2005 - National University of Singapore

Transcription

Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
RESEARCH
REPORT
’05
OUR VISION
The National University of Singapore is a global knowledge institution which emphasizes the synergy
between education, research and entrepreneurship. To this end, the School
of Medicine’s research emphasizes multidisciplinary collaborations across
Singapore, as well as internationally. We aim to generate knowledge that
will change the practice of medicine.
Cover image compliments of
Emeritus Professor Robert Pho
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
02 | FOREWORD
05 | PROGRAMMES
15 | Departments
136 | Awards
& Prizes
143 | Patents
146 | Graduate Students
16 |
19 |
25 |
35 |
44 |
47 |
56 |
64 |
71 |
82 |
88 |
91 |
101 |
108 |
113 |
121 |
124 |
130 |
Anaesthesia
Anatomy
Biochemistry
Community, Occupational
& Family Medicine
Diagnostic Radiology
Medicine
Microbiology
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Ophthalmology
Orthopaedic
Surgery
Otolaryngology
Paediatrics
Pathology
Pharmacology
Physiology
Psychological
Medicine
Surgery
NUMI
FOREWORD
FOREWORD
The core research mission of the National University of Singapore
is to establish a sound base of internationally competitive research,
build peaks of research excellence, grow effective global research
links and provide strong linkages between research and graduate
education.
In line with this, the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine continues to
contribute to the understanding of factors involved in triggering
diseases common in Singapore, and through research, determine
ways to prevent their onset through early diagnosis and strategies
to either retard or reverse the consequences. This is being fulfilled
through the School’s focus on translational research – the clinical
application of basic science discoveries from bench to bedside.
As part of a comprehensive academic university campus with access
to patient materials from the adjacent National University Hospital
and research collaborations with the Biopolis, the School is uniquely
positioned to validate new drugs, devices and biomarkers.
2005 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Faculty
of Medicine, the oldest body of tertiary education in Singapore
which laid the foundation for the development of what is now the
National University of Singapore. Our centennial year was marked
by the unprecedented donation of $100 million to the Faculty of
Medicine by the Yong Loo Lin Trust. This was matched dollar for
dollar by the Government, resulting in a $200 million sum providing
the resources to transform our Medical School from Asia’s foremost
to one comparable with the best in the world. In honour of this
transformational gift, the Faculty of Medicine was renamed the Yong
Loo Lin School of Medicine.
The donation has since enabled the establishment of new
infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities, and accelerated the
development of a number of research areas significant to Singapore’s
health needs: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases and
neuroscience.
We also wish to highlight the research achievements of the following
faculty members. One of Asia’s leading surgeons in hand surgery
and bone and muscle tumours, Professor Robert Pho, from the
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, was conferred Emeritus
Professorship in July 2005, in recognition of his distinguished
scholarship and conspicuous service. Professor Ariff Bongso,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, was awarded the
ASEAN Outstanding Scientist Award, for his contributions to the
field of embryonic stem cells. Dr Leonard Ang from the Department
of Opthalmology won the 2005 Singapore National Academy of
Science (SNAS) Young Scientist Award.
Professor Shazib Pervaiz, Department of Physiology, and Associate
Professor Marie Veronique Clement, Department of Biochemistry,
were honoured with the NUS Outstanding Researcher Award
(Team Award) in 2005 for their work involving the role of reactive
oxygen species in apoptotic cell death. Professor Yong Eu Leong,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr Lynette Shek and
Dr Allen Yeoh, both from the Department of Paediatrics, received
the inaugural Clinician Scientist Award sponsored by the Agency
for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the Ministry of
Health’s National Medical Research Council. Meanwhile, Professor P
Gopalakrishnakone from the Department of Anatomy was appointed
as a Principle Fellow in the Department of Pharmacology, Australian
Venom Research Unit, University of Melbourne.
Professor Philip Moore, Vice Dean for Research and Graduate
Studies and Head of the Department of Pharmacology, was invited
to join the Editorial Advisory Board of Current Medicinal Chemistry,
a leading international journal. The World Scientists Forum awarded
Dr Manuel Salto-Tellez from the Department of Pathology with
the “Eminent Scientist of the Year 2005” title in honour of his
contributions in the field of gastrointestinal and oncopathology.
In terms of research output, the faculty continued to win strong
funding support from external funding agencies such as the
Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) and the National Medical
Research Council (NMRC), garnering over $39 million in research
funding for FY 2005. In 2005, the School also continued to publish in
leading international journals with the number of publications (Tier 2
and above) increasing by almost 20% from previous year.
2005 had been a transformational and fruitful year, yielding new
opportunities and resources to support the School’s pivotal role in
the Biomedical Sciences Initiative. The next few years will be critical
as our Nation continues to develop in the Biomedical Sciences,
and as we strive to keep the School relevant in this changing era of
academic medicine.
Professor John Wong
Dean
YONG LOO LIN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE 03
RESEARCH REPORT 2005
FOREWoRD
Amount (’000)
Research Funding
40,000
39,043
35,000
29,732
30,000
25,784
25,000
20,000
19,921
15,000
10,000
16,017
5,000
0
FY2001
FY2002
FY2003
FY2004
FY2005
Number of Publications
Research Publications (Tier 1 and Tier 2)
800
700
663
694
600
500
434
400
340
321
300
260
202
200
365
255
177
100
0
Calendar Year
#
04
2001
2002
2003
2004#
Total Publications (International Refereed)
Tier 1 and Tier 2
Data calculated based on new Staff Research Publication System
2005#
PROGRAMMES
PROGRAMMES
Allergy Asthma and
Immunology Research
http://medicine.nus.edu.sg/research/prog rsch/
allergy_asthma.shtml
Research theme
Immunopathogenesis of asthma and allergies towards advances in
diagnostic and immunotherapeutic modalities.
Programme activities
• Collaborative research on the study of allergen NMR structure
with The Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Structural Biology
Division, Academia Sinica.
• Collaborative research project on Production of oral vaccine for
immunotherapy in transgenic plants with Professor Yu Su-May
from Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica,Taiwan.
• Initiation and coordination of the regional multi-centre
Epidemiological studies of mite allergy in patients with
asthma/rhinitis.
• Collaborative research with University of Otago, Dunedin
New Zealand and Gadjah Maja University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
to carry out a comparative study of gut microbiota between
urban Singapore and rural Indonesian (Yogyakarta) toddlers
and determine its relationship with the development of
allergic diseases.
• Collaborative Research initiative on the protective effects of
probiotics on allergic disease encompassing a double blind
placebo controlled randomized clinical trial on the protective
effects of probiotic supplementation in newborn infants, invitro study of the underlying immunoregulatory mechanisms of
probiotics, and the protective/therapeutic potential of probiotic
bacteria expressing recombinant dust mite allergens as a vehicle
for allergen immunotherapy in mouse dust mite allergy model.
• Joint South East Asian studies on the epidemiology food allergy
and allergic diseases in the young children in Singapore, Thailand
and Indonesia.
• Weekly journal club and biweekly research seminars.
• Medical and Polytechnic attachment students working on research
projects.
Research projects
• Mechanism of the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, focus on
allergen and cell surface molecules interaction in skin fibroblast,
lung epithelial, DC,Treg and B cells.
•
0
Therapeutic and prevention modality with respect to studies on:
(a) DNA vaccine,
(b) Oral vaccine,
(c) Recombinant allergens-based immunotherapy, and
(d) Development of new adjuvant for vaccines.
• The influence of environmental factors in the development of
childhood allergies:
(a) A clinical trial on the effects of probiotics on atopic disease in
babies at risk for atopy -The aim of this study is to assess the effect
of early and sustained feeding of probiotics on the subsequent
development of eczema and sensitization to allergens.
(b) A prospective study to compare the gut microbiota between
two populations, one with high prevalence of allergy
(Singapore) and one with low prevalence (Indonesia) in the
first two years of life.
• A cross-sectional, population survey on the prevalence of food
allergy in Singapore,Thailand and the Philippines.
• Comparative study on allergen sensitization in young children in
Singapore, Jakarta and Bandung.
• A follow up cohort study on infantile wheezing to assess risk
factors for persistence of wheeze.
• A population survey on drug allergy in Singapore children to
assess prevalence and trend.
• A study on the effects of cold drinks on asthma symptoms.
Patents
1. Chua Kaw Yan and Yi Fong Cheng. Modified house dust mite
allergens for specific immunotherapy. USA patent US60/689,172.
Filed on 10-06-2005.
2. Chua Kaw Yan, Liew Lip Nyin and Lim Lay Hong. Chimeric House
Dust Mite Allergens For Specific Immunotherapy. US Provisional
Patent Application No.: 60/712,271. Filed on 29-08-2005.
Member(s) of programme
Programme Coordinators : Members
:
Adj Assoc Prof Lee Bee Wah
Prof Chua Kaw Yan
Prof Van Bever, Hugo P S
Assoc Prof Wang De Yun
(Dept of Otolaryngology, NUH)
Dr Lynette Shek Pei Chi
Dr Cheong Nge
Dr Liew Lip Nyin
Dr Seow See Voon
Dr Huang Chiung Hui
Dr Yi Fong Cheng
Dr Xu Hui
Ms Seah Ching Ching
Ms Teo Su Min, Audrey
Mr Soh Gim Hooi
Ms Tan Teng Nging
Ms Liew Lee Mei
Mr Mah Ka Weng
Ms Wen Hong Mei
Ms Or Ming Yan
Ms Wong Wen Seen
Ms Ding Ying
Ms Judy Anthony
Ms Kwek Poh Lian, Corinne
PROGRAMMES
Gerontology
Research Programme
gerontology.shtml
Seminars
2 Mar 2005
Research theme
Ng Tze Pin
The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): Ethnic
differences and cross-cultural validity among
Chinese, Malays and Indians in Singapore.
Healthy and productive aging.
16 Mar 2005 Michael Chee
Singapore Longitudinal Brain Aging Study (S-LABS).
A systematic and coordinated programme of research activities on
the health of the elderly population in Singapore, it aims to help
the understanding of the population aging transition and provide the
scientific information needed for formulating strategies of disease
prevention and health promotion.
6 April 2005 Mathew Niti
Physical and Cognitive Domains of the Instrumental
Activities of Daily Living: Validation in a Multi-Ethnic
Population of Asian Older Adults.
Themes
20 April 2005 Tan Ene Choo
Allelic variation at alcohol metabolism genes and
alcohol dependence.
• Functional disability: prevalence, trends, risk factors, healthcare
and social service needs.
• Cultural-linguistic bias in test and item performance in ADL,
IADL, GHQ and MMSE.
• Dementia and cognitive impairment: prevalence, risk factors,
impact.
• Mild cognitive impairment and early dementia: screening
instruments.
• Nutritional factors, neurocognitive functions, dementia.
• Depression in old age: prevalence, risk factors, somatization, subsydromal depression, vascular depression, nutritional factors.
• Exercise and cognitive enhancement: randomized controlled trial.
• Health care utilizations of elderly: impact, predictive factors.
• Community-based Early Psychiatric Interventional Strategy
(CEPIS): randomized controlled trial.
• Longitudinal study of cognitively normal elders relating brain
structure, function and cognition.
• Singapore-Sweden Collaborative Study of Cultural Differences
in Aging.
• Hospital readmissions, mortality and quality of life of COPD
patients and their predictors.
• Cognitive impairment, depression and functional outcomes of
stroke patients in community hospital care.
4 May 2005
Feng Lei
Folate, Vitamin B-12, Homocysteine, and Cognitive
Impairment/Dementia.
7 Sep 2005
Ng Tze Pin
Asthma and Mental Disorders: Current evidence
and recent findings from the Gerontological
Research Programme.
21 Sep 2005
Sanjiv Kishore Saxena
Development of Post-Stroke Depression: Are
primary biological or secondary psychological
mechanisms involved?
5 Oct 2005
Feng Liang
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines
Among the Elderly: Associations with psycho-social
factors and psychiatric disorders.
19 Oct 2005 Mathew Niti
Outcomes Following Hospitalization for Acute
Exacerbation of COPD: Prognostic factors and the
role of depression.
PROGRAMMES
Helicobacter pylori
Programme Coordinator : Members
:
Collaborators
:
Research Personnel
:
Assoc Prof Ng Tze Pin
Prof Kua Ee Heok
Prof Victor Goh (O&G)
Assoc Prof Tan Chay Hoon
(Pharmacology)
Assoc Prof Calvin Fones
(Psychological Medicine)
Assoc Prof Ko Soo Meng
Dr Gerald Koh (COFM)
Dr Steve Graham (Psychology)
Dr Angelique Chan (Sociology)
Dr Tomasina Oh
(English Language and Literature)
Assoc Prof Michael Chee
(SingHealth Cogntive Neurology
Laboaratory)
Dr Donald Yeo (Neurology, SGH)
Dr Philip Eng
(Department of Respiratory
Medicine, SGH)
Dr Ong Kian Chung
(Department of Respiratory Medicine)
Dr Yap Keng Bee
(Department of Geriatric Medicine,AH)
Dr Mahadevan Sahadevan
(Department of Geriatric
Medicine, TTSH)
Dr Sitoh Yih Yeh
(Department of Geriatric
Medicine, TTSH)
Dr David Yong
(Ang Mo Kio Community Hospital)
Dr Fong Ngan Phoon
(St Luke’s Community Hospital)
Dr Tan Booon Yeow
(St Luke’s Community Hospital)
Prof Bengt Winbladt
(Karolinska Institute, Sweden)
Dr Mathew Niti, Research Fellow
Susan Hin Hiang, Projects Administrator
Pang Mingyi, Research Assistant
helicobacter_pylori.shtml
Research theme
To identify molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis of Helicobacter
pylori and improve treatment.
Specific themes
1. Molecular mechanisms of H. pylori pathogenesis.
2. The use of probiotic/prebiotics as alternative therapeutic strategy.
1. Molecular mechanisms of H. pylori pathogenesis
A cytoplasmic enzyme 1 (CE1) has been identified to be strongly
associated with patients having peptic ulcer disease (p<0.001).
Purified native CE1 exhibited significantly higher cell apoptosisinducing activity (p<0.05), induces H2O2 generation and elevated
interleukin-8 production by activating NF-KB in gastric epithelial
cells. These findings show that CE1 may play an important role in
the pathogenesis of H. pylori-associated severe gastric diseases
(unpublished data).
Another surface localized enzyme (SE1) was shown to interact with
CagA by co-IP. It was shown that SE1 acted in concert with CagA
affecting the tight junction protein, ZO-1 of T-84 and AGS cells. A
comparison study of cagA+, cagA- and isogenic mutant (SEI knock
out) H. pylori strains was performed using confocal microscopy and
functional study based on the tracking of leakage of biotinylated
albumin across cell monolayer. The results suggest a probable
chaperonic role of SE1 in assisting CagA-mediated ZO-1 recruitment,
indicating the potential role of SE1 in facilitating H. pylori invasion into
the host mucosal, leading to pathogenesis (unpublished data).
2. The use of probiotic/prebiotic as alternative therapeutic
strategy
With antibiotic-resistance on the rise over the years, the
development of effective alternative therapy is important. Results
from the studies of “generally regarded as safe” microalgae and
microalgae sulfated polysaccharides show that they are effective in
detaching H. pylori from the surface of tissue cultured cells and is
bactericidal to H. pylori at concentrations that do not harm tissue
cultured cells. It indicates that these ‘pro-/prebiotics’ may potentially
be used as anti-adhesive and bactericidal agents.
Programme Coordinator :
Members
:
0
Assoc Prof Ho Bow
Assoc Prof Yeoh Khay Guan
(Dept of Medicine)
Assoc Prof Ho Khek Yu
(Dept of Medicine)
Assoc Prof Teh Ming
(Dept of Pathology)
Assoc Prof Quak Seng Hock
(Dept of Paediatrics)
PROGRAMMES
Human and Molecular Genetics
Research Programme
http://medicine.nus.edu.sg/research/progrsch/hum_
mol_genetics.shtml
Research theme
To establish and develop genetic research and diagnostic
facilities in cardiovascular, asthma, endocrine, neurometabolic,
haematologyoncology, renal and developmental genetics, with
regards to:
• Genetic epidemiology, including sequencing, mutation screening,
and genotyping.
• Establishment of a cord blood bank resource representative of
Singapore’s three major ethnic groups.
• Karyotyping and gene mapping by linkage analysis and molecular
cytogenetics.
• Molecular diagnostics and gene therapy.
• Functional genomics and pharmacogenomics.
• Animal models of human development and disease.
HMGRP Seminars
15 Mar 2005
19 Apr 2005
17 May 2005
19 July 2005
18 Oct 2005
15 Nov 2005
Lim Pei Ping, Dorothy
‘In vitro read-through in dystrophin mutation’
Cecila Kwok
‘Molecular detection of Minimal Residual
Disease in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukaemia’
Dr Stacey Tay
Diagnostic Approach
to
Mitochondrial
Disorders: No Hoax, It’s COX’
Wang Zihua
‘A functional polymorphism within the MRP1
gene locus identified through its genomic
signature of positive selection’
William Chong
‘Study of metabolites secreted by CHO K1 cells
and their impact on cell growth’
Tan Chia Yee
‘A Review of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis’
Patent
Ai-Cheng Lee, Tit-Meng Lim, Jianshan Ye, Chew-Kiat Heng.
Bio-Conjugated Carbon Nanotubes Based Labels. US Provisional
Patent Application No 60/636,384 filed on 26 August 2005.
Members
:
Dr Heng Chew Kiat
Dr Caroline G Lee
Dr Goh Li Meng, Denise
Dr Lai Poh San
Dr Lee Yung Seng
Assoc Prof Loke Kah Yin
Prof Low Poh Sim
Assoc Prof Quah Thuan Chong
Assoc Prof Quek Swee Chye
Assoc Prof Samuel S Chong
Dr Tay Kiat Hong, Stacey
Prof Yap Hui Kim
Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB)
Interest Group
http://medicine.nus.edu.sg/research/progrsch/lab.
shtml
Research theme
Intestinal lactic acid bacteria as probiotics and vectors for gene
therapy.
Members of the programme secured the following research grants.
1. Assoc Prof Bay BH (PI), Dr R Mahendran, Assoc Prof Lee YK.
Effect of lactic acid bacteria in the tumorigenesis of bladder and
breast cancer. Supported by NMRC.
2. Dr Lim CK (PI), Assoc Prof Lee Yuan Kun. Cloning of human
genes into lactobacilli. Supported by SRS.
3. Assoc Prof Lee YK (PI), Assoc Prof Tan HM. Lactic acid bacteria
as animal probiotics. Supported by Kemin Industies (A) Pte Ltd.
4. Assoc Prof Lee YK (PI), Dr Lu JH. Host-bacteria and bacteriabacteria interactions in human gastrointestinal tract. Supported
by NMRC.
5. Assoc Prof Lee YK (PI), Prof J Kwang, Assoc Prof Ng ML, Dr Lim
CK. Gene expression and colonization of lactic acid bacteria in
gastrointestinal tract. Supported by NMRC.
6. Assoc Prof Lee YK (PI), Assoc Prof Bay Boon Huat, Dr
R Mahendran. Modulation of the development and progression
of cancer by lactobacilli. Supported by NMRC.
7. Dr Ratha Mahendran (PI), Assoc Prof Bay Boon Huat, Assoc
Prof Lee Yuan Kun. Modified lactobacilli as delivery vehicles for
antigens for induction of local and system immunity. Supported
by DSTA.
8. Assoc Prof Lee Yuan Kun (PI) Intestinal colonization and immunomodulation by probiotic microorganisms expressing antigens of
pathogen. Supported by Microbiology Vaccine Initiative.
PROGRAMMES
The LAB Interest Group is in collaboration with the following
research groups:
1. Asthma and Allergy Research Programme, NUS
Development of prophylatic and therapeutic vaccines for asthma
and allergy. Immune response to allergens in early childhood in
relation to environmental factors.
2. Edible Vaccine Group, NUS
Intestinal Colonization and immune-modulation by probiotic
microoganisms expressing antigens of pathogens.
3. Medical Nutrition Group, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
Host-microbe cross-talk focuses on colon cancer.
4. Functional Food Center, Turku University, Finland
Bacterial adhesion and gene expression in human colonocytes:
target for probiotic development.
Collaborative projects have been carried out between members
of the group, resulting in several papers in premium journals,
book chapters, and awards at international conferences. Individual
members have also been awarded several grants for research on cell
models of neurodegenerative diseases, and translational research, on
the development of antioxidants to treat neurological disorders.
Members
:
Assoc Prof Ong Wei Yi
Prof Barry Halliwell
Assoc Prof Lim Tit Meng
Assoc Prof Benjamin Ong Kian Chung
Assoc Prof Hanry Yu
Seminar
Co-organiser of the 3rd Asian Conference for Lactic Acid bacteria,
25-27th August 2005, Bali Indonesia.
Members
:
Assoc Prof Lee Yuan Kun
Assoc Prof Bay Boon Huat (Anatomy)
Dr Ratha Mahendran (Surgery)
Dr Tan Hai Meng (Kemin Induestries)
Prof Jimmy Kwang (TTL)
Assoc Prof Ng Mah Lee (Microbiology)
Dr Seah Geok Teng (Microbiology)
Assoc Prof Vincent Chow
(Microbiology)
Dr Lynette Shaek Pei Chi (Paediatrics)
Dr Zhang Dao Hai
(Molecular Diagnosis Centre, NUH)
Prof Sven Pettersson
(Karolinska Institute)
Neurodegeneration
neurodegeneration.shtml
Research theme
To study factors which contribute to, or modulate, degeneration of
the nervous system. Research is centered on the calcium hypothesis
of aging and dementia, and examines factors that contribute to, or
modulate calcium influx into neurons.The role of calcium dependent
and free radicals in events leading to neurodegeneration, and the
role of glial cells in propagating neuronal injury are also examined. In
addition to calcium, an accumulation of iron and cholesterol oxidation
products can also be toxic to neurons, and research is carried out, to
elucidate iron and cholesterol metabolism in the brain.
010
Neuropsychopharmacology
neuropsychopharmacology.shtml
Research theme
The pharmacology of drugs that may exert neural, psychological and
behavioural changes in animals and human.
(i) Continuation of studies of the effects of antipsychotics on working
memory and fMRI.
(ii) Continuation of studies of the roles of 5-HT receptor subtypes
in the effects of antidepressant drugs on adult neurogenesis and
stem cell proliferation.
(iii) Studies of antidepressant drugs on glutamate receptor expression
in mice.
(iv) Studies of noradrenergic modulation of hippocampo-prefrontal
cortical long-term potentiation.
Members
:
Assoc Prof Tan Chay Hoon
Assoc Prof Peter Wong Tsun-Hon
(Pharmacology)
Assoc Prof Lee How Sung
(Pharmacology)
Prof Kua Ee Heok
Prof Calvin Fones Soon Leng
Dr Zhu Yi-Zhun (Pharmacology)
Dr Gavin Dawe (Pharmacology)
Assoc Prof Ong Wei Yi (Anatomy)
PROGRAMMES
Oxidants And Antioxidants
Research Group
oxidants.shtml
Research theme
To study the molecular and cellular biology of the action of oxidants
and antioxidants and their role in human disease and human
nutrition.
Key initiatives
• Prof Shazib Pervaiz presented a proposal to Office of Life Sciences
for the setting up of a multi-faculty Redox Biology Group.
• A concept paper was presented to the University for the
setting up of a Research Center of Excellence in Cell Injury and
Disease.
Invited presentations in 2005
1. Prof Shazib Pervaiz
• International Conference on Chinese and Alternative Medicine,
Singapore.
• Lecture at Mahidol University,Thailand.
4. Prof Barry Halliwell
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) Seminar Series.
• The 39th Naff Symposium on Oxidative Stress in Aging and
Age-Related Neurodegenerative Disorders.
• Seminar at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
• FAO/WHO Nutrient Risk Assessment Workshop: A Model
for Establishing Upper Levels of Intake for Nutrients & Related
Substances.
• 10th International Symposium on Chocolate and Cocoa
Nutrition.
• Unilever workshop on identification of non-genotoxic
carcinogens.
• 2nd International Conference on Polyphenols and Health.
5. Assoc Prof Tan Kwong Huat Benny
• 1st International Conference on Complementary and
Alternative Medicine, Raffles City Convention Centre,
Singapore.
• 17th Ion Beam Analytic Conference, Seville, Spain.
• World Congress on Inflammation, Sydney, Australia.
6. Dr Markus Wenk
• Annual meeting of the American Society for Mass
Spectrometry, San Antonio, TX.
• Gordon Conference on Tuberculosis Drug Discovery,
Biddeford, ME.
• 18th Asia-Pacific Cancer Conference, Korea.
• U21 Health Sciences Annual Meeting, Sweden.
Distinguished visitors in 2005
• Drug Discovery to Clinical Trails: Global Partnering and New
Sciences, India.
• Prof Arunsalam Dharmarajan from the Department of Human
Anatomy and Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth.
• Dr Irmgard Irminger-Finger from the Department of Obstetrics
and Gynaecology, University Hospital Geneva, Switzerland.
• Dr Guido Kroemer, Director of Research from Gustave Roissy
Hospital,Villejuif, France.
• 1st Combined Scientific Meeting of National Healthcare,
Singhealth Groups and National University of Singapore.
• 3rd Joint Meeting of the Society for Free Radical Research of
Australasia & Japan, Australia.
2. Assoc Prof Urs Alex Boelsterli
• 17th Singapore Pharmacy Congress, Singapore.
3. Assoc Prof Marie-Veronique Clement
• NUS/Kyoto Symposium, Biopolis, Singapore.
• 3rd Joint Meeting of the society for Free Radical Research of
Australia and Japan, Gold Coast, Australia.
Awards & Appointments
• Prof Shazib Pervaiz and Assoc Prof Marie-Veronique Clement
received the NUS Outstanding Researcher Award 2005 (Team
Award).
• Prof Barry Halliwell joined the editorial board of Biochemical
Journal in 2005.
• Dr Markus Wenk is in the process of being appointed as a faculty
member at the University of Basel, Switzerland (submitted the
Habilitationsantrag in January 2005).
PROGRAMMES
Programme Coordinator : Members
:
Prof Shazib Pervaiz
Prof Subroto Chatterjee
(Johns Hopkins Singapore)
Prof Ong Choon Nam
Prof Malcolm Paterson
Prof Alan Porter
Prof Sit Kim Ping
Prof Roland Stocker
Prof Frank Watt
Prof Philip Keith Moore
Assoc Prof Matthew Whiteman
Assoc Prof Tan Kwong Huat Benny
Assoc Prof Kenneth Hughes
Assoc Prof Marie-Veronique Clement
Assoc Prof Urs Alex Boelsterli
Assoc Prof Lim Sai Kiang
Dr Steve Cheung Nam Sang
Dr Jan Gruber
Dr Jeffrey Armstrong
Dr Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
Dr Andrew Jenner
Dr Lee Chung-Yung, Jetty
Dr Peter Colin Rose
Dr Shen Han Ming
Dr Markus Wenk
Dr Wong Boon Seng
Dr Huang Dejian
Dr Ronan Kelly
Singapore Epidemiology of Eye
Diseases (SEED) Centre
http://medicine.nus.edu.sg/research/progrsch/seed.
shtml
• To provide research expertise & consultation to other research
centers and ophthalmic institutions in Singapore and Asia.
• To conduct training programs for clinicians & research students
interested in ophthalmic epidemiology.
• To organize workshops, symposia & international meetings on
ophthalmic clinical research and epidemiologic methods.
• At the core of the SEED program, five large epidemiology studies
comprising of more than 10,000 participants are currently ongoing.
• SEED is also involved in acute epidemiological studies, including
the recent case-control study on the risk factor for fungal keratitis
in contact lens users.
• Summary of all past and present SEED projects are as follows:
SEED Projects
Time Funding Population
line
agency
sample
size
Tanjong Pagar Survey
1997-1999
NMRC
1,232
Sumatra Eye Survey
2001-2002
NMRC
1,043
20042006
NMRC
2413
NMRC
1979
2004-
ongoing
NMRC & BMRC
3,300+
Singapore Prospective 2004Cohort Study (SP2) ongoing
- Eye component
NMRC
4,500+
NMRC
1,000+
Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study - Eye component
Singapore Cohort Study 1999-
of the Risk Factors for ongoing
Myopia (SCORM)
Singapore Malay Eye Study (SiMES)
Multi-Centre Retinal Stroke Study (MCRS)
2004-
ongoing
Research theme
The Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Disease (SEED) program serves
to initiate, promote and coordinate ophthalmic epidemiologic
research in Singapore and in Asia.
The program focuses on major eye diseases of unique importance in
Asia, such as myopia and angle-closure glaucoma.
SEED will focus on epidemiology and biostatistics, and will include
research related to clinical, genetic and molecular epidemiology,
evidence-based medicine and outcomes research.
Specific aims
• To determine the prevalence, incidence, risk factors & public
health impact of eye diseases in Singapore and Asia through the
conduct of epidemiological studies.
• To foster international collaborations with other ophthalmic
epidemiology groups in Asia and worldwide.
012
Co-Directors
: Assoc Prof Wong Tien Yin
Assoc Prof Saw Seang Mei
Recruitment Coordinator
: Aidah Idris
Clinical Coordinator
: Mya Sandar
Data Coordinator / Statistician : Wong Wan Ling
Members
: Assoc Prof Tai E Shyong
Prof Donald Tan
Assoc Prof Aung Tin
Dr Anoop Shankar
Prof David Koh
Dr Janice Lee Mong Li
Assoc Prof Wynne Hsu
PROGRAMMES
Tissue Engineering
tissue_engine.shtml
Research theme
Repair and Regeneration of Musculoskeletal Tissues.
1) Isolation, Culture and Characterization of Mesenchymal
Stem Cells (PI: Prof EH Lee)
It has been reported that adipose tissue is an alternative source of
MSCs, and that adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AMSCs) are capable
of differentiating into multiple lineages. As BMSCs are not so easily
obtained, the research group decided to examine AMSCs and
compare them with BMSCs. AMSCs and BMSCs were studied in
terms of their cell-surface marker expression, their differentiation
potential and their expression profiles using a wide range of
techniques including flow cytometry, immunostaining, histology, realtime RT-PCR and microarray analysis. These studies showed that
surface-marker expression could be used to isolate subpopulations
of MSCs with enhanced colony formation capabilities. Expression
profiling showed that BMSC and AMSC express many common genes,
however chondrogenic differentiation studies showed that BMSCs
are superior in inducing chondrogenic differentiation to AMSC.
2) Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
(PI: Prof EH Lee)
The team has been studying the differentiation of chondrocytes for
repair of articular cartilage as well as for repair of physeal or growth
plate cartilage. Novel in vitro methods for chondrogenic differentiation
of BMSCs are currently being fully characterized and promise to
provide tools for unraveling the macro-molecular processes involved
in articular and physeal chondrogenic differentiation. In particular, the
team has been able to induce MSCs to differentiate into physis-like
tissue which contains the many different cartilage cell types found
in normal physis. In parallel, conditions for maintaining the stable
phenotype of chondrocytes are investigated to obtain cells suitable for
transplantation in articular cartilage. In addition, we have developed
systems and are studying the effects of various extracellular matrix
components on BMSC proliferation and differentiation.
3) Tendon and Ligament (PI: Assoc Prof James Goh)
PLLA and PLGA have been extensively investigated as possible
materials for ligament tissue engineering applications by the group.
However, PLLA and PLGA tissue-engineered tissues demonstrated
inferior mechanical properties and rapid degradation rates compared
to the normal tissue.The extraordinatory mechanical properties and
enhanced environmental stability of silk make silk fibroin (core of
silk) to surpass the costly PLLA and PLGA, as potential biomaterial
for ligament tissue engineering applications in orthopedic research.
To avoid the immune response elicited by the sericin and improve
the biocompatibility of silk fibers, the group has modified the sericinfree silk fibers with gelatin and crosslinked with NDGA. The physical
properties and biocompatibility of modified silk fibers and native
silk fibers were compared using in vitro and in vivo models. A new
modified knitted silk scaffold will be tested in vitro and used to
reconstruct ACL in rabbit and pig model. In addition, the group has
designed a bioreactor to provide cyclic tensile stimulus to enhance
orientation of the cells and collagen fibers for engineering ligaments.
The system is under debugging.
4) Spine (PI: Prof Wong Hee Kit)
In 2005, nine (9) (out of 42) animals (pigs) were operated and
sacrificed end of 2005. The samples have been analyzed and the
intermediate interest has been concentrated on the improvement
of the biomaterial handling including optimized seeding and culturing
techniques for the stem cells plus growth factors. Samples underwent
micro CT, x-ray, bone density and histological analysis. Biomechanical
analysis is in preparation. The investigated animals show an
improvement of spinal fusion capability by using our new designed
PCL-TCP biomaterial after six months compared to the results of
the control group using bone autograft. These short term data have
to be confirmed by the long term data and have to be tested for
statistical significance.
Patents
1. Wong HK, Goh JCH. Novel contoured spinal fixation device. Filed
on 21 Sep 2005. United States patent.
2. Ouyang HW, Goh JCH, Toh SL, Tay TE, Phan-Tien N. Novel
method for engineering connective tissues. US Provisional
Patent 2005.
