUDIES OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF PROTEINS FROM THREE UNDER-UTILIZED CHINESE LEGUMES

To establish the relationship between the structure (manifested by its physicochemical characteristics) and function (functional properties) in legume proteins.

Investigator: Professor C.Y. Ma

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

STRUCTURE-FUNCTION STUDY OF OAT GLOBULIN

To study the molecular basis of protein functionality using oat globulin as a model.

Investigators: Professor C.Y. Ma (Principal)

Dr. Y. Mine

Departments: Botany

Food Science, University of Guelph, Canada

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.10

IDENTIFICATION OF HEAT SHOCK REGULATED TRANSCRIPTS AND ITS ROLE IN ADAPTIVE RESPONSES OF AN INTRACELLULAR PARASITE, TRICHINELLA

To use differential display and suppressive subtractive hybridization methods ot isolate genes specifically expressed in heat shocked T. spiralis and T. pseudospiralis; to identify potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of Trichinosis.

Investigators: Dr. C.H. Mak (Principal)

Professor R.C.C. Ko

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1999.07

CHINESE HORSESHOE CRAB

To study the Chinese horseshoe crab (Tachypleus gigas) and its habitats in Hong Kong, that is, soft sand shores, with a view to identifying significant breeding beaches and their possible designation as sites of special scientific interest.

Investigators: Professor B.S. Morton (Principal)

Dr. H.M.C. Chiu

Dr. Q. Huang

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

The Swire Institute of Marine Science

Source of funding: China Light and Power Co. Ltd.

Starting date: 1995.04

BIODIVERSITY OF HONG KONG'S CORALS

To produce a report on the status of Hong Kong's corals and associated fish fauna and identify areas where it would be feasible to recommend the establishment of either marine parks or reserves.

Investigators: Professor B.S. Morton (Principal)

Mr. A.S. Cornish

Miss D.M. McCorry

Dr. Y.J. Sadovy

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

The Swire Institute of Marine Science

Source of funding: Hong Kong Jockey Club

Starting date: 1995.10

CONSERVATION GENETICS AND THE EFFECTS OF EXPLOITATION AND HABITAT FRAGMENTATION ON KEY SPECIES OF HONG KONG'S MARINE MOLLUSCA

Using two locally and regionally important bivalves, i.e. the Manila clam Tapes philippinarum and the rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata, as model species to investigate the effects of exploitation on marine mollusc populations by a comparison of genetic structure between exploited and unexploited populations; using the endemic mangrove gastropod Cerithidea ornata as a model species to investigate the genetic implications of habitat fragmentation by estimating gene flow between populations from different sites.

Investigators: Professor B.S. Morton (Principal)

Dr. Q. Huang

Dr. K.Y. Lam

Dr. R.I. Lewis

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

The Swire Institute of Marine Science

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1997.12 Completion date: 1998.09

THE GENETIC DIVERSITY AND POPULATION VIABILITY OF PLATYGYRA SP.(SCLERACTINIA) FROM HONG KONG

To use allozyme electrophoretic techniques to resolve the taxonomy of Platygyra complex in Hong Kong in conjunction with a morphometric study and analysis of a wide range of Platygyra morphotypes from throughout local waters. Since recovery of damaged coral communities depends, basically, on either regeneration from fragments of damaged corals or re-colonization by planktonic larval planulae, this investigation will also examine intra-specific genetic variation in the local Platygyra and use the database in estimates of (1) the adaptive and regeneration potentials of the corals, and, (2) the degree of larval recruitment and gene flow between Hong Kong's disparate coral populations.

Investigators: Professor B.S. Morton (Principal)

Dr. Q. Huang

Mr. Y.L. Yeung

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

The Swire Institute of Marine Science

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.09

THE AMPULLARY GLAND, VENTRAL PROSTATE AND EMBRYOGENESIS

To understand the mechanism of regulation of fertility by the ASG which is of fundamental importance in male reproductive physiology; to establish a non-genetic cause of paternal influence on embryonic development; to explain the developmental arrests associated with the assisted reproductive techniques which are widely applied in clinical, agricultural and veterinary practice.

Investigators: Dr. W.S. O (Principal)

Dr. P.P.H. Cheong

Department: Anatomy

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.09

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE FORMATION OF BONE AND BLOOD CELLS: IN VIVO AND IN SITU STUDIES IN MOUSE MODELS OF ALTERED OSTEOBLAST ACTIVITY

To study how bone formation affects hematopoiesis in vivo, and to clarify aspects of the underlying molecular mechanisms, we aim to investigate two models of altered bone formation. l) Collagen type X deficient mice, where the mutation alters, a.o., bone content and architecture of trabecular bone. 2) Young adult mice treated with osteogenic growth peptide, leading to increased bone formation. Long bones will be analyzed in situ for deviations from normal with respect to morphological appearance of stroma and hematopoietic cells, incidence of apoptotic and cycling cells, and marrow cell number and composition. To evaluate changes in level and localization of chemoattractants and growth regulators, immunohistology and in situ hybridization will be applied.

Investigators: Dr. D. Opstelten (Principal)

Professor K.S.E. Cheah

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.10

MOLECULAR SCREENING OF TROPICAL MICROFUNGI FOR ENZYMES OF INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE

To establish the distribution of genes encoding phenoloxidaxe enzymes among tropical microfungi within the University of Hong Kong Culture Collection; to determine the activity and production optima for such enzymes in actively growing cultures; to purify and characterise the enzyme proteins of those isolates with high enzyme production.

