Scientific Publications

A high proliferation rate of cancer cells requires increased protein synthesis leading to ER stress, a condition characterized by accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER lumen. Three interconnected Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) pathways, IRE1, PERK, and ATF6 pathways, are activated to relieve ER stress or to initiate apoptosis if prolonged strong ER stress remains unsolved. Thus, the chronically elevated ER stress levels in cancer cells constitute an Achilles’ heel and provide a window of opportunity for development of therapeutic regimens.

• Link: https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article/85/8_Supplement_1/3045/755540/Abstract-3045-Development-of-a-first-in-class

Most cancers are currently incurable, partly due to abnormal post-translational modifications (PTMs). In this study, we initially used multiple myeloma (MM) as a working model and found that SUMOylation activating enzyme subunit 1 (SAE1) promotes the malignancy of MM. Through proteome microarray analysis, SAE1 was identified as a potential target for bioactive colcemid or its derivative colchicine. Elevated levels of SAE1 were associated with poor clinical survival and increased MM proliferation in vitro and in vivo.

• Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211383525000656?via%3Dihub

Metastasis remains the leading cause of cancer mortality. The natural product brusatol (Bru) has exhibited promising anticancer activity; however, the target proteins of Bru and the underlying mechanisms in suppressing tumor metastasis remain unclear.

• Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711325001096?via%3Dihub

At the convergence point of multiple cytokine signals, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a highly promising therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy. Isoquercitrin, a natural small-molecule inhibitor of STAT3, may have beneficial effects on diabetic nephropathy; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Isoquercitrin significantly mitigated renal inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting STAT3 activity in mice with diabetic nephropathy.

• Link: https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/advs.202414587

Current HIV vaccine strategies are hampered by difficulty with recapitulating heavily mutated broadly neutralizing antibodies. We have previously isolated a highly mutated antibody termed “group C 76-Q13-6F5” (6F5) that uses immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (VH)1-02. 6F5 targets a conformational epitope on HIV gp41 and mediates Ab-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC). Reverting the group C 76 antibodies’ variable chain to VH1-02 germline in antibody 76Canc showed retained ADCC activity. A vaccine targeting an epitope functionally recognized by germline antibodies offers a distinct advantage.

• Link: https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.01911-24

To describe the use of high-throughput whole-human proteome phage immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-Seq) in identifying potential antigens for antibody-negative autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE).

• Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-025-13039-7

Histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 1 (HINT1) is related to depression. However, the underlying mechanisms and whether HINT1 is a therapeutic target for depression remain unclear. In this study, we report that loganin, an antidepressant candidate from our previous research, directly targets HINT1 to alleviate depressive-like behaviors. Overexpression of HINT1 in the hippocampus induces depressive-like behaviors.

• Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-025-02959-5

Accumulated senescent cells during the aging process are a key driver of functional decline and age-related disorders. Here, we identify ganoderic acid A (GAA) as a potent anti-senescent compound with low toxicity and favorable drug properties through high-content screening. GAA, a major natural component of Ganoderma lucidum, possesses broad-spectrum geroprotective activity across various species.

• Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58188-5

The association between COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases has gained increasing recognition, yet the specific targets of SARS-CoV-2-induced IgG are currently in focus for several studies. This study aims to explore the proteomic targets of these antibodies and their potential role in autoimmunity. We utilised a human proteome microarray encompassing 23,736 unique proteins, including isoform variants and fragments, as catalogued by the Human Protein Atlas.

• Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/imm.13919

The incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has been escalating annually, positioning it as the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Ursolic acid has demonstrated promising therapeutic efficacy in managing MASLD, thereby justifying the need for an in-depth exploration of its pharmacological mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms by which ursolic acid modulates estrogen conversion in the treatment of MASLD.

• Link: https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2310-8819/JCTH-2024-00414