Members
:
Research Staff
:
Collaborators from National
University Hospital
:
Collaborators from
Division of Bioengineering:
Prof Lee Eng Hin
Assoc Prof James Goh Cho Hong
(Secretary)
Prof Casey Chan
Prof Wong Hee Kit
Assoc Prof Lim Beng Hai
Assoc Prof James Hui Hoi Po
Dr Wilson Wang Ee Jen
Assoc Prof Dietmar Werner Hutmacher
Dr Simon Mckenzie Cool
Dr Jacqueline Frida Schmitt
Dr Ricardo Rodolfo Lareu
Dr Liu Tongming
Dr Liu Haifeng
Dr Detlef Olaf Alexander Schumann
Dr Yang Kai
Dr Yang Zheng
Bharti Dewangan
Zhao Tianyun
Wu Yingnan
Dr Alphonsus Chong
Dr Suresh Nathan
Prof Teoh Swee Hin
Assoc Prof Toh Siew Lok
Assoc Prof Michael Raghunath
Assoc Prof Dietmar Hutmacher
Asst Prof Phan Toan Thang
PROGRAMMES
Venom & ToxiN
Research Programme
venom_toxin.shtml
Research theme
From Venoms to Drugs, From Toxins to Therapeutics.
In general,
purification, biochemical and pharmacological
characterization as well as molecular aspects of research involving
cloning, sequencing and expression of new toxins are actively being
done by the academic staff with the help of research fellows, research
assistants and postgraduate students. A range of novel toxins from
different species of scorpions, spiders and cone shells have been
isolated, purified, sequenced and the synthetic toxins being screened
for novel biological activities. Several channel toxins, specific for sodium,
potassium or calcium channels, have been extensively studied with
respect to their structure, mode of action, and localization of the
functional site. In particular, a programme combining combinatorial
chemistry, analogue screening, NMR and molecular docking along with
the use of clinically relevant animal models has been implemented for
the development of optimized lead peptide with therapeutic potential
for rheumatoid arthritis. Crystallographic studies of phospholipase A2
toxin from Daboia russelli siamensis venom have also been done. Antimicrobial peptides against B. pseudomallei have been screened from
the venoms and toxins of various species of snake, scorpion, spider,
and cone snails. The role of PLA2 as a target in melioidosis and its
inhibition by PLA2-inhibitory peptides have been explored along with
cytokine gene expression studies in acute infection and in response to
treatment with potential bactericidal agents using mouse model and
DNA microarray. Establishment of global gene expression profiles of
human neuronal cell lines following exposure to sarin is in progress
using DNA microarray technology.
Patents
Prof P Gopalakrishnakone & Thwin, MM (Research Fellow), Dept. of
Anatomy. sPLA2-MMP dual inhibitor as potential candidate drug for
treatment of arthritis and cancer. Invention Disclosure submitted June
2005. US Patent filing in progress [INTRO Ref: GOPAL P 11-US].
014
Members
:
Research Personnel
:
Prof P Gopalakrishnakone (Anatomy)
Assoc Prof Khoo Hoon Eng
(Biochemistry)
Assoc Prof Tan Chee Hong
(Biochemistry)
Prof Kandiah Jeyaseelan
(Biochemistry)
Assoc Prof Maxey Chung Ching Ming
(Biochemistry)
Dr Zhang Yong (Engineering faculty)
Dr Maung Maung Thwin
(Research Fellow)
Dr R Perumal Samy
(Research Assistant)
Dr R. Saminathan (Research Fellow)
Dr Gao Rong (Research Fellow)
Departments
DEPARTMENT
OF ANAESTHESIA
INTRODUCTION
a) Pain research
Professor Lee Tat Leang and Dr Shinro Tachibana lead the work in pain research. They focus on identifying and
characterization of novel neuropeptides involved in pain. We study the mechanisms of pain in which the peptides
are involved, the processing pathway, and the other central nervous system effects. Our range of work includes
developing quantification methods, antibody production, immunohistochemistry, and behavioral tests in animal
models.
b) Airway research
Dr Eugene Liu leads the evaluation of new devices and techniques for the management of difficult airways.The team has
completed both clinical and simulator studies of the Glidescope and the LMA CTrach systems, and is also studying the
application of these systems in teaching medical students and trainee doctors.
c) Cardiothoracic outcome database
Dr Ti Lian Kah leads this work in collaboration with the Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department in National University
Hospital.The database will generate research ideas both in basic and clinical studies to improve outcomes.
Department of Anaesthesia
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Grants Awarded in 2005
Re-evaluation of amino acids analysis in cerebrospinal fluid to
find possible correlations with different pain states
Principal Investigator
:
Co-Principal Investigator
:
Collaborators
:
Dr Shinro Tachibana
Prof Lee Tat Leang
Ms S Rama,
Dr Eugene Liu
Identification and characterization of nocistatin receptor
protein
: Dr Tessy Joseph
Collaborators
: Dr Shinro Tachibana,
Prof Lee Tat Leang,
Dr Siau Chiang (NUH)
Characterization of clinically significant peptides present in human
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) - Collaboration with Eisai Co
: Dr Shinro Tachibana
Collaborators
: Prof Lee Tat Leang,
Dr Eugene Liu,
Dr Siau Chiang (NUH),
Dr Tessy Joseph,
Dr Kazi Ahsan Jamil,
Ms S Rama,
Ms Lee Chunmei
Learning with the human patient simulator: Is it necessary to be
in the “Hot Seat”? A pilot study
Collaborator
: Dr Ti Lian Kah
: Assoc Prof Chen Fun Gee
Do medical students learn and retain the skill of endotracheal
intubation better with directed or experiential learning
Collaborator : Dr Ti Lian Kah
: Assoc Prof Chen Fun Gee
Intramuscular injection of Botulinum toxin A (Botox Allergen)
for the treatment of frozen shoulder
: Dr Tan Chee Keat (NUH)
Co-Principal Investigators
: Dr Eugene Liu,
Prof Lee Tat Leang
Women have a poorer outcome after cardiac surgery: A result
of size or gender
Collaborator
: Dr Ti Lian Kah
: Dr Dave Kang SC (NUH)
The effect of cerebrospinal fluid on coagulation - Does it differ
for obstetric patients
Collaborator
: Assoc Consultant Mary Ho (NUH)
: Dr Ti Lian Kah
: Dr Eugene Liu
Processing pathway of nociceptin and nocistatin from
prepronociceptin
: Dr Tessy Joseph
Collaborators
Dr Shinro Tachibana
Characterization of clinically significant peptides present
in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
: Dr Shinro Tachibana
Collaborators
Dr Eugene Liu,
Dr Siau Chiang (NUH),
Dr Tessy Joseph,
Ms S Rama,
Assoc Prof Peter Wong
Analysis of the levels of nocistatin and nociceptin, in animal
models of chronic pain
: Prof Lee Tat Leang
Collaborators
: Dr Shinro Tachibana,
Assoc Prof Peter Wong,
Assoc Prof Samuel Tay
On-going Projects
The effects of nocistatin on the central nervous system and the
distribution of nocistatin receptors in the brain and spinal cord,
in the mouse
:
Collaborators
:
Dr Eugene Liu Hern Choon
Dr Shinro Tachibana,
Prof Lee Tat Leang,
Assoc Prof Peter TH Wong
Study of functional interaction between nociceptin and nocistatin
in regulating pain perception pathways
:
Collaborators
:
Dr Kazi Ahsan Jamil
Assoc Prof Samuel Tay,
Dr Shinro Tachibana,
Prof Lee Tat Leang,
Assoc Prof Yong Eu Leong
Peptides research team
INTERNATIONAL Publications
STAFF PROFILE
Muttu S, Liu EH, Ang SB, Chew PT, Lee TL, Ti LK
Associate Professor & Head :
Professor :
Assistant Professors
:
:
Senior Research Fellow
:
Research Fellows
:
Research Assistant
:
Comparison of dexmedetomidine and midazolam sedation for
cataract surgery under topical anesthesia. Journal of Cataract
Refractive Surgery (2005) 31(9):1845-6.
Liu EH, Dhara SS
Monitoring oxygenator expiratory isoflurane concentrations
and the bispectral index to guide isoflurane requirements during
cardiopulmonary bypass. Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular
Anesthesia (2005) 19(4):485-7.
Lim TJ, Lim Y, Liu EH
Evaluation of ease of intubation with the GlideScope or Macintosh
laryngoscope by anaesthetists in simulated easy and difficult
laryngoscopy. Anaesthesia (2005) 60(2):180-3.
Liu EH, Wong HK, Chia CP, Lim HJ, Chen ZY, Lee TL
Effects of isoflurane and propofol on cortical somatosensory evoked
potentials during comparable depth of anaesthesia as guided by
bispectral index. British Journal of Anaesthesia (2005) 94(2):193-7.
Mathew JP, Grocott HP, McCurdy JR, Ti LK, Davis RD, Laskowitz
DT, Podgoreanu MV, Swaminathan M, Lynch J, Stafford-Smith
M, White WD, Newman MF
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
Address
Homepage
:
: : : : :
Preoperative statin therapy does not reduce cognitive dysfunction
after cardiopulmonary bypass. Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular
Anesthesia (2005) 19(3):294-9.
Yeo AS, Yeo JC, Yeo C, Lee CH, Lim LF, Lee TL
Perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine amongst
medical students in Singapore - a survey. Acupuncture Medicine
(2005) 23(1):19-26.
Research in teaching methodology
018
Chen Fun Gee
Lee Tat Leang
Ti Lian Kah
Eugene Liu Hern Choon
Shinro Tachibana
Tessy Joseph
Kazi Ahsan Jamil
Lee Chun Mei
Clinical anaesthesia research
Dr Eugene Liu Hern Choon
6772-4207
6772-4208
6777-5702
analiue@nus.edu.sg
National University Hospital
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119074
http://www.med.nus.edu.sg/anaeweb
DEPARTMENT
OF Anatomy
INTRODUCTION
The departmental research has focused on three major themes:
• Neuroscience
• Venoms and Toxins
• Cancer Cell Biology
The Department research laboratories are now equipped with the latest facilities for morphological and molecular
biology research. In recent years, the quality of research in the Department has been augmented through the
adoption of a multidisciplinary approach emphasizing on strategic basic / applied research by collaborating with
researchers from other NUS departments, as well as local and foreign institutions. Active research collaborations
with scientists / clinicians of local hospitals have resulted in several significant and impactful publications.
To promote an entrepreneurial spirit, efforts have also been made to explore the acquisition of patents that have
biomedical applications and the organization of workshops and guided tours of the Anatomy Museum.
The research output from the Department has been remarkable and most of the research findings have been
published in excellent international refereed journals. The academic staff members have published more than
30 papers in international journals.
Department of Anatomy
Project Description
Molecular and morphological analysis of urinary bladder and its
neural pathways following chronic bladder outlet obstruction
:
Collaborators
:
Prof Ling Eng Ang
Assoc Prof Chin Chong Min,
Dr Ng Yee Kong,
Dr Hu Jin
Global gene expression analysis of cardiac neural crest cells
exposed to maternal teratogenicity during development
: Assoc Prof Tay Sam Wah Samuel
Collaborators
: Dr ST Dheen,
Dr S Dinesh Kumar
Immunohistochemical detection of functional metallathionein
isoforms as prognostic biomarkers and predictors of responses
to adjuvant treatment in breast cancer
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Bay Boon Huat
: Dr Tan Puay Hoon (SGH)
: Dr George Yip
Molecular analysis of microglia functions in the rat brain
: Dr ST Dheen
Collaborators
: Prof Ling Eng Ang,
Assoc Prof Tay Sam Wah Samuel
Investigation on possible delayed cardiotoxicity arising
from chronic exposure to clinically asymptomatic levels of
VX nerve agent
Collaborators
: Prof P Gopalakrishnakone
: Mr Loke Weng Keong
(CCD, DSO),
Dr Lee Fook Kay (CCD,DSO)
Factors underlying pathophysiology of hypoxic damage in
neonatal hippocampus
: Assoc Prof Charanjit Kaur
Down-regulation of metallothionein-2A expression and
functional studies in nasopharyngeal cancer
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Vincent Chow
Therapeutic potential of neuroprotective agents for traumatic
brain injury
Collaborator
: Prof Ling Eng Ang
: Assoc Prof Lu Jia (DMERI)
A peptide phospholipase A2 inhibitor for treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis
Collaborator
: Dr Maung Maung Thwin
Functional roles of CROSP myelin protein in molecular
specialization of the node of Ranvier
Identification of bactericidal peptides from the venoms of
Pseudechis australis and Bitis gabonica for treatment of skin
infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus
Collaborator
: Prof P Gopalakkrishnakone
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Ho Bow,
Assoc Prof Vincent TK Chow
Screening of ion channel therapeutics from the venoms of
scorpion and conus snails
Functional characterization of CROSP : a cytoskeleton-related
oligodendroglia-specific novel protein
: Dr Liang Feng Yi
Collaborators
: Dr Xiao Zhi Cheng (SGH),
Dr Feng Zhi Wei (NNI)
Role of diabetes mellitus and retinoic acid in the development of
congenital heart defects in the mouse embryo
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Tay Sam Wah Samuel
: Dr S Dinesh Kumar
Collaborator
: Dr Liang Feng Yi
: Prof Ling Eng Ang
: Dr Gavin Stewart
Screening of changes in the endogeneous neurotrophic
factors and their associated receptors in rat brains following
regimented exercise
: Dr Ng Yee Kong
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Peter TH Wong,
Dr Lu Jia (DMERI)
Role of brain oxysterols in neurodegeneration
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Ong Wei Yi
: Dr Andrew Jenner
Therapeutic effectiveness of biopeptides on inflammatory
joints in rheumatoid arthritis
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Prem V Kumar
Maternal diabetes- induced changes in the anatomy and the global
gene expression patterns during neural tube development
Preparation of frozen sections of specimens for immunohistochemistry
020
: Dr ST Dheen
Chondroitin sulphate : a novel therapeutic agent for promoting
cutaneous wound healing
: Dr George Yip
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Bay Boon Huat,
Assoc Prof SM Moochhala
(DMERI),
Assoc Prof Lu Jia (DMERI)
On-going Projects
Investigation of neuronal response and glial reaction in the
central nervous system and its target visceral organs, with
special reference to the urinary bladder, following occlusion of
the middle cerebral artery
:
Collaborator
:
Other Professional
Personnel Involved
:
Prof Ling Eng Ang
Dr Ng Yee Kong
Dr Yang Yun Hai,
Dr Fu Di,
Dr Gan Ping
(Kunming Medical College, China)
Development of non-pathogenic lactobacillus as a potential
vector
:
Co-Principal Investigator :
Collaborators
:
Assoc Prof Bay Boon Huat
Dr Ratha Mahendran,
Dr ST Dheen
Characterization heparin sulphate in the regulation of spinal
neurulation
: Dr George Yip
Evaluation of metallothioneine as a molecular and prognostic
biomarker of breast cancer
:
Collaborators
:
Other Professional
Personnel Involved
:
Assoc Prof Vincent Chow,
Dr Tan Puay Hoon (SGH)
Dr Ken Matsumoto (RIKEN, Japan),
Dr M Tsujimoto (RIKEN, Japan),
Dr Li Kuo Bin (Bioinformatics
Institute, S’pore)
Systematic in situ expression mapping of novel genes and
molecular, functional characterization of area-/cell type-specific
genes in the central nervous system
: Dr Liang Feng Yi
Analysis of regulatory factors involved in neurotoxicity in
neurodegenerative diseases
: Dr ST Dheen
Collaborators
: Prof Ling Eng Ang,
Assoc Prof SSW Tay
Indirected transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells into the
hypoglossal nuclei after unilateral nerve avulsion - Prototype
model for treating neurodegenerative diseases
: Assoc Prof SSW Tay
Collaborators
: Dr ST Dheen,
Dr He Beiping
The expression of IL-6 in the nerve fibers in the myocardium
in response to biomechanical stimuli might be a novel target to
treat heart failure
:
Collaborators
:
Assoc Prof SSW Tay
Dr He Bei Ping,
Mr Dai Ruping,
Dr ST Dheen
Development of bactericidal peptides against Burkoholderia
pseudomallei
Collaborator
: Dr R Perumal Samy
Role of the choroid plexus in the development of brain white
matter damage (periventricular leukomalacia) following hypoxic
injury in the neonatal brain
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Charanjit Kaur
: Dr Lu Jia (DMERI/DSTA)
New therapeutics for PLA2-related disorders : a PLA2inhibitory peptide as potential candidate drug for modulation of
rheumatoid arthritis (a pilot study)
Collaborator
: Dr Maung Maung Thwin
Characterisation of the biological roles of different heparan
sulphate species in breast cancer development and metastasis
: Dr George Yip
Collaborators
Effect of regimental running on spatial learning and memory in
rats. Possible roles of endogenous trophic factors
: Dr Ng Yee Kong
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Peter Wong,
Mr Ang Eng Tat
Analysis of research specimens using confocal microscopy
Interaction between aggregate-bearing neurons and microglial
toxicity in the pathogenesis of adult-onset neurodegenerative
diseases
Collaborator
: Dr He Bei Ping
: Assoc Prof SSW Tay
Exercise induced glial reactions in the brain and their roles in
relation to changes of cytokines
:
Collaborators
:
Other Personnel Involved
:
Dr Ng Yee Kong
Mr Ang Eng Tat,
Assoc Prof Wong Peter T-H
Miss Gan Le Ting,
Assoc Prof Moochhala Shabir
(DMERI)
: Dr Liang Feng Yi
Expression analyses and functional studies of syndecans and
metallothioneins as biomarkers and regulators of breast cancer
Huang E, Ong WY
Distribution of ferritin in the rat hippocampus after kainate-induced
neuronal injury. Experimental Brain Research (2005) 161(4):502511.
The iron chelator desferrioxamine inhibits atherosclerotic lesion
development and decreases lesion iron concentrations in the
cholesterol-fed rabbit. Free Radical Biology and Medicine (2005)
38(9):1206-1211.
Huang E, Ong WY, Go ML, Garey LJ
: Dr George Yip
Collaborators
Heme oxygenase-1 activity after excitotoxic injury:
immunohistochemical localization of bilirubin in neurons and
astrocytes and deleterious effects of heme oxygenase inhibition on
neuronal survival after kainate treatment. Journal of Neuroscience
Research (2005) 80(2):268-278.
International Publications
Ong WY, Ling SF, Yeo JF, Chiueh CC, Farooqui AA
Zhang QC, Guo A, Chu H, Chan YG, Buschdorf JP, Low BC,
Ling EA, Liang FY
Juxtanodin: an oligodendroglial protein that promotes cellular
arborization and 2’, 3’ - cyclic nucleotide - 3’-phosphodiesterase
trafficking. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the
United States of America (2005) 102:11527-11532.
Gan P, Cheng JS, Ng YK, Ling EA
Role of GABA in electro-acupuncture therapy on cerebral
ischemia induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in rats.
Neuroscience Letters (2005) 383(3):317-321.
Dheen ST, Yan J, Zhou Y, Tay SSW, Ling EA
Retinoic acid inhibits the expression of TNF- and iNOS in the
activated rat microglia. Glia (2005) 50(1):21-31.
Nirthanan S, Pil J, Abdel-Mottaleb Y, Sugahara
Gopalakrishnakone P, Joseph JS, Sato K, Tytgat J
Y,
Assignment of voltage-gated potassium channel blocking activity to
kappa-KTx1. 3, a non-toxic homologue of kapa-hefutoxin-1, from
Heterometrus spinifer venom. Biochemical Pharmacology (2005)
69(4):669-678.
Lok SM, Gao R, Rouault M, Lambeau G, Gopalakrishnakone P,
Swaminathan K
Structure and function comparison of Micropechis ikaheka snake
venom phospholipase A2 isoenzymes. FEBS Journal (2005)
272(5):1211-1220.
Le VD, Xie F, Yang Z, Gopalakrishnakone P, Gao Z
An ultrasensitive protein array based on electrochemical enzyme
immunoassay. Frontiers in Bioscience (2005) 10:1654-1660.
022
Expression of cytokines and chemokines in the dorsal motor nucleus
of the vagus nerve after right vagotomy. Brain Research (2005)
142(1):47-57.
Minqin R, Rajendran R, Pan N, Tan BH, Ong WY, Watt F,
Halliwell B
Cellular expression of RIM genes in rat CNS and functional
characterization of RIM3 in nociception
Ji JF, Dheen ST, Srinivasan DK, He BP, Tay SSW
Injury and recovery of pyramidal neurons in the rat hippocampus after
a single episode of oxidative stress induced by intracerebroventricular
injection of ferrous ammonium citrate. Reproduction Nutrition
Development (2005) 45(5):647-662.
Ong WY, Farooqui AA
Iron, neuroinflammation, and Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of
Alzheimer’s Disease (2005) 8(2):183-200.
Kaur C, Singh J
Fos expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus in rats following
high altitude exposure. Aviation Space and Environmental Medicine
(2005) 76(2):117-120.
Kaur C, Viswanathan S, Ling EA
Expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and alpha-amino-3hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) GluR2/3 receptors
in the developing rat pineal gland. Journal of Pineal Research (2005)
39(3):294-301.
Kaur C, Viswanathan S, Singh G, Singh J, Ling EA
Response of Purkinje neurons to hypobaric hypoxic exposure as
shown by alteration in expression of glutamate receptors, nitric
oxide synthases and calcium binding proteins. Neuroscience (2005)
135(4):1217-1229.
Tan PH, Bay BH, Yip G, Selvarajan S, Tan P, Wu J, Lee CH,
Li KB
Immunohistochemical detection of Ki67 in breast cancer correlates
with transcriptional regulation of genes related to apoptosis and cell
death. Modern Pathology (2005) 18(3):374-381.
Tan PH, Aw MY, Yip G, Bay BH, Sii LH, Murug S, Tse GM
Cytokeratins in papillary lesions of the breast: is there a role in
distinguishing intraductal papilloma from papillary ductal carcinoma
in situ? American Journal of Surgical Pathology (2005) 29(5):625632.
Phan TT, Lim IJ, Tan EK, Bay BH, Lee ST
Evaluation of cell culture on the polyurethane-based membrane
(Tegaderm): implication for tissue engineering of skin. Cell and Tissue
Banking (2005) 6(2):91-97.
Tan PH, Jayabaskar T, Chuah KL, Lee HY, Tan Y, Hilmy M,
Hung H, Selvarajan S, Bay BH
Phyllodes tumors of the breast: the role of pathologic parameters.
American Journal of Clinical Pathology (2005) 123(4):529-540.
Zheng ZY, Bay BH, Aw SE, Lin VC
Tan PH, Jayabaskar T, Yip G, Tan Y, Hilmy M, Selvarajan S,
Bay BH
p53 and c-kit (CD117) protein expression as prognostic indicators
in breast phyllodes tumors: a tissue microarray study. Modern
Pathology (2005) 18(12):1527-1534.
Wang CY, Guo HY, Lim TM, Ng YK, Neo HP, Hwang PY,
Yee WC, Wang S
Improved neuronal transgene expression from an AAV-2 vector
with a hybrid CMV enhancer/PDGF-beta promoter. Journal of Gene
Medicine (2005) 7(7):945-955.
Wang X, Wang C, Zeng J, Xu X, Hwang PY, Yee WC, Ng YK,
Wang S
Gene transfer to dorsal root ganglia by intrathecal injection: effects
on regeneration of peripheral nerves. Mol Ther (2005) 12(2):314-20.
A novel antiestrogenic mechanism in progesterone receptortransfected breast cancer cells. Journal of Biological Chemistry
(2005) 280(17):17480-17487.
McLean JR, Sanelli TR, Leystra-Lantz C, He BP, Strong MJ
Huang J, Tan PH, Li KB, Matsumoto K, Tsujimoto M, Bay BH
Heng BC, Ye CP, Liu H, Toh WS, Rufaihah AJ, Yang Z,
Bay BH, Ge Z, Ouyang HW, Lee EH, Cao T
Y-box binding protein,YB-1, as a marker of tumor aggressiveness and
response to adjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer. International
Journal of Oncology (2005) 26(3):607-613.
Tan OJ, Bay BH, Chow VT
Temporal profiles of neuronal degeneration, glial proliferation and
cell death in hNFL+/+ and NFL-/- mice. Glia (2005) 52(1):59-69.
Loss of viability during freeze-thaw of intact and adherent human
embryonic stem cells with conventional slow-cooling protocols is
predominantly due to apoptosis rather than cellular necrosis. Journal
of Biomedical Science (2005) 23:1-13.
Differential expression of metallothionein isoforms in nasopharyngeal
cancer and inhibition of cell growth by antisense down-regulation of
metallothionein-2A. Oncology Reports (2005) 13(1):127-131.
Gan BH, Ng GL, Bay BH, Chang CF
Du HY, Olivo M, Chen YJ, Yip G, Tan PH, Matsumoto K,
Tsujimoto M, Bay BH
Matsumoto K, Bay BH
Expression of Y-Box binding protein-1 following hypericin-mediated
photodynamic therapy in well-differentiated nasopharyngeal
cancer in vivo. International Journal of Molecular Medicine (2005)
16(5):865-868.
Altered CD38 expression in thioacetamide-induced rat model of
liver cirrhosis. Liver International (2005) 25(6):1233-1242.
Significance of the YB-proteins in human cancers. Journal of Molecular
and Genetic Medicine (2005) 1(1):11-17.
Biochemical analysis of toxins
Staff Profile
Professor & Head :
Professor
:
Associate Professors :
Assistant Professors :
Teaching Assistant
:
Part-time Tutors
:
Adjunct Staff :
Research Fellows
:
Research Assistants :
024
CONTACT INFORMATION
Ling Eng Ang
P Gopalakrishnakone
Bay Boon Huat
Charanjit Kaur
K Rajendran
Ong Wei Yi
Tay Sam Wah, Samuel
Voon Chee Tet, Francis
He Beiping
Liang Feng Yi
Ng Yee Kong
S Thameem Dheen
Yip Wai Cheong
S Dinesh Kumar
Wong Wai Chow
Gurmit Singh
Leung King Chor, Thomas
Yang Xiaohang
Lu Jia
Tan Puay Hoon
Tang Feng Ru
Xiao Zhicheng
Maung Maung Thwin
Viswanathan Sivakumar
R Perumal Samy
Zhang Bin
Ramasamy Saminathan
Pachiappan Arjunan
Sheik Fadil Ryan Ramjan
Li Yinghui
Contact Persons
:
Telephone
:
Facsimilie
:
Email
:
Address
:
Homepage
:
Prof Ling Eng Ang (Head)
Assoc Prof Samuel SW Tay
(Deputy Head)
6516-3200 / 6516-3210
6778-7643
anthead@nus.edu.sg /
anttaysw@nus.edu.sg
National University of Singapore
4 Medical Drive
Singapore 117597
http://www.med.nus.edu.sg/
antindex/htm
DEPARTMENT
OF Biochemistry
INTRODUCTION
Research
The Department is well equipped for research. The main areas of research include:
• Reactive species and antioxidants in human health and disease, especially neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
• The role of mitochondria in cell death and disease.
• Enabling technology for tissue engineering and drug discovery.
• Genetics of drug response genes.
• Liposome-mediated drug delivery.
• Drug metabolism and transport.
• Molecular neurobiology.
• Cell death mechanisms.
• Genetics of cancer development.
• Proteomics & Lipidomics.
• Intracellular sterol transport, triglyceride metabolism and lipotoxicity.
• Protein folding, structure and inhibitor design by NMR spectroscopy.
• Bioinformatics Databases; Bioinformatics Grid computing and workflow integration.
• NP-complete problems in biology, sequence analysis, pattern recognition and transcription regulation.
• Molecular biology of toxins.
• Signal transduction.
• Molecular mechanisms of mitotic events in cell division.
• Burkholderia pseudomallei: Host pathogen interactions and multidrug resistance.
Department of Biochemistry
Research
The Department has established collaborative research with many
overseas groups, other departments and research institutes within
and outside NUS, with government departments and private
industries. Staff members also hold joint appointments in University
of Melbourne, University of London, Institute of Molecular and
Cell Biology (IMCB), National Cancer Centre and Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine. Staff from institutions such as
IMCB, Bioinformatics Institute, Johns Hopkins Singapore, ES
Cell International Pte Ltd, Singapore General Hospital, National
Neuroscience Institute and the National Cancer Centre hold
adjunct appointments in the Biochemistry Department.
Project Description
The regulation of the redox-dependent mitochondrial
permeability transition
: Dr Jeffrey Armstrong
The role of mitochondrial superoxide in hyperglycemia-mediated
signal transduction in the endothelium
: Dr Yang Hongyuan Robert,
The localization and functional characterization of ocular CD38
: Assoc Prof Chang Chan Fong
1) Discovery of B.pseudomallei quorum sensing regulons
using proteomics
2) Burkholderia pseudomallei Multidrug Efflux Pumps
3) Functional characterization of GGDEF-EAL proteins in
Burkholderia pseudomallei
: Dr Chua Kim Lee
1) The Na+/H+ exchanger 1, NHE-1 gene expression, reactive
oxygen species and tumor cells’ response to apoptosis
2) Study to assess superoxide-mediated activation of the
pro-survival kinase, AKT through a Na+/H+ exchanger 1dependent activation of PI3K and/or an oxidation-mediated
inhibition of the phosphatase PTEN in tumor cells
3) Regulation of the Na+/H+ exchanger 1,NHE-1 gene
expressioy activation of PPARgamma receptor in the human
breast cancer cell line MCF-7
: Assoc Prof Marie-Véronique Clément
A computer-aided system model of survival signalling pathways
in the human prostate cancer cell line LNCap
: Assoc Prof Marie-Véronique Clément
: Prof PS Thiagarajan
(Department of Computer Science)
1) Elucidation of the roles of a novel protein MLL5 in cell cycle
regulation and tumor suppression
2) Investigation of the associations of MLL5 with BRG1 on cell
cycle and transcriptional activation
: Dr Deng Lih Wen
Genetic and immune determinants of pathogen virulence and
host susceptibility in melioidosis
: Dr Gan Yunn Hwen
: Dr Chua Kim Lee
Determination of the antioxidant uric acid and its oxidation
products as specific biomarkers of oxidative stress in human
studies
: Prof Barry Halliwell
: Assoc Prof Matthew Whiteman,
Dr Andrew Jenner,
Dr Ronan Kelly
026
Iron, atherosclerosis, and neurodegeneration - a crucial role
for iron and zinc in atherosclerosis and neurodegenerative
diseases?
:
:
Dr Andrew Jenner,
Assoc Prof Matthew Whiteman,
Prof Frank Watt
(Department of Physics),
Assoc Prof Ong Choon Nam
(Community, Occupational &
Family Medicine),
(Department of Anatomy),
Assoc Prof Benny Tan Kwong Huat
(Department of Pharmacology)
The influence of diet on colon disease
: Dr Andrew Jenner
1) Development of peptide inhibitors to HMGCoA reductase
2) Aquaporin modulators from animal venom
: Prof Jeyaseelan Kandiah
Biomarkers in stroke: Effects of novel venom components on
MCAo induced cerebral ischemia in rat models
1) Elucidation of gene regulation mechanism in Cyr61
to understand down-regulation of its expression in
hepatocellular carcinoma
2) Elucidation of gene regulation mechanism of the FAT10 gene
which is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma
: Assoc Prof Lee Guat Lay Caroline
Molecular mechanisms governing leukemia: a quest for novel
therapeutic targets
: Dr Liou Yih Cherng
: Dr Deng Lih Wen,
Dr Ng Huck Hui
(Department of Biological Sciences/
Genome Institute of Singapore),
Dr Srividya Swaminathan
(Oncology Research Institute/
Department of Physiology)
1) A bioimaging-based drug discovery tool to assess
antifibrotic agents for Tissue Engineering and Scar Wars
2) Characterisation of transglutaminases (TGases) as crosslinker
and enhancer of collagen containing bioartificial materials
: Assoc Prof Michael Raghunath
Nephrotoxicity of Diclofenac sodium (Voltaren)
: Prof Sit Kim Ping
Mechanism of inhibition of the beta-amyloid converting enzyme
(Bace1) by nogo protein and its potential for design anti-ad
(alzheimer’s disease) drugs
: Dr Song Jianxing
1) Non-Nucleoside antiviral compounds
2) Regulation of multidrug resistance protein (MRP)
transporters by xenobiotics
: Dr Tan May Chin Theresa
Hepatic microRNAs: expression, function and potential role in
disease
: Dr Tan May Chin, Theresa
: Assoc Prof Tan Tin Wee,
Assoc Prof Lim Seng Gee
(Department of Medicine),
Dr Shanti Wasser
(Department of Medicine)
1) Functional characterization of AMIGO-1, a brain-enriched
cell adhesion molecule with possible neurogenic roles
2) Proteomic analysis of melanosomal proteins
: Dr Tang Bor Luen
1) Lipidomics of infectious diseases - novel molecular insights
into host-pathogen interactions
2) Lipodomics of membrane signalling as a tool in clinical
prognostics
3) Lipidomic discovery in pharmacology and drug development
: Dr Markus R Wenk
Development of supported bilayer lipid membranes as biosensors
for enzyme activities
: Dr Markus R Wenk
: Assoc Prof Sheu Fwu-Shan
(Department of Biological Sciences)
Genome-wide screening for genes that regulate cellular dynamics
of lipid bodies in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
: Dr Yang Hongyuan Robert
Genetic analysis of a lipoapoptosis pathway in yeast
: Assoc Prof Shazib Pervaiz
(Department of Physiology)
Understanding the mechanistic links between late mitotic
events and cytokinesis, and cell separation using Saccharomyces
cerevisiae as the model system
RA, Ms Yap Yann Wan at the DC500 Microscope
: Dr Yeong Foong May
On-going Projects
Isolation and cloning of a novel ADP-ribosyl cyclase from CD38
knockout mouse
Regulation of MLL5 protein in response to DNA damage
: Dr Deng Lih Wen
1) A functional study on the role of Prolyl Isomerase Pin1 and
APP Process
2) The Prolyl Isomerase Pin 1 function in the regulation of Tau
phosphorylation and Alzheimer’s disease
: Dr Liou Yih-Cherng
The National Group on Fibrovascular Disorders Programme
(NFDP)
: Assoc Prof Michael Raghunath
Dengue epitope vaccine, tetravalent & MHCII - targeted
: Assoc Prof Too Heng-Phon
1) Lipidomics of neuronal membranes - Identification of lipids
involved in neurosecretion and neurodegenerative diseases
2) Lipid profiling of mycobacterium bovis BCG during hypoxic
dormancy response
: Dr Markus Wenk
1) Functional roles of CD38/ADP-ribosyl cyclase and its
metabolites in the rat models of liver cirrhosis
2) Expression cloning and functional expression of a novel
endogenous ligand of human Bone Marrow Stromal
Antigen 1/CD157
Membrane proteins and drug resistance in Burkholderia
pseudomallei
: Dr Chua Kim Lee
1) Oxidative stress-induced cell injury in neurodegenerative
diseases: Investigations of the involvement of ubiquitinproteasome pathway in excitotoxicity and amyloid ßpeptide mediated neuronal apoptosis
2) Oxidative stress in neuronal injury: Functional genomic and
proteomic analysis in cultured neurons from genetically
manipulated mice
: Dr Cheung Nam Sang Steve
1) Investigate superoxide anion
pathway(s) in tumour cells
dependent
survival
2) Intracellular acidification and decrease in superoxide
anion: Novel mechanism for bypassing Bcl-2 protection
in tumor cells
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Marie-Véronique
Clément
1) Triacylglycerol-deficient fission yeast and its applications
in drug development
Host pathogen interaction in infection by Burkholderia
pseudomallei
2) Molecular dissection of apoptotic pathways in the fission
yeast
Identification of virulence factors and vaccine candidates in
Burkholderia pseudomallei
1) The role of mitotic exit components in the development of
C elegans
2) The role of chromosome condensation in maintenance of
genomic stability
Redox dependence of Bcl-2
: Dr Gan Yunn Hwen
: Dr Gan Yunn Hwen
: Dr Chua Kim Lee
1) Inhibition of proteasomal function as a mechanism of cell
death in neurodegenerative disease. Induction by reactive
oxygen species and the role of nitric oxide
2) Diet-dependent mechanisms of colonic damage and
protection
3) Establishing and identifying important dietary and TCM based antioxidants in the human body
Anti-microbial and anti-parasitic
hemolymph and venom
peptides
in
Scorpion
Procoagulant phospholipase A2 from snake venoms
: Dr Arunmozhiarasi Armugam
1) Pharmacological characterisation of a lethal factor
(Stonustoxin, SNTX) from Stonefish venom
2) Mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms from ancient skeletons
PG,Ms Ho New Fei at the LSM 510 Confocal microscope
028
: Assoc Prof Khoo Hoon Eng
Strategies to improve co-expression of multiple genes for gene
therapy with internal ribosome entry site
: Assoc Prof Lee Guat Lay Caroline
Identification of the proteins involved in intracellular trafficking
of lysosomal/late endosomal cholesterol
: Assoc Prof Li Qiu-Tian
Towards a bioartificial kidney device
Principal Investigatior
: Prof Sit Kim Ping
Understanding the dynamic nature of the gradual unfolding of
CHABII and designing functional mimetics for protein-protein
interaction between EphrinB2 and its binding partner
: Dr Song Jianxing
1) Transport of sulphate conjugates
2) Synthetic minimized ribozymes and double-stranded RNA
interference (RNAi) approaches for sequence-specific
control of Hepatitis B viral gene expression
3) Substrate specificity and substrate recognition by MRP4
and MRP5
Allander T, Tammi MT, Eriksson M, Bjerkner A, Tiveljung-Lindell
A, Andersson B
Cloning of a human parvovirus by molecular screening of respiratory
tract samples. Proceedings of the National Academic of Sciences of
the United States of America (2005) 102:12891-12896.
Chan YY, Chua KL
The Burkholderia pseudomallei BpeAB-OprB efflux pump: expression
and impact on quorum sensing and virulence. Journal of Bacteriology
(2005) 187:4707-4719.
Chen K, Sung GW, Chua KL, Gan YH
Modified virulence of antibiotic-induced Burkholderia pseudomallei
filaments. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (2005) 49:10021009.
Cher CDN, Armugam A, Yi ZZ, Jeyaseelan K
Molecular basis of cardiac failure upon cobra envenomation. Cellular
and Molecular Life Sciences (2005) 62:105-118.
Choo KH, Tan TW, Ranganathan S
SPdb--a signal peptide database. BMC Bioinformatics (2005) 6:1-8.
1) Molecular, cellular and preclinical investigations of molecules
involved in inhibition of CNS neuronal regeneration
Chua YL, Zhang D, Boelsterli U, Moore PK, Whiteman M,
Armstrong JS
2) Syntaxins at the trans-golgi network/endosome and their
roles in neuronal/glial membrane traffic
Oltipraz-induced phase 2 enzyme response conserved in cells lacking
mitochondrial DNA. Biochemical and Biophysical Communications
(2005) 337:375-381.
3) Functions of small GTPases and their interacting partners
in the brain
: Dr Tang Bor Luen
Molecular characterization of alternatively spliced GFR -2
receptor isoforms
: Assoc Prof Too Heng-Phon
1) A novel approach to understanding the mechanisms &
molecular consequences of nitrosative & chlorinative
stress in human disease
2) Nitroproteomics: A novel approach towards the
understanding of nitrosative stress and NO regulation in
cellular processes and human diseases
: Assoc Prof Matthew Whiteman
Functional analysis of Ncr1p & Vps4p in endocytic sterol sorting
and transport in yeast
The role of chromosome condensation in maintenance of
genomic stability
Clement MV, Sivarajah S, Pervaiz S
Production of intracellular superoxide mediates dithiothreitoldependent inhibition of apoptotic cell death. Antioxidants & Redox
Signalling (2005) 7:456-464.
El-Sayed NM, Myler PJ, Bartholomeu DC, Nilsson D, Aggarwal G,
Tran AN, Ghedin E, Worthey EA, Delcher AL, Blandin G,
Westenberger SJ, Caler E, Cerqueira GC, Branche C, Haas B,
Anupama A, Arner E, Aslund L, Attipoe P, Bontempi E,
Bringaud F, Burton P, Cadag E, Campbell DA, Carrington M,
Crabtree J, Darban H, da Silveira JF, de Jong P, Edwards K,
Englund PT, Fazelina G, Feldblyum T, Ferella M, Frasch AC, Gull K,
Horn D, Hou L, Huang Y, Kindlund E, Klingbeil M, Kluge S, Koo H,
Lacerda D, Levin MJ, Lorenzi H, Louie T, Machado CR, McCulloch R,
McKenna A, Mizuno Y, Mottram JC, Nelson S, Ochaya S,
Osoegawa K, Pai G, Parsons M, Pentony M, Pettersson U, Pop
M, Ramirez JL, Rinta J, Robertson L, Salzberg SL, Sanchez DO,
Seyler A, Sharma R, Shetty J, Simpson AJ, Sisk E, Tammi MT,
Tarleton R, Teixeira S, Van Aken S, Vogt C, Ward PN, Wickstead
B, Wortman J, White O, Fraser CM, Stuart KD, Andersson B
The genome sequence of Trypanosoma cruzi, etiologic agent of
Chagas disease. Science (2005) 309:409-415.
Gan YH
Interaction between Burkholderia pseudomallei and the Host Immune
Response: Sleeping with the Enemy? Journal of Infectious Diseases
(2005) 192:1845-1850.
Gan BH, Ng GL, Bay BH, Chang CF
liver cirrhosis. Liver International (2005) 25:1233-1243.
Li L, Bhatia M, Zhu YZ, Zhu YC, Ramnath RD, Wang ZJ, Anuar FB,
Whiteman M, Salto-Tellez M, Moore PK
Hydrogen sulfide is a novel mediator of lipopolysaccharide-induced
inflammation in the mouse. The FASEB Journal (2005) 19:1196-1198.
Goh BJ, Tan BT, Hon WM, Lee KH, Khoo HE
Nitric oxide synthase and heme oxygenase expression in human
cirrhosis. World Journal of Gasteroenterology (2005) 12: 588-594.
Gwee PC, Tang K, Sew PH, Lee EJD, Chong SS, Lee CGL
Strong linkage disequilibrium at the nucleotide analogue transporter
ABCC5 gene locus. Pharmacogenetics (2005) 15:91-104.
Khoo KM, Chang CF, Schubert J, Wondrak E, Chng HH
Expression and purification of the recombinant His-tagged GSTCD38 fusion protein using the baculovirus/insect cell expression
system. Protein Expression and Purification (2005) 40: 396-403.
Halliwell B, Rafter J, Jenner A
Health promotion by flavonoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and other
phenols: direct or indirect effects? Antioxidant or not? The American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 81:268S-276S.
He X, Lu Y, Saha N, Yang H, Heng CK
Acyl-CoA: Cholesterol Acyltransferase-2 gene polymorphisms and
their association with plasma lipids and coronary artery disease
risks. Human Genetics (2005) 118:393-403.
Hyun DH, Lee M, Halliwell B, Jenner P
Effect of overexpression of wild-type or mutant parkin on the
cellular response induced by toxic insults. Journal of Neuroscience
Research (2005) 82:232-244.
Jenner A, Rafter J, Halliwell B
Human fecal water content of phenolics: the extent of colonic
exposure to aromatic compounds. Free Radical Biology & Medicine
(2005) 38:763-772.
Karlsson PC, Huss U, Jenner A, Halliwell B, Bohlin L, Rafter JJ
Human fecal water inhibits COX-2 in colonic HT-29 cells: role of
phenolic compounds. The Journal of Nutrition (2005) 135:23432349.
Le Bras M, Clement MV, Pervaiz S, Brenner C
Reactive oxygen species and the mitochondrial signaling pathway of
cell death. Histology and Histopathology (2005) 20:205-219.
Lee E, Ryan S, Birmingham B, Zalikowski J, March R, Ambrose H,
Moore R, Lee CGL, Chen Y, Schneck D
Rosuvastatin pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics in Caucasian
and Asian subjects residing in the same environment. Clinical
Pharmacology and Therapeutics (2005) 78:330-341.
Lee ATC, Ren J, Wong E-T, Ban KHK, Lee LA, Lee CGL
The hepatitis B virus X protein sensitizes HEPG2 cells to UVinduced DNA damage. The Journal of Biological Chemistry (2005)
280:33525-33535.
030
Li L, Tang BL
Environmental enrichment and neurodegenerative diseases.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (2005)
334:293-297.
Liang CRMY, Leok CK, Neo JCH, Tan GS, Lo SL, Lim JWE,
Seow TK, Lai PBS, Chung MCM
Proteome Analysis of human hepatocellular carcinoma tissues by two
dimensional-difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.
Proteomics (2005) 5:2258-2271.
Lim KS, Jeyaseelan K, Whiteman M, Jenner A, Halliwell B
Oxidative damage in mitochondrial DNA is not extensive. Annals of
the New York Academy of Sciences (2005)1042:210-221.
Lim SH, Wei J, Lin J, Li QT, You JK
A glucose biosensor based on electrodeposition of palladium
nanoparticles and glucose oxidase onto Nafion-solubilized carbon
nanotube electrode. Biosensors & Bioelectronics (2005) 20:2341-2346.
Lim WG, Zhu Y, Wang CH, Tan BJ, Armstrong JS, Dokland T,
Yang H, Zhu YZ, Teo TS, Duan W
The last five amino acid residues at the C-terminus of PRK1/PKN
is essential for full lipid responsiveness. Cellular Signalling (2005)
17:1084-1097.
Lo SL, Cai CZ, Chen YZ, Chung MCM
Effect of training datasets on support vector machine prediction of
protein-protein interactions. Proteomics (2005) 5:876-884.
Low CP, Liew LP, Pervaiz S, Yang H
Apoptosis and lipoapoptosis in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces
pombe. FEMS Yeast Research (2005) 5:1199-1206.
Magert HJ, Drogemuller K, Raghunath M
Serine proteinase inhibitors in the skin: role in homeostasis and
disease. Current Protein & Peptide Sciences (2005) 6:241-254.
Minqin R, Rajendran R, Pan N, Tan BK, Ong WY, Watt F,
Halliwell B
The iron chelator desferrioxamine inhibits atherosclerotic lesion
development and decreases lesion iron concentrations in the
cholesterol-fed rabbit. Free Radical Biology & Medicine (2005)
38:1206-1211.
Moochhala SM, Lu J, Xing CK, Anuar F, Yang KLS, Whiteman M,
Shirhan M
Mercaptoethylguanidine inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase
and cylooxygenase-2 expression induced in rats following fluidpercussion brain injury. The Journal of Trauma (2005) 59:450-457.
Neo JCH, Rose P, Ong CN, Chung MCM
-phenylethyl isothiocyanate mediated apoptosis: A proteomic
investigation of early apoptotic protein changes. Proteomics (2005)
5:1075-1082.
Ng HC, Ranganathan S, Chua KL, Khoo HE
Rose P, Whiteman M, Moore PK, Zhu YZ
Cloning and characterization of the first aquatic hyaluronidase,
SFHYA1, from the venom of stonefish, Synanceja horrida. Gene
(2005) 346:71-81.
Bioactive S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxide metabolites in the genus
Allium: The Chemistry of potential therapeutic agents. Natural
Products Reports (2005) 22:351-368.
Paaventhan P, Kong CG, Joseph JS, Chung MCM, Kolatkar PR
Rose P, Ong CN, Whiteman M
Structure of rhodocetin reveals non-covalently bound heterodimer
interface. Protein Science (2005) 14:169-175.
Protective effects of Asian green vegetables against oxidant induced
cytotoxicity.World Journal of Gastroenterology (2005) 11:7607-7614.
Rajendran R, Ren MQ, Casadesus G, Smith MA, Perry G, Huang E,
Ong WY, Halliwell B, Watt F
Rose P, Won YK, Ong CN, Whiteman M
Nuclear microscopy of diffuse plaques in the brains of transgenic
mice. Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research. Sectio B,
Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms (2005) 231:326-332.
Ran X, Song J
Structural insight into the binding diversity between the TyrPhosphorylated human EphrinBs and Nck2 SH2 domain. Journal of
Biological Chemistry (2005) 280:19205-19212.
Rose P, Ong CN, Whiteman M
Protection against oxidant-induced cytotoxicity by Asian green leaf
vegetables. World Journal of Gastroentrology (2005) 11:7607-7614.
Rose P, Won YK, Ong CN, Whiteman M
-phenylethyl
and
8-methylsulphinyloctyl
isothiocyanates,
constituents of watercress, suppress LPS induced production
of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages.
Nitric Oxide (2005) 12:237-243.
Rose P, Huang Q, Ong CN, Whiteman M
Broccoli and watercress suppress matrix metalloproteinase-9
activity and invasiveness of human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (2005) 209:105-113.
Rose P, Moore PK, Ming SH, Nam OC, Armstrong JS,
Whiteman M
Hydrogen sulfide protects colon cancer cells from chemopreventative
agent -phenylethyl isothiocyanate induced apoptosis. World Journal
of Gastroenterology (2005) 11:3990-3997.
Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced iNOS and COX-II expression
and activity via NF-(B degradation by dietary isothiocyanates. Nitric
Oxide (2005) 12:237-243.
Rose P, Armstrong JS, Ong CN, Whiteman M
-phenylisothiocyanate -mediated apoptosis; contribution of Bax and
the mitochondrial cell death pathway. The International Journal of
Biochemistry and Cell Biology (2005) 37:100-119.
Sehgal A, Bettiol S, Pypaert M, Wenk MR, Kaasch A, Blader IJ,
Joiner KA, Coppens I
Peculiarities of Host Cholesterol Transport to the Unique
Intracellular Vacuole Containing Toxoplasma. Traffic (2005) 6:11251141.
Shin HW, Hayashi M, Christorforidis S, Lacas-Gervais S,
Hoepner S, Wenk MR, Modregger J, Uttenweiler-Joseph S,
Wilm M, Nystuen A, Frankel WN, Solimena M, De Camili P,
Zerial M
An enzymatic cascade of Rab5 effectors regulates phosphoinositide
turnover in the endocytic pathway. Journal of Cell Biology (2005)
170:607-618.
Sim AC, Luhur A, Tan TMC, Chow VT, Poh CL
RNA interference against Enterovirus 71 infection. Virology (2005)
341:72-79.
Song Y, Xie C, Ong YM, Gan YH, Chua KL
The BpsIR Quorum-Sensing System of Burkholderia pseudomallei.
Journal of Bacteriology (2005) 187:785-790.
Sun J, Huang SH, Tan BK, Whiteman M, Zhu YC, Wu YJ, Ng Y,
Duan W, Zhu YZ
Effects of purified herbal extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza on ischemic rat
myocardium after acute myocardial infarction. Life Sciences (2005)
76:2849-2860.
Sun J, Huang SH, Zhu YC, Whiteman M, Wang MJ, Tan BK,
Zhu YZ
Anti-oxidative stress effects of Herba leonuri on ischemic rat hearts.
Life Sciences (2005) 76:3043-3056.
Sun WT, Khoo HE, Tan CH
Adenosine induced apoptosis in BHK cells via P1 receptors and
equilibrative nucleoside transporters. Journal of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology (2005) 38:314-319.
Sun GW, Lu JH, Pervaiz S, Cao W, Gan YH
RA, Ms Cheong Wei Fun, at 4000 QTrap LCMS system
Caspase-1 dependent macrophage death induced by Burkholderia
pseudomallei. Cellular Microbiology (2005) 7:1447-1458.
Tan CL, Yeo CC, Khoo HE, Poh CL
Teng YHF, Tang BL
Replacement of Tyrosine 181 by Phenylalanine in Gentisate 1, 2Dioxygenase I from Pseudomonas alcaligenes NCIMB 9867 enhances
catalytic activities. Journal of Bacteriology (2005) 187:7543-7545.
APC/C regulation of axonal growth and synaptic functions in
postmitotic neurons - the Liprin- alpha connection. Cellular and
Molecular Life Sciences (2005) 62:1571-1578.
Tan EK, Chan DKY, Ng PW, Woo J, Teo YY, Tang K, Wong LP,
Chong SS, Tan C, Shen H, Zhao Y, Lee CGL
Teng YHF, Tang BL
Effect of MDR1 haplotype on risk of Parkinson disease. Archives
of Neurology (2005) 62:460-464.
Widespread gamma-secretase activity in the cell, but do we need
it at the mitochondria? Biochemical and Biophysical Research
Communications (2005) 328:1-5.
Tan PT, Srinivasan KN, Seah SH, Koh JL, Tan TW, Ranganathan
S, Brusic V
Teng YHF, Tang BL
Accurate prediction of scorpion toxin functional properties from
primary structures. Journal of Molecular Graphics & Modelling
(2005) 24:17-24.
Tan JF, Ravi P, Too HP, Hatton TA, Tam KC
Association behavior of biotinylated and non-biotinylated poly
(ethylene oxide)-b-poly (2-(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate).
Biomacromolecules (2005) 6:498-506.
Tang BL
Alzheimer’s disease: Channeling APP to non-amyloidogenic
processing. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
(2005) 331:375-378.
Tang BL
Astrobiological themes for integrative undergraduate general science
education. Astronomy Education Review (2005) 4:2.
Tang BL
Many possibilities for life’s emergence. Journal of the British
Interplanetary Society (2005) 58:218-222.
Nogo signaling and non-physical injury induced nervous system
pathology. Journal of Neuroscience Research (2005) 79:273-278.
Teng YHF, Tang BL
No go for brain tumors? Journal of Molecular Neuroscience (2005)
25:1-6.
Vidal Jr BC, Deivaraj TC, Yang J, Too HP, Chow GM, Gan LM,
Lee JY
Stability and hybridization-driven aggregation of silver nanoparticleoligonucleotide conjugates. New Journal of Chemistry (2005)
29:812-816.
Wang B, Ren K, Ooi LLP J, Chong SS, Lee CGL
Dinucleotide repeats negatively modulate the promoter activity of
Cyr61 and is unstable in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Oncogene
(2005) 24:3999-4008.
Wang JC, Goh BC, Lu WL, Zhang Q, Chang A, Liu XY, Tan TMC,
Lee HS
In vitro cytotoxicity of stealth liposomes co-encapsulating
doxorubicin and verapamil on doxorubicin-resistant tumor cells.
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin (2005) 28:822-828.
Tang BL, Wang Y, Ong YS, Hong W
COPII and exit from the endoplasmic reticulum. Biochimica et
Biophysica Acta (2005) 1744:293-303.
Tang BL, Gan YH
Preparing the senior or graduating student for graduate research.
Biochemical and Molecular Biology Education (2005) 33:277-280.
Tang BL, Teng YHF
Concepts of protein sorting or targeting signals and membrane
topology in undergraduate teaching. Biochemical and Molecular
Biology Education (2005) 33:188-193.
Tay VKS, Wang AS, Leow KY, Ong MMK, Wong KP and
Boelsterli UA
Mitochondrial permeability transition as a source of superoxide
anion induced by the nitroaromatic drug nimesulide in vitro. Free
Radical Biology and Medicine (2005) 39:949-959.
Teng YHF, Tang BL
Why do Nogo/Nogo-66 receptor gene knockouts result in inferior
regeneration compared to treatment with neutralizing agents?
Journal of Neurochemistry (2005) 94:865-874.
032
Wang P, Zhang Y, Li H, Chieu HK, Munn AL, Yang H
AAA ATPases regulate membrane association of yeast oxysterol
binding proteins and sterol metabolism. The EMBO Journal (2005)
24:2989-2999.
Wang P, Duan W, Munn AL, Yang H
Molecular characterization of Osh6p, an oxysterol binding protein
homolog in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The FEBS Journal
(2005) 272:4703-4715.
Wang Y, Tai GH, Johannes L, Hong WJ, Tang BL
Trans-Golgi network syntaxin 10 functions distinctly from syntaxins
6 and 16. Molecular Membrane Biology (2005) 22:313-325.
Wang Z, Wang B, Tang K, Lee EJD, Chong SS, Lee CGL
A functional polymorphism within the MRP1 gene locus identified
through its genomic signature of positive selection. Human Molecular
Genetics (2005) 14:2075-2087.
Wei CL, Hon WM, Lee KH, Khoo HE
Chronic administration of aminoguanidine reduces vascular nitric
oxide production and attenuates liver damage in bile duct-ligated
rats. Liver International (2005) 25:647-656.
Wei CL, Hon WM, Lee KH, Khoo HE
Zhu Y, Dong Q, Tan BJ, Lim WG, Zhou S, Duan W
Temporal expression of hepatic inducible nitric oxide synthase in liver
cirrhosis.World Journal of Gasteroenterology (2005) 11:362-367.
The PKC -D294G mutant found in pituitary and thyroid tumors
fails to transduce extracellular signals. Cancer Research (2005)
65:4250-4524.
Wei Z, Song J
Molecular mechanism underlying the termal stability and pHinduced unfolding CHABII. Journal of Molecular Biology (2005)
348:205-218.
Wenk MR
The emerging field of lipidomics. Nature Reviews: Drugs Discovery
(2005) 7:594-610.
Zhu Y, Smith D, Verma C, Lim WG, Tan BJ, Armstrong JS,
Zhou S, Chan E, Tan SL, Zhu YZ, Cheung NS, Duan W
The very C-terminus of protein kinase C is critical for the full
catalytic competence but its hydrophobic motif is dispensable for the
interaction with 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1. Cellular
Signalling (2005) 18:807-818.
Zhu Y, Lim WG, Tan BJ, Teo TS, Duan W
Whiteman M, Rose P, Siau JL, Cheung NS, Tan GS, Halliwell B,
Armstrong JS
Hypochlorous acid-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and
apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 and human fetal liver cells:
Role of mitochondrial permeability transition. Free Radical Biology
and Medicine (2005) 38:1571-1584.
Whiteman M, Cheung NS, Zhu YZ, Chu SH, Siau JL, Wong BS,
Armstrong JS, Moore PK
Hydrogen sulphide; a novel inhibitor of hypochlorous acid mediated
oxidative damage in the brain? Biochemical and Biophysical Research
Identification of an integral plasma membrane pool of protein kinase C
in mammalian tissues and cells. Cellular Signalling (2005) 17:1125-1136.
Zhu Y, Sun J, Huang SH, Tan BKH, Whiteman M, Wu Y, Ng YK,
Duan W, Zhu YZ
Effects of purified herbal extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza on ischemic
rat myocardium after acute myocardial infarction. Life Sciences
(2005) 76:2849-2860.
Zubair A, Khoo HE, Gwee MCE, Koh DR, Tan CH
Medical education in Southeast Asia emerging issues: Challenges and
opportunities. Medical Education (2005) 39:829-833.
Yang J, Lee JY, Too HP
A phase transfer identification of core-shell structures in Au-Ru
nanoparticles. Analytica Chimica Acta (2005) 5:1095-1100.
Yeong FM
Severing all ties between mother and daughter: cell separation in
budding yeast. Molecular Microbiology (2005) 55:1325-1331.
Yew EHJ, Cheung NS, Choy MS, Romero AJM, Manikandan J,
Koay ES, Chiu LL, Ng WL, Whiteman M, Jeyaseelan K,
Halliwell B
Proteasome inhibition by lactacystin in primary neuronal cells induces
both potentially neuroprotective and pro-apoptotic transcriptional
responses: A microarray analysis. Journal of Neurochemistry (2005)
94:943-956.
Yin H, Too HP, Chow GM
The effects of particle size and surface coating on the cytotoxicity of
nickel ferrite. Biomaterials (2005) 26:5818-5826.
Yoong LF, Peng ZN, Wan G, Too HP
Tissue expression of alternatively spliced GFRalpha1, NCAM and
RET isoforms and the distinct functional consequence of ligandinduced activation of GFRalpha1 isoforms. Brain Research. Molecular
Brain Research (2005) 39:1-12.
LO, Mr Bian Hao Sheng at the LS55 Luminescence Spectrometer
Yusuf M, Tan BCH, Hsu A, Whiteman M, Bhatia M, Moore PK
Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in the rat is associated with
enhanced tissue hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis. Biochemical and
Biophysical Research Communications (2005) 333:1146-1152.
Staff Profile
Professor & Head
: Barry Halliwell
Professor & Deputy Head : Sit Kim Ping
Professor
: Jeyaseelan Kandiah
Associate Professors
: Chang Chan Fong
Chung Ching Ming, Maxey
Khoo Hoon Eng
Lee Guat Lay, Caroline
(jointly with National Cancer Centre)
Li Qiu-Tian
Marie-Veronique Clement
Matthew Whiteman
Michael Raghunath (jointly with
Division of Bioengineering)
Tan Chee Hong
Tan Tin Wee
Teo Tian Seng
Too Heng-Phon
Senior Lecturer
: Chua Kim Lee
: Andrew Jenner
Cheung Nam Sang, Steve
Deng Lih Wen
Duan Wei
Gan Yunn Hwen
Jeffrey Armstrong
Liou Yih-Cherng (jointly with
Department of Biological Sciences)
Markus Wenk (jointly with
Martti Tammi (jointly with
Song Jianxing (jointly with
Tan May Chin, Theresa
Tang Bor Luen
Yang Hongyuan, Robert
Yeong Foong May
Research Fellows
: Aaron Fernandis
Anne Kathrin Bendt
Arunmozhiarasi Armugam
Asif Ali
Balakrishnan Ramanathan
Chan Ying Ying
Chen Yahua
Chua Gek Huey
Jan Gruber
Jaspal Kaur Kumar
Lee Chung-Yung Jetty
Ren Minqin
Reshmi Rajendran
Shui Guanghou
Tang Soon Yew
Zhang Yong
Research Assistants
: Annette Shoba Vincent
Chang Ker Xing
Cheong Wei Fun
Dawn Koh Chin Ing
Geraldine Leong E-Ling
Goh June Mui
Huang Shan Hong
Helen Isaac
Koo Ghee Chong
034
Research Assistants
:
Liau Sock Hwee
Lim Hwee Ying
Lim Kai Ying
Low Choon Bing
Low Choon Pei
Low Kai Leng
Ma Cai Juan
Ma Zhi-Iong Joel
Ran Xiaoyuan
Rohini Kashimshety
Selina Aulia, Felisitas
Soo Cheng Li
Tan Heng Buck
Tan Pei Ling, Shirley
Tan Weiqi
Teng Yu Hsuan, Felicia
Wan Guoqiang, John
Wang Huansong
Wang Han
Yap Yann Wan
Ye Zhi Yong
Yoong Li Foong
Adjunct Staff : Alan Colman
Birgitte Lane
Hong Wanjin
Malcom Paterson
Shoba Ranganathan
Cai Mingjie
Cao Xinmin
Kanaga Sabapathy
Kon Oi Lian
Anil K Ratty
Cai Yu
Edwin Cheung
Gunaretnam Rajagopal
Jiang Yun Jin
Lim Sai Kiang
Liu Jianhua
Luo Yan
Song Zhi Wei
Toshie Kai
Zeng Qi
Contact Information
Contact Persons
Telephone
Facsimile
Confidential Facsimile
Email
Address
Homepage
: Prof Barry Halliwell (Head)
Prof Sit Kim Ping (Deputy Head)
: 6516-3240 / 6516-3682
: 6779-1453
: 6779-8842
: bchsec@nus.edu.sg /
bchbh@ nus.edu.sg
: Department of Biochemistry
MD7 #02-03, 8 Medical Drive
Singapore 117597
: http//www.med.nus.edu.sg/bioweb/
biochemistry/homepage.htm
DEPARTMENT OF
and Family Medicine
INTRODUCTION
Epidemiology of Chronic Diseases:
The Department continues to focus on the epidemiology of chronic diseases, in particular cancer, cardiovascular
disease and myopia. This area of focus is led primarily by the Centre for Molecular Epidemiology (CME) & Centre
for Environmental and Occupational Health Research (CEOHR). CME continues to maintain and develop its
cohort studies. This is augmented by CEOHR efforts in its mechanistic studies and biomarkers studies.
To further enhance this area of research, a new research collaboration was established with Karolinska Institute (KI).
This has resulted in a comparative breast cancer research programme as well as a joint PhD in Genetic and Molecular
Epidemiology.
The Centre for Molecular Epidemiology launched the Singapore Consortium of Cohorts Study for translational
research on Jan 1, 2006 with a $12m BMRC grant. The Consortium will bring together several existing cohort
studies with data on exposure and biospecimens. The short-term target is to develop a multi-ethnic cohort of 12,000
subjects and a diabetic cohort of 10,000 patients. The data and specimens will be used to discover gene-environment
interactions of public health significance.
Research activities by the Centre for Molecular Epidemiology received an excellent rating by its visiting International
Scientific Advisory Board in 2004. This tremendous endorsement confirms that we are progressing on the right track
and heralds greater success in the future.
Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine
Health Service Research:
Prof Lee Hin Peng is Chairman of the Health Services Research
Workgroup in the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. The Health
Services Research Unit continues to focus on health policy and
evaluation research, with strategic thrusts in comparative health
systems and health economics and financing. The Unit contributed
to a recent WHO-sponsored study on comparative health care
financing and health insurance in Asia and the Pacific and participated
in several regional health and population studies with the Asia
Research Institute and the Faculty of Arts & Social Science, NUS.
It also continued to participate in on-going studies of comparative
health systems and reforms internationally through the International
Network on Healthcare Reform, and in the Asia-Pacific region through
DRAGONET (Asian Health Systems Reform Network). A workshop
on Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research was organized
jointly with the Pharmacy Department in March, 2005. There is
much interest in applying economic evaluation methods in the health
care industry. The unit hopes to develop even greater capacity and
expertise for such potential areas of growth in the future.
Niche area research:
Work of the Salivary Biomarkers Group in COFM promises to develop
into a niche research area. The group is currently studying salivary
biomarkers in numerous conditions such as stress, periodontal disease,
psychiatric conditions, asthma and occupational diseases among others.
Successful collaborations have been forged with the NUS Paediatrics
and ENT Departments, the School of Design and Environment, the
National Skin Centre, and the Faculty of Dentistry. The potential for
saliva research was recognized with the award of a substantial Niche
Area Programme Grant from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine in
August 2005 to fund its research on the use of salivary biomarkers in
various medical conditions and across different age groups.
Publications in 2005 and Future Directions:
In the year 2005, 115 papers were published in international refereed
journals. The Department will focus on epidemiology of chronic
diseases and translational research in the coming years. We have done
well in securing research funding and papers by staff are appearing in
higher impact journals. Among our new initiatives, the SEED (Singapore
Epidemiology of Eye Diseases) program was established as a Faculty
level programmatic research area.
A positive research indicator is an estimate of our laboratory space
projections for the next decade. In this exercise, it was forecast that a
doubling of physical space is required based on current and proposed
projects, pointing to the existence of long term research plans
particularly in the areas of genetic and molecular epidemiology.
036
Project Description
Follow-up of the Singapore Breast Screening Project: Efficacy,
disease progression and mammographic density
Collaborators
: Prof Chia Kee Seng
: Dr Ng Fook Cheong (SGH),
Prof Stephen Duffy
(Wolfson Inst of Prev Med, UK),
Dr Rupert Jakes (UK MRC),
Dr Gao Fei (CTERU)
Setting up an infrastructure for population-based case-control
studies in molecular epidemiology of cancer
Setting up a record linkage facility for cancer studies within the
Singapore Cancer Syndicate
Caries risk assessment for children in Singapore
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Hsu Chin-Ying Stephen
: Prof David Koh,
Assoc Prof H Brian Hwarng,
Dr Teresa Loh-Lee Woon Oi,
Dr Xu Yunjie Calvin
Salivary biomarker research
Collaborators
: Prof David Koh
: Assoc Prof Daniel Goh,
Assoc Prof Tham Kok Wai,
Dr Gerald Koh,
Dr Lynette Shek,
Dr Chew Fook Tim
The relationship between severely impaired activities of daily
living (ADL) function and life expectancy
Collaborators
: Dr Gerald Koh
: Prof David Koh,
Prof Chia Kee Seng,
Dr Fong Ngan Phoon
(St Luke’s Hospital),
Dr Tan Boon Yeow,
Dr Chan Kin Ming
(AMK Thye Hua Kuan)
Singapore Cardiovascular Cohort Study
Collaborators
: Dr Jeannette Lee
: Prof Chia Kee Seng,
Adj Assoc Prof Chew Suok Kai,
Adj Assoc Prof Kenneth Hughes,
Dr Derrick Heng (MOH),
Dr Stefan Ma (NUH),
Dr Tai E Shyong (CME),
Dr Tan Chee Eng (CME)
Saliva as a reliable source of genomic DNA for modern genetic
studies
Collaborators
: Dr Ng Peng Keat Daniel
: Prof David Koh,
Prof Chia Kee Seng
A prospective study of antioxidant biomarkers in the etiology of
coronary heart disease
Collaborators
: Prof Ong Choon Nam
: Dr Koh Woon Puay,
Prof Lee Hin Peng,
Assoc Prof Yuan Jian Min (UM),
Prof Chia Kee Seng
World Bank “Hospital Corporatization in Vietnam” and “Public
Private Participation in Vietnam
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Phua Kai Hong
: Prof Ake Blomqvist,
Assoc Prof Lim Meng Kin
Lung cancer in Singapore Chinese women: The role of estrogens
and their interaction with genetic and environment factors
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Adeline Seow
: Dr Philip Eng (SGH),
Dr Hui Kok Pheng (CGH),
Dr Lim Tow Keang (NUS),
Dr Elaine Lim (NUH),
Dr Alan Ng WK (TTSH),
Dr Poh Wee Teng (CGH),
Assoc Prof Teh Ming (NUS),
Dr Chuah Khoon Leong (SGH)
The Singapore Lymphoma Study: A multi-centre investigation
of the etiologic and prognostic determinants of lymphoid
malignancies in Singapore
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Adeline Seow
: Assoc Prof Chia Sin Eng,
Dr Benjamin Mow (NUH),
Dr Lee Khai Mun (NUH),
Dr Leonard Tan (NUS),
Dr Tan Suat Hoon (NSC),
Dr P Kuperan (TTSH),
Dr Tan Soo Yong (SGH),
Dr Ng Siok Bian (SGH),
Dr Wong Gee Chuan (SGH),
Dr Susan Loong (NCC),
Dr Miriam Tao (NCC)
Predictors of chronic kidney disease in Singapore. A populationbased study. Area of research: Kidney disease, cardiovascular
disease epidemiology
: Dr Anoop Shankar
Collaborators
: Prof Chia Kee Seng,
Prof David Koh
Critical roles of TNF signaling molecules in reactive nitrogen
species-induced cell death
Collaborators
: Dr Shen Han Ming
: Assoc Prof Matt Whiteman,
Dr Song Zhiwei (BTI A*STAR),
Dr ZG Liu (NCI NIH USA)
Luteolin and its analogues as chemosensitizers in cancer
chemotherapy
Collaborators
: Dr Shen Han Ming
: Dr Lu YX,
Prof Ong Choon Nam
Correlating exposure to allergens and phthalates in dust with
asthma and allergic symptoms in children
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Tham Kok Wai
: Dr Chew Fook Tim,
Prof David Koh,
Assoc Prof Ooi Peng Lim
Retinal microvascular signs in acute stroke
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Wong Tien Yin,
: Assoc Prof Saw Seang Mei
: Dr Wong Meng Cheong (SGH),
Dr Christopher Chen (SGH),
Dr Paul Mitchell
Dietary and genetic determinants of mammographic density
Principal Investigators
: Dr Anna H Wu (USC),
Prof Mimi Yu (UM)
: Prof Lee Hin Peng,
Dr Koh Woon Puay,
Dr Giske Ursin (USC),
Dr David Van Den Berg (USC)
Conducting laboratory measurement on biospecimens
On-going Projects
Comparative health policy and reforms in East Asia
Assoc Prof Phua Kai Hong
Health care reforms in East Asia
Assoc Prof Phua Kai Hong
Discovering ethnic differences in gene-environment interactions
in major cancers: enhancing the Singapore Chinese Health Study
Collaborator
: Prof Lee Hin Peng
Dietary and genetic factors in asthma and chronic bronchitis in the
Singapore Chinese health study
Collaborators
World Health Organisation development of WHO PRO
guidelines on prevention and control of non-communicable
diseases in primary health care
Collaborator
Establishing a Singapore twin database for genomics research
Collaborators
: Adj Assoc Prof Eric Yap,
Prof Lee Hin Peng,
Prof Edison Liu,
Adj Assoc Prof Chew Suok Kai
-Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase (ALAD) polymorphism and
susceptibility of workers exposed to inorganic lead and its effects
on the haematological, renal and neurobehavioral functions
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Chia Sin Eng
: Adj Assoc Prof Eric Yap,
Prof Chia Kee Seng
Optimal diabetes management and renal complications
prevention (transferred from Dept of Medicine in August 2000)
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Goh Lee Gan
: Assoc Prof Ng Tze Pin,
Dr Helen Leong,
Dr Sim Li San,
Dr Elaine Tan,
Dr Yvette Tan,
Dr Tay Ee Guan
Incidence of irritable bowel syndrome development in a general
practice clinic following the use of antibiotics
Collaborator
Collaborators
Collaborators
Collaborator
038
: Dr Shen Han Ming
The Singapore Malay Eye Survey (SIMES)
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Saw Seang Mei,
Assoc Prof Wong Tien Yin,
Prof Donald Tan
: Dr M Rosman (SNEC),
Dr Aung Tin (SNEC),
Dr Loon Seng Chee (NUH)
Concurrent cohort study of the environmental and genetic risk
factors for myopia in Singapore school children
Collaborators
: Adj Assoc Prof Gwee Kok Ann,
Assoc Prof Wong Mee Lian
: Dr Jason Yap (Parkway Shenton
Medical Centre)
: Prof David Koh,
: Assoc Prof Chia Sin Eng,
Assoc Prof Lim Meng Kin
: Prof David Koh
: Prof Ong Choon Nam,
Dr Yang Yong,
Ms Vivian Ng,
Mr Ong Her Yam,
Dr Shen Han Ming
: Prof Barry Halliwell,
Dr Shen Han Ming
A preliminary investigation of antioxidative effects of common
dietary flavonoids in a colon cell line
Salivary biomarkers of occupational stress
Collaborators
: Prof Lee Hin Peng
: Dr Shanta Emmanuel
(National Health Group Polyclinics)
The role of oxidative DNA damage and micronutrients in
colorectal carcinogenesis
Psychological and behavioural responses of healthcare workers
in Singapore to the SARS outbreak / The occupational health of
healthcare workers in Singapore following the SARS outbreak
: Dr Koh Woon Puay,
Dr Stephanie London
(National Institute of Environmental
Health Studies, USA)
: Prof Lee Hin Peng,
Prof Mimi Yu (UM)
Prof Donald TH Tan
: Dr Wu HM
(Defence Medical Research Institute),
Dr Louis Tong
(Singapore National Eye Centre),
Dr A Carkeet
(Singapore Eye Research Institute),
Dr Chua WH
(Singapore National Eye Centre),
Dr Hong Ching Ye,
Prof Chia Kee Seng,
Adj Assoc Prof E Yap
(Defence Medical Research Institute),
Prof David Koh,
Prof J Katz
(Johns Hopkins University),
Prof R A Stone
(University of Pennsylvania)
Dissection of the signalling pathways in reactive nitrogen
species-induced cell death
Collaborator
: Dr Shen Han Ming
: Assoc Prof Matt Whiteman
Luteolin sensitizes trail-induced apotosis in human cancer cells:
Molecular mechanisms and potential application
Cheng I, Yu MC, Koh WP, Pike MC, Kolonel LN, Henderson BE,
Stram DO
Collaborators
Comparison of prostate-specific antigen and hormone levels
among men in Singapore and United States. Cancer Epidemiology
Biomarkers & Prevention (2005) 14(7):1692-1696.
: Dr Shen Han Ming
: Dr Duan Wei,
Prof Ong Choon Nam,
Dr ZG Liu (NCI NIH USA)
Luteolin and its derivatives as anti-cancer agents in human
colorectal cancer
Collaborator
: Dr Shen Han Ming
: Dr Lu YX
Sexually transmitted diseases and their associated risk
behaviours among male clients of female commercial sex
workers in Singapore
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Wong Mee Lian
: Adj Assoc Prof Roy Chan
(National Skin Centre),
Adj Assoc Prof Chew Suok Kai
(Ministry of Health),
Prof David Koh
Chia KS, Reilly M, Tan CS, Mow B, Lee JJ, Pawitan Y, Adami HO,
Hall P
Profound changes in breast cancer incidence may reflect changes
into a westernised life-style: A comparative population based study
between Singapore and Sweden. International Journal of Cancer
(2005) 113(2):302-306.
Chia SE, Q Koh DS, Fones CSL, Qian F, Ng VAC, Tan BH,
Wong KS, Chew WM, Tang HK, Ng W, Muttakin Z, Emmanuel S,
Fong NP, Koh G, Lim MK
Appropriate use of personal protective equipment among health
care workers in public sector hospitals and primary health care
polyclinics during the SARS outbreak in Singapore. Occupational and
Environmental Medicine (2005) 62:473-477.
Chia SE, Zhou HJ, Yap EPH, Tham R, Chia KS, Dong NV,
Tu NT
Brennan P, Scelo G, Hemminki K, Mellemkjaer L, Tracey E,
Andersen A, Brewster DH, Pukkala E, McBride ML, Kliewer
EV, Tonita JM, Seow A, Pompe-Kirn V, Martos C, Jonasson JG,
Colin D, Boffetta P
Second primary cancers among 109 000 cases of non-Hodgkin’s
lymphoma. British Journal of Cancer (2005) 93(1):159-166.
Canani LH, Capp C, Ng DPK, Choo SGL, Maia AL, Nabinger GB,
Santos K, Crispim D, Roisemberg I, Krolewski AS, Gross JL
The fatty acid binding protein A54T polymorphism is associated
with diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes (2005) 54(11):3326-3330.
Ceschi M, Sun CL, Van Den Berg D, Koh WP, Yu MC,
Probst-Hensch N
The effect of cyclin D1 (CCND1) G870A-polymorphism on breast
cancer risk is modified by oxidative stress among Chinese women in
Singapore. Carcinogenesis (2005) 26(8):1457-1464.
Collecting measurement data for research on eye-related disease
Possible influence of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase
polymorphism and susceptibility to renal toxicity of lead: a study
of a Vietnamese population. Environmental Health Perspectives
(2005) 113(10):1313-1317.
Chong YS, Liang Y, Gazzard G, Stone RA, Saw SM
Association between breastfeeding and likelihood of myopia in
children. JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association (2005)
293:3001-3002.
David GL, Koh WP, Lee HP, Yu MC, London SJ
Childhood exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and chronic
respiratory symptoms in nonsmoking adults: The Singapore Chinese
health study. Thorax (2005) 60(12):1052-1058.
Einarsdottir K, Rylander-Rudqvist T, Humphreys K, Ahlberg S,
Jonasdottir G, Weiderpass E, Chia KS, Ingleman-Sundberg M,
Persson I, Liu J, Hall P, Wedren S
CYP17 gene polymorphism in relation to breast cancer risk: A
case-control study. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment (2005)
7:R890-R896.
Storing biospecimens in a
repository for future research
Farook M, Venkatramani J, Gazzard G, Cheng A, Tan DTH,
Saw SM
Comparisons of the hand-held auto refractor, table-mounted
autorefractor and subjective refraction in Singapore adults.
Optometry and Vision Science (2005) 82(12):1066-1070.
Gao F, Nordin P, Krantz I, Chia KS, Machin D
Variation in the seasonal diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia:
Evidence from Singapore, USA and Sweden. American Journal of
Epidemiology (2005) 162(8):753-763.
Koh DSQ, Lim MK, Ong CN, Chia SE
Occupational health response to SARS. Emerging Infectious Diseases
(2005) 11(1):167-168. (Letter).
Koh DSQ, Ng VAC, Mok BYY, Lim LP
Research among dental undergraduates - How informed are subjects,
and how willing their participation? Journal of Dental Education
(2005) 68(5):503.
Koh DSQ, Takahashi K, Lim MK, Imai T, Chia SE, Qian F, Ng VAC,
Fones CSL
Hemminki K, Scelo G, Boffetta P, Mellemkjaer L, Tracey E,
Andersen A, Brewster DH, Pukkala E, McBride M, Kliewer EV,
Chia KS, Pompe-Kirn V, Martos C, Jonasson JG, Li X,
Brennan P
SARS risk perception and preventive measures, Singapore and Japan.
Emerging Infectious Diseases (2005) 11(4):641-642.
Second primary malignancies in patients with male breast cancer.
British Journal of Cancer (2005) 92(7):1288-1292.
A study of natural rubber latex allergens in gloves used by health
care workers in Singapore. British Journal of Dermatology (2005)
153:954-959.
Huang Q, Shen HM, Ong CN
Koh DSQ, Ng V, Leow YH, Goh CL
Emodin inhibits tumor cell migration through suppression of the
phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Cdc42/Rac1 pathway. Cellular and
Molecular Life Sciences (2005) 62(10):1167-1175.
Koh DSQ, Wong ML
Husain R, Tong L, Fong A, Cheng JF, How A, Chua WH,
Lee L, Gazzard G, Tan DTH, Koh DSQ, Saw SM
Koh WP, Chow VTK, Phoon MC, Ramachandran N, Seow ALH
Women’s occupational health. Editorial. Occupational Medicine
(2005) 55:513-514.
Prevalence of cataract in rural Indonesia. Ophthalmology (2005)
122:1255-1262.
Lack of association between chronic “Chlamydophila pneumoniae”
infection and lung cancer among nonsmoking Chinese women in
Singapore. International Journal of Cancer (2005) 114(3):502-504.
Imai T, Takahashi K, Hoshuyama T, Hasegawa N, Lim MK,
Koh DSQ
Koh WP, Yang HN, Yang HQ, Low SH, Seow ALH
SARS risk perceptions among healthcare workers, Japan. Emerging
Infectious Diseases (2005) 11:404-410.
Potential sources of carcinogenic heterocyclic amines in the Chinese
diet: results from a 24-h dietary recall study in Singapore. European
Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 59(1):16-23.
Jain N, Pietrobon R, Guller U, Shankar A, Ahluwalia AS,
Higgins LD
Koh WP, Yuan JM, Sun CL, Lee HP, Yu MC
Effect of provider volume on resource utilization for surgical
procedures of the knee. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc
(2005) 13(4):302-312.
Middle-aged and older Chinese men and women in Singapore who
smoke have less healthy diets and lifestyles than nonsmokers. Journal
of Nutrition (2005) 135:2473-2477.
Jain N, Laden F, Shankar A, Kazani S, Garshick E
Koh WP, Yuan JM, Van Den Berg D, Lee HP, Yu MC
Relation between blood lead levels and childhood anemia in India.
American Journal of Epidemiology (2005) 161(10):968-73.
Klein R, Klein BEK, Knudtson MD, Wong TY, Shankar A, Tsai MY
Systemic markers of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and agerelated maculopathy. American Journal of Ophthalmology (2005)
140(1):35-44.
Knudtson MD, Klein BEK, Klein R, Shankar A
Associations with weight loss and subsequent mortality risk. Annals
of Epidemiology (2005) 15(7):483-491.
Koh DSQ, Lim MK, Chia SE, Ko SM, Qian F, Ng VAC, Tan BH,
Wong KS, Chew WM, Tang HK, Ng W, Muttakin Z, Emmanuel S,
Fong NP, Koh G, Kwa CT, Tan KBC, Fones CSL
The impact of SARS on health care workers in Singapore. Medical
Care (2005) 43(7):676-682.
Polymorphisms in angiotensin II type 1 receptor and angiotensin
I-converting enzyme genes and breast cancer risk among Chinese
women in Singapore. Carcinogenesis (2005) 26(2):459-464.
Lee BL, Ong HY, Ong YB, Ong CN
A sensitive liquid chromatographic method for the
spectrophotometric determination of urinary trans, trans-muconic
acid. Journal of Chromatography B (2005) 818(2):277-283.
Li H, Hsu W, Lee ML, Wong TY
Automatic grading of retinal vessel caliber. IEEE Transactions on
Biomedical Engineering (2005) 52(7):1352-1355.
Lim MK
Health Connect - a community healthcare model. Health Policy
Developments (2005) 4:72-73.
Lim MK
Health and economic impact of occupational health services.
Scandinavian Journal of Work Environment & Health (2005) 1:38-42.
040
Lim MK
Saw SM, Gazzard G, Gomezperalta C, Au Eong KG, Seah S
Hostile use of the life sciences. New England Journal of Medicine
(2005) 353:2214-2215.
Utility assessment among cataract surgery patients. Journal of
Cataract and Refractive Surgery (2005) 31(4):785-791.
Lim MK, Sadarangani P, Chan HL, Heng JY
Saw SM, Gazzard G, Au Eong KG, Oen F, Seah S
Complementary and alternative medicine use in multiracial Singapore.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2005) 13(1):16-24.
Utility values in Singapore Chinese adults with primary open-angle
and primary angle-closure glaucoma. Journal of Glaucoma (2005)
14(6):455-462.
Lim WY, Saw SM, Singh M, Au-Eong KG
Utility values and myopia in medical students in Singapore. Clinical
and Experimental Ophthalmology (2005) 33(6):598-603.
Loh FH, Khin LW, Saw SM, Lee JJ, Gu K
The age of menopause and the menopause transition in a multiracial
population: a nation-wide Singapore study. Maturitas (2005)
52(3-4):169-180.
Neo JC, Rose P, Ong CN, Chung MC
Beta-Phenylethyl isothiocyanate mediated apoptosis: a proteomic
investigation of early apoptotic protein changes. Proteomics
(2005) 5(4):1075-1082.
Ng DPK, Krolewski AS
Molecular genetic approaches for studying the etiology of diabetic
nephropathy. Current Molecular Medicine (2005) 5:509-525.
Ng DPK, Tai BC, Koh DSQ, Tan KW, Chia KS
Angiotensin-I converting enzyme insertion/deletion polymorphism
and its association with diabetic nephropathy: A meta-analysis of
studies reported during 1994-2004 and comprising 14,727 subjects.
Diabetologia (2005) 48:1008-1016.
Ng DPK, Tan KW, Zhao B, Seow ALH
CYP1A1 polymorphisms and risk of lung cancer in non-smoking
Chinese women: influence of environmental tobacco smoke exposure
and GSTM1/T1 genetic variation. Cancer Causes & Control (2005)
16:399-405.
Rose P, Armstrong JS, Ong CN, Whiteman ML
Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced iNOS and COX-II expression
and activity via NF--kB degradation by dietary isothiocyanates. Nitric
Oxide-Biology and Chemistry (2005) 12(4):237-243.
Rose P, Huang Q, Ong CN, Whiteman ML
Broccoli and watercress suppress matrix metalloproteinase-9
activity and invasiveness of human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.
Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (2005) 209(2):105-113.
Sarter B, Long TI, Tsong WH, Koh WP, Yu MC, Laird PW
Sex differential in methylation patterns of selected genes in Singapore
Chinese. Human Genetics (2005) 117(4):402-403.
Saw SM, Chua WH, Gazzard G, Koh DSQ, Tan DTH, Stone RA
Eye growth changes in myopic Singapore children. British Journal of
Ophthalmology (2005) 89(11):1489-1494.
Saw SM, Gazzard G, Chan ESY, Chua WH
Saw SM, Tong L, Chua WH, Chia KS, Koh DSQ, Tan DTH,
Katz J
Incidence and progression of myopia in Singapore school children.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (2005) 46:51-57.
Seow A, Vainio H, Yu MC
Effect of glutathione s-transferase polymorphisms on the cancer
preventive potential of isothiocyanates: an epidemiological
perspective. Mutation Research (2005) 592:58-67.
Shi RX, Ong CN, Shen HM
PKC Inhibition and XIAP Degradation contribute to the sensitization
effect of luteolin on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancer cells. Cancer
Research (2005) 65:7815-7823.
Venketasubramanian N, Tan LC, Sahadevan S, Chin JJ,
Krishnamoorthy ES, Hong CY, Saw SM
Prevalence of stroke among Chinese, Malay, and Indian Singaporeans:
a community-based tri-racial cross-sectional survey. Stroke (2005)
36(3):551-556.
Voon LW, Au Eong KG, Saw SM, Verma D, Laude A
Effect of preoperative conseling on patient fear from the visual
experience during phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia:
Multicenter randomized clinical trial. Journal of Cataract & Refractive
Surgery (2005) 31(10):1966-1969.
Wai CT, Mak B, Chua W, Tan MH, Ng S, Cheok A, Wong ML,
Lim SG
Misperceptions among patients with chronic hepatitis B in Singapore.
World Journal of Gasteroenterology (2005) 11(32):5002-5005.
Wai CT, Wong ML, Ng S, Cheok A, Tan MH, Mak B, Aung MO,
Lim SG
Utility of the Health Belief Model in predicting compliance of
screening in patients with hepatitis B. Alimentary Pharmacology &
Therapeutics (2005) 21:1255-1262.
Won YK, Ong CN, Shen HM
Parthenolide sensitizes UVB-induced apoptosis via PKC-dependent
pathways. Carcinogenesis (2005) 26:2149-2156.
Wong HL, Delellis K, Probst-Hensch N, Koh WP, Van Den Berg
D, Lee HP, Yu MC, Ingles SA
A new single nucleotide polymorphism in the insulin-like growth
factor I regulatory region associates with colorectal cancer risk in
Singapore Chinese. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention
(2005) 14(1):144-151.
Myopia and associated pathological complications. Ophthalmic and
Physiological Optics (2005) 25(5):381-391.
Wong KY, Su J, Knize MG, Koh WP, Seow A
Dietary exposures to heterocyclic amines in a Chinese population.
Nutrition and Cancer (2005) 52(2):147-155.
Wong ML, Chan RKW, Koh DSQ, Barrett ME, Chew SK,
Wee SSH
A comparative study of condom use and self-reported sexually
transmitted infections between foreign Asian and local clients of
sex workers in Singapore. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (2005)
32:439-445.
Wong ML, Koh DSQ, Iyer P, Seow A, Goh LG, Chia SE,
Lim MK, Ng DPK, Ong CN, Phua KH, Tambyah P, Chow VTC,
Chew SK, Chandran R, Lee HP
Online health education on SARS to university students during the
SARS outbreak. International Electronic Journal of Health Education
(2005) 8:205-217.
Wong TY, Shankar A, Klein R, Klein BEK
Retinal arteriolar narrowing, hypertension, and subsequent risk of
diabetes mellitus. Archives of Internal Medicine (2005) 165(9):10601065.
Wu AH, Arakawa K, Stanczyk FZ, Van Den Berg D, Koh WP, Yu
MC
Tea and circulating estrogen levels in postmenopausal Chinese
women in Singapore. Carcinogenesis (2005) 26:976-980.
Yang Y, Koh D, Khoo L, Nyunt SZ, Ng V, Goh CL
The psoriasis disability index in Chinese patients: contribution
of clinical and psychological variables. International Journal of
Dermatology (2005) 44:925-929.
Yew WY, Saw SM, Pan JCH, Shen HM, Win ML, Yew MS,
Heng WJ
Knowledge and beliefs on corneal donation in Singapore adults.
British Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 89:835-840.
Yuan JM, Koh WP, Sun CL, Lee HP, Yu MC
Green tea intake, ACE gene polymorphism and breast cancer
risk among Chinese women in Singapore. Carcinogenesis (2005)
26(8):1389-1394.
Zhang SY, Won YK, Ong CN, Shen HM
Anti-cancer potential of sesquiterpene lactones: bioactivity and
molecular mechanisms. Current Medicinal Chemistry (2005) 5:239249. (Invited review).
Zhang S, Shen HM, Ong CN
Down-regulation of c-FLIP contributes to the sensitization effect of
3,3’-diindolylmethane on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancer cells.
Mol Cancer Ther (2005) 4:1972-1981.
042
Staff Profile
Professor & Head
Professors : Koh Soo Quee, David
: Chia Kee Seng
Lee Hin Peng
Ong Choon Nam
: Chia Sin Eng
Goh Lee Gan
Lim Meng Kin
Phua Kai Hong
Saw Seang Mei
Seow Ling Hui, Adeline
Wong Mee Lian
: Koh Choon Huat, Gerald
Koh Woon Puay
Lee Jen Mai, Jeannette
Ng Peng Kiat, Daniel
Shankar, Anoop
Shen Han Ming
Adjunct Associate Professors : Chan Kum Wah, Roy
Cheong Pak Yean
Chew Suok Kai
Hughes, Kenneth
Lee Hock Siang
Lee Kim Hock, Lionel
Lim Lean Huat
Wilder-Smith, Annelies
Yap Peng Huat, Eric
Yap Mei Poh
Mabel Anne
Adjunct Assistant Professors : Chan Chung Tsing, Gregory
Lee Kheng Hock
Tan Boon Yeow
Tan Say Beng
Adjunct Senior
Research Fellow
: Cheah Peh Yean
Joint Professor : Liu Edison TB (with GIS)
Joint Associate Professors
: Ng Tze Pin (with Dept of
Psychological Medicine)
Wong Tien Yin (with Dept of
Ophthalmology)
Clinical Associate Professor : Goh Kee Tai
Research Fellows
: Lai Jiaping
Wong Kin Yoke
Zhang Siyuan
Research Assistants
: Pook Shin Yie
Suganthi Saravanan
Contact information
For all other enquiries:
For higher degrees by research:
Contact Person
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
: 6516-4982
: 6779-1489
: cofongcn@nus.edu.sg
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
Address
: Assoc Prof Lim Meng Kin
: 6516-4981
: 6779-1489
: coflimmk@nus.edu.sg
Homepage
For taught programmes:
(a) MMed (Public Health)
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
: Prof David Koh
Head
: 6516-4988/9
: 6779-1489
: cofhead@nus.edu.sg
: Department of Community,
Occupational and Family Medicine
(MD3)
16 Medical Drive
Singapore 117597
: http://www.med.nus.edu.sg/cof/
cofintro.htm
(b) MMed (Occupational Medicine)
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
: Assoc Prof Chia Sin Eng
: 6516-4970
: 6779-1489
: cofcse@nus.edu.sg
(c) MMed (Family Medicine)
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
: Assoc Prof Goh Lee Gan
: 6516-4978
: 6779-1489
: cofgohlg@nus.edu.sg
(d) MBA (Healthcare Management)
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
: Assoc Prof Lim Meng Kin
: 6516-4981
: 6779-1489
: coflimmk@nus.edu.sg
For research centres/units:
(a) Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health
Research
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
: 6516-4982
: 6779-1489
: cofongcn@nus.edu.sg
(b) Centre for Molecular Epidemiology
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
: 6516-4971
: 6779-1489
: cofcks@nus.edu.sg
(c) Centre for Health Services Research
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
: Prof Lee Hin Peng
: 6516-4983
: 6779-1489
: cofleehp@nus.edu.sg
Department of
Introduction
Our department’s research is strongly multidisciplinary, a feature of Radiology both as
a clinical specialty and a research discipline. In 2005 we continued to expand, with new
research collaborations between our department and the NUS Departments of Chemistry,
Microbiology, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Psychology, the Division of
Bioengineering and the School of Computing, as well as the Faculty of Engineering at NTU.
Our research and collaborations are concentrated on these themes with these specific
projects:
1. Breast cancer imaging diagnosis & tumour biology.
(a) MRI and in vitro MRS of ductal carcinoma in situ.
(b) MRI and Sestamibi scintigraphy for detection of multidrug resistance in breast cancers
undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
2. Clinical applications in image recognition, reconstruction & quantitation.
3. Body imaging for disease detection, quantitation and staging using multislice CT and MRI.
4. Development and testing of magnetic nanoparticles for cellular tracking in vivo
(collaboration with Chemical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering and Obstetrics
& Gynecology at NUS as well as Engineering at NTU).
Department of Diagnostic Radiology
There are also other specific areas of research enquiry, viz.,
1. Development & validation of functional MR urography in children
(collaboration with Paediatrics at NUS).
2. Development of a paediatric Asian bone age atlas (collaboration
with Orthopaedics at NUS).
3. Functional and structural brain imaging for psychological research
(collaboration with Psychology at NUS).
4. Imaging of transplanted articular cartilage repair in the knee
(collaboration with Orthopaedics at NUS).
5. Development of simulation systems for image-guided biopsy and
therapy (collaborations with Mechanical Engineering at NUS and
STAR Labs at NUH).
The clinical work and research of our department is intricately
entwined with that of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging in the
National University Hospital. As such, most of our research involves
collaboration between the University and Hospital departments and
their staff, and is difficult to completely separate.
On-going Projects
Imaging-based tumour volumetric analysis
: Assoc Prof Chong Fook Hin
Vincent
Collaborators
: Dr Ma Kai-Kuang (NTU),
Dr Khoo Boon Kheng (NCC),
Dr Thng Choon Hua (NCC)
Noninvasive detection of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding
using multiphasic multidetector CT after inconclusive endoscopy
: Dr Goh Poh Sun,
Assoc Prof Wang Shih-chang
Establishing normal standards of radiographic bone age in
Singapore school children
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Wang Shih-chang
: Prof Stringer DA (NUH),
Assoc Prof James Hui
Project Description
Evaluation of utility of Diffusion MR Imaging in the loco-regional
treatment of hepatoecellular carcinomas and metastatic lesions
of the liver
Correlation of in vivo structural and molecular imaging with
mitochondrial function and gene expression before and after
chemotherapy in a rat model of human breast cancer
Prospective comparative evaluation of distal valve versus
proximal valve PICCs placed under radiological guidance
Collaborators
Collaborators
: Dr Borys Shuter,
Assoc Prof Shazib Pervaiz,
Prof Vincent Chow
Automated
segmentation,
quantitative
parameter
measurements and visualisation of tumour on contrastenhanced MRI for computer aided diagnosis & evaluation
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Ashraf Kassim,
Assoc Prof Ong Sim Heng
: Dr Venkatesh SK
: Dr Gabriel Lau (NUH),
Dr Ong Cheng Kang (NUH)
Prospective comparison of MR Colonography (MRC) with
computer aided dianosis (CAD) and conventional colonoscopy
(CC)
Collaborator
: Dr Venkatesh SK
: Dr Cheong Wai Kit (NUH)
Diffusion MR imaging of focal hepatic lesions undergoing loco
regional treatment
Development of highly efficient MRI contrast agents for cellular
imaging and tracking
: Assoc Prof Wang Shih-chang,
Dr Mahesh Choolani
Collaborators
: Dr Borys Shuter,
Assoc Prof Feng Si-shen,
Prof Neoh Khoon Gee,
Prof Michael Tam (NTU),
Dr Xavier Golay (A-STAR)
Collaborators
Liver CT scans from a patient with
numerous liver cancers which have
responded very well to radioisotope
therapy with Yttrium-90 labelled
microspheres. The dead tumours are
seen as numerous dark holes in the
enhancing liver
: Dr Venkatesh SK
: Dr Venkatesh SK,
: Dr Gabriel Lau (NUH),
Dr Fiona Leung (NUH),
Mr Christopher Au (NUH)
Development of a simulation system for spinal cement
vertebroplasty training
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Teoh Swee Hin
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Wang Shih-chang,
Dr Ong Sim Heng,
Dr Chui Chee Kong,
Dr Wong Hee Kit
Mechanical and fluid dynamic properties in cement vertebroplasty
based on finite element analysis of micro-CT and clinical CT data
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Teoh Swee Hin
Department of Diagnostic Radiology
Development of a hand-eye training system for ultrasound
guided breast nodule biopsy
Collaborator
: Dr Rappel Kolenchery James
(NUH)
Venkatesh SK, Kumar S, Baijal S, Phadke R, Kathuria M, Gujral R
Endovascular management of pseudoaneurysms of the splenic
artery: experience with six patients. Australasian Radiology (2005)
49: 283-288.
Chong VFH
Prospective staging of gastric carcinoma with high resolution
multislice CT
Post treatment imaging. ICIS Cancer Imaging (2005) 5(1):8-10.
Collaborators
Amrith S, Goh PS, Wang S
: Dr Venkatesh SK
: Dr Eugene Ong (NUH),
Dr Terence Teo (NUH)
Schantz J-T, Lim TC, Chou N, Teoh SH, Tan KC, Wang SC,
Hutmacher DW
Technical Note: Cranioplasty following Trephination using a Novel
Biodegradable Burr Hole Cover. Neurosurgery (2006) 58:1 Suppl,
ONS-E176.
Wang ZL, Teo JCM, Ong SH, Yan CH, Wang SC, Wong HK, Teoh SH
Computational Biomechanical Modelling of the Lumbar Spine
Using Marching-Cubes Smoothened Finite element Voxel Meshing.
Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine (2005)
80(1): 25-35.
VFH Chong
Oral cavity cancer. ICIS Cancer Imaging (2005) 5:S49-52.
Cheng SH, Tsai SYC, Yen KL, Jian JJ, Feng AC, Hong CF, Chu NM,
Lin YC, Lin CY, Tan TD, Hsieh CY, Huang AT, Chong V
Prognostic significance of parapharyngeal space venous plexus and
marrow involvement: Potential landmarks of dissemination for Stage
I-III nasopharyngeal carcinoma. International Journal of Radiation
Oncology, Biology, Physics (2005) 61(2) :456-465
Ding F, Leow WK, Wang SC
Segmentation of 3D CT volume images using a single 2D atlas. First
International Workshop, Computer Vision for Biomedical Image
Applications, Beijing, China 2005. Lecture Notes in Computer
Science, pp. 459-468.
Tear flow dynamics in the human nasolacrimal ducts - A pilot study
using dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Graefes Archive for
Clinical and Experimental Opthalmology (2005) 243(2):127-31.
Shuter B, Ng SM
Radiolabeling of egg meals for gastric emptying studies: a comparison
of 99mTc-Sulphur and 99mTc-Sn colloids. Nuclear Medicine
Communications (2005) 26: 369-374.
Staff Profile
Associate Professor & Head
Professor
Associate Professor
: Wang Shih-Chang
: Tan Kheng Ann Lenny
: Chong FH Vincent
: Goh Poh Sun
Sudhakar K Venkatesh
Senior Lecturer
: Borys Shuter
Research Fellows
: Fan Quli
Maung Maung Saw
Adjunct Assistant Professor : Ho Yi-Wan Yvonne
Adjunct Associate Professors : Lim Choie Choie Tchoyoson
Teo Eu-Leong Harvey James
Contact information
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
Address
Homepage
Venkatesh SK, Tan LK, Siew EP, Putti TC
Macronodular hepatic tuberculosis associated with portal vein
thrombosis and portal hypertension. Australasian Radiology (2005)
49; 322-324.
MRI showing an enhancing breast
cancer (arrow) in a woman with
a normal mammogram and breast
ultrasound
046
CT pulmonary angiogram
showing large dark blood clots
(arrows) in the bright contrastfilled arteries to both lungs
: Ms Koh Wai Leng
: 6772-4211
: 6773-0190
: dnrsec@nus.edu.sg
: Dept of Diagnostic Radiology
5 Lower Kent Ridge Rd
Singapore 119074
: http://medicine.nus.edu.sg/diagrad/
DEPARTMENT
OF Medicine
INTRODUCTION
Year 2005 has been most fruitful for staff members under the Department of Medicine. Many of the academic
and research staff have been able to build links both within the School and also across faculties and institutions
to bolster their research initiatives. With such strong capabilities in our clinical, teaching and research arena, the
Department has been able to champion its research in the life sciences, especially in areas that have significant
implications for the health of the community in Singapore.
The Department has succeeded in garnering a cheering amount of competitive research funding amounting to
more than $16 million in 2005. The main areas with significant funding remain in liver diseases, gastrointestinal
disorders, cancer and cardiovascular diseases but respiratory medicine leads the charge in health services.
Research output has rebounded following 2004 with more than 140 full papers published in 2005. Of note, these
are quality publications in premier journals, having more than 50% papers tiered at first or second grades. Worth
mentioning, the Department has made its mark with publications in the prestigious New England Journal of
Medicine in 2005. Apart from publications, it is also noteworthy as 10 of our staff members had won awards for
their work. One of our research students had been awarded PhD while two others received their MSc.
For the coming year, we seek to build on these successes and continue to be a major catalyst for clinical, translational
and basic research within the University.
Department of Medicine
Project Description
Functional assessment of severe organic mitral regurgitation
using N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, myocardial
strain rate imaging and heart rate variability
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Ling Lieng Hsi
Cardiovascular manifestations and echocardiographic features
in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: Correlation with
heart-reactive auto anitbodies
Central processing and intestinal reaction to visceral and
physical stressors in healthy controls and IBS patients
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Ho Khek Yu
Identification of novel biomarkers for the screening of gastric
cancer in Singapore funded by BMRC
Co-Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Yeoh Khay Guan
: Assoc Prof Ho Khek Yu
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Einar Wilder-Smith
Comparison of 2 techniques of botulism toxin administration
for dystonia and spasticity: Activated EMG and electrical motor
point stimulation. Pilot cross-over study
Principal Investigator : Dr Erle Lim
Impact of absence of TRIP-Br2 on growth and development:
characterization of TRIP-Br2 knockout mouse as a model for
common human disease(s), NMRC Pilot Study Grant
: Dr Sim Khe Guan
On-going Projects
Development of robotic system to enhance Therapeutic GI
endoscopic procedures
Establishment of a Gastric Cancer Epidemiology, Clinical and
Genetics Programme (GCEP)
Optical bioimaging of premalignant lesions in the
gastrointestinal tract: Development of endoscope-based
Raman spectroscopy and NIR autofluorescence imaging
technique
: Assoc Prof Yeoh Khay Guan
: Assoc Prof Ho Khek Yu,
Prof Yoshiaki Ito
: Dr Huang Zhiwei
(Dept of Bioengineering)
Co-Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Ho Khek Yu
The role of impaired intestinal transit in bloating by patients
with non-diarrhoea predominant irritable bowel syndrome
(non-d-IBS)
Clinical cellular immunotherapy program project-novel
applications for haematoologic and oncologic cancers
Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigators
: Assoc Prof Chen Chien-Shing
: Dr Jean-Paul Deslypere,
Prof John Wong Eu Li
Cancer therapeutic animal model program for pre-clinical
testing in NUS/NUH
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Chen Chien-Shing
Clinical and genotypic studies of non-diabetic Singaporean
Chinese persons to identify candidate genes in essential
hypertension
Principal Investigator : Prof Vernon Oh Min Sen
: Dr Taylor EA,
Dr Yap EPH
Hypertension genes in Chinese adults with obesity and the
metabolic syndrome (HYGENE-CAMS Study)
: Prof Vernon Oh Min Sen
: Assoc Prof Thai AC,
Dr Mukherjee JJ,
Dr Ho KT,
Dr Yap EPH
Gastric Cancer Epidemiology, Clinical and Genetic Programme
(GCEP). Cohort study of patients at high risk of gastric cancer
048
Designing a novel volumetric devise for measuring human hand
sympathetic vasomotor nerve function
: Assoc Prof Yeoh Khay Guan
: Prof Yoshiaki Ito,
Should peak flow measurements be a discharge criteria in
patients with asthma?
: Dr Khoo See Meng
: Prof Lim Tow Keang
Detection of myocardial ischaemia and changes in B type
natriuretic peptide level during treadmill exercise stress testing
: Dr Hong CT Eric
: Assoc Prof Ling Lieng Hsi
Incremental value of troponin T, heart-type fatty acid-binding
protein, creatine kinase-MB mass, electrocardiogram and
myoglobin in rapid bedside diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome
in chest pain patients presenting to an emergency department
: Assoc Prof Ooi BS Shirley
Combination of aortic valve calcium by multislice detector
computed tomography and serum pro-BNP levels as prognostic
indicators of incremental value in patients with aortic stenosis
Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigator
: Dr Poh Kian Keong
Multi-slice computed tomography for detecting and
quantitating thoracic aortic atheromas: Comparison
with transoesophageal echocardiography and prediction of
neurocognitive dysfunction after coronary artery bypass
surgery
: Dr Chai Ping
B-type natriuetic peptide as a marker of myocardial ischemia
during stress testing
Host and viral factors contributing to Hepatitis B outcomes in
cohort study
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Lim Seng Gee
Oncoproteomics in biomarker and drug discovery
Co-Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Lim Seng Gee
Identifying molecular mechanisms of drug-induced liver injury
in immortalized human hepatocyte cultures expressing liverspecific genes : Focus on MOMP (Mitochondrial Outer Member
Permeabilization)
Co-Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Urs Alex Boelsterli
(Dept of Pharmacology)
: Assoc Prof Lim Seng Gee
: Prof Roy Calne
: Prof KO Lee
Preemptive CD8+ T-Cell Depleted Donor Lymphocyte Infusion
following Nonmyeloablative Stem Cell Transplantation (NMT):
A Novel Cellular Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or
Myelodysplastic Synodrome (MDS)
Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigators : Assoc Prof Chen Chien-Shing
: Dr Tan Lip Kun,
Dr Patrick Tan
Development of an early phase clinical trials oncology program
at the Cancer Institute (National Healthcare Group-NHG),
in conjunction with the Cancer Therapeutics Research Group
(CTRG)
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Chen Chien-Shing
Development of the Transplantation Medical Research Centre
at NUS/NUH: Therapeutic applications in haematological
malignancies and saolid tumors with Non-Myeloablative
Transplantation
Principal Investigator Principal Investigator
: Emeritus Assoc Prof Webb GD
: Prof Oh Min Sen Vernon,
Dr Maung Maung Aye W,
Dr Oakley REl Oakley,
Dr Elizabeth A. Taylor,
Dr Shanthi Wasser
Essential hypertension, atherosclerosis, and expression of nitric
oxide synthase genes and sodium, potassium-ATPase genes in
human arteries and veins
Principal Investigator : Prof Lee Edmund JD,
: Prof Oh Min Sen Vernon,
Dr Lee Caroline
Brain Activity Monitor
Principal Investigator Islet Cells and Diabetes
Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigator Comparison of expression of nitric oxide synthase and
cystathionine gamma-lyase genes in human internal thoracic
arteries from normotensive and hypertensive patients
: Assoc Prof Einar Wilder-Smith
Effect of transdermal botulinum toxin on sweat secretion in
subjects with hyperhidrosis
Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Einar Wilder-Smith
: Dr Erle Lim
A pilot study on the effects of life style modification and
Pentoxifylline in patients with NASH
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Lee Yin Mei
Study of the pharmacokinetics of drugs in patients undergoing
liver dialysis by MARS, National
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Lee Kang Hoe
N-terminal pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide levels in severe
sepsis and septic shock
Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigator : Dr Jason Phua
: Assoc Prof Lee Kang Hoe
Prospective study of periodontal disease and treatment outcome
in adult diabetes
: Assoc Prof Lim Lum Peng
(Dept of Preventive Dentistry,
Faculty of Dentistry)
: Assoc Prof Thai Ah Chuan
Prevalence of reversible endocrine causes of hypertension in
type 2 patients
: Dr JJ Murkherjee
(Dept of Medicine, NUH)
Molecular genetics and clinical characterisation of young
diabetics
: Dr Stanley Liew
(Dept of Medicine, NUH)
Culture of BSL-2 cell lines
Multinational multicentre randomised study to establish the
optimal method of initiating and maintaining Lantus (insulin
glargine) therapy in type 1 diabetes
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Thai Ah Chuan
Diabcare Asia Study (Singapore Centre)
Ellinor PT, Low AFH, Patton KK, Shea M, MacRae CA
Discordant ANP and BNP levels in lone atrial fibrillation. Journal of
the American College of Cardiology (2005) 45(1):82-6.
Lim CHE, Seet CSR, Ong BKC, Oh VMS
What colour-mari are your stools? British Medical Journal (2005)
331:881. (United Kingdom).
Prevalence of reversible endocrine causes of hypertension in
Type 2 diabetic patients with poorly controlled blood pressure
Lim CHE, Seet CSR
Speak clearly to the bogey man. British Medical Journal (2005)
331:492.
: Dr JJ Mukherjee
: Prof Lim Pin
The effect of combining Angiotensin Converting Enzyme
Inhibitor and Angiotensin Receptor Blocker on proteinuria in
type 2 diabetic patients with nephropathy
: Dr Florence Tan
: Prof Lim Pin,
Dr JJ Mukherjee
Study of beta-cell function in different ethnic groups using
glucose tolerance test
: Dr Stanley Liew
: Prof Lee KO,
Assoc Prof Stephen Wise
Zhu Z, Mukhina S, Zhu T, Mertani HC, Lee KO, Lobie PE
p44/42 MAP kinase-dependent regulation of catalase by autocrine
human growth hormone protects human mammary carcinoma cells
from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Oncogene (2005) 24:37743785.
Ye L, Haider HKH, Jiang S, Ling LH, Ge R, Law PK, Sim EK
Reversal of myocardial injury using genetically modulated human
skeletal myoblasts in a rodent cryoinjured heart model. Eur J Heart
Fail (2005) 7(6):945-52.
Lim CHE, Ng TH, Seet CSR
Hadziyanns SJ, Tassopoulos NC, Heathcote EJ, Chang TT,
Kitis G, Rizzetto M, Marcellin P, Lim SG, Goodman Z, Ma J,
Arteburn S, Xiong S, Currie G, Brosgart CL
Liew CF, Wise SD, Yeo KP, Lee KO
Adefovir Dipivoxil 438 Study Group. Long-term therapy with adefovir
dipivoxil for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. N Engl J Med (2005)
352(26):2673-81.
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 is independently affected
by ethnicity, insulin sensitivity, and leptin in healthy, glucose-tolerant
young men. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (2005)
90(3):1483-1488.
Sario-Inocencio EG, Ho KY
Mukherjee JJ, Villa ML, Tan LKA, Lee KO
Colocutaneous fistula caused by a self-expanding metallic stent.
Gastrointest Endosc (2005) 61(4):633-6.
Seet RC, Gong LL, Tambyah PA
Image of the Month: Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection and
syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone.
Gastroenterology (2005) 128, 252.
Zhu T, Starling-Emerald B, Zhang X, Lee KO, Gluckman PD,
Mertani HC, Lobie PE
Oncogenic transformation of human mammary epiethelia cells
by autocrine human growth hormone. Cancer Research (2005)
65:317-324.
Ito K, Liu Q, Salto-Tellez M, Yano T, Tada K, Ida H, Huang C,
Shah N, Inoue M, Rajnakova A, Hiong KC, Peh BK, Han HC,
Ito T, Teh M, Yeoh KG, Ito Y
RUNX3, a novel tumor suppressor, is frequently inactivated in gastric
cancer by protein mislocalization. Cancer Res (2005) 65(17):774350.
050
A woman whose radiographs showed subcutaneous metallic objects.
Canad Med Assoc J (2005) 173:150.
Bilateral adrenal masses due to histoplasmosis. Journal of Clinical
Endocrinology & Metabolism (2005) 90:6725-6726.
Seet CSR, Lim CHE, Wilder-Smith EPV
Spindle coma from acute midbrain infarction. Neurology (2005)
64:2159-2160.
Chai LYA, Ng TM, Habib AG, Singh KS, Kumarasinghe G,
Tambyah PA
Paradoxical increase in MRSA acquisition rates despite barrier
precautions and increased handwashing compliance during SARS.
Clinical Infectious Diseases (2005) 40:632-633.
Tan CC, Chan CM, Ho CK, Wong KS, Lee EJC, Woo KT
Health economics of renal replacement therapy: perspectives from
Singapore. Kidney International (2005) Supplement 94:S19-22.
Tan YJ, Tham PY, Chan DZ, Chou CF, Shen S, Fielding BC,
Tan TH, Lim SG, Hong W
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 3a protein
up-regulates expression of fibrinogen in lung epithelial cells. J Virol
(2005) 79(15):10083-7.
Keng CT, Zhang A, Shen S, Lip KM, Fielding BC, Tan TH, Chou CF,
Loh CB, Wang S, Fu J, Yang X, Lim SG, Hong W, Tan YJ
Lim SG
Amino acids 1055 to 1192 in the S2 region of severe acute respiratory
syndrome coronavirus S protein induce neutralizing antibodies:
implications for the development of vaccines and antiviral agents.
J Virol (2005) 79(6):3289-96.
Utility of the Health Belief Model in predicting compliance of
screening in patients with hepatitis B. Alimentary Pharmacology &
Therapeutics (2005) 21:1255-1262. (United States).
Inoue M, Barkham T, Keong LK, Gee LS, Wanjin H
Phua J, Lim TK, Lee KH
B-type natriuretic peptide: issues for the intensivist and pulmonologist.
Crit Care Med (2005) 33(9):2094-13. Review. Erratum in: Crit Care
Med (2005) 33(11):2727.
Ho KY, Chan YH, Kang JY
Increasing trend of reflux esophagitis and decreasing trend of
Helicobacter pylori infection in patients from a multiethnic Asian
country. Am J Gastroenterol (2005) 100(9):1923-8.
Caluag MB, Ho KY
Successful endoscopic retrival of an impacted trapezoid basket with
severed traction wires. Endoscopy (2005) 37:407.
Ho KY, Gwee KA, Khor JL, Selamat DS, Wai DCT, Yeoh KG
Empirical treatment for the management of patients presenting
with uninvestigated reflux symptons: a prospective study in an Asian
primary care population. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
(2005) 21:1313-20.
Song GH, Leng PH, Gwee KA, Moochhala SM, Ho KY
Melatonin attenuates stress-induced defecation: lesson from a rat
model of stress-induced gut dysfunction. Neurogastroenterology
and Motility (2005) 22:927-34.
Song GH, Leng PH, Gwee KA, Moochhala SM, Ho KY
Performance of single-step gel-based reverse transcription-PCR
(RT-PCR) assays equivalent to that of real-time RT-PCR assays for
detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated
coronavirus. J Clin Microbiol (2005) 43(8):4262-5.
Tan TH, Barkham T, Fielding BC, Chou CF, Shen S, Lim SG,
Hong W, Tan YJ
Genetic lesions within the 3a gene of SARS-COV. Virol J (2005)
2:51.
Wai CT, Sutedja DS, Khor CJ, Teoh KF, Yeoh KG
Esophageal sinus formation as a complication of cyanoacrylate
injection. Gastrointest Endosc (2005) 61(6):773-5.
SG Lim
Misperceptions among patients with chronic hepatitis B in
Singapore. World Journal of Gasteroenterology (2005) 11(32):
5002-5005. (China).
Dan YY, Wai CT, Lee YM, Sutedja DS, Seet BL, Lim SG
Outcome of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus is generally benign
except in cirrhotics. World J Gastroenterol (2005) 11(28):4344-50.
Ong TZ, Khor JL, Selamat DS, Yeoh KG, Ho KY
Melatonin improves abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome
patients who have sleep disturbance - randomized double blind
placebo controlled study. Gut (2005) 54:1402-7.
Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in
the post-MRCP era: a tertiary center experience. World J
Gastroenterol (2005) 11(33):5209-12.
Lu WZ, Gwee KA, Moochhala SM, Ho KY
Wai CT, Khor C, Lim SE, Ho KY
Melatonin improved bowel symptons in female patients with
irritable bowel syndrome: A double-blind placebo-controlled study.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 22:927-34.
Post-metallic stent placement bleeding caused by stent-induced
ulcers. World J Gastroenterol (2005) 11(36):5739-41.
Chua AP, Lee KH, Lim TK
In-Hospital and 5-Year Mortality of Patients Treated in the ICU for
Acute Exacerbation of COPD. Chest (2005) 128: 518-524. (United
States).
Seet RC, Johan A, Teo CE, Gan SL, Lee KH
Inhalational nickel carbonyl poisoning in waste processing workers.
Chest (2005) 128(1):424-9.
Tan YJ, Lim SG, Hong W
Characterization of viral proteins encoded by the SARS-coronavirus
genome. Antiviral Res (2005) 65(2):69-78. Review.
Wong PS, Yang H, Ling LH
Severe mitral regurgitation due to annular abscess fistulating into the
left atrium. Heart (2005) 91:790.
Processing tissue for histology
Seet CSR, Rathakrishnan R, Chan PLB, Lim CHE
Lim EC, Seet RC
Diffuse cystic leukoencephalopathy after buprenorphine injection. J
Neurol Neurosurg Psych (2005) 76:890-1.
Images in Neuroscience. Tectal arteriovenous malformation. J of
Neurol Sci (2005) 12(8):922-973.
Lim CHE, Ong BKC, Wilder-Smith EPV
Loh LM, Hum AYM, Teoh HL, Lim CHE
Pool player’s headache. Cephalalgia (2005) 25(4):312-313. (United
States).
Grave’s Disease Associated with Spasmodic Truncal Flexion.
Parkinsonism and Related. Disorders (2005) 11:117-119.
Lim CHE, Wilder-Smith EPV, Chong LM, Wong MC
Seet CSR, Lim CHE
Seeing the Light: Brainstem Glioma causing visual auras and migraine.
Cephalalgia (2005) 25:154-156.
Phua J, Kong K, Lee KH, Shen L, Lim TK
Noninvasive ventilation in hypercapnic acute respiratory failure due
to COPD versus other conditions: effectiveness and predictors
of failure. Intensive Care Medicine (2005) 31(4):533-539. (United
States).
Kirk RC, Goh LMD, Packia J, Min Kam H, Ong BK
Computer calculated dose in paediatric prescribing. Drug Saf (2005)
28(9):817-24.
Teoh HL, Lim CHE
Platysmal Myoclonus in Subclinical Hyperthyroidism. Mov Disord
(2005) 20:1064-5.
Low AF, O’Donnell CJ, Kathiresan S, Everett B, Chae CU,
Shaw SY, Ellinor PT, MacRae CA
Aging syndrome genes and premature coronary artery disease. BMC
Med Genet (2005) 6:38.
Shen S, Lin PS, Chao YC, Zhang A, Yang X, Lim SG, Hong W,
Tan YJ
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 3a is a
novel structural protein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun (2005)
330(1):286-92.
Lam CS, Yeo CJ, Cheong PY, Ho KY
Comments on “The impact of SARS on medical house staff ...”. J Gen
Intern Med (2005) 20(10):973.
Vasoo S, Chin CM, Tambyah PA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis after
transurethral prostatic resection. Urology (2005) 65:592e21592e23.
052
Symptomatic Segmental Dystonia from a Cavernous Angioma in the
Centrum Semiovale. Parkinsonism and Related Disorders (2005)
11:65-67.
Tan JH, Goh BC, Tambyah PA, Wilder-Smith EPV
Paraneoplastic progressive supranuclear palsy in a patient with B-cell
lymphoma. Parkinsonism and Related Disorders (2005) 11:187-191.
Seet RC, Ooi EE, Wong HB, Paton NI
An outbreak of primary dengue infection among migrant Chinese
workers in Singapore characterized by prominent gastrointestinal
symptoms and a high proportion of symptomatic cases. J Clin Virol
(2005) 33(4):336-40.
Seet CSR, Lim CHE, Wilder Smith EPV, Ong BKC
Spontaneous epidural haematoma presenting as cord compression
in a patient receiving clopidogrel. European Journal of Neurology
(2005) 12:811-812.
Wilder-Smith E, Liu L, Thein Ma Ma K, Ong BK
Relationship of inspiratory flow rate and volume on digit tip skin and
ulnar artery vasoconstrictor responses in healthy adults. Microvasc
Res (2005) 69(1-2):95-100.
Lee KH, Lee MK, Sutedja DS, Lim SG
Outcome from molecular adsorbent recycling system (MARS)
liver dialysis following drug-induced liver failure. Liver Int (2005)
25(5):973-7.
Seet RC, Rathakrishnan R, Chan BP, Lim EC
Diffuse cystic leucoencephalopathy after buprenorphine injection. J
Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry (2005) 76(6):890-1.
Tan JH, Wilder-Smith E, Lim EC, Ong BK
Frequency of provocative factors in epileptic patients admitted
for seizures: a prospective study in Singapore. Seizure (2005)
14(7):464-9.
Seet RC, Wilder-Smith EPV, Ong BKC, Lim CHE
Lee CH, Low AFH, Tan HC, Lim YT
Spontaneous thoracic extradural haematoma presenting as the
Brown-Sequard Syndrome. Journal of Neurology (2005) 252(6):731-3.
(United States).
Pseudo-no-reflow phenomenon in ostial saphenous vein graft
intervention using FilterWire EX protection. International Journal of
Cardiology (2005) 104(2):233-4.
Wan Q, Liu Y, Guan Q, Gao L, Lee KO, Zhao JJ
Wilder-Smith EP, Fook-Chong S, Liurong L
Ethanol feeding impairs insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in isolated
rat skeletal muscle: role of Gs alpha and cAMP. Alcoholism - Clinical
and Experimental Research (2005) 29:1450-1456.
Reflex vasoconstrictor responses of the healthy human fingertip
skin. Normal range, repeatability, and influencing factors. Microvasc
Res (2005) 69(1-2):101-5.
Chou CF, Shen S, Tan YJ, Fielding BC, Tan TH, Fu J, Xu Q, Lim
SG, Hong W
A novel cell-based binding assay system reconstituting interaction
between SARS-CoV S protein and its cellular receptor. J Virol
Methods (2005) 123(1):41-8.
Seet CSR, Lau LG, Tambyah PA
Strongyloides hyperinfection and hypogammaglobulinemia. Clinical
and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology (2005) 12:680-682.
Van Brakel WH, Nicholls PG, Das L, Barkataki P, Suneetha SK,
Jadhav RS, Maddali P, Lockwood DN, Wilder-Smith E,
Desikan KV
The INFIR Cohort Study: investigating prediction, detection and
pathogenesis of neuropathy and reactions in leprosy. Methods and
baseline results of a cohort of multibacillary leprosy patients in north
India. Lepr Rev (2005) 76(1):14-34. Erratum in: Lepr Rev (2005)
76(3):264.
Wilder-Smith EP, Seet CSR, Lim CHE
Heng BC, Yu H, Yin Y, Lim SG, Cao T
Letter to the editor. J Hand Surg [Br] (2005) 30(6):660.
Factors influencing stem cell differentiation into the hepatic lineage in
vitro. J Gastroenterol Hepatol (2005) 20(7):975-87. Review.
Lim CHE, Seet CSR, Teoh HL, Sharma VK, Wilder-Smith EPV
Lim SL, Goh WT, Lee JM, Ng TP, Ho KY
Community Medicine GI Study Group Changing prevalence of
gastroesophageal reflux with changing time: longitudinal study in an
Asian population. J Gastroenterol Hepatol (2005) 20(7):995-1001.
Carpal Tunnel and Work: CTS in a Chef (Letter to editor). Journal of
Hand Surgery - British and European Volume (2005) 30:99.
Lim EC, Seet RC, Teoh HL, Sharma VK, Wilder-Smith EP
Re: Carpal tunnel syndrome and work, Dias et al. Journal of Hand
Surgery (2004) 29(4):329-333. J Hand Surg [Br] (2005) 30(1):99.
Lam CSP, Han L, Ha JW, Oh JK, Ling LH
The mitral L wave: A marker of pseudonormal filling and predictor
of heart failure in patients with left ventricular hypertrophy. Journal of
the American Society of Echocardiography (2005) 18(4):336-41.
Khoo KL, Poh HL, Ibrahim I, Lim TK
The changing face of healthcare worker perceptions on powered airpurifying respirators during the SARS outbreak. Respirology (2005)
10(1):107-110. (United States).
Wilder-Smith EPV, Lirong LL, Guo Y
Effect of hand position on digit and ulnar artery vasoconstrictor
reflexes. Clinical Autonomic Research (2005) 15:302-304.
Poh KK, Chan MY, Chia BL
Images in cardiology: Reversible left ventricular apical ballooning after
head injury. Clinical Cardiology (2005) 28(1):30.
Sun Z, Poh KK, Ling LH, Hong GS, Chew CH
Acoustic diagnosis of aortic stenosis. J Heart Valve Dis (2005)
14(2):186-94.
Wai CT, Sutedja DS, Lee YM
Remember to crush the tablets after esophageal stent insertion. Surg
Laparosc Endosc Percutan Tech (2005) 15(1):22-3.
Tan JH, Wilder-Smith EPV, Lim CHE, Ong BKC
Frequency of provocative factors in epileptic patients admitted
for seizures: A prospective study in Singapore. Seizure - European
Journal of Epilepsy (2005) 14:464-469.
Lim EC, Wilder-Smith EP, Ong BK, Seet RC
Is there a place for placebos in clinical practice? Intern Med J (2005)
35(12):734-5.
Tey HL, Seet RC, Lim EC
Tuberculomas causing cervical dystonia. Intern Med J (2005)
35(4):261-2.
Rathakrishnan R, Lim EC, Teoh HL, Chan BP, Seet RC
Retropharyngeal abscess presenting with meningism. Intern Med J
(2005) 35(9):567-8.
Oakley RE, Msherqi ZA, Lim SK, Lee SH, Ho KT, Sutandar A,
Lee CN, Lim YT
Transplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived cells into the
myocardium of patients undergoing coronary bypass. Heart Surg
Forum (2005) 8(5):348-50.
Lim CHE, Teoh HL, Seet RC
Images in Neuroscience.Acute confusion and agitation after epidural
anaesthesia. J Clin Neuroscience (2005)12 (7):790, 846.
Isaac JR, Skinner S, Elliot R, Salto-Tellez M, Garkavenko O, Khoo
A, Lee KO, Calne R
Transplantation of neonatal porcine islets and sertoli cells into
nonimmunosuppressed nonhuman primates. Transplantation
Proceedings (2005) 37:487-488.
Wang DZ, Skinner S, Elliot R, Escobar L, Salto-Tellez M,
Garkavenko O, Khoo A, Lee KO, Calne R, Isaac JR
Xenotransplantation of neonatal porcine islets and Serotli cells
into nonimmunosuppressed streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Transplantation Proceedings (2005) 37:470-471.
Fernandes M, Lee YM, Lee KH
Treatment of steroid resistant acute liver transplant rejection with
Basiliximab. Transplantation Proceeedings (2005) 37:2179-80.
Lee YM, Wai CT, Da Costa M, Lee KH, Sutedja D, Tan KC, Isaac
J, Prabhakaran K, Lim SG
Bilirubin appears to be the only independent variable affecting
mortality on liver transplant waiting list if waiting time exceeds 1 year.
Transplant Proc (2005) 37:4365-6.
Lim CHE, Seet CSR, Teoh HL, Sharma VK, Wilder-Smith EPV
Carpal Tunnel syndrome and Work: Diasetal. Journal of Hand Surgery
(2004) 239-333.
Low AF, Lim YT, Teo SG, Budiono B, Sutandar A, Tan HC
Comparison of the X-SIZER thrombectomy device with adjunct
abciximab during primary angioplasty and stenting for STsegment elevation myocardial infarction. J Interv Cardiol (2005)
18(4):267-73.
Lee CH, Wong HB, Tan HC, Zhang JJ, Teo SG, Ong HY, Low A,
Sutandar A, Lim YT
Impact of reversibility of no reflow phenomenon on 30-day mortality
following percutaneous revascularization for acute myocardial
infarction-insights from a 1,328 patient registry. J Interv Cardiol
(2005) 18(4):261-6.
Lee CH, Teo SG, Hong E, Wong HB, Low A, Sutandar A,
Tan HC, Lim YT
Impact of glycemic control on occurrence of no-reflow and 30-day
outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing primary angioplasty for
myocardial infarction. J Invasive Cardiol (2005) 17(8):422-6.
Lee CH, Tan HC, Teo SG, Sutandar A, Lim YT
Safety and feasibility of X-sizer-facilitated rescue percutaneous
coronary intervention: a preliminary experience. J Invasive Cardiol
(2005) 17(1):1-4.
Razakjr OA, Tan HC, Yip WL, Lim YT
Predictors of bleeding complications and thrombocytopenia with
the use of abciximab during percutaneous coronary intervention.
J Interv Cardiol (2005) 18(1):33-7.
Cardiac functional assessment using Deppler-echocardlography
054
Staff Profile
Associate Professor & Head : Ho Khek Yu
University Professor
: Lim Pin
Professors
: Cheah Jin Seng
Chia Boon Lock
Lee Kok Onn
Lim Tow Keang
Marc Burgunder, Jean
(Visiting Professor)
Oh Min Sen,Vernon
Wilder-Smith, Clive
Wong Eu Li, John
Adjunct Professors
: Feng Pao Hsii
Joseph Thomas August
Sir David Lane
Yoshiaki Ito
: Chen Chien-Shing
Fisher, Dale Andrew
Kueh Yan Koon
Lee Jon Choon, Evan
Lee Kang Hoe
Lim Seng Gee
Lim Yean Teng
Ling Lieng Hsi
Ong Kian Chung, Benjamin
Tambyah, Paul A
Thai Ah Chuan
Wilder-Smith, Einar
Yeoh Khay Guan
Adjunct Associate Professors : Boey Mee Leng
Fong Kok Yong
Gwee Kok Ann
Kong Hwai Loong
Loong Si Chin
Stephen Wise
Thumboo, Julian
: Lam Su Ping, Carolyn
Lim Chuen Hian, Erle
Lee Yin Mei
Lim Hsuen, Elaine
Low Fatt Hoe, Adrian
Seet See Cheong, Raymond
Wai Chun Tao, Desmond
Adjunct Assistant Professors : Li Baojie
Wong Soon Tee
Research Scientist : Shanthi Wasser
: Stephen Hsu I-Hong
Adjunct Senior Fellows
: Chew Chin Hin
Suresh Sahadevan
Research Fellows
: Lim Min Chin
Sim Khe Guan
Wong Yik Yieng Jennie
Zhou Lei
Research Assistants
Visiting Fellow
: Aung Myat Oo
Cheng Yan
Gao Qing
Hsann Yin Maw
Jasinghe Viray Janakakumara
Lee Lay Yong
Lee Guan Huei
Ong Shair Ling, Carmen
Regina Chan Yoke Ying
Song Guang Hui
Tai Yan Chin
Yang Maolin Christopher
Yap Chui Sun
Zang Zhijiang
Zhou Jian Biao
: Annabelle Donaldson
Contact information
Contact Person
:
Telephone
:
Facsimile
:
Email
:
Head
6772-4350
6779-4112
mdchoky@nus.edu.sg
Contact Person
:
Telephone
:
Facsimile
:
Email
:
Address
:
Assoc Prof Einar Wilder-Smith
Departmental Director
(Research)
6772-4171
6779-4112
mdcwse@nus.edu.sg
c/o National University Hospital
No. 5, Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119074
DEPARTMENT
OF Microbiology
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, research on immunology, genetics, virology, bacteriology, applied and industrial microbiology has
progressed further, while scientific collaborations both within Singapore and overseas have developed. Located
within the department are the WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Immunology; Bone Marrow
and Cord Blood Registries; MOH Hepatitis B Testing Quality Assurance Centre; National Malaria Reference Centre
and the Human Genome Laboratory. To take advantage of the completion of the sequencing of the human genome
and many microbial genomes, the department is concentrating on microbial pathogenesis and on the development
of molecular-based microbial diagnostics and vaccines. We are also involved in a bioengineering initiative in which
bioinformatics and computational biology are utilized to unravel the interaction between microbial peptides and
the host major histocompatibility antigens. Such precise biocomputational prediction may generate vaccines and
immunotherapeutic procedures against important infectious diseases and cancers. The department is blending
powerful tools developed in the physical and computational sciences into biology to develop cutting-edge capabilities
in the Life Sciences.
Department of Microbiology
The Department of Microbiology at the Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine possesses a faculty and two major research programmes
that are internationally competitive. The international team of
researchers, led by Professor David Michael Kemeny, comprises
academics whose interests include basic research on Immunology;
Microbiology; Virology, Bacteriology; Parasitology/genetics and
molecular biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms,
microbial pathogenesis, and vaccine development. The two major
research programmes in the Department are the Immunology
and Infectious Diseases Programmes. Within these programmes,
there are six research themes. They are emerging/re-emerging
infections, tropical diseases, viral cancers, anti-infectives, vaccines
and immunobiology. A new Research Programme known as the
Microbiology Vaccine Initiative was launched to work on the
development of vaccines against major infectious diseases such as
dengue and tuberculosis.
The Department is strategically located on the NUS campus
between the Faculty of Science and the National University
Hospital, thus providing an excellent environment for
collaboration with investigators in both pre-clinical as well
as clinical fields. State-of-the-art core facilities and a vibrant
research community exist at the Department, and collegiality
among different laboratories is further fostered by the close
proximity of the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB),
Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL), Genome Institute
of Singapore (GIS) A*STAR, and Novartis (NITD). In addition,
top-tiered intensive research output is achieved by the
Department which synergistically and actively collaborates with
local external agencies as well as partner foreign universities.
Quality and world-class education in Immunology; Microbiology;
Virology, Bacteriology; Parasitology, Molecular Biology and
Infectious Diseases is offered to Medical, Dental and Life Sciences
undergraduates and postgraduates, ensuring that learning will
always be an exciting and challenging process at the Department.
Project Description
Grants Awarded In 2005
Tuberculin skin test reactivity and peripheral blood mononuclear
gamma interferon responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
specific proteins in medical and nursing students
: Dr Seah Geok Teng,
Assoc Prof Wang Yee Tang
Mechanisms of c1q contribution to the prevention of systemic
lupus erythematosus(SLE)-like diseases: insight from the unique
mechanism of c1q biosynthesis
: Dr Lu Jinhua
Immune correlates of latent tuberculosis
: Dr Seah Geok Teng
Development of live recombinant vaccine against avian influenza
virus : use of Bordetella pertussis as a nasal delivery vehicle
: Dr Sylvie Alonso
Mycobacterial HSP70 cross-presentation: defining the role of
dc-t lymphocyte interactions and g-protein coupled
receptor(s)
: Dr Paul A MacAry
Understand the roles of beta ig h3 in dendritic cell
macropinocytosis and assess its role as a potential enhancer
for subunit vaccines
: Dr Lu Jinhua
Characterization of a novel cd8 T-cell mediated
immunoregulatory pathway that prevents type I IgE
hypersensitivity and systemic lupus erythematosus (sle)
: Prof David Michael Kemeny
Dendritic cell induction of EBV and human CMV specific cytotoxic
T-lymphocyte responses (Young Investigator Award)
: Dr Paul A MacAry
Fluorescence photomicrographs from DAPI fluorescence assay for apoptosis
of non-transformed rat intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells. Cell monolayers
were grown on glass coverslips and incubated for 24 h with either growth
media (A), Blastocystis ratti WR1 live parasite (B), parasitic lysate (C), and
0.25 μM staurosporin as positive control (D). Cells coincubated with live
parasites, parasitic lysate and staurosporin show nuclear condensation and
fragmentation (B, C and D). (Puthia et al. 2006 Infection and immunity)
Development of live recombinant vaccines against Enterovirus
71: Use of Bordetella pertussis as delivery system
Investigation of microbial metabolic pathways based on
transscriptional control of gene networks
: Dr Sylvie Alonso
Modulation of the development and progression of cancer by
lactobacilli
On-going Projects
Intestinal colonization and immuno-modulation by probiotic
microorganisms expressing antigens of pathogens
: Assoc Prof Lee Yuan Kun
Modulation of the development and progression of cancer by
lactobacilli
Collaborators
: Dr Ratha Mahendran (Surgery),
(Anatomy)
: Assoc Prof Ng Mah Lee
Identification of functional domains on three-dimensional
reconstructed flavivirus particles
: Assoc Prof Ng Mah Lee
In vivo analysis of the human transcription machinery with the
help of the human split-ubiquitin system
: Dr Norbert Lehming
Cell and molecular biology of the human intestinal protozoan
parasite Blastocystis hominis: replication, cell death, pathogenesis
and genetic tools
: Dr Tan Shyong Wei Kevin
Identification of human genomic DNA elements capable of
mediating episome persistence in proliferating human cells
: Prof Chan Soh Ha
Establishment of a comprehensive picture of the transcription
process with the help of the split ubiquitin
: Dr Norbert Lehming
Anti-malarial drug discovery from natural product extracts
: Assoc Prof Sim Tiow Suan
Development of a SARS-associated virus replicon cell line for
the identification of potential therapeutic agents for SARS
: Dr Hung Siu Chun
Development control of MHC class II trafficking pathways by
caspases and nitric oxide in antigen presenting cells (APCs): the
route to vaccines design and development
: Dr Wong Siew Heng
Establishment of a rt-pcr-based system for profiling EpsteinBarr virus gene transcripts and characterization of the
nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line C666-1
058
: Dr Hung Siu Chun
Humoral immune responses against human coronavirus SARS
antigen and development of potential vaccines and therapeutic
antibodies
Novel strategies to improve the efficacy of antibacterial and
adjunctive therapies of acute and chronic bacterial infections
Collaborators
Structural and functional study of flavivirus attachment
domain(s) and the cellular receptor(s)
: Assoc Prof Sim Tiow Suan
: Dr Mark Taylor
: Assoc Prof Ng Mah Lee,
Dr Seah Geok Teng,
Assoc Prof Shazib Pervaiz
(Physiology)
Proteome mapping of aromatic hydrocarbon -induced response
in Pseudomonas alcaligenes P25x
: Assoc Prof Poh Chit Laa
Development of anti-adhesive for use in the prevention and/or
eradication of Helicobacter pylori infections
: Assoc Prof Ho Bow
Studies on the cell & molecular biology of the malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
: Dr Tan Shyong Wei Kevin
Development of novel DNA vaccines against Pseudomonas
aeruginosa and elimination of virulence by antisense RNA
Investigation of the SARS-corona virus spike (s) protein as
a target and modulator of pulmonary innate immunity and
evaluation of recombinant protein as a diagnostic reagent
: Dr Lu Jinhua
Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) as antiviral therapy for Enterovirus
71
Investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying
recognition of endotoxin by atomic force microscopy
host
: Dr Lu Jinhua
Fibroblast-activating factor: molecular characterization of a
putative virulence factor from Porphyromonas gingivalis causing
periodontal disease
: Dr Song Keang Peng
Dengue vaccine: use of lactic bacteria as delivery vehicle
Principal Investigator : Dr Sylvie Alonso
Role of quinones in mycobacterial persistence: effects of
antibiotic resistance and host immune response (BMRC Young
Investigator Award)
Principal Investigator : Dr Seah Geok Teng
Dendritic cell immune modulation in vaccination and
immunotherapy (Microbiology Vaccine Initiative)
Principal Investigator : Dr Seah Geok Teng
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Ng Mah Lee,
Dr Lu Jinhua
Liew Weng Chee Scholarship for postdoctoral training in Scripps
Research Institute
: Dr Justin Wong Soon Boon
King D, Tomkins S, Waters A, Easterbrook PE, Thurmond LM,
Thorborn DE, Raffi F, Kemeny DM, Vyakarnam A
Intracellular cytokines may model immunoregulation of Abacavir
hypersensitivity in human immunodeficiency virus-infected subjects.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2005) 115:1081-1087.
Kurupati P, Teh BK, Kumarasinghe G, Poh CL
Identification of vaccine candidate antigens of an ESBL producing
Klebsielle pneumoniae clinical strains by immunoproteome analysis.
Proteomics (2005) 6:836-844.
Kussebi F, Karamloo F, Rhyner C, Schmid-Grendelmeier P,
Salagianni M, Mannhart C, Akdis M, Soldatova L, MarkovicHousley Z, Von Beust BR, Kundig T, Kemeny DM, Blaser K,
Crameri R, Akdis CA
Alonso S, Willery E, Renauld-Mongenie G, Locht C
A major allergen gene-fusion protein for potential usage in allergenspecific immunotherapy. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
(2005) 115:323-329.
Production of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae HtrA by
recombinant Bordetella pertussis using filamentous hemagglutinin as
carrier. Infect Immun (2005) 73:4295-301.
Lee YK, Hao WL, Ho PS, Nordling MM, Low CS, de Kok TMCM,
Rafter J
Boven K, Stryker S, Knight PHJ, Thomas A, Van Regenmortel M,
Kemeny DM, Power D, Rossert J, Casadevall N
The increased incidence of Pure Red Cell Aplasia with an
EPREX formulation in uncoated rubber stopper syringes. Kidney
International (2005) 67:2346-2353.
Chan L, Hardwick N, Darling D, Galea-Lauri J, Gaken J, Devereux
S, Kemeny DM, Mufti G, Farzaneh F
Human fecal water modifies adhesion of intestinal bacteria to Caco2 cells. Nutrition and Cancer (2005) 52:3-42.
Ng LFP, Chan M, Chan SH, Cheng PCP, Leung EHC, Chen WN,
Ren RC
Host heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) as a potential
target to suppress Hepatitis B virus replication. PloS Medicine (2005)
2(7):673-683.
IL-2/B7.1 (CD80) fusagene transduction of AML blasts by a selfinactivating lentiviral vector stimulates T cell responses in vitro : a
strategy to generate whole cell vaccines for AML. Molecular Therapy
(2005) 11: 120-131.
Puthia MK, Vaithilingam A, Lu J, Tan KSW
Chia SM, Lin PC, Quek CH, Yin C, Mao HQ, Leong KW, Xu X,
Goh CH, Ng MML, Yu H
Genome analysis of lactic acid bacteria in food fermentations and
biotechnological applications. Current Opinion in Microbiology
(2005) 8:317-312.
Engineering microenvironment for the expansion of sensitive
anchorage-dependent mammalian cells. Journal of Biotechnology
(2005) 118:434-447.
Crittenden R, Bird AR, Gopal P, Henriksson A, Lee YK,
Playne MJ
Probiotic research in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific
region. Current Pharmaceutical Design (2005) 11:37-53.
Ho PS, Kwang J, Lee YK
Degradation of human secretory immunoglobulin A by Blastocystis.
Parasitol Res (2005) 97:386-9.
Nga BH
Taylor MB
Tuskegee revisited. The Lancet Infectious Disease (2005) 5:467-468.
Zhao B, Yeo CC, Poh CL
Proteome investigation of the global regulatory role of sigma 54 in
response to gentisate induction. Proteomics (2005) 5(7):1868-1876.
(Germany).
Intragastric administration of Lactobacillus casei expressing
transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus. Vaccine (2005) 23:13351342.
Zhu Y, Thangamani S, Ho B, Ding JL
Kang MS, Lu H, Yasui T, Sharpe A, Warren H, Cahir-McFarland E,
Bronson R, Hung SC
Karamloo F, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Kussebi F, Akdis M,
Salagianni M, von Beust BR, Reimers A, Zumkehr J, Soldatova
L, Housley-Markovic Z, Muller U, Kundig T, Kemeny DM,
Spangfort MD, Blaser K, Akdis CA
Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1 does not induce lymphoma
in transgenic FVB mice. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences of the United States (2005) 102:820-825.
The ancient origin of the complement system. EMBO Journal (2005)
24:382-394.
Prevention of allergy by a recombinant multi-allergen vaccine with
reduced IgE binding and preserved T cell epitopes. Eur J Immunol
(2005) 35(11):3268-76.
Floto RA, Clatworthy MR, Heilbronn KR, Rosner DR, MacAry PA,
Rankin A, Lehner PJ, Ouwehand WH, Allen JM, Watkins NA,
Smith KG
Loss of function of a lupus-associated FcgammaRIIb polymorphism
through exclusion from lipid rafts. Nat Med (2005) 11(10):1056-8.
Liu J, Ying J, Chow VT, Hruby VJ, Satyanarayanajois SD
Structure-activity studies of peptides from the “hot-spot” region of
human CD2 protein: development of peptides for immunomodulation.
Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (2005) 48(20):6236-6249.
Cao W, Tan P, Lee CH, Zhang H, Lu J
A transforming growth factor beta-induced protein stimulates
endocytosis and is specifically induced in immature dendritic cells.
Blood (2005) 107:2777-2785.
Reeves MB, MacAry PA, Lehner PJ, Sissons JGP, Sinclair JH
Latency, Chromatin remodeling and reactivation of human
cytomegalovirus in the dendritic cells of healthy carriers. Proc Natl
Acad USA (2005) 10:1073.
Santambrogio L, Potolicchio I, Fessler S, Wong S H, Raposo G,
Strominger JL
Involvement of caspase-cleaved and intact Adaptor Protein-1
complex during endosomal remodeling in maturing dendritic cells.
Nature Immunology (2005) 6:1020-1028.
Siegel N, Tan KSW, Cross GAM
A systematic study of sequence motifs for RNA trans-splicing in
Trypanosoma brucei. Mol Cell Biol (2005) 25:9586-94.
Saw TY, Cao T, Yap AUJ, Ng ML
Sun G, Lu J, Pervaiz S, Gan YH
pseudomallei. Cell Microbiol (2005) 7:1447-1458.
Tooth slice organ culture and established cell line culture models
for cytotoxicity assessment of dental materials. Toxicology in Vitro
(2005) 19:145-154.
Surjit M, Kumar R, Mishra RN, Reddy MK, Chow VT, Lal SK
Tan KSW, Nasirudeen AMA
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus nucleocapsid
protein is phosphorylated and localizes in the cytoplasm by 14-3-3mediated translocation. Journal of Virology (2005) 79:11476-11486.
Protozoan programmed cell death - insights from Blastocystis
deathstyles. Trends Parasitol (2005) 21:547-50.
Koh WP, Chow VTK, Phoon MC, Ramachandran N, Seow ALH
Koh WL, Ng ML
Molecular mechanisms of West Nile virus pathogenesis in brain cells.
Emerging Infectious Diseases (2005) 11:629-632.
Lack of association between chronic Chlamydophila pneumoniae
infection and lung cancer among nonsmoking Chinese women in
Singapore. International Journal of Cancer (2005) 114(3):502-504.
Wang C, Tan JMM, Ho MWL, Zaiden N, Wong SH, Chew CLC,
Eng PW, Lim TM, Dawson TM, Lim KL
Angeles DC, Song KP
Alteration in Solubility and Intracellular Localization of Parkin
by several Familial Parkinson’s Disease-linked Point Mutations. J
Neurochemistry (2005) 2:422-31.
Peptide antibiotic and actin-binding protein as mixed-type inhibitors
of Clostridium difficile CDT toxin activities. Biochemical and Biophysical
Research Communications (2005) 327:361-370.
Anwar A, Chandrasekaran A, Ng MML, Marques E, August JT
West Nile premembrane-envelope genetic vaccine encoded as a
chimera containing the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains
of a lysosome-associated membrane protein : increased cellular
concentration of the transgene product, targeting to the MHC II
compartment, and enchanced neutralizing antibody response.
Virology (2005) 332:66-77. (United States).
Cao W, Lee SH, Lu JH
CD83 is preformed inside monocytes, macrophages and dendritic
cells but it is only stably expressed on activated dendritic cells.
Biochemical Journal (2005) 385:85-93. (United Kingdom).
Chu JJH, Leong PWH, Ng MML
Characterization of plasma membrane-associated proteins from
Aedes albopictus mosquito (C6/36) cells that mediate West Nile virus
binding and infection. Virology (2005) 339:249-260. (United States).
Effect of Blastocystis ratti WR1 exposure on actin cytoskeleton. IEC-6
cells were stained with Fluorescein-phalloidin and analyzed by confocal
microscopy. Prominent formation of stress fibers (arrow) can be noticed in
monolayers coincubated with B. ratti WR1 live parasite (A), parasitic lysate
(B), and 5 μg/ ml cholera toxin (C) as positive control. Negative control (D)
showing normal distribution of F-actin in the cortex zone of cells. Bar =
50μm. (Puthia et al. 2006 Infection and immunity)
060
Chu JJH, Rajamanonmani R, Li J, Raghavan B, Lescar J, Ng MML
Inhibition of West Nile virus entry using a recombination domain III
from the envelope glycoprotein. Journal of General Virology (2005)
86:405-412. (United Kingdom).
Ding JL, Tan KC, Thangamani S, Nicole K, Seow WK, Hanh BTH,
Wang J, Ho B
Spatial and temporal co-ordination of expression of immune response
during Pseudomonas infection of horseshoe crab, Carcinoscorpius
rotundicauda. Genes & Immunity (2005) 6(7):557-74.
Gao XL, Tan CL, Yeo CC, Poh CL
Molecular and biochemical characterization of the Xln D-encoded
3-hydroxybenzoate 6-hydroxylase involved in the degradation of
2, 5-xylenol via the gentisate pathway in Pseudomonas alcaligenes
NCIMB 9867. Journal of Bacteriology (2005) 187(22):7696-702.
Goh LL, Sim TS
Characterization of amino acid variation at strategic positions in
parasite and human proteases for selective inhibition of falcipains
in Plasmodium falciparum. Biochemical and Biophysical Research
Sachidanandham R, Yin K, Poh CL
Monitoring of active but non-culturable bacterial cells by flow
cytometry. Biotechnology and Bioengineering (2005) 89(1):24-31.
Sakharkar MK, Yiting Y, Chow VTK, Kangueane P
Insights to metabolic network evolution by fusion proteins. Frontiers
in Bioscience (2005) 10:1070-1078.
Tan KS, Ong G, Song KP
Introns in cytolethal distending toxin gene of Actinobacillus
actinomycetemcomitans. Journal of Bacteriology (2005) 187:567-575.
Sakharkar MK, Chow VTK, Ghosh K, Chaturvedi I, Lee PC,
Bagavathi SP, Shapshak P, Subbiah S, Kangueane P
Computational prediction of SEG (Single exon gene) function in
humans. Frontiers in Bioscience (2005) 10:1382-1395.
Sakharkar KR, Sakharkar MK, Verma C, Chow VTK
Intragastric administration of Lactobacillus casei expressing
transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus spike glycoprotien induced
specific antibody production. Vaccine (2005) 23:1335-1342.
Comparative study of overlapping genes in bacteria, with special
reference to Rickettsia prowazekii and Rickettsia conorii. International
Journal of systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (2005)
55(3):1205-1209.
Kurupati P, Kumarasinghe G, Poh CL
Sim AC, Luhur A, Tan TM, Chow VT, Poh CL
Ho PS, Kwang J, Lee YK
Direct identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from blood culture
bottles by PCR-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay using oprI gene
specific primers. Molecular and Cellular Probes (2005) 19(6):417-21.
RNA interference against Enterovirus 71 infection. Virology (2005)
34(1):72-79.
Lee AS, Song KP
Replacement of tyrosine 181 by phenylalanine in gentisate 1,
2-dioxygenase I from Pseudomonas alcaligenes NCIMB 9867 enhances
catalytic activities. Journal of Bacteriology (2005) 21:7543-5.
LuxS/Autoinducer-2 (A1-2) quorum sensing molecule regulates
transcriptional virulence genes expression in Clostridium difficile.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications (2005)
335:659-666.
Leong WF, Tan HC, Ooi EE, Koh DR, Chow VTK
Microarray and real-time RT-PCR analyses of differential human gene
expression patterns induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS) coronavirus infection of Vero cells. Microbes and Infection
(2005) 7(2):248-259. (United States).
Nasirudeen AMA, Tan KSW
Programmed cell death in Blastocystis hominis occurs independently
of caspase and mitochondrial pathways. Biochimie 86:489-97.
Nasirudeen AMA, Tan KSW
Caspase-3-like protease influences but is not essential for DNA
fragmentation in Blastocystis undergoing apoptosis. European Journal
of Cell Biology (2005) 83:477-482.
Ong ST, Wang L, Zhu Y, Ho B, Ding JL
The response of ferritin to LPS and acute phase of Pseudomonas
infection. Journal of Endotoxin Research (2005) 11:267-280.
Raghavan B, Ng MML
Analysis of self-association of West Nile capsid protein and the
crucial role played by Trp 69 in homodimerization. Biochemical and
Biophysical Research Communications (2005) 329:246-255. (United
States).
Tan CL, Yeo CC, Khoo HE, Poh CL
Tan SSH, Ng PML, Ho B, Ding JL
The antimicrobial properties of C-reactive protein (CRP). Journal of
Endotoxin Research (2005) 11:249-256.
Yu HX, Chia JM, Bourque G, Wong MV, Chan SH, Ren EC
A population-based LD map of the human chromosome 6p.
Immunogenetics (2005) 57:559-565.
Yu HX, Srinivasan N, Ren EC, Chan SH
Identification of CD8+ T-Cell epitopes specific for immediate-early
transactivator Rta of Epstein-Barr Virus. Human Immunology (2005)
66:483-493.
Zhong F, Cao W, Tay PN, Cahya FF, Lu JH
Deviation from major codons in the Toll-like receptor genes is
associated with low Toll-like receptor expression. Immunology
(2005) 114:83-93. (United Kingdom).
Li J, Raghavan B, Ng MML
Identifying the region influencing the cis-mode of maturation of West
Nile (Sarafend) virus using chimera infectious clones. Biochemical
and Biophysical Research Communications (2005) 334:714-720.
(United States).
Yu L, Ding JL, Ho Bo, Wohland T
Yu HX, Srinivasan N, Ren EC, Chan SH
Investigation of a novel artificial peptide by fluorescence correlation
spectroscopy : an amplipathic cationic pattern is sufficient for
selective binding to bacterial type membranes and antimicrobial
activity. Biochim Biophys Acta (2005) 1716:29-39.
A11 Tetramer-assisted characterization of Rta-specific CD8+ T-cell
responses in healthy virus carriers.Tissue Antigens (2005) 65:539-543.
Chan C, Goh LL, Sim TS
Differences in biochemical properties of the Plasmodial falcipain-2
and berghepain-2 orthologues: Implications for in vivo screens of
inhibitors. FEMS Microbiology Letters (2005) 249:315-321.
Goh SL, Goh LL, Sim TS
Cysteine protease falcipain 1 in Plasmodium falciparum is biochemically
distinct from its isozymes. Parasitology Research (2005) 97(4):295301.
Loh LC, Vyas B, Kanabar V, Kemeny DM, O’Connor BJ
Inhaled endotoxin in healthy human subjects: A dose-related
study on systemic effects and peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.
Respiratory Medicine (2005) 100(3):519-28.
Taylor MB, Oh JHL, Kang KL, Chow VTK
Intermedilysin release by Streptococcus intermedius : effects of various
antibacterial drugs at sub-MIC levels. FEMS Microbiology Letters
(2005) 243(2):379-384. (United States).
Tan OJ, Bay BH, Chow VTK
Differential expression of metallothionein isoforms in nasopharyngeal
cancer and inhibition of cell growth by antisense down-regulation
of metallothionein-2A. Oncology Reports (2005) 13(1):127-131.
(Greece).
Live imaging of West Nile virus particles being transported into the interior
of the cells along the microtubules. The schematic drawing follows the path
travelled by one virus particle
062
Yu ML, Chan M, Sim TS
Endorsing functionality of Burkholderia pseudomallei glyoxylate cycle
genes as anti-persistence drug screens. Journal of Molecular Catalysis
B-Enzymatic (2005) 33(1-2):51-56.
Chua JJE, Raghavan B, Chow VTK, Ng MNL
Recombinant non-structural 1 (NS1) protein of dengue-2 virus interacts
with human STAT3ß protein.Virus Research (2005) 112:85-94.
Yap AT, Ng MML
The medicinal benefits of Lentinan (ß1, 3-D glucan) from
Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Singer (Shiitake mushroom) through oral
administration. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms (2005)
7:169-185. (United States).
Staff Profile
Professor & Head
:
Professor
:
:
Associate Professorial Fellow :
:
LKY Postdoctoral Fellow
Visiting Fellow
Research Assistants
Research Fellows
:
:
:
:
Kemeny, David Michael
Chan Soh Ha
Vincent Chow Tak Kwong
Ho Bow
Lee Yuan Kun
Ng Mah Lee
Poh Chit Laa
Ren Ee Chee
Sim Tiow Suan
Nga Been Hen
Lehming, Norbert
Lu Jinhua
Paul A MacAry
Seah Geok Teng
Tan Shyong Wei, Kevin
Taylor, Mark Buchanan
Wong Siew Heng
Alonso, Sylvie
Wong Soon Boon, Justin
Aw Yong Koh Meng
Chan Kok Leong Maurice
Chiang Cern Cher, Samuel
Chin Yan Ling Fiona
Gaynor Yong Li Li
Gong Min
Hemamalathi d/o Govi
Kenneth Wong Hok Sum
Liu Boping
Raghavan Bhuvanakantham
Tan Yee Sun
Tay Wee Ting Jasmine
Zhao Jin
Cao Weiping
Lui Sook Yin
New Jen Yan
Ng Bee Ling
Saki Paul
Tan Sian Hoong, Doreen
Goh Wee Kang Jason
Contact information
Contact Person
Telephone
Email Contact Person
Telephone
Email
: Ms Ong Shiao Ling
Administrative Officer
: 6516-3652
: micosl@nus.edu.sg
: Ms Geetha Baskaran
Management Support Officer
: 6516-3275
: micsec@nus.edu.sg
Contact Person
: Ms Siti Maryam Masnor
Telephone
: 6516-7891
Email
: micsmm@nus.edu.sg
Contact Person
: Mr Kok Chun Yew
Telephone
: 6516-3276
Facsimile
: 6776-6872
Email mickcy@nus.edu.sg
Address : Department of Microbiology
5 Science Drive 2 Blk MD4
Singapore 117597
Homepage : http://www.med.nus.edu.sg/mbio/
DEPARTMENT OF
INTRODUCTION
This year was another fruitful year for translational research for Obstetrics & Gynaecology with landmark clinical
studies published in high impact journals. Several staff members have also won awards for their research work
as well as presentations at conferences. Significant and exciting research continues in the field of Maternal Fetal
Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynaecological Oncology.
MATERNAL FETAL MEDICINE
Myopia & Breastfeeding: A landmark clinical study was published that significantly advanced our understanding
of the relationship between myopia and breast feeding.The fetal maternal medicine team led by Dr Chong Yap Seng
has made the first-time observation of the relationship between breastfeeding and myopia. This significant discovery
has resulted in a publication in the high impact journal, JAMA, and has great implications of the understanding of
the likelihood of myopia in Singapore children which is reaching epidemic proportions.
Misoprostol: Another important clinical study by Dr Su Lin Lin, showed the superiority of vaginal misoprostol
over the invasive intra-amniotic prostaglandins for midtrimester termination of pregnancy. This study will result in
significant cost savings for the Singapore population.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Prenatal Diagnosis: Dr Mahesh Choolani and team are
researching on enrichment and identification of first trimester
fetal - erythroblasts from maternal blood for non-invasive prenatal
diagnosis; fetal erythroblast membrane proteome is studied to
identify unique surface antigen to improve enrichment. They are
working with the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
in the development of a MEMS device for micro-filtration of cells.
REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
Botanical Drug Discovery Programme: Professor EL
Yong and his team published for the first time the discovery of a
new compound, Breviflavone B, from a traditional Chinese herb
Epimedium brevicornum. The compound and extract has strong
estrogenic activity and therefore is of potential use for menopausal
hormone replacement treatment. This botanical extract and its
compound have a special property of inhibiting the growth of
breast cancer cells. This extract and compound is of great interest
to the industry and a US patent has been granted for it. Clinical
developments are continuing in collaboration with Lilly-NUS
Centre of Clinical Pharmacology and with reputable botanical drug
manufacturers from Singapore and Germany. Several landmark
publications have already been submitted for reporting the results
of the clinical trial using the extract.
An International Congress on Complimentary and Alternative
Medicines (ICCAM) was organized from 26-28 February 2005, at
Raffles City Convention Center. THEME: Herbal medicines, ancient
cures, modern science. The Congress is the pre-eminent forum
for the cutting edge breakthroughs in botanical medicines, and to
facilitate scientific exchange between practitioners and scientific
researchers. Over 500 delegates from 26 countries registered
and over 130 abstracts received. This congress had over 18
invited foreign lecturers and 8 multidisciplinary symposia on the
development of botanical medicines.
Leiomyoma Study: His team has also studied the growth
dynamics of human leiomyoma cells from uterine fibroids. Uterine
fibroids are the most common benign tumour in women and are
responsible for causing huge disability in Singapore women. His
group has studied the effects of PPAR ligand, pioglitazone and
has the effect of inhibiting the growth of human leiomyoma as
well. These studies have the potential for translating into effective
treatment for this very distressing condition in women.
Stem Cell Research: Professor Ariff Bongso and his team are
working on:
1. Novel methods of hESC line derivation.
2. Germ cell differentiation from hESCs.
3. Somatic cell reprogramming using hESC cytoplasts and cell
fusion.
Endocrine: Professor Victor Goh and his team are continuing
with their work on aging among Singaporean men and women.
They are also collaborating with DMERI/DSO on various aspects
of military activities, including the impact of basic military training
on obese enlistees.
Sexual Dysfunction: Associate Professor PG Adaikan and
his team continue their work on sexual dysfunction. One of their
studies compared the cavernous muscle relaxant action of three
clinically available phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, sildenafil, tadalafil
and vardenafil and elucidated mechanism other than the classical
inhibition of NO-cGMP pathway which accounted only for 2030% of the cavernous muscle relaxant activity. These experimental
findings contribute to further understanding of the clinical
efficacy, pharmacokinetics and potential drug interactions with
alphaadrenoceptor blockers in the treatment of ED. A paper on
the preliminary findings is due to be published in European Journal
of Pharmacology.
Marine Biology and Endocrine Disruptors: Professor
Yong and his team had also made significant discoveries on the
endocrine disruptors in the seas of Singapore. The latest paper
describes how the endocrine disruptors have entered the food chain
and has contaminated the green mussel, Perna Viridis in Singapore’s
coastal waters.This study would be of great importance in ensuring
the health of the population and to discover the mechanism of how
these compounds are generated in the seas of Singapore.
GYNAECOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY
Biomarkers: Dr Mahesh, Dr Loganath, Dr Narasimhan and their
team have used a suite of genomic and proteomic techniques to
identify potential markers from sera and cystic fluid which could
facilitate early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Diagnostic Kits: The group is also involved in developing
diagnostic kits for testing the malignancy of ovarian tumours on
a real time basis. Data from their study carried out with Associate
Professor A Ilancheran have shown for the first time the presence
of a protein which has the potential to serve as a biomarker in
cystic fluid of patients presenting with epithelial ovarian cancer.
A patent application is pending based on this finding.
Haemostatic Markers: Dr Stephen Koh and his team showed
that haemostatic markers could be used in the prognostication of
this disease; their most recent work has been published.
Tissue Repository Network: The team is also in the
process of setting up a regional tissue repository network with the
department as the headquarters for the region.
4. Pharmacological applications of hESCs.
5. Comparative evaluation of human umbilical cord matrix stem
cells with hESCs.
Project Description
New approaches to deriving human embryonic stem (hES) cell
lines and their evaluation for pharmaceutical drug screening,
cancer studies and germ cell development
Collaborators
: Prof Ariff Bongso
: Dr Mark Richards
: Dr Fong Chui Yee,
Dr Chan Woon-Khiong
Molecular mechanisms whereby non-protein small molecules are
recruited to chromatin and their role as co-regulatory molecules
for hormone-mediated steroid/nuclear receptor signalling
: Prof Yong Eu Leong
: Dr Gong Yinhan,
Dr Shen Ping
Characterisation of low molecular weight tumor specific markers
for ovarian cancer from serum of ovarian cancer patients
Advances in pharmacotherapy of sexual medicine
: Assoc Prof Adaikan P Ganesan
Endodermal differentiation of human fetal mesenchymal stem
cells
: Dr Chan Jerry KY
: Dr Mahesh Choolani
Role of hydrogen sulphide as a novel modulator of penile erection
and in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction
: Assoc Prof Adaikan P Ganesan
: Prof Philip Keith Moore
(Pharmacology)
: Dr Srilatha Balasubramanian
Evaluation of haemostatic prognostic markers and human
Kallikrein Biomarkers for survival outcome in Indonesian
women with ovarian cancer
Collaborator
Development and validation of highly efficient nanoparticle
contrast agents for cellular labelling and targeting using MRI
: Dr Koh CL Stephen
Human progesterone receptor polymorphisms and implantation
failure in patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization
: Assoc Prof Roy AC
Human fetal mesenchymal stem cells for intrauterine treatment
of mucopolysaccharidoses
Collaborators
: Dr Chan Jerry KY
: Dr Nicholas M Fisk (UK),
Assoc Prof A Biswas
A pilot study of cancer diagnosis in the cervix using near-infrared
Raman spectroscopy and multivariate techniques
: Dr Huang Zhiwei
(Div of Bioengineering)
: Assoc Prof A Ilancheran
Metoclopramide to aid establishment of breastfeeding after
delivery: a randomized controlled trial
Collaborators
: Ms Chan Yah Shih (NUH)
: Dr Chong Yap Seng
: Dr Citra N Mattar (NUH),
Assoc Prof Mary Rauff
Ultra-rapid prenatal diagnosis using uncultured amniocytes
Collaborators
: Dr Su Lin Lin (NUH)
: Dr Chan Yiong Huak,
Assoc Prof A Biswas,
Dr Sukumar Ponnusamy,
Ms Sherry Sze Yee Ho
: Assoc Prof Wang Shih-Chang
(Diagnostic Radiology)
The application of female centred care methodology to the
development of a mobile health communication unit for
women
: Dr Yen Ching-Chiuan
(Dept of Architecture)
Fatigue Matrix II
Collaborators
: Prof Victor HH Goh
: Ms Yin Hui-Qin (DMERI/DSO),
Mr Lim Chin Leong
Comparative differences in sleep, sleep quality and performance
indices between the two groups on a two-crew watch standing
in a sea vessel
Collaborators
: Ms Diana SY Teo (DMERI/DSO),
Ms Elaine Tan (DMERI/DSO),
Ms Vivian KC Oh (DMERI/DSO)
Rouse ability following the use of Melatonin and Zolpedim for
sleep induction
Collaborators
: Maj (Dr) Kevin The (SAF MC)
: Ms Yin Hui-Qin (DMERI/DSO),
Mr Lim Chin Leong (DMERI/DSO)
Effect of oestrogens on intracellular cAMP and cGMP pathways
in rat erectile tissue
066
: Assoc Prof Ilancheran A
: Dr Mahesh Choolani,
Dr Khalil Razvi,
Dr Narasimhan Kothandaraman
: Dr Srilatha Balasubramanian
On-going Projects
Feeder free growth of ES Cells or use of human feeder cells
Early and regular breast milk expression to help establish
lactation after preterm and term delivery: a randomized
controlled trial
Collaborators
: Dr Chong Yap Seng
: Dr Steven Ng (NUH)
: Dr Citra N Mattar (NUH),
Assoc Prof Mary Rauff,
Dr Chan Yiong Huak,
Dr Mark D Cregan
(Univ of W Australia)
Enhancing enrichment of fetal primitive erythroblasts from
maternal blood by identification of unique fetal surface antigens
and the development of a novel MEMS device to deplete adult
anucleate erythrocytes
: Dr Victor Samper (IBN),
Assoc Prof Biswas A,
Dr Narasimhan Kothandaraman
Studies on the role of cytokines on placental trophoblasts
of normotensive women and in pregnancies complicated by
preeclampsia
: Dr Loganath Annamalai
: Assoc Prof Wong Yee Chee
Role of estrogen receptor alpha/beta and phyto-flavonoids in
the treatment of uterine fibroids
Identification and characterisation of phyto-flavonoids for their
use as novel therapeutic agents for uterine fibroids
Development of autologus corporal tissue for male erectile
dysfunction
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof P Ganesan Adaikan
: Dr Dietmar W Hutmacher
(Engineering),
Assoc Prof Hanry Yu (Physiology)
Mechanism, pathophysiology and possible treatment options
for female sexual disorders
: Assoc Prof P Ganesan Adaikan
Collaborators
: Adj Prof Ng Soon Chye,
Dr Srilatha Balasubramanian
Collaborators
: Prof Ariff Bongso
: Dr Mark Richards,
Dr Fong Chui Yee,
Mr Robert Klupacs
(ES Cell International)
Propagation and application of human embryonic stem cells for
tissue engineering
Collaborator
: Prof Ariff Bongso
: Dr Fong Chui Yee
The influence of maternal ethnic group and diet on breast milk
fatty acid content
: Dr Chong Yap Seng
Collaborators
: Dr Chng Seo Yi (NUH),
Prof Birgitta Strandvik
(Goteborg University),
Em Prof LarsAke Hanson
Dr Marina Korotkova
Dr Gong Yinhan,
Dr Mabel Deurenberg Yap (HPB),
Prof Hugo Van Bever
Perinatal exposure to organochlorine
polychlorinated biphenyls in Singapore
pesticides
and
: Dr Chong Yap Seng
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof J Obbard,
Dr A Loganath
Genetic epidemiology of preeclampsia
:
Collaborators
:
Dr Chong Yap Seng
Dr Samuel Chong,
Assoc Prof A Biswas,
Dr Heng Chew Kiat,
Dr Caroline G Lee
Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis using fetal erythroblasts derived
from first trimester maternal blood
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Arijit Biswas,
Assoc Prof AC Roy
Rapid diagnosis of common aneuploidies (chromosome x, y,
13,18 and 21) using quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain
reaction
Intrapartum fetal monitoring with fetal electrocardiogram
Collaborator
Diagnosis of fetal growth retardation using 3- dimensional
assessment of fetal liver volumes
: Assoc Prof A Biswas
: Dr Chong Yap Seng
Transcriptome analyses of human embryonic stem cells using
SAGE
:
Collaborators
:
Prof Ariff Bongso
Dr Mark Richards,
Dr Fong Chui Yee,
Dr Chan Woon Khiong
Collaborators
: Dr A Biswas,
Assoc Prof YC Wong
Efficacy and safety of growth hormone augmentation therapy in
men and women with low GH
Collaborator
: Adj Prof Ng Soon Chye
The social, behavioural, cognitive, physiological, biochemical,
nutritional and endocrine determinants of the process of
ageing in men and women in Singapore: Identifying basis for
supplements, augmentation therapies, and lifestyle modification
so as to delay the process of ageing and reduced the risk of agerelated illnesses
Collaborator
: Adj Prof Ng Soon Chye
Serum protein profiling in ovarian cancer in an Asian population
To study the association between fibrinolytic and inhibitor level
in maternal and fetal circulation and pregnancy outcome in
preeclampsia in Medan, Indonesia
Collaborators
: Dr Stephen Koh Chee Liang
: Dr Thamrin Tanjung
(University of North Sumatra),
Prof Djaffar Siddik
(University of North Sumatra),
Assoc Prof PC Wong
Antenatal Preparation of Postnatal Counselling- a randomised
controlled trial to compare strategies for improving
breastfeeding rates
:
Collaborators
:
Ms Chan Yah Shih (NUH),
Dr Chong Yap Seng,
Dr Su Lin Lin (NUH),
Dr Chan Yiong Huak
The effect of early nutrition on infant adiposity - a prospective
cohort study
:
Collaborators
:
Dr Steven Ng Chin Yuen (NUH),
Dr Chong Yap Seng,
Dr Citra N Mattar (NUH),
Dr Stephen SL Chew,
Dr Mabel Deurenberg-Yap (HPB),
Assoc Prof Paul RM Deurenberg
(Wageningen U)
Poor response to ovarian stimulation with follicle-stimulating
hormone: possible genetic causes
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Ashim C Roy
: Assoc Prof PC Wong
Genetic variability of estrogen receptor genes and human
reproductive disorders
: Assoc Prof Ashim C Roy
Collaborators
: Adj Prof Ng Soon Chye,
Dr WX Liao
Effect of the levorgestrel releasing intrauine system (lng-ius)
on lipid metabolism - A randomised controlled study
: Prof Kuldip Singh
Collaborators
: Dr Fong Yoke Fai,
Assoc Prof AC Roy
068
Pre-clinical studies using hormone-responsive bioassays as
surrogate biomarkers to measure selective estrogen receptor
modulator (SERM) activity in serum following oral administration
of flavonoid-enriched traditional Chinese herbal extracts
Collaborators
: Dr Sheng Ping,
Dr Gong Yinhan
Screening and characterization of photo-flavonoids and defined
traditional Chinese herbal extracts for anti-SARS coronavirus
activity and their use as therapeutic agents
:
Collaborators
:
Prof Yong Eu Leong
Dr Ooi Eng Wong (NEA),
Dr Loh Yin Sze (SingHealth),
Dr Gong Yinhan,
Dr Sheng Ping
John Hopkins University-National University of Singapore
Center for Research on Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (Planning Grant) (PICRC). United States National
Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and
Alternative Medicine (NIH-NCCAM)
Collaborators
: Prof Ong Choon Nam,
Dr Hong Yan
(Temasek Life Sciences),
Dr Goh Boon Cher (NUH),
Dr Ronan Kelly,
Dr Steven Wise (Eli Lilly-NUS)
Spatial and temporal patterns of hormone disrupters in
Singapore’s marine environment: molecular cellular and human
effects
:
Collaborators
:
Prof Yong Eu Leong
Ms Elissa Lim Lis Sa,
Dr Loy Chong Jin (NUH),
Assoc Prof Chan Eng Soon,
Dr Elizabeth Taylor,
Assoc Prof Jeffrey Obbard,
Dr Simon Pehkonen
Molecular mechanisms of synergistic action, and clinical
effectiveness of compounds from the herb, sx, on androgen and
estrogen-receptor function
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Paul Heng Wan Sia
Adebiyi A, Adaikan PG
Modulation of jejunal contractions by extract of Carica papaya
L. seeds. Phytotherapy Research (2005) 19(7):628-632. (UK).
Bayen S, Gong Y, Chin HS, Lee HK, Yong EL, Obbard JP
Contamination and endocrine disruption in the green mussel, Perna
Viridis, from Singapore. Editorial Section, Environmental Health
Perspectives (2005) 112:1467-1471. (USA).
Cheah FSH, Jabs EW, Chong SS
Genomic, cDNA, and embryonic expression analysis of zebrafish
transforming growth factor beta3(tgf 3). Developmental Dynamics
(2005) 232(4):1021-1030. (USA).
Chee CY, Lee DT, Chong YS, Tan LK, Ng TP, Fones CSL
Confinement and other psychological factors in perinatal depression:
a transcultural study in Singapore. Journal of Affective Disorders
(2005) 89(1-3):157-166. (USA).
Chia EL, Ho TF, Rauff MHJ, Yip WC
Cardiac time intervals of normal fetuses using noninvasive fetal
electrocardiology. Prenatal Diagnosis (2005) 25(7):546-552. (UK).
Chong YS, Liang Y, Tan DT, Gazzard D, Stone RA, Saw SM
children. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) (2005)
293(24):3001-3002. (USA).
Choolani M
Limitations of fluorescent in situ hybridization for analyzing fetal
erythroblasts in maternal blood. Haematologica (2005) 90(6):721B.
(USA).
Chu JJH, Rajamanonmani R, Li J, Raghavan B, Lescar J, Ng ML
Inhibition of West Nile virus entry using a recombination domain III
from the envelope glycoprotein. Journal of General Virology (2005)
86:405-413. (UK).
Goh V
Aging in Asia: A cultural, socio-economical and historical perspective.
The Aging Male (2005) 8(2):90-96. (UK).
Gole LA, Biswas A
Characterization of a small supernumerary marker chromosome
as r(8) at prenatal diagnosis by MFISH. Prenatal Diagnosis (2005)
25(1):73-78. (UK).
ABCC5 gene locus. Pharmacogenetics and Genomics (2005)
15(2):91-104. (UK).
Heng BC, Cao T
Incorporating protein transduction domains (PTD) within
recombinant ‘fusion’ transcription factors. A novel strategy for
directing stem cell differentiation. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy
(2005) 59(3):132-134. (France).
Heng BC, Haider HK, Sim EK, Cao T, Tong GQ, Ng SC
Comments about possible use of human embryonic stem cellderived cardiomyocytes to direct autologous adult stem cells into
the cardiomyogenic lineage. Acta Cardiologica (2005) 60(1):712.(Belgium).
Heng BC, Haider HK, Sim EK, Cao T, Tong GQ, Ng SC
Reprogramming autologous skeletal myoblasts to express
cardiomyogenic function. Challenges and possible approaches.
International Journal of Cardiology (2005) 100(3):355-62. (Ireland).
Koh SC, Prasad RN, Fong YF
Hemostatic status and fibrinolytic response potential at different
phases of the menstrual cycle. Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/
Hemostasis (2005) 11(3):295-301. (USA).
Koh SC, Khalil R, Lim FK, Ilancheran A, Choolani M
The association between fibrinogen, von Willebrand Factor,
antithrombin III, and D-dimer levels and survical outcome by 36
months from ovarian cancer. Clinical and Applied Thrombosis/
Haemostasis (2005) 12(1):3-8. (USA).
Li J, Raghavan B, Ng ML
Identifying the region influencing the cis-mode of maturation of West
Nile (Sarafend) virus using chimera infectious clones. Biochemical and
Biophysical Research Communications (2005) 334:714-720. (USA).
Li QQ, Loganath A, Chong YS, Obbard JP
Determination and occurrence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in
maternal adipose tissue from inhabitants of Singapore. J Chromatogr
B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci (2005) 819(2):253-257. (USA).
Loy CJ, Evelyn S, Lim FK, Liu MH, Yong EL
Growth dynamics of human leiomyoma cells and inhibitory effects
of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma ligand,
pioglitazone. Molecular Human Reproduction (2005) 11(8):561-566.
(USA).
Loy CJ, Evelyn S, Lim FK, Liu MH, Yong EL
Growth dynamic of human leiomyoma cells and inhibitory effects of
the peroxisome proliferator-activated Receptor- ligand, ioglitazone.
Molecular Human Reproduction (2005) 11(8):561-566. (UK).
Mongelli M, Chew S, Ng Y, Biswas A
Third-trimester ultrasound dating algorithms derived from
pregnancies conceived with artificial reproductive techniques.
Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (2005) 26(2):129-31.
(USA).
Rajashekhar G, Loganath A, Roy AC, Chong SS, Wong YC
Extracellular matrix-dependent regulation of angiogenin expression
in human placenta. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry (2005) 96:36-46.
(USA).
Rajashekhar G, Loganath A, Roy AC, Chong SS, Wong YC
Hypoxia up-regulated angiogenin and down-regulated vascular cell
adhesion molecule-1 expression and secretion in human placental
trophoblasts. Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation
(2005) 12(5):310-319. (USA).
Su LL, Biswas A, Vanaja K, Choolani M, Singh K
A prospective randomized comparison of vaginal misoprostol
versus intra-amniotic prostaglandins for mid-trimester termination
of pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
(2005) 193(4):1410-1414. (USA).
Staff Profile
Professors
:
:
Tanjung MT, Siddik HD, Hariman H, Koh SCL
Coagulation and fibrinolysis in preeclampsia and neonates. Clinical
and Applied Thrombosis/Hemostasis (2005) 11(4):467-473. (USA).
:
Research Professors
:
Wang B, Ren J, Ooi LLPJ, Chong SS
Dinucleotide repeats negatively modulate the promoter activity of
Cyr61 and is unstable in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Oncogene
(2005) 24:3999-4008. (USA).
Wang Z, Wang B, Tang K, Lee EJD, Chong SS, Lee CGL
Genetics (2005) 14(14):2075-2087. (USA).
Yap SP, Shen P, Butler MS, Gon Y, Loy CJ, Yong EL
New estrogenic prenylflavone from Epimedium brevicornum inhibits
the growth of breast cancer cells. Planta Medica (2005) 71(2):114119. (USA).
Research Associate Professors:
Senior Research Fellows
Research Fellows :
:
Research Assistants :
Adjunct Professor :
Adjunct Associate Professor :
PC Wong
Kuldip Singh
Yong Eu Leong
Arijit Biswas
A Ilancheran
Mary Rauff
Wong Yee Chee
Khalil Razvi
Chong Yap Seng
Mahesh Choolani
Fong Yoke Fai
Chan Kok Yen Jerry
Gong Yinhan
Fong Chui Yee
Ariff Bongso
Victor Goh Hng Hang
Ashim C Roy
P Ganesan Adaikan
Loganath Annamalai
Leena A Gole
Mark Richards
Shen Ping
Ponnusamy Sukumar
Tong Yoke Yin, Terry
Lau Lang Chu
Srilatha Balasubramanian
Kalamegam Gauthaman
Yang Lei
Li Jun
Li Qing Qing
Aradhana Rani
Chen Zhen Cheng, Clarice
Ye Chaopeng
Ng Soon Chye
Philippe Jacques Taupin
Contact information
Contact Person
:
Telephone
:
Facsimile
:
Email
:
Address
:
070
Assoc Prof PC Wong
Head of Department
6772-4285
6779-4753
obgsec@nus.edu.sg
Department of Obstetrics
& Gynaecology
Singapore 119074
DEPARTMENT OF
Ophthalmology
INTRODUCTION
Research efforts in the Department of Ophthalmology remain integrated with the Singapore
Eye Research Institute (SERI), an NUS affiliated national research institute, as all NUS Dept of
Ophthalmology staff currently play leading roles in SERI, our national body for ophthalmic and
vision research. The Department’s research has also been augmented by cross-departmental
and cross-faculty collaborations, collaborative studies within eye departments from both
medical clusters, and many overseas institutions. This report focuses on specific research
achievements by NUS Department of Ophthalmology staff in 2005.
Department of Ophthalmology
Summary of research achievements in 2005
In 2005, 21 new research grants were secured by department staff.
There were 75 ongoing research projects which focus on major eye
diseases of specific regional relevance, including myopia, glaucoma,
ocular surface stem cells, ocular infections, retinal vascular
disorders, and cataract surgery. A total of 105 scientific papers in
peer reviewed international journals with a mean impact factor of
3.09 were published. This represents the highest publication output
in terms of quality and quantity from the department to date.
Project Description
In addition, our fulltime faculty won no less than 6 awards for
research, including 2 major Australian research awards (Assoc
Prof Wong TY), the Singapore National Academy of Science 2005
Young Scientist Award (Dr Leonard Ang) and a 2005 BMRC/
NMRC Clinician Scientist Investigator Award (Dr Aung Tin).
A search for quantitative trait loci in angle closure glaucoma
Research Highlights in 2005
Increase in research quality and volume in 2005, as compared to
2004:
1. Publication Success: Our number of publications increased from
67 in 2004 to 105 (including 4 in press), an increase by 56.7%. Our
publications appear in high impact non-ophthalmic mainstream
journals such as JAMA, American Journal of Hypertension, IEE
Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, American Journal of
Kidney Disease, Neurology, British Medical Bulletin, Stroke,
American Journal of Epidemiology, Annals of Epidemiology,
Archives of Internal Medicine, and British Medical Journal. We
also continued to dominate the top ophthalmic clinical and basic
visual science journals with no less than 12 papers in the top
clinical journal Ophthalmology, and 6 papers in the top visual
science Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. Mean
impact factor of the publications is 3.09.
A multicentre randomised clinical trial of laser treatment plus
intravitreal triamcilone for diabetic macular oedema
: Assoc Prof Mark Gillies
(University of Sydney)
: Assoc Prof Ian McAllister (UWA),
Assoc Prof Wong Tien Yin
: Dr Aung Tin
Atropine in the treatment of myopia (atom) study II-A
dose-finding randomised double-masked controlled trial of
bilateral atropine
Collaborators
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Chua Wei Han (SNEC)
: Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (SNEC),
Dr Yvonne Ling (SNEC),
Dr Quah Boon Long (SNEC),
Dr Audrey Chia (SNEC),
Dr Chan Yiok Huak (NUS),
Assoc Prof Saw Seang Mei (NUS),
Dr Louis Tong (SNEC)
Changes in the refractive components in myopic and emmetropic
eyes: the teenage years
Collaborators
2. Our faculty initiated more new projects and grants this year.
21 new grants were secured in 2005, 3 more than that in 2004.
Important New Projects in 2005
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Chua Wei Han (SNEC),
Dr Louis Tong (SNEC),
Dr Wu Hui Min (DMRI),
Dr Hong Ching Ye,
Dr Andrew Carkeet (SERI),
Dr Chia Kee Seng,
Dr Eric Yap (DMRI),
Prof David Koh,
Dr Joanne Katz (John Hopkins),
Dr Richard Stone
(University of Pennsylvania)
Planning for 1st ASIA-ARVO Meeting
Previously known as SERI-ARVO for meetings held in 2003 & 2005,
the name was changed to reflect ARVO commitment to partnering
with the many countries in Asia that have expanding eye research
programs. It will be held in locations throughout Asia to highlight
the important clinical and transnational aspects of vision and
ophthalmic research.
Singapore has been chosen to host the first Asia-ARVO Meeting,
in conjunction with SERI and the department. Following the
success of the last SERI-ARVO meeting in 2005, the Asia-ARVO
meeting will be held in Feb 2007, with over 500 abstracts and 900
participants expected.
072
Early retinal vessel changes in diabetes and the metabolic syndrome
: Assoc Prof Jonathan Shaw (IDI),
Prof Paul Mitchell
(University of Sydney),
Prof Hugh Taylor (CERA)
Inflammation, immunity and risk factors for cardiovascular
disease in Chinese, Malays and Indians living in Singapore
: Assoc Prof Tai E Shyong (SGH)
NeuroVision Project
: Prof Donald Tan
Preschool refractive error, amblyopia, and strabismus in
Singapore (PRESS) study
Retinal arteriolar signs and cardiovascular disease in an
Australian cohort
: Prof Paul Mitchell
Prof Andrew Tonkin
(Monash University)
Retinal microvascular abnormalities: are they related to
endothelial dysfunction?
Co-Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Jonathan Shaw (IDI)
Retinal microvascular signs and cardiovascular disease in type
2 diabetes
Prevention of myopia development in kindergarten children by
early correction of astigmatism
Sydney Paediatric Eye Study
: Assoc Prof Saw Seang Mei (NUS),
Assoc Prof Wong Meng Cheong
(SGH)
Retinal vascular caliber as a predictor of retinopathy in type 1
diabetes
: Assoc Prof Kim Donaghue
Assoc Prof Alicia Jenkins
(University of Melbourne)
Risk and determinants of fatal and non fatal coronary heart
disease in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study.
: Prof John McNeil
(Monash University),
Dr Harrap S,
Dr Welborn T,
Dr Liew D,
Dr Diana Magliano
(Monash University)
(University of Sydney)
The identification of genes causing corneal endothelial dystrophies
Collaborators
: Dr Aung Tin
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Neil Ebenezer (UCL),
Dr Eranga Vithana (SERI)
The pathophysiological and clinical significance of retinal
microvascular signs in acute stroke
Retinal microvascular signs in acute stroke: associations with
stroke subtype & prognosis
: Dr Fan DS (CUHK)
: Prof Richard Lindley (WH)
Dr Wang Jie Jin
Prof Paul Mitchell
Dr Victor Fung (Royal Melbourne)
The Retinal Vascular Imaging Center (RetVIC)
On-going Projects
A 3rd-year extension to a one year multi-center, doublemasked, placebo-controlled, parallel, safety and efficacy study
of 2% pirenzepine ophthalmic gel in children with myopia
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Vivian Balakrishnan,
Dr Chua Wei Han (SNEC),
Dr Quah Boon Long (SNEC)
A multi-centre, investigator-marked, randomised, parallel, 6month study (with treatment extended to 12 months) of the
safety & efficacy of lumigan 0.03% ophthalmic solution compared
with latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution administered
adjunctively with timolol ophthalmic solution, in patients with
glaucoma or ocular hypertension
Collaborators
: Prof Paul Chew
: Dr Ho Ching Lin (SNEC),
Dr Wong Hong Tym (TTSH)
A Multicenter, randomized, double-masked, controlled study to
evaluate the safety and efficacy of an Intravitreal fluocinolone
acetonide (0.5 or 2 mg) implant in patients with non-infectious
uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye
Principal Investigator Collaborators
Conjunctival epithelial cell
migration and proliferation
Human conjunctival epithelial cells
cultivated on an amniotic membrane
substrate Stratified conjunctival
epithelial sheet on the amniotic
membrane
: Assoc Prof Chee Soon Phaik
: Dr Lim Wee Kiak (SNEC),
Dr Cheng Ching-Li (SNEC)
A multi-pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of NeuroVision’s
NVCTM-Vision correction technology for visual enhancement
in emmetropic presbyopic subjects, mid-myopia subjects and
ametropic post-LASIK subjects
Collaborators
: Dr Chan Wing Kwong (SNEC),
Mr Bill Chan (SERI)
A Singapore pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of a
computerized system for the vision improvement of people
with low myopia
Collaborators
A prospective comparison of primary angle closure: glaucoma vs
primary open angle glaucoma in Singapore
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Paul Chew
: Dr Jovina See (NUH),
Dr Gus Guzzard (UK),
Dr Wong Hon Tym (TTSH),
Assoc Prof Saw Seang Mei,
Dr Aung Tin,
Dr Robert Ritch (US),
Dr David Garway-Heath (UK)
A prospective multicenter clinical trial to evaluate the safety
and effectiveness of the AcuFocus Corneal Inlay (ACI)TM in
presbyopic subjects
Collaborators
: Prof Donald Tan
Dr Wee Tze Lin (SNEC)
A prospective, randomized trial evaluating the operational
efficacy of LASIK vs. PRK for the correction of low and moderate
myopia in the Singapore Armed Forces
Collaborators
: Prof Donald Tan,
LTC (Dr) Benjamin Seet (SAF),
Dr Allan Yeo (DMRI)
Dr Andrew Carkeet (SERI),
Dr Julian Theng (SNEC),
Mr Mohd Farook
A Singapore study to evaluate the efficacy of Neurovision’s
NVCTM - Vision correction technology, for the visual improvement
in subjects with low or moderate adult myopia
Collaborators
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Paul Chew,
Dr Valerie Peres (CNRS)
: Dr Noor Shabana (NUS)
A twelve-month, multicenter, randomised, double-masked
study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-daily instillation
of Travoprost 0.004%/Timolol 0.5% and Latanoprost 0.005%/
Timolol 0.5% eye drops in subjects with open-angle Glaucoma
or Ocular Hypertension
Collaborators
: Dr Steve Seah (SNEC)
: Dr Lennard Thean (NUH),
Dr Clement Tan (NUH),
Dr Lim Boon Ang (SNEC),
Dr Joseph Manuel (NUH),
Dr Loon Seng Chee (NUH),
Dr Yeong Suet Ming (NUH)
Aetiology of Myopia
: Adj Prof Roger Beuerman
: Prof Donald Tan
Collaborators
: Ms A Bharati (NUS),
Ms Sung Rhan (SERI),
Ms Jamie Chew (SERI)
A Singapore multi center randomized, placebo-controlled study
to evaluate the efficacy of a new computerized system in the
treatment of amblyopia in older children and adults
An investigation into the correlation between retinal nerve fiber
layer and optic disc changes after acute primary angle closure
Collaborators
074
: Prof Donald Tan,
Prof Malcolm Paterson
(Singhealth),
Dr Xiao Zhi Cheng (SGH),
Dr Eric Yap (DMRI),
Dr Zhao Lei (SERI),
Dr Chan Tat Keong (SNEC)
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Lionel Lee (DMRI)
: Dr Mohamad Rosman (SAF),
Mr Bill Chan (SERI)
A study to assess the affect of glaucoma on postural control
with age matched normal subjects
A proteomics facility for SGH
Collaborators
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Chi Luu (SERI),
Dr Linley Seenyen (SNEC),
Dr Mohamed Rosman (SAF),
Dr Lim Mun Ching,
Dr Teo Leong Hwee,
Dr Chan Wai Ying
: Prof Donald Tan
: Mr Bill Chan (SERI),
Dr Linley Seenyen (SNEC),
Dr Mohamad Rosman (SAF),
Dr Yvonne Ling (SNEC),
Dr Quah Boon Long (SNEC),
Dr Sonal Farzavandi (SNEC)
Collaborators
: Dr Aung Tin
: Dr Seah SK (SNEC),
Dr Allan Fong (SNEC)
Analysis of ocular surface and human tears in normal and
diseased eyes
Collaborators
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Bill Lam,
Dr Zhou Lei (SERI),
Mr Xiong Xiang (SERI),
Dr Julian Theng (SNEC),
Dr Ti Seng Ei (SNEC),
Dr Ian Yeo (SNEC)
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography: A new method
of evaluating the drainage angle of eyes with glaucoma
Collaborators
: Dr Aung Tin
: Dr Scott Smith,
Dr David Friedman
(Wilmer Eye Institute)
Assessment of Fibrin Glue (Tisseel) in pterygium surgery and
other forms of ocular surface reconstruction
Collaborators
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Leonard Ang,
Dr Por Yong Ming (SNEC)
Clinical comparison of the sovereign phacoemulsification system
with Whitestar vs the Legacy System with advantec Neosonic
for cataract extraction
: Dr Cecilia Aquino (NUH)
Collaborators
Collaborators
Collaborator
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Prathiba (NUS)
Detection of early glaucoma in myopic optic nerve heads of East
Asians using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II
Collaborators
: Dr Aung Tin
: Dr Lim Li (SNEC)
: Prof Donald Tan,
Dr Eranga Vithana (SERI),
Dr Wee Tze Lin (SNEC)
Investigating the genetic basis of glaucoma: The association
between the OPA1 gene and normal tension glaucoma in
Singaporeans.
: Dr Aung Tin
Investigating the genetic basis of primary angle closure
glaucoma Principal Investigator
Collaborators
: Dr Aung Tin
: Dr Seah SKL (SNEC),
Dr Vithana EN (SERI)
Investigating the role of the OPA1 gene in normal tension
glaucoma patients in Singaporeans
Collaborators
: Dr Leonard Yip Wei Leon (TTSH)
Corneal disease and corneal transplantation database
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Lim Li (SNEC),
Dr Wei Ruihua (SERI)
Investigating the genetic basis of corneal dystrophies
Contact
diode
micropulse
laser
transscleral
cyclophotocoagulation for severe glaucoma (2005)
: Adj Prof Roger W Beuerman
INTACS for Keratoconus
Combined phacoemulsification and glaucoma implant surgery
versus combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy:
A randomized controlled trial (2005)
Genes characterizing pterygium: A common ocular surface disease
: Dr Aung Tin
: Prof Shomi Bhattacharya
(University College London),
Prof Koji Okada
(University of Hiroshima, Japan),
Dr G Kumaramanickavel
(Sankara Nethralaya Hospital,
Chennai, India)
Investigation of the role of the myocilin gene in primary angle
closure glaucoma
Collaborators
: Dr Aung Tin
Dr Seah SK (SNEC)
: Dr Zheng Ce (NUS),
Dr David Garway-Heath (UK)
Epidemiological study of the metabolic syndrome and
microangiopathies in Asians
: Dr Lim Su Chi (AH)
Evaluation of anterior chamber depth measurement using IOL
master as a method of detecting occludable anterior chamber
angles in Chinese residents of Singapore.
: Dr Aung Tin
Successful glaucoma trabeculectomy bleb revision with cultured conjunctival
transplant
Linkage analysis of Singaporean primary angle closure glaucoma
pedigrees to identify a genetic locus for the condition
Collaborators
: Dr Aung Tin
Dr Steve Seah (SNEC),
Dr Eranga Vithana (SERI)
Molecular analysis of PRPF31 and CA4 genes in retinitis
pigmentosa patients from Singapore Principal Investigator
Co-Principal Investigator Collaborator
: Dr Vithana EN (SERI)
: Dr Aung Tin
: Dr Adrian Koh
Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis-Eye Study (MESA-Eye)
: Prof Ronald Klein (UW),
Multi-Centre Retinal Stroke Study (MCRS)
Prevalence and cardiovascular associations of hypertensive
retinopathy
Prospective clinical trial assessing the efficacies of 2
accommodative intraocular lenses (IOLs) - (CrystalensTM and
akkomodative® HumanOptics) - in elective hacoemulsification
cataract surgery
Prospective clinical trial on the use of Osteo-odonto
Keratoprosthesis in the surgical rehabiliation of severe
endstage corneal and ocular surface disorders
Collaborators
Primate model of experimental myopia: phase I-genes and early
myopia in the primate extension
Collaborators
: Adj Prof Roger W. Beuerman
: Prof Donald Tan
: Ms A Barathi (NUS),
Prof Wallace Foulds (SERI)
Collaborators
Retinal vascular abnormalities as predictors of cardiovascular
disease
Retinal vascular signs as predictors of systemic disease outcomes:
10-year evolution in a population-based cohort
Dr Wang Jie Jin
Dr Smith W
Retinal vessel imaging and cardiovascular risk prediction
Collaborators
Prophylactic laser iridotomy for eyes with narrow drainage
angles: A randomized controlled trial
Collaborators
076
: Prof Ronald Klein
(University of Wisconsin),
Prof Paul Mitchell
Assoc Prof Wynne Hsu,
Dr Janice Lee
Retinal microvascular signs and CVD in older persons
: Dr Aung Tin
: Prof Paul Foster (Institute of
Ophthalmology & Moorfields
Hospital, UK),
Dr Seah SKL (SNEC),
Assoc Prof Paul Chew,
Dr Chan YH,
Dr Aliza Jap (SNEC)
: Prof Ronald Klein (UW),
Retinal microvascular signs In acute stroke: associations with
stroke subtype & prognosis
: Prof David Koh,
Dr Rahat Husain (SNEC),
Assoc Prof Chia Sin Eng,
Assoc Prof Lim Meng Kin,
Assoc Prof Wong Mee Lian,
Dr Daniel Ng,
Dr Allan Fong (SNEC),
Dr Yap Yew Chong,
Dr Alicia Howe (SNEC),
Dr Chan Choi Mun (Singhealth),
Dr Cheng Jing Fong (SNEC),
Dr Gus Gazzard (UK),
Prof Donald Tan
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Julian Theng (SNEC),
Dr Andrew Tay (NDC)
Retinal microvascular changes and systemic vascular disease
Prevalence survey of eye and skin diseases in Sumatra, Indonesia
Collaborators
: Prof Ronald Klein
(University of Wisconsin),
Prof Paul Mitchell
Assoc Prof Wynne Hsu
(School of Computing),
Dr Janice Lee
(School of Computing)
Selective laser trabeculoplasty for primary angle closure
glaucoma: A pilot study (2005)
: Dr Winifred Nolan (NUH)
Singapore consortium for antimicrobial peptides
: Adj Prof Roger W Beuerman
: Dr Zhou Lei (SERI),
Dr Eric Yap (DSO),
Dr Chandra Verma
(Bioinformatics Institute),
Prof Donald Tan,
Assoc Prof Chit La Poh
(Dept of Mcrobiology),
Dr Li Jing (SERI),
Assoc Prof Chee Soon Phaik
SGH Stem Cell Research Group Block Grant
Collaborator
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Leonard Ang
The ex vivo expansion of ocular surface epithelial cells for
transplantation - novel use of cord blood and fetal fibroblasts
and stem cells
Senior Investigator
The prevalence and causes of visual impairment in Sumatra,
Indonesia
Collaborators
Stem cell research program (Outram Campus)
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Lee Seng Teik (SGH),
Assoc Prof Donald Tan TH
: Assoc Prof Tay Sun Kuie,
Assoc Prof Wong Meng Cheong,
Dr Shirley Moore,
Dr Colin Song (SGH),
Dr Xiao Zhi Cheng (SGH)
Systemic autonomic functions and postural stability in angleclosure glaucoma
Collaborators
: Dr Valerie Peres (CNRS),
Dr Noor Shabana (NUS),
Dr Jovina See (NUH),
Dr Clement Tan (NUH),
Assoc Prof James Goh,
Dr Ho Ching Lin (SNEC),
Assoc Prof E Wilder Smith
The effect of Low Energy Laser Iris Surface Therapy (LIST)
on the intraocular pressure in chronic angle closure glaucoma
(2005)
: Dr Cecilia Aquino (NUH)
The effect of peroperative povidone-iodine with or without
preoperative topical tobramycin on anterior chamber bacterial
contamination during elective cataract surgery
: Dr Cheng Ching-Li (SNEC),
Dr Chan Tat-Keong (SNEC),
Dr Zhou Lei (SERI),
Dr Eunice Loh
The efficacy of topical steroids vs topical beta blockers in the
management of posner-schlossman syndrome
: Dr Ti Seng Ei (SNEC)
: Dr Leonard Ang
: Prof Donald Tan
: Adj Prof Roger Beuerman,
Dr Chen Pei Hsin (SERI),
Dr Christine Yap (SGH),
Dr Tan Hak Koon (SGH)
: Dr Rahat Husain (SNEC),
Dr Gus Gazzard (UK),
Dr Maria Andjani,
Dr Daniel Widjaja,
Mr Mohd Farook,
Prof David Koh,
Assoc Prof Chia Sin Eng,
Assoc Prof Wong Mee Lian,
Dr Hong Ching Ye,
Dr Jeanette Lee,
Assoc Prof Donald Tan
The prevalence rates of myopia and other refractive errors in
Singapore adults aged 21 years and above: The Singapore Cohort
Study
Collaborators
Assoc Prof Tai E Shyong (SGH),
Dr Lim Su Chi (AH),
Dr Jeanette Lee,
Prof Donald Tan
The Singapore Malay Eye Study: collection of blood for blood
chemistry and genetic association studies
Collaborators
: Prof Donald Tan,
Dr Aung Tin,
Dr Rosman MR (SAF)
The Singapore Malay Eye Survey (SiMES)
Assoc Prof Donald Tan
The Singapore School Cohort Study of the Risk Factors for
Myopia (SCORM)
: Prof Donald Tan
Tissue engineering of conjunctival and corneal stem cells
for clinical transplantation and immortalised ocular surface
epithelial stem cell derivation
Collaborators
: Dr Leonard Ang,
Dr Phan Thong Thang,
Adj Prof Roger W Beuerman,
Prof Robert Lavker (USA)
Tissue engineering of conjunctival stem cells
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Leonard Ang
Tissue engineering of ocular surface epithelial stem cells - The
development of a conjunctival tissue equivalent for clinical
transplantation
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Leonard Ang
To evaluate the efficacy of autologous 20% human serum drops
in a variety of ocular surface disorders
Senior Investigator
Collaborator
: Dr Ti Seng Ei (SNEC)
: Prof Donald Tan
: Dr Tang Jia-Yng (SGH)
To investigate the HLA typing and its prognostic significance in
VKH patients in Singapore
Collaborators
: Dr Bobby Cheng (SNEC)
: Dr Aung Tin
: Dr Lim Wee Kiak (SNEC),
Assoc Prof Chee Soon Phaik
Aung T, Lim MCC, Chan YH, Rojanapongpun P, Chew PT,
EXACT Study Group
Configuration of the drainage angle, intraocular pressure and
optic disc cupping in subjects with chronic angle closure glaucoma.
Ophthalmology (2005) 112:28-32.
Aung T, Friedman DS, Seah SKL
Long-term outcomes in Asians after acute primary angle closure:
author reply. Ophthalmology (2005) 112:1480.
Lim LS, Husain R, Gazzard G, Seah SKL, Aung T
Cataract progression after prophylactic laser peripheral iridotomy:
potential implications for the prevention of glaucoma blindness.
Lim MCC, Hoh ST, Foster PJ, Lim TH, Chew SJ, Seah SKL, Aung T
Use of optical coherence tomography to assess variations in macular
retinal thickness with myopia. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual
Science (2005) 46:974-978.
Seah SKL, Husain R, Gazzard G, Lim MCC, Hoh ST, Oen FTS,
Aung T
Ultrasound biomicroscopy investigation of PseudoAccomodation in 1 CU Humanoptics Accomodative Intra
Ocular Lens (2005)
Use of Surodex in phacotrabeculectomy surgery. American Journal
of Ophthalmology (2005) 139:927-8.
Lee KYC, Koh AHC, Aung T, Yong VHK, Yeung K, Ang CL,
Vithana E
: Dr Wang Jenn Chyuan (NUH)
Aung T, Rezaie T, Okada K, Viswanathan AC, Child AH, Brice G,
Bhattacharya SS, Lehmann OJ, Sarfarazi M, Hitchings RA
Clinical features and course of patients with glaucoma with the E50K
mutation in the Optineurin gene. Investigative Ophthalmology &
Visual Science (2005) 46: 2816-2822.
Aung T, Nolan WP, Machin D, Seah SKL, Baasanhu J, Khaw PT,
Johnson GJ, Foster PJ
Anterior chamber depth and the risk of primary angle closure in
two East Asian populations. Archives of Ophthalmology (2005)
123:527-532.
Characterization of bietti crystalline dystrophy patients with
CYP4V2 mutations. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
(2005) 46:3812-6.
Yang M, Aung T, Husain R, Chan YH, Lim LS, Seah SK,
Gazzard G
Choroidal expansion as a mechanism for acute primary angle closure:
An investigation into the change of biometric parameters in the first
two weeks. British Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 89: 288-90.
Tay E, Seah SKL, Chan SP, Lim ATH, Chew SJ, Foster PJ,
Aung T
Optic disc ovality as an index of tilt, and its relationship with myopia
and perimetry. American Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 139:
247-52.
Aung T, Yong VHK, Chew PTK, Seah SKL, Gazzard G, Foster PJ,
Vithana EN
Molecular analysis of the myocilin gene in Chinese subjects with
chronic primary angle closure glaucoma. Investigative Ophthalmology
& Visual Science (2005) 46:1303-6.
Aung T, Seah SKL
Changes in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness after acute primary
angle closure: author reply. Ophthalmology (2005) 112:1320-1321.
Aung T, Chan YH, Chew PT
Degree of angle closure and the intraocular pressure- lowering
effect of latanoprost in subjects with chronic angle closure glaucoma.
Ophthalmology (2005) 112:267-271.
078
Study ophthalmologist Dr Mohd Rosman examining the eyes of a SiMES
(Singapore Malay Eye Study) participant at the slit lamp
Wong TY, Rosamond WR, Chang P, Couper DJ, Sharrett AR,
Hubbard LD, Folsom AR, Klein R
Retinopathy and risk of congestive heart failure. Reported in the journal
Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine, Journal Watch, Health
Advisory and American Academy of Ophthalmology Subspeciality
News Featured on Reuters, Reuters Health, ABC News and Yahoo
Health and Medscape News Selected abstracts in American Journal of
Ophthalmology and Ocular Surgery News. JAMA (2005) 293:63-69.
Li H, Hsu W, Lee ML, Wong TY
Automatic grading of retinal vessel caliber. IEEE Transactions on
Biomedical Engineering (2005) 52(7):1352-5.
Fan DS, Lam DS, Wong TY, Islam M, Saw SM, Cheung AY, Chew S
The effect of parental history of myopia on eye size of pre-school
children: a pilot study. Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica (2005)
83(4):492-6.
Chua B, Kifley A, Wong TY, Mitchell P
Wong TY, Mitchell P
Homocysteine and retinal vein occlusion: A population-based study.
American Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 139: 181-2.
Hypertensive retinopathy signs are independent predictors of
cardiovascular diseases. British Medical Journal (2005) 331: 73, online
letter.
Mitchell P, Leung H, Wang JJ, Rochtchina E, Lee A, Wong TY,
Klein R
Retinal vessel diameter and open-angle glaucoma: the Blue Mountains
Eye Study. Ophthalmology (2005) 112:245-50.
Wong TY, Knudtson R, Klein BEK, Klein R, Hubbard LD
Medication use and retinal vessel diameters. American Journal of
Wong TY
Retinal arteriolar narrowing and hypertension. Invited Editorial.
American Journal of Hypertension (2005) 18:297-8.
Wong TY, Marino EK, Klein R, Mitchell P, Couper DJ, Klein BEK,
Hubbard LD, Sharrett AR, Siscovick DS
Edwards MS, Wilson DB, Craven TE, Stafford J, Fried LF, Wong TY,
Klein R, Burke GL, Hansen KJ
Associations between retinal microvascular abnormalities and
declining renal function in the elderly population: the Cardiovascular
Health Study. American Journal of Kidney Disease (2005) 46:214-24.
Leung H, Wang JJ, Rochtchina E, Wong TY, Klein R, Mitchell P
Dyslipidaemia and microvascular disease in the retina. Eye (2005)
19:861-8.
Wong TY, McIntosh R
Hypertensive retinopathy signs as risk indicators of cardiovascular
morbidity and mortality. British Medical Bulletin (2005) 73: 57-70.
Cardiovascular associations of retinal vein occlusion and arteriolar
emboli: The Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities & Cardiovascular
Health Studies. Ophthalmology (2005) 112:540-547.
Wong TY
Wong TY, Knudtson R, Klein R, Klein BEK, Hubbard LD
Mitchell P, Wang JJ, Wong TY, Smith W, Klein R, Leeder SR
Estrogen replacement therapy and retinal vessel caliber.
Ophthalmology (2005) 112:553-558.
Looi AL, Luu CD, Wong TY, Seah LL, Rootman J
Factors associated with decompression and strabismus surgery in
thyroid eye disease. Annals Academy of Medicine Singapore (2005)
34:154-7.
Wong TY, Chee SP
The epidemiology of acute endophthalmitis after cataract extraction.
Letter to Editor. Ophthalmology (2005) 112: 944.
Cataract surgery programs in Africa. Invited Editorial. British Journal
of Ophthalmology (2005) 89:1231-2.
Retinal microvascular signs and risk of stroke and stroke mortality.
Neurology (2005) 65:1005-9.
Grosso A, Veglio F, Porta M, Grignolo FM, Wong TY
Hypertensive retinopathy revisited: some answers, more questions.
Wong TY, Barr EL, Tapp RJ, Harper CA, Taylor HR, Zimmet PZ,
Shaw JE
Retinopathy in persons with impaired glucose metabolism. The
Australian Diabetes Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study. American
Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 140: 1157-9.
Wong TY, McIntosh R
Systemic associations of retinal microvascular signs: a review of
recent population-based studies. Ophthalmic and Physiological
Optics (2005) 25:195-204.
Ang LPK, Tan DTH, Seah CJY, Beuerman RW
The use of Human Serum in Supporting the In Vitro and In Vivio
Proliferation of Human. British Journal of Ophthalmology (2005)
89(6): 748-752.
Wong TY, Shankar A, Klein R, Klein BEK, Hubbard LD
Retinal arteriolar narrowing, hypertension and subsequent risk of
diabetes mellitus. Archives of Internal Medicine (2005) 165:1060-5.
Smith GS, Lincoln AE, Wong TY, Bell NS, Vinger PF, Amoroso PJ,
Lombardi DA
Does occupation explain gender and other differences in workrelated eye injury hospitalization rates? Journal of Occupational and
Environmental Medicine (2005) 47:640-648.
Ang LPK, Tan DTH
Autologous Cultivated Conjunctival Transplantation for Recurrent
Viral Papillomata. American Journal of Ophthalmology (2005)
140(1): 136 -138.
Ang LPK, Tan DTH, Cajucom-Uy H, Phan TT, Beuerman RW
Autologous cultivated conjunctival transplatation for pterygium
surgery. American Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 139(4): 611-619.
Cheng CL, Theng JT, Tan DT
Zhu X, Beuerman RW, Chan-Park MBE, Ang LPK, Tan DTH
Compressive C-shaped lamellar keratoplasty A surgical alternative
for the management of severe astigmatism from peripheral corneal
degeneration. Ophthalmology (2005) 112(3):425-430.
Fabrication of a novel gelatine-chitosan substrate for tissue
engineering of rabbit conjunctival epithelial equivalent. American
Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 139:s43.
Chong YS, Liang Y, Tan D, Gazzard G, Stone RA, Saw SM
Ang LPK, Tan DTH, Cajucom-Uy H, Phan TT, Lavker R,
Beurman R
children. JAMA (2005) 293(24):3001-3002.
Farook M, Venkatramani J, Gazzard G, Cheng A, Tan D, Saw SM
Comparisons of the handheld autorefractor, table-mounted
autorefractor, and subjective refraction in Singapore. Optometry
& Vision Science (2005) 82(12):1066-1070.
Husain R, Tong L, Fond A, Cheng JF, How A, Chua WH, Lee L,
Gazzard G, Tan DT, Koh D, Saw SM
Prevalence of cataract in rural Indonesia. Ophthalmology (2005)
112(7):1255-1262.
Luu CD, Lau A, Koh A, Tan DTH
Multifocal electroretinogram in children on atropine treatment for
myopia. British Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 89(2):151-153.
Rosman M, Wong TY, Koh CL,Tan DT
Prevalence and causes of amblyopia in a population-based study of
young adult men in Singapore. American Journal of Ophthalmology
(2005) 140(3): 551-552.
Saw SM, Chua WH, Gazzard G, Koh D, Tan DT, Stone RA
Eye growth changes in myopic children in Singapore. British Journal
of Ophthalmology (2005) 89(11):1489-1494.
Saw SM, Tong L, Chua WH, Chia KS, Koh D, Tan DTH, Katz J
Incidence and progression of myopia in Singaporean school children.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (2005) 46(1):51-57.
Tan DTH, Lam DS, Chua WH, Shu-Ping DF, Crockett RS
One-year multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel
safety and efficacy study of 2% pirenzepine ophthalmic gel in children
with myopia. Ophthalmology (2005)112(1):84-91.
Lim WK, Chee SP, Nussenblatt RB
Progression of varicella-zoster vurus necrotizing retinopathy in
an HIV-negative patient with transient immune deviation. Graefes
Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology (2005)
243(6):607-9 Epub.
Chee SP, Luu CD, Cheng CL, Lim WK, Jap A
Visual function in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada patients. Graefes Archive
for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology (2005) 243(8):785-90
Epub.
Por YM, Chee SP
Late spontaneous anterior dislocation of an intraocular lens (IOL)
with the capular bag. Eye (2006) 20(4): 516-7.
Su DH, Chee SP
Sympathetic ophthalmia in Singapore: new trends in old disease.
Graefes Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology
(2005) 19:1-5. Epub.
Chee SP, Bacsal K
Management of Lens-Iris Diaphragm Retropulsion Syndrom. Journal
of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (2005) 31(7):1272-3; author reply
1273.
Lee SY, Chee SP
Surodex after Phacoemulsification. Journal of Cataract and Refractive
Surgery (2005) 31(8):1479-80.
Chee SP, Bacsal K
Tan DTH, Ang LPK
Endophthalmitis after Microincision Cataract Surgery. Journal of
Modified automated lamellar therapeutic keratoplasty for
keratoconus - a new technique. Cornea (2005) In press.
Zhu X, Beuerman RW, Chan-Park MBE, Cheng ZY, Ang LPK,
Tan DTH
Enhancement of the mechanical and biological properties of a
biomembrane for tissue engineering the ocular surface. Annals
Academy of Medicine (2006) 35(3):210-4.
Ang LPK, Cheng ZY, Teoh SH, Zhu X, Beuerman RW, Tan DTH
The development of a transplantable bioengineered conjunctival
equivalent using an ultra-thin polycaprolactone membrane substrate.
American Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 139:s36-7.
Ang LPK, Tan DTH, Beuerman RW, Phan TT, Lavker RM
The development of a serum-free derived conjunctival equivalent
with improved proliferative properties for clinical transplantation.
American Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 139:s36.
080
The use of an autologous serum-free cultivated conjunctival tissueequivalent in the surgical management of ocular surface diseases.
American Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 139:s10.
Voon LW, Au Eong KG, Saw SM, Verma D, Laude A
Effect of preoperative counselling on patient fear from the visual
experience during phacoemulsification under topical anaesthesia:
multicentre randomised clinical trial. Journal of Cataract and
Refractive Surgery (2005) 31(10):1966-1969.
Saw SM, Gazzard G, Au Eong KG, Oen F, Seah S
Utility values in Singapore Chinese adults with primary open-angle
and primary angle-closure glaucoma. Journal of Glaucoma (2005)
14(6):455-462.
Lim WY, Saw SM, Singh MK, Au Eong KG
Wong TY, Shankar A, Klein R, Klein BEK
Utility values and myopia in medical students in Singapore. Clinical
and Experimental Ophthalmology (2005) 33(6):598-603.
The association between retinal arteriolar narrowing and incident
diabetes in Beaver Dam Eye study. Archives of Internal Medicine
(2005) 165(9):1060-5.
Loon SC, Chew PT, Oen FT, Chan YH, Wong HT, Seah SK, Aung T
Iris ischaemic changes and visual outcome after acute primary
angle closure. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology (2005)
33(5):473-7.
Cornilleau-Peres V, Shabana N, Droulez J, Goh JC, Lee GS,
Chew PT
Measurement of the visual contribution to posturalsteadiness from
COP movement: methodology and reliability. Gait Posture (2005)
22(2):96-106.
Shabana N, Cornilleau-Peres V, Droulez J, Goh JV, Lee GS,
Chew PT
Jain NB, Laden F, Guller U, Shankar A, Kazani S, Garshick E
Relation between blood lead levels and childhood anemia in India.
American Journal of Epidemiology (2005) 161(10): 968-73.
Staff Profile
Professor & Head
:
:
Postural stability in primary open angle glaucoma. Clinical and
Experimental Ophthalmology (2005) 33(3):264-73.
:
Venketasubramanian N, Tan LC, Sahadevan S, Chin JJ,
Krishnamoorthy ES, Hong CY, Saw SM
Prevalence of stroke among Chinese, Malay, and Indian Singaporeans:
a community-based tri-racial cross-sectional survey. Stroke (2005)
36(3):551-6.
Cataract and Refractive Surgery (2005) 31(4): 785-791.
Yik WY, Saw SM, Pan JCH, Shen HM, Lwin M, Yew MS, Heng WJ
Knowledge and beliefs on corneal donation in Singapore adults.
Chong YS, Liang Y, Gazzard G, Stone RA, Saw SM
children. JAMA (2005) 293: 3001-2.
Adjunct Professors
:
Tan Tiang Hwee, Donald
Chew Tec Kuan, Paul
Chee Soon Phaik
Saw Seang Mei
(secondary appointment)
Wong Tien Yin
Aung Tin
Ang Pek Kiang, Leonard
Anoop Shankar
(secondary appointment)
Roger W Beuerman
Au Eong Kah Guan
Cheng Ziyuan
Gao Jiong
Guo Xinyu
Mya Sandar
Ng Bee Fang
Foong Wai Ping Athena
Yeung Kit
Research Assistants:
Laboratory Officer
:
Management Support Officers (Research)
: Nur Kamilah Binte
Mohd Sharip
Leow Siew Ching Anny
Siti Nur Fatimah Bte Johari
Haslina Binte Hamzah
Muhamad Fauzi Bin Mat Isa
Saw SM, Gazzard G, Chan ESY, Chua WH
Myopia and associated pathologic complications. Ophthalmic and
Physiological Optics (2005) 25(5):381-91.
Gupta V, Srinivasan G, Saw SM, Gazzard G, Sihota R, Kapoor KS
Utility values among glaucoma patients: an impact on the quality of
life. British Journal of Ophthalmology (2005) 89:1241-1244.
Jain N, Pietrobon R, Guller U, Shankar A, Ahluwalia AS, Higgins LD
Effect of provider volume on resource utilization for surgical
procedures of the knee. Knee Surgery Sports Traumatology
Arthroscopy (2005) 13(4):302-12 Epub.
Knudtson MD, Klein BEK, Klein R, Shankar A
Contact information
Contact Person
:
Telephone
:
Facsimile
:
Email
:
Address
:
Homepage
Prof Donald Tan
Head of Department
6772-5311/6
6777-7161
ophhead@nus.edu.sg
Singapore 119074
: http://medicine.nus.edu.sg/
medoph/index.htm
Associations with weight loss and subsequent mortality risk. Annals
of Epidemiology (2005) 15(7):483-91.
Klein R, Klein BEK, Knudtson MD, Wong TY, Shankar A, Tsai MY
Systemic markers of inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and agerelated maculopathy. American Journal of Ophthalmology (2005)
140(1): 35-44.
DEPARTMENT OF
Orthopaedic Surgery
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is actively engaged in research that spans from basic science to translational
research and clinical applications of new technologies, and has on going research collaborations with local and overseas
institutions. Our research focus areas are in musculoskeletal tissue engineering, osteoporosis and fractures, and
orthopaedic bioengineering. The Department has been very much involved in the establishment of the Universitywide NUS Tissue Engineering Program (NUSTEP) and our tissue engineering team have won numerous research
awards at national and international level. In 2005, we secured 9 new research grants exceeding $1.4 million and
won eight awards for excellence in research. Our bioengineering team won the first prize in the Assistive Technology
Invention Competition organized by the Society for the Physically Disabled, as well as an Honourable Mention at
the 8th Wall Street Journal’s Asian Innovation Awards for an innovative low cost artificial leg. We were also awarded
the prestigious Albert Trillat Young Investigator’s Award for our study on the mechanical properties of the knee, and
the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) Young Investigator’s Award for developing an innovative
protocol for measuring bone mineral density in the knee. A total of 54 scientific papers in peer reviewed international
journals were published, with 22 in Tier 1 and 2 journals.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Project Description
On-going Projects
A study on fusion performance of the novel contoured spinal
fixation device in conjunction with stem cells and bone
morphogenetic proteins in lumbar interbody fusion
Mechanical analysis of human lumbar facet joints after artificial
disc replacement
Collaborator
: Prof Wong Hee Kit
: Assoc Prof James Goh
Assessment of insufficiency fractures and incident knee
osteoarthritis in pre and post-menopausal women using
dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
Collaborators
: Prof Shamal Das De
: Prof K Satku,
Dr Wilson Wang
Enhancement of meniscus repair using mesenchymal stem cells
in a porcine model
: Assoc Prof James Hui
Collaborators
: Prof Lee Eng Hin,
Dr Andrew Dutton (NUH)
Intra-articular therapy of encapsulated hyaluronan
with chondroitin sulfate or mesenchymal stem cells for
osteoarthritis of the knee
Collaborator
: Prof Lee Eng Hin
Construction and validation of a dynamic 3D Finite Element (FE)
model of the tibiofemoral joint
Collaborators
: Dr Peter Lee (DMERI),
Dr Ashvin Thambyah
RNAi for tendon healing: Synthetic small interfering RNA
decrease type V collagen synthesis for growing larger collagen
fibrils
Collaborators
: Dr Ricky Lareu,
Dr Ouyang Hongwei
The role of angiogenic growth factors in articular cartilage and
bone
Collaborators
: Dr Wilson Wang
: Dr Lingaraj Krishna (NUH),
Prof Zheng Ming Hao (UWA)
: Prof Wong Hee Kit
: Assoc Prof James Goh,
Dr Li Baojie (IMCB),
Assoc Prof Dietmar Hutmacher
Gene expression in sustained lumbar spinal nerve root
compression neuropathy: An evaluation of novel gene
detection techniques in an experimental animal model
: Prof Wong Hee Kit
: Assoc Prof Too Heng Phon,
Dr He Beiping
The regeneration of articular cartilage using hyaluronic acid
scaffolds - An animal study
: Prof Lee Eng Hin
Collaborators
Tissue engineering in musculoskeletal tissues: Characterizing
and defining the cellular and molecular mechanisms and their
role in tissue integration
:
:
Prof Lee Eng Hin
Assoc Prof James Hui,
Dr Suresh Nathan (NUH),
Dr Lim Sai Kiang (GIS),
Assoc Prof Cao Xinmin (IMCB),
Dr Li Jun (IMRE)
A study of gene enhanced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
for articular cartilage repair in a pig model
Collaborators
: Prof Lee Eng Hin,
Dr Li Baojie (IMCB)
A detailed investigation of the intra-muscular anatomy and
physiology of skeletal muscles to maximize the role and potential
of neuromuscular compartments for novel surgical procedures
in limb reconstruction
: Prof VP Kumar,
: Dr Barry Pereira,
Assoc Prof Aymeric Lim
Conferring biomedical materials with antimicrobial properties
Collaborator
: Dr Wilson Wang
: Assoc Prof Neoh Koon Gee
The role of intramuscular innervation in the functional recovery
of lacerated skeletal muscles after repair - Investigating
morphological and molecular changes after repairing the
intramuscular nerve branch
: Dr Barry Pereira
Collaborators
: Prof VP Kumar,
Assoc Prof Aymeric Lim
Anatomy of the FCU, showing two compartments each with its own
neurovascular pedicle allowing it to be split into two sub-units for a double
tendon transfer, reducing donor morbidity
Development of a tissue engineered bone substitute for bridging
a large weight bearing, cortical bone defect. An experimental
study in adult sheep
: Assoc Prof Aziz Nather
Effect of OP-1 in enhancing anterior lumbar interbody fusion
using allografts
Collaborator
: Dr Suresh Nathan (NUH)
Using tissue engineering to produce biologically active bone
allografts for orthopaedic surgery and oral maxillo-facial surgery
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Ho Kee Hai,
Dr David Vikram (NUH)
Tissue engineering approaches to the repair and regeneration of
anterior cruciate ligament
:
:
Assoc Prof James Goh
Prof Lee Eng Hin,
Adj Prof Casey Chan,
Assoc Prof Toh Siew Lok,
Dr Graeme Guy (IMCB),
Defence Science Technology Agency (DSTA) - Finite element
modeling of the cervical vertebrae in high + GZ environment
:
Collaborators
:
Mesenchymal stem cell implantation slows down intervertebral
disc degeneration in a rabbit model
Collaborator
: Dr Hee Hwan Tak
Effects of biomaterial particle phagocytosis on the characteristics
and function of osteoclasts
Collaborator
: Dr Wilson Wang
: Prof Shamal Das De
Design and development of a system to apply hydrostatic
pressure stimuli to regulate cell metabolism in cultures used in
musculoskeletal tissue
Collaborators
: Dr Wilson Wang
: Prof K Satku,
Dr Ashvin Thambyah
Investigation of VEGF and VEGFR expression in osteoarthritic
articular cartilage
Collaborators
: Dr Wilson Wang
: Dr Lingaraj Krishna (NUH),
Prof K Satku
Determining the moment arms and lines of action of skeletal
muscles that cross the forearm axis.
Collaborator
: Dr Barry Pereira
: Dr Eteinne Burdet
Assoc Prof Victor Shim
Assoc Prof Toh Siew Lok,
Dr Peter Lee (DMERI)
Factor of safety in ligaments: A study of the physiological strains
of ligaments relative to its ultimate load
Collaborator
: Prof K Satku
The effects of graft enhancement using autologous mesenchymal
stem cells on osteointegration and the minimum graft length of
hamstring tendon grafts in a porcine model of anterior cruciate
ligament reconstruction
Collaborator
: Prof Lee Eng Hin
Intra-articular injection of microsphere - encapsulated chondroitin
sulphate for the treatment of osteoarthritis in a rabbit model
Collaborators
: Prof Lee Eng Hin,
Assoc Prof Lim Lee Yong,
Dr Fong Chee Wai (IMCB)
Characterization of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from
animal and human tissues
Collaborators
084
: Dr Suresh Nathan (NUH),
Prof Lee Eng Hin,
Prof Shamal Das De
Direct Pressure Cast (DPCast)
prosthetic socket for transtibial
amputees
5 months after ACL reconstruction
with Bi-phasic knitted scaffold in
rabbit model
Lim AYT, Lahiri A, Pereira BP, Tan JAC, Sebastian SJ, Tan BL,
Zheng L, Kumar VP
The role of intramuscular nerve repair in the recovery of lacerated
skeletal muscles. Muscle and Nerve (2005) 33:377-383.
Kumarasuriyar A, Jackson RA, Grondahl L, Trau M, Nurcombe
V, Cool SM
Poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate-co-beta-hydroxyvalerate) supports in vitro
osteogenesis. Tissue Engineering (2005) 11(7-8):1281-95.
Rai B, Teoh SH, Hutmacher DW, Cao T, To KH
Novel PCL-based honeycomb scaffolds as drug delivery systems for
rhBMP-2. Biomaterials (2005) 26(17):3793-48.
Tan CH, Nather A, Kumar VP
The posterior neuromuscular compartment of the deltoid. Plastic
and Reconstructive Surgery (2005) 115(6):1660-4.
Hutmacher DW
A commentary on “Thermo-responsive polymeric surfaces; control
of attachment and detachment of cultured cells” by N. Yamada,
T.Okano, H Sakai, F Karikusa, Y. Sawasaki, Y. Sakurai. Macromolecular
Rapid Communications (2005) 26(7):505-513.
Hutmacher DW, Garcia AJ
Scaffold - based bone engineering by using genetically modified cells.
Review. Gene (2005) 345:1-10.
Hui HP, Li L, Teo YH, Ouyang HW, Lee EH
A comparative study of the ability of mesenchymal stem cells derived
from bone marrow, periosteum and adipose tissue in the treatment
of partial growth arrest in rabbits. Tissue Engineering (2005) 11:5-6.
Hui HP, Sulaiman AR, Lee HC, Lam KS, Lee EH
Open reduction and annular ligament reconstruction with fascia
of the forearm in chronic Monteggia lesions in children. Journal of
Pediatric Orthopaedics (2005) 25(4):201-6.
Ouyang HW, Toh SL, Goh JCH, Tong ET, Kyaw Moe
Assembly of bone marrow stromal cell sheets with knitted Poly
(L-Lactide) scaffold for engineering ligament analogs. Journal of
Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials (2005)
75(2):264-71.
Singh H, Teoh SH, Low HT, Hutmacher DW
Flow modeling within a scaffold under the influence of uni-axial
and bi-axial bioreactor rotation. Journal of Biotechnology (2005)
119(2):181-96.
Zhang H, Hutