The distinguished research capabilities of young scholars at City University of Hong Kong (CityU) are widely recognized. The National Natural Science Foundation of China recently announced the results of the Excellent Young Scientists Fund (Hong Kong and Macau) for 2022. Four young scholars at CityU were awarded, and two of them are from the College of Science. Each of them will receive a research grant of RMB 2 million to directly conduct innovative research in Hong Kong for a period of three years.
Developing new approaches to investigate the dynamics of RNA G-quadruplex
Dr. Chun-kit Kwok, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry, was awarded for a project titled “RNA G-quadruplex structures: transcriptomics and gene regulation”.
Growing evidence indicates that RNA folds into diverse secondary and tertiary structures to perform myriad functions. Notably, RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structures have been shown to play a regulatory role in almost every biochemical process, many of which are associated with human diseases. Extensive research and reports on the prevalence, formation and functions of rG4 structures in recent years have made rG4 biology a field of fervent interest worldwide.
Dr. Kwok has wide-ranging knowledge and techniques in chemistry, biology and bioinformatics, and is dedicated to research on the mapping, characterizing, and targeting of functional rG4 structures. He has developed multiple novel RNA structure mapping methods to interrogate rG4 folding. The data offer unique insights into the formation and role of rG4s in humans, mice, plants and bacteria. He also applied unnatural L-RNA aptamer to target functional rG4 for the first time and inhibited rG4-protein interactions. In this project, Dr. Kwok will develop a new, universal approach to investigate the dynamics of rG4 folding in cells to decipher the underlying biochemical mechanism using rG4-targeting L-RNA aptamers.
Dr. Kwok said that the preliminary data of the project were promising, and that the outcomes would advance our understanding of rG4 transcriptomics and biology.
Preparation and applications research on two-dimensional materials
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, CityU
Dr. Thuc Hue Ly, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, was awarded for a project titled “Interface and structure-property relationships in two-dimensional materials”.
Dr. Ly has been working on two-dimensional (2D) materials over the years and has completed various research studies on the preparation, characterization and applications of 2D materials. 2D materials with atomic-level thickness have many extraordinary properties which are highly attractive for the development of future electronic equipment. Wafer-level manufacturing using 2D materials can reduce the size and enhance the speed and performance of electronic devices, thereby expanding the functions of future electronic equipment.
In their previous research, Dr. Ly and her team developed novel methods of controlling the growth, modification and properties of 2D materials. They have also developed an in-depth understanding of the defects in 2D materials and the linkage between interfaces and electrical transport properties. The team has also mastered high-quality 2D material large-area transfer technology. With the support of the Excellent Young Scientists Fund, Dr. Ly will continue to focus on the preparation, assembly and characterization of 2D materials and 2D material interfaces to support the development of a new generation of electronic and optoelectronic devices.
The Excellent Young Scientists Fund under the National Natural Science Foundation of China aims to support young scholars with achievements in basic research to conduct innovative research in areas of their own choice and foster outstanding talent to reach the frontiers of international science. Since 2019, young male scientists under the age of 38 and female scientists under the age of 40 at supporting institutions in Hong Kong and Macau have been eligible to apply for the fund, which grants 25 awards in Hong Kong and Macau every year.
This research article originated from CityU Research Stories.