Investigator: Dr. S.B. Pointing

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1999.02

FIBRE DEVELOPMENT IN THE RED COTTON TREE BOMBAX CEIBA

Seed capsules of the red cotton tree Bombax ceiba contain abundant fibres which are part of the seed dispersal mechanism for this species. The formation of these fibres is being investigated to understand the mechanisms controlling their initiation and development. This will provide an insight into the regulation of cell wall formation which is a key step in determining plant cell morphology.

Investigator: Dr. L. Ramsden

Department: Botany

Starting date: 1993.02

PHYTOPATHOLOGY OF TARO

The mechanisms of resistance to the pathogen of taro Phytopthora colocasiae are being investigated with a view to improving the breeding of this species.

Investigator: Dr. L. Ramsden

Department: Botany

Starting date: 1994.05

CAPSULE DEVELOPMENT IN BOMBAX CEIBA

To examine the factors influencing the development of seed capsules and fibre yield in the cotton tree Bombax Ceiba.

Investigator: Dr. L. Ramsden

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Woo Ting Sang Agricultural Development Research Fund

Starting date: 1996.01

TARO LEAF BLIGHT RESISTANCE

To determine the molecular mechanism of resistance in Colocasia esculenta to infection by Phytopthora colocasiae the causal agent of taro leaf blight.

Investigator: Dr. L. Ramsden

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Woo Ting Sang Agricultural Development Research Fund

Starting date: 1997.05

MECHANISMS OF PLANT CELL RECOGNITION

To establish an experimental system to identify the factors which determine cell-cell recognition in plants.

Investigator: Dr. L. Ramsden

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

NOVEL FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS FROM SEAWEED

To establish the potential of fucoidan as a texture modifier for use in food product development; to identify local seaweeds that are a potential source of fucoidan; to develop a facile isolation of purified fucoidan; to characterize the rheology of fucoidan in aqueous solution and in model complex food systems; to assess the performance of fucoidan as a texture modifying additive in selected food products.

Investigator: Dr. L. Ramsden

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

PHYSIOLOGY OF RESERVE DEPOSITION IN THE RHIZOME OF LOTUS

To assess the factors influencing the deposition of reserve polysaccharides in lotus root during growth and development, and the effect on the growth yield and quality of lotus roots.

Investigator: Dr. L. Ramsden

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Woo Ting Sang Agricultural Development Research Fund

Starting date: 1998.03

EFFECT OF NON-STARCH POLYSACCHARIDES IN RICE

To determine the extent to which the functional properties of rice are modified by the presence of polysaccharides other than starch in the rice grain; to examine the potential for maximisation of beneficial effects by the use of related polysaccharides as additives in food processing.

Investigators: Dr. L. Ramsden (Principal)

Professor S.S.Y. Zee

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

SPAWNING DYNAMICS IN THE FLOWERY GROUPER, EPINEPHELUS POLYPHEKADION

To examine the patterns of egg production in spawning aggregations of the flowery grouper, Epinephelus polyphekadion, for the purposes of (a) identifying the potential impact of commercial-level aggregation fishing on annual reproductive output, and (b) identifying the possible role of spawning aggregations as a source of fertilized eggs for grouper mariculture.

Investigator: Dr. Y.J. Sadovy

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

POPULATION GENETIC STRUCTURE AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY IN A MARINE FISH, THE FLOWERY GROUPER, EPINEPHELUS POLYHEKADION

To investigate two aspects of the biology of the flowery grouper Epinephelus polyphekadion (family Serranidae); population genetic structure and reproductive dynamics at spawning aggregations.

Investigators: Dr. Y.J. Sadovy (Principal)

Dr. P. Colin

Dr. R.I. Lewis

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Coral Reef Research Foundation, Palau

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE MANDARIN FISH SYNCHIROPUS SPLENDIDUS

To determine reproductive biology especially in relation to impacts of collection for marine aquarium made.

Investigators: Dr. Y.J. Sadovy (Principal)

Dr. P. Colin

Dr. M. Rasotto

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Coral Reef Research Foundation, Palau

University of Padova, Italy

Source of funding: National Geographic Society

Starting date: 1998.08 Completion date: 1999.07

REGIONAL FRY / FINGERTING SURVEY-GROUPER MARICULTURE

To examine the supply and demand of grouper fry and fingertings traded for mariculture in SE Asia.

Investigator: Dr. Y.J. Sadovy

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation APEC

Starting date: 1999.06

TAXONOMIC REVISIONS FOR THE "FLORA OF SINGAPORE"

A revision of the systematics of various flowering plant families, as part of the "Flora of Singapore" project being coordinated by the National University of Singapore. The families being studied are the Magnoliaceae, Schisandraceae, Philydraceae and Burmanniaceae.

Investigator: Dr. R.M.K. Saunders

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Starting date: 1994.05

SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTION OF THE ANGIOSPERM FAMILY MYRSINACEAE, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO HONG KONG AND THE PHILIPPINES

A taxonomic revision of the genus Maesa Forssk. in the Philippines; an anatomical study of floral and fruit structure in the genus; a phylogenetic reconstruction of the entire genus using morphological data obtained from selected species; and a study of the reproductive biology of local Hong Kong species.

Investigator: Dr. R.M.K. Saunders

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.10

MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF THE ILLICIALES

To reconstruct an evolutionary tree of the plant order Illiciales using DNA sequence data. This will enable: (1) an interpretation of plant structural evolution elucidated by traditional anatomical studies; (2) a revision of the existing taxonomy, particularly the supraspecific level; and (3) a study of the historical biogeography of the order.

Investigators: Dr. R.M.K. Saunders (Principal)

Dr. M.L. Chye

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF PRIMITIVE ANGIOSPERMS (MAGNOLIIDAE) IN HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA

To assess the reproductive biology of selected angiosperms, and to correlate the data with published phylogenies to determine evolutionary clades.

Investigator: Dr. R.M.K. Saunders

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF BAUHINIA (LEGUMINOSAE: CAESALPINOIDEAE) IN HONG KONG

A study of the reproductive biology of local Hong Kong species of Bauhinia, including studies of the pollination and breeding systems and attempted hybridizations.

Investigators: Dr. R.M.K. Saunders (Principal)

Dr. L. Ramsden

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Botany

Starting date: 1997.07

TAXONOMIC MONOGRAPHS OF THE ANGIOSPERM GENERA SCHISANDRA AND KADSURA (SCHISANDRACEAE)

To enable a comprehensive taxonomic monograph of the primitive angiosperm family Schisandraceae (which contains two genera, Schisandra Michx. and Kadsura Kaempf. ex Juss.).

Investigator: Dr. R.M.K. Saunders

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.01

SYSTEMATICS, EVOLUTION AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE GENUS MITREPHORA (ANNONACEAE)

A monographic taxonomic revision of the genus Mitrephora, including: a detailed analysis of morphology and anatomy; a phylogenetic reconstruction of the entire genus using morphological data; and a study of the reproductive biology of related species.

Investigator: Dr. R.M.K. Saunders

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Starting date: 1998.04

SYSTEMATICS, EVOLUTION AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE GENUS PSEUDUVARIA (ANNONACEAE)

A monographic taxonomic revision of the genus Pseuduvaria Miq., including detailed analysis of morphology and anatomy, and a phylogenetic reconstruction of the entire genus using morphological data.

Investigator: Dr. R.M.K. Saunders

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

STUDY OF THE TARGET DNA BINDING ACTIVITIES OF THE HOXB-3 HOMEODOMAIN PROTEIN

To express the Hoxb-3 homeodomain protein in a bacterial expression system, this will provide the purified protein material for subsequent DNA-binding analysis. To investigate the auto- and cross-regulatory interactions between Hoxb-3 homeodomain protein and other Hox genes. Hoxb-3 target DNA sequences in a number of Hoxa- and Hoxb- genes which are expressed in the developing hindbrain will be identified, the DNA binding specificity characterized, and the ability of Hoxb-3 to trans-activate the expression of these genes examined. To identify other DNA sequences which the Hoxb-3 protein can bind to using the whole genome PCR approach, to characterize the binding specificity between Hoxb-3 protein and their target binding sites, and finally to clone and study the target genes of Hoxb-3.

Investigator: Dr. M.H. Sham

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.01

MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES OF MOUSE Y-BOX TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR GENES

To study the cloning, characterization and chromosome mapping of mouse Y-box transcription factor genes; to study the expression of Y-box transcription factors in different mouse tissues; to analyse the expression patterns of Y-box transcription factors during mouse embryo development; to examine the potential binding activities between Y-box transcription factor and the mouse Hoxb-3 gene.

Investigator: Dr. M.H. Sham

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1997.12 Completion date: 1998.09

ANALYSES OF GAIN-OF-FUNCTION MUTANTS TO STUDY THE NETWORK OF HOX GENE INTERACTION IN THE MOUSE EMBRYO

By pronuclei injection and embryonic stem cell approaches, to ectopically express the Hoxb-3 gene in Hoxb-1 and Hoxb-2 expression domains in transgenic mice; to study the phenotype of the transgenic mutants at morphological and histological levels; to examine the organization of cranial ganglia, sensory and motor neurons and nerves in the branchial region of transgenic mutants; to analyse the expression patterns of Hox genes of the paralogous groups, 1,2 and 3, and expression of other rhombomere markers in the mutants; based on the mutant phenotypes and gene expression studies above, formulate hypotheses on the interactions among different Hox genes in the branchial region, and test in vitro the possible mechanisms which these genes may cross-regulate.

Investigator: Dr. M.H. Sham

Department: Biochemistry

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.09

POST-TRAUMATIC AXONAL REGENERATION IN GLYCOSAMINOGLYCAN-MODIFIED PERIPHERAL NERVE ENVIRONMENTS

To document changes in GAG composition in relation to histological changes in the injured sciatic nerve versus those in the injured optic nerve; to use a nerve bridge to mimick the changes observed and thus to study systematically the effects of these changes on axonal regrowth in vivo; to find whether or not enzymatic means is employed endogenously to overcome the change, if the change is found to be adverse to axonal regrowth.

Investigators: Dr. D.K.Y. Shum (Principal)

Professor Y.S. Chan

Professor K.F. So

Departments: Biochemistry

Anatomy

Physiology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.10

THE POPULATION BIOLOGY OF WILD ORCHIDS: CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS IN HONG KONG

To evaluate the biological status of wild orchids in Hong Kong with a focus on rare and threatened species, thus providing essential demorgraphic information relevant to conservation management; to identify the genetic and ecological factors underlying population decline and extinction; to take action to conserve species and genetic diversity of wild orchids based on information obtained from the population studies; in situ and ex situ conservation strategies will be formulated and recommendations made to the Hong Kong government.

Investigator: Dr. M. Sun

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.10 Completion date: 1998.09

MOLECULAR POPULATION GENETICS OF COLONIZING SUCCESS OF YELLOW STARTHISTLE (CENTAUREA SOLSTITIALIS L.)

Yellow starthistle is an aggressive colonizing plant originating in the Middle East which has become a serious weed in much of the Pacific rim. The process of colonization is an important theme in evolutionary biology, yet has been inadequately studi especially with the use of modern molecular techniques. I will investigate the population genetic structure of yellow starthistle populations from the center of origin and from colonized sites, using molecular and biochemical markers. This will hellucidate the genetic consequences of colonization in this model species, and give indicators to early control strategies to follow as it emerges as a weed in further locations in south east Asia.

Investigator: Dr. M. Sun

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

POPULATION GENETIC CONSEQUENCES OF CLEISTOGAMY AND MATING SYSTEM EVOLUTION IN SCUTELLARIA INDICA (LABIATAE)

To determine the effective mating system in cleistogamous Scutellaria indica and its effects on population genetic structure, and to investigate the factors responsible for evolution and maintenance of cleistogamy in the species.

Investigator: Dr. M. Sun

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06

POPULATION AND CONSERVATION GENETICS OF WILD ORCHIDS IN HONG KONG

To evaluate the current species status to identify management units and determine taxa for priority conservation; to explore patterns of genetic variation within and among populations of selected priority species; to investigate factors affecting this variation and structure, such as habitat fragmentation, population size and mating system; to make recommendation for conservation of species and genetic diversity of wild orchids based on the results obtained.

Investigator: Dr. M. Sun

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

POPULATION AND CONSERVATION GENETICS OF VIVIPAROUS MANGROVES

To investigate population genetic attributes of selected viviparous mangrove species in Hong Kong and the mainland China coast; to study reproductive biology and the effects of breeding system on population genetic structure in these species; to seek the relationship between the mode of seedling dispersal and the level of gene flow between populations; to explore the applicability of population genetic information on these species in the conservation and management of mangroves.

Investigators: Dr. M. Sun (Principal)

Mr. X.J Ge

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

ASSESSING GENETIC DIVERSITY AND RELATIONSHIPS IN AMARANTHUS GERMPLASM USING DNA MARKERS

To assess genetic diversity and relatedness among accessions in the germplasm at both intra- and interspecific level using a set of Amaranthus-specific low-Cot DNA markers; to understand the evolutionary origin of the three most important grain species: A. caudatus, A. cruentus, and A. hypochondriacus, with emphasis on their relationship to each other and to their three putative wild progenitors: A. hybridus, A. powellii, and A. quitensis, using cpDNA and mtDNA polymorphisms in addition to the use of other DNA markers; to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of these DNA markers, in comparison to allozymes and RAPDs, in population genetic assays and assessing phylogenetic relationships between Amaranthus accessions; to make recommendations for conservation management and the utilization of Amaranthus germplasm based on the results obtained from these studies.

Investigator: Dr. M. Sun

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.12

MOLECULAR STUDY OF THE 2-HALOACID HALIDOHYDROLASE GENE HDLIVA OF PSEUDOMONAS CEPACIA MBA4

To obtain information on the molecular structure of dehalogenases and the expression of dehalogenases. The information obtained will shed light on the mechanism of the enzyme activity and helps engineering enzymes which can breakdown even more recalcitrant molecules or producing enzymes used in biotransformation procedure for chemical and biotechnological industries.

Investigator: Dr. J.S.H. Tsang

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.10

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF CRYPTIC DEHALOGENASES IN PSEUDOMONAS CEPACIA MBA4

To isolate and characterise the other dehalogenases genes in P. cepacia MBA4 with an aim to understand more characteristics of microbial dehalogenases.

Investigator: Dr. J.S.H. Tsang

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.10

CLONING OF HALOALKANE DEHALOGENASE GENE FROM RHODOCOCCUS ERYTHROPOLIS Y2.

To develop an alternative treatment for the spent halogenated solvent produced by various industries by biological means.

Investigator: Dr. J.S.H. Tsang

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

ADHERENCE OF PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA TO HUMAN BASEMENT MEMBRANE COLLAGEN

To establish and validate a newly developed method to test bacterial adherence to human basement membrane collagen; to apply this model to study PA adherence to human basement membrane collagen under different conditions (baceterial concentration, temperature, time, pH, and calcium concentrations); to evaluate the effects of pharmacological agents on PA adherence to collagen and hence identify potential therapeutic agents.

Investigators: Dr. K.W.T. Tsang (Principal)

Professor M.S.M. Ip

Professor W.K. Lam

Department: Medicine

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.09

THE INFLUENCE OF DIETARY ANTIOXIDANT VITAMINS ON IMMUNOCOMPETENCE: SCREENING IN HONG KONG HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

To establish data base for dietary antioxidant vitamins intakes, and to correlate blood level antioxidants with immunocopetence in a health individual. The aim is to test the hypothesis that nutritional antioxidant status of an individual is an important determining factor in immunocompetence and possibly disease risk.

Investigator: Dr. J.M.F. Wan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07 Completion date: 1999.01

EFFECTS OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR-ALPHA(TNF-ALPHA) ON CYCLINS AND RELATED CELL CYCLE PROTEINS EXPRESSIONS IN HUMAN TUMOR CELL LINES AS DETERMINED

To investigate: a) the effect of TNF on cyclins: D, E, A, B expression by flow cytometry; b) the effect of TNF on P21, PCNA expression by cytometric studies; c) the effect of TNF on tumor cell lines proliferation and apoptosis studied by flow cytometry.

Investigator: Dr. J.M.F. Wan

Department: Zoology

Starting date: 1995.07

THE ROLE OF FREE RADICALS AND ANTIOXIDANTS IN MOTOR NEURON DEGENERATIVE DISEASE

There are increasing evidence indicating the involvement of free radicals damage in many chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and neurondegenerative disease. By using a motor neuron degenerative disease mouse model, to investigate the roles of free radicals in the disease process and investigating whether antioxidants such as vitamins E and C can be any therapeutic use by naturalizing the free radicals.

Investigators: Dr. J.M.F. Wan (Principal)

Dr. L.L. Vacca-Galloway

Departments: Zoology

Anatomy

Starting date: 1995.07

THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT DIETARY FATTY ACIDS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF MAMMARY TUMORS IN FEMALE FISCHER 344 RATS

Exciting evidences demonstrated that the quality of dietary fatty acids, especially W-6 and W-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids affect the development of cancers such as the colon, breast, and prostate. This project aims to investigate the effect of saturated, monosaturated W-3, and W-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on breast cancer cells proliferation by using flow cytometry technology. The data in this study will help us understand the mechanisms involved in more depth.

Investigator: Dr. J.M.F. Wan

Department: Zoology

Starting date: 1995.09

THE EFFECTS OF ANTIOXIDANTS ON SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER CELL LINE, NCI-H446

Lung cancer is almost certainly the most common cancer in the world today. Over the past several years, work has focused on characterizing the prevention, inhibition and regression of lung cancer by beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin C which act as antioxidants. This study aims to investigate the antiproliferative potential of beta-carotene and retinoids by flow cytometry technology. The data will help us to understand how antioxidants prevent lung cancer formation and progression.

Investigator: Dr. J.M.F. Wan

Department: Zoology

Starting date: 1995.09

THE PROPHYLACTIC EFFECTS OF POLYSACCHARIDE KRESTIN (PSK) ON ATHEROSCLEROSIS

To investigate whether (PSK) has any prophylactic effects on artherosclerosis.

Investigators: Dr. J.M.F. Wan (Principal)

Professor Y. Chen

Departments: Zoology

Research Laboratory of Free Radical Medicine, First Military Medical University, People's Republic of China

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07

HORMONAL REGULATION OF HUMAN BREAST CANCER CELL PROLIFERATION

To determine the actions of GnRH analogs on progression of cell cycle in the human breast cancer MCF-7 cells; to determine the possible induction of apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells by GnRH analogs; to determine whether the antiproliferative effect of GnRH analogs are linked to functional estrogen receptor system.

Investigators: Dr. J.M.F. Wan (Principal)

Dr. K.W. Dong

Departments: Zoology

The Howard and Georgeanna Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, U.S.A.

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.01 Completion date: 1998.09

THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF YUN ZHI

To investigate whether Yun Zhi exhibits some antinflammatory properties such as suppression of cytokines, reduce shock, maintain good appetite and weight gain.

Investigator: Dr. J.M.F. Wan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

DO PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS ON HERBIVORES MEDIATE THE STRUCTURE OF ALGAL ASSEMBLAGES?

To investigate, via manipulative experiments, how physical factors (principally temperature and desiccation stresses) influence the range and duration of herbivore foraging and the consequent effects of these constraints on the structure and diversity the algal assemblage.

Investigator: Dr. G.A. Williams

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1994.07

OPTIMAL FORAGING OF INTERTIDAL HERBIVORES UNDER VARYING PRODUCTION REGIMES IN A SIMULATED ROCKY SHORE HABITAT

To investigate, with the use of a simulated, controlled rocky shore habitat, the relative importance of top up (production) and bottom down (foraging pressure), processes in determining community structure on rocky shores.

Investigators: Dr. G.A. Williams (Principal)

Mr. R. Kennish

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

MICROGEOGRAPHIC HETEROGENEITY IN THE INTERTIDAL LIMPET, CELLANA GRATA (GOULD, 1859) IN HONG KONG

To develop molecular techniques for population genetic analyses in the intertidal limpet Cellana grata; to establish a field sampling program to test hypotheses regarding macro and microgeographic genetic variation in C. grata; to undertake statistical analyses on mitochondrial DNA composite haplotype data in C. grata; to interpret statistical data in the light of the ecology of C. grata; to disseminate results at the international level.

Investigators: Dr. G.A. Williams (Principal)

Professor J.G. Malpas

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Earth Sciences

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.11

THE ECOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF INTERTIDAL, EPILITHIC CYANOBACTERIA

Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae are oxygenic, photosynthetic, gram negative bacteria which are distributed over a wide range of habitats. Hong Kong rocky shores are dominated by a film of these cyanobacteria which, as important primary producers, form the engery base of the benthic intertidal foodweb and the settlement site for spores of macroalgae and sessile invertebrates. Despite this vital role in rocky shore community structure little is known about the ecology or taxonomic status of these species. In recent years industrial exploitation of cyanobacterial products has resulted in a great variety of applications for these species in pharmaceutical, chemical, food, dye and biofertilizer industries as well as waste water and pollution treatment, NH3 and H2 gas production etc. A major limitation to future exploitation is the relative lack of fundamental scientific knowledge on species composition, richness, taxonomic relationships and basic ecology of epilithic cyanobacteria. To study the ecology, and cataloging the diversity and taxonomic status, of Hong Kong's intertidal epilithic cyanobacteria.

Investigators: Dr. G.A. Williams (Principal)

Dr. G.D. Brown

Dr. R.I. Lewis

Departments: Ecology and Biodiversity

Chemistry

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.10

PITUITARY ADENYLATE CYCLASE ACTIVATING POLYPEPTIDE: - A NOVEL HYPOPHYSIOTROPIC FACTOR REGULATING GONADOTROPIN AND GROWTH HORMONE RELEASE IN THE GOLDFISH?

To establish the functional role of PACAP as a novel hypophysiotropic factor regulating gonadotropin (GtH) and growth hormone (GH) release in the goldfish.

Investigators: Dr. A.O.L. Wong (Principal)

Dr. B.K.C. Chow

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.01 Completion date: 1998.09

MOLECULAR CLONING OF GOLDFISH PITUITARY ADENYLATE CYCLASE-ACTIVATING POLYPEOTIDE

To establish the amino acid sequence identity of goldfish PACAP by molecular cloning; to map the distribution of PACAP mRNA in the goldfish brain-pituitary axis by in situ hybridization; to examine the GH-releasing effect of synthesized goldfish PACAP in goldfish pituitary cell cultures.

Investigator: Dr. A.O.L. Wong

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

PITUITARY ADENYLATE CYCLASE ACTIVATING POLYPEPTIDE AS A NOVEL GROWTH HORMONE RELEASING FACTOR IN CHINESE GRASS CARP, CTENOPHARYNGODON IDELLUS

To establish the functional role of PACAP as a novel regulator of GH secretion and body growth in the grass carp.

Investigator: Dr. A.O.L. Wong

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1999.01

THE REGULATION OF EXPRESSION OF MAMMALIAN THIOREDOXIN REDUCTASE

To study how the gene expression of thioredoxin reductase (TR) is also regulated by oxidative stress and/or hypoxia

Investigators: Dr. N.S. Wong (Principal)

Dr. K.S. Lee

Dr. K.M. Yao

Departments: Biochemistry

Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.12

SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION IN THE CARDIAC K-OPIOID RECEPTOR: PHYSIOLOGICAL RELEVANCE AND ALTERNATION UPON TOLERANCE

To study the signal transduction and physiological effects of two k-receptor subtypes; to identify the G-protein and phospholipase C involved in mediating the action of k-receptor stimulation and their changes upon tolerance; to investigate the cellular mechanisms of the negatively inotropic effect of k-receptor stimulation.

Investigators: Professor T.M. Wong (Principal)

Dr. H.X. Wang

Dr. N.S. Wong

Departments: Physiology

Biochemistry

Pharmacology, Jin Zhou Medical College, People's Republic of China

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

MOLECULAR APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF TOXIN-PRODUCING PSEUDONITZSCHIA SPECIES IN HONG KONG

To develop molecular markers for 1) identify and distinguish between Pseudonitzchia species that produce the toxic domoic acid from those that do not, and 2) integrate the molecular technique into a monitoring system that can accurately predict the occurrence of toxin-producing Pseudonitzchia species in algal blooms in Hong Kong waters; use molecular markers to elucidate phylogenetic relationships among algal taxa including toxin-producing species.

Investigator: Dr. X. Xia

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1998.09

THE EFFECT OF RIBONUCLEOTIDE CONCENTRATION ON CODON USAGE BIAS OF MITOCHONDRIAL AND NUCLEAR GENOMES OF MAMMALIAN SPECIES

To evaluate the relative importance of three competing hypotheses: translation, mutation and transcription, proposed to explain the observed pattern of codon usage in various animal species, with particular emphasis on testing the validity of the transcription hypothesis of codon usage, THCU; to use DNA sequences from introns and orthologous protein genes to examine the generality of an optimality model of the RNA transcription process that has been used to predict the effect of maximizing transcription efficiency on codon usage; to develop methods and computer programs for codon analysis by automating analytical procedures such as data retrieval from GenBank, data manipulation, phylogenetic reconstruction, and phylogeny-based comparative analysis.

Investigator: Dr. X. Xia

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

WHAT AMINO ACID PROPERTIES AFFECT THE EVOLUTION OF GENETIC CODE AND PROTEIN GENES?

To elucidates the relative importance of amino acid properties based on their known or potential effects on (1) the evolution of the genetic code, and (2) the pattern of nonsynonymous substitutions. One side product from this project is a computer program that will take DNA and amino acid sequence data directly from molecular data bases and do detailed analysis on nucleotide and codon differences. A prototype of the program is already available for internal examination.

Investigator: Dr. X. Xia

Department: Ecology and Biodiversity

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07 Completion date: 1999.06

POSTNATAL ADAPTATION OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT IN NEWBORNS: A POSSIBLE ROLE OF MILK-BORNE TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-BETA

To examine the role of milk-borne TGF-beta in the postnatal adaptation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Investigator: Dr. R.J. Xu

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

EFFECT OF MILK-BORNE GROWTH FACTORS ON GASTROINTESTINAL DEVELOPMENT IN NEWBORNS

To test the hypothesis that milk-borne growth factors stimulate gastrointestinal maturation in newborns, and to evaluate whether milk-borne growth factors can be used to enhance gastrointestinal maturation in newborns of premature birth and/or of prenatal growth retardation.

Investigator: Dr. R.J. Xu

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1999.01

INVESTIGATING THE FUNCTIONAL ROLE OF A NOVEL WINGED HELIX TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR, WIN, DURING DEVELOPMENT AND CELL CYCLE PROGRESSION

To analyze the functional role of WIN during development and cell cycle progression.

Investigators: Dr. K.M. Yao (Principal)

Dr. R.L. Gimlich

Dr. G.G. Wong

Departments: Biochemistry

EGRP, Genetics Institute, Inc., U.K.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1998.09

THERMOLUMINESCENCE DATING OF QUATERNARY SEDIMENTS IN HONG KONG

To carry out thermoluminescence dating on offshore Quaternary alluvial sediments in Hong Kong to assist palaeoenvironmental reconstruction.

Investigators: Dr. W.W.S. Yim (Principal)

Dr. D.M. Price

Departments: Earth Sciences

School of Geosciences, University of Wollongong, Australia

Starting date: 1996.01

HOLOCENE RECORD OF TYPHOONS IN SOUTHERN CHINA

To examine the record of typhoons in the coastal sediments of southern China by means of dating methods including high resolution archaeological and historical records.

Investigators: Dr. W.W.S. Yim (Principal)

Mr. G. Huang

Professor P. Li

Departments: Earth Sciences

Guangzhou Institute of Geography, People's Republic of China

Source of funding: Natural Science Foundation of China

Starting date: 1996.01 Completion date: 1998.12

DEVELOPMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF MORE EFFICIENT MODELS AND DESIGNS FOR CAPTURE-RECAPTURE STUDIES

To develop a better experimental design for population size estimation and to suggest robust estimators when the assumptions of a closed population and homogeneity among the capture probabilities are not valid.

Investigators: Dr. P.S.F. Yip (Principal)

Dr. C.J. Lloyd

Departments: Statistics and Actuarial Science

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.10

MOLECULAR CLONING AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE ETHYLENE BIOSYNTHESIS GENES IN RICE AND IN WHEAT

The aims of the project include (i) Molecualr cloning the cDNAs of ACC synthase and ACC oxidase in rice and in wheat; (ii) to test for the physiological relevant of the resulted clones; (iii) expression of the gene products; promoter analysis of the corresponding genomic genes; (iv) analysis of the functions of the genes in vivo in transgenic plants by incorporating these genes into the plant genome.

Investigator: Dr. W.K. Yip

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Croucher Foundation

Starting date: 1993.12

POSTHARVEST PHYSIOLOGY AND HANDLING OF LYCHEE

To investigate the possiblility of prolonging the shelflife of lychee, finding a way to store it for a longer period without lossing its fresh flavor, preventing the browning of the red shell and thereby reducing the spoilage.

Investigators: Dr. W.K. Yip (Principal)

Dr. Y.B. Ho

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1994.07 Completion date: 1999.06

CONTROL OF CAULIFLOWER HMG-COA REDUCTASE BY REVERSIBLE PHOSPHORYLATION-DEPHOSPHORYLATION REACTIONS

To elucidate the signal transduction pathway in plant. Using the HMG-CoA reductase kinase as a model system, we hope to find out the general principles underlying the signal cascade from stimuli to responses in plants.

Investigator: Dr. W.K. Yip

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1995.07 Completion date: 1999.06

EFFECT OF ETHYLENE ON FERTILITY CHANGE IN MALE STERILE RICE

To gather information concerning the plant hormone ethylene effect on male sterility; to determine the molecular mechanism that cause male sterility in relation to ethylene in rice; to incorporate antisense ACC synthase gene(s) in normal and genic male sterile rice strains and observe their influences in male fertility. Those information may help us to develop new generation of male sterile strain that carry better traits.

Investigators: Dr. W.K. Yip (Principal)

Professor Y.W. Huang

Departments: Botany

South China Institute of Botany Academic Sinica, GuangZhou, People's Republic of China

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07 Completion date: 1999.06

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE 1-AMINOCYCLOPROPANE-1-CARBOXYLATE SYNTHASE ISOFORMS IN TOMATO PLANTS

To understand the causes and the role of these isoforms of ACC synthase when expressed in tomato.

Investigators: Dr. W.K. Yip (Principal)

Dr. O.Y. Shiu

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1997.07 Completion date: 1999.06

A STUDY OF ETHYLENE BIOSYNTHESIS IN RELATION TO CYANIDE METABOLISM IN PLANT TISSUES

To have a detailed evaluation of how plant metabolize HCN generated from the biosynthesis of ethylene.

Investigator: Dr. W.K. Yip

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

STUDY ON THE 1-AMINOCYCLOPROPANE-1-CARBOXYLIC ACID SYNTHASES IN PLANT ROOT UNDER WATER-DEFICIT

The biosynthesis of ethylene is achieved by a cascade reactions that catalysed by enzymes. The important enzymes working in the ethylene synthesis pathways are the S-adenosylmethionine synthetase, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) synthase and ACC oxidase. Among them, the ACC synthase regarded as the rate-limiting enzyme which can be inhibited or induced by external stimuli. Both the ACC synthase and ACC oxidase exist in a number of isoforms in the same plant species. However, the induction pattern did not alike between isoforms.

Investigators: Dr. W.K. Yip (Principal)

Dr. O.Y. Shiu

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

CLONING AND EXPRESSION OF THE GENE FOR THE GOLDFISH DOPAMINE D2 RECEPTOR

To obtain a better understanding of the mechanism underlying the regulation of dopamine D2 receptor biosynthesis in the teleost pituitary using molecular approach; there are two basic parts to this proposal; the first is to isolate the structure of the D2 receptor genes involved in the regulation of pituitary gonadotropin (GtH) secretion in goldfish; such information is crucial to the development of oligonucleotide probes for the study of the regulation of D2 receptor gene expression; the application of molecular techniques to study fish neurotransmitter receptor that is involved in reproduction also has enormous potential to be of considerable benefit to aquaculture; the elucidation of the transcriptional regulatory mechanism for D2 receptor gene expression will ultimately allow possible engineering of the gene and/or its regulatory element to manipulate sexual maturity in the goldfish and in many other potentially important aquacultural species.

Investigators: Dr. K.L. Yu (Principal)

Dr. K.W. Dong

Departments: Zoology

Fishberg Research Centre in Neurobiology, Mount Sinai Medical Centre, New York, U.S.A.

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1994.08

MOLECULAR CLONING AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE (GNRH) RECEPTOR GENES IN GOLDFISH

To obtain a better understanding of the mechanism underlying the regulation of GnRH receptor in the fish pituitary using molecular approach.

Investigators: Dr. K.L. Yu (Principal)

Professor J.P. Chang

Professor R.E. Peter

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1995.08

NEURAL REGULATION OF GONADOTROPIN AND GROWTH HORMONE GENE EXPRESSION IN GOLDFISH PITUITARY

To acquire basic information on neural regulation of pituitary gonadotropin (GtH) and growth hormone (GH) gene expression in goldfish; to elucidate the structure of beta-endorphin which is involved in the regulation of both pituitary GtH and GH functions.

Investigator: Dr. K.L. Yu

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1996.07

MOLECULAR CLONING AND PHYSIOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING HORMONE GENES IN FISH

To obtain a better understanding of the mechanism underlying the regulation of biosynthesis of multiple GnRH peptides in the teleost brain using molecular approach.

Investigator: Dr. K.L. Yu

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1996.09

A SPAWNING KIT FOR INDUCED REPRODUCTION IN MARINE FISHES USING SYNTHETIC GNRH AND RECEPTOR TECHNOLOGY

To design and apply GnRH peptide analogs acting on specific pituitary GnRH receptor subtypes to accelerate sexual maturity and spawning in marine reef fishes; to develop and produce a third-generation "spawning kit" for the aquaculture industry.

Investigators: Dr. K.L. Yu (Principal)

Professor D.K.O. Chan

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Industrial Support Fund, Industry Department of Hong Kong Government

Starting date: 1997.07

TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF TISSUE-SPECIFIC GONADOTROPIN RELEASING HORMONE GENE EXPRESSION

To identify and characterize the cellular and molecular mechanisms which regulate tissue-specific expression of salmon gonadotropin-releasing hormone (sGnRH) and chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II) genes in goldfish.

Investigator: Dr. K.L. Yu

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Hong Kong Research Grants Council

Starting date: 1997.09

NITRIC OXIDE SIGNALING IN THE NEUROENDOCRINE REGULATION OF PITUITARY FUNCTIONS IN GOLDFISH

To investigate the novel roles of nitirc oxide (NO) and its signaling cascade in the neuroendocrine regulation of pituitary hormone secretion in goldfish. Specifically, the roles of NO in the regulation of in vitro release of neurohormones (gonadotropin-releasing hormone or GnRH and growth hormone releasing hormone or GRF) and pituitary hormones including gonadotropin (GtH) and growth hormone (GH) will be studied using both static incubation and perifusion sytems. To determine tissue distribution of neuronal NOS (nNOS) proteins and mRNA in goldfish brain regions and its possible co-localization with the GnRH and GRF neurons.

Investigators: Dr. K.L. Yu (Principal)

Mr. Y.W. Xie

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

NITRIC OXIDE SIGNALING IN THE NEUROENDOCRINE REGULATION OF PITUITARY FUNCTIONS IN GOLDFISH

To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) and its signaling cascade in the neuroendocrine regulation of pituitary hormone secretion in goldfish. Specifically, the roles of NO in the regulation of in vitro release of neurohormones (gonadotropin-releasing hormone or GnRH and growth hormone releasing hormone or GRF) and pituitary hormones including gonadotropin (GtH) and growth hormone (GH) will be studied using both static incubation and perifusion systems. To determine tissue distribution of neuronal NOS (nNOS) proteins and mRNA in goldfish brain regions and its possible co-localization with the GnRH and GRF neurons.

Investigators: Dr. K.L. Yu (Principal)

Mr. Y.W. Xie

Department: Zoology

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11

CELL AND TISSUE CULTURE

To investigate the patterns of differentiation of plant cells under in vitro conditions and to develop biotechnological methods of changing the growth mechanisms of crop plants.

Investigator: Professor S.S.Y. Zee

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1977.11

STUDIES ON THE CONTROL OF FLOWERING IN KUMQUAT (FORTUNELLA MARGARITA)

To investigate the effect of water stress on Kumquat flower production.

Investigator: Professor S.S.Y. Zee

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Woo Ting Sang Agricultural Development Research Fund

Starting date: 1987.08

THE BIOTECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTS

To seek funding to expand the collaboration to include cultivation of ornamental plants by modern biotechnology techniques.

Investigators: Professor S.S.Y. Zee (Principal)

Professor X.L. Ye

Departments: Botany

Academia Sinica, South China Institute of Botany, People's Republic of China

Source of funding: Croucher Foundation

Starting date: 1992.07

MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF MALE-STERILE MUTANTS OF RICE

Since the origin and control mechanisms of stable male sterility in rice are not yet fully understood, hence the development and production of new and more stable male sterile plants for three-line hybrid rice production are very low. More basic research is obviously needed if we are to understand the origin of male sterility (cytoplasmic and nuclear) in rice. In China there are now quite a number of potentially useful male sterile plants (i.e. mutants) available. It is the aim of the present study to investigate (using various cytological techniques) the origin and control mechanism of male sterility in some of those mutants. Information thus obtained could then be used for rice breeders and biotechnologists (especially those invovled in developing new sterile lines for hybrid rice production using genetic engineering techniques) to develop more useful and stable male sterile lines for the traditional three-line system, the newly developed two-line system and the potentiallymore high yielding intersubspecies hybrid system (indica x japonica) of hybrid rice production.

Investigator: Professor S.S.Y. Zee

Department: Botany

Source of funding: Committee on Research and Conference Grants

Starting date: 1998.07

CLONING AND ANALYSIS OF POLLEN SPECIFIC RICE GENES

Using the pollen-specific cDNA as probes, genomic clones of pollen-specific genes from the BAC or TAC library will be identified. The genomic DNA sequence will be compared with the cDNA sequence, and the structure of the pollen-specific expression genes and the gene transcription unit will be analyzed in detail.

Investigators: Professor S.S.Y. Zee (Principal)

Dr. C.X. Zhuang

Departments: Botany

Genetic Engineering Laboratory, South China Agricultural University, People's Republic of China

Source of funding: RGC Fundable Projects (Block Grant Funded)

Starting date: 1998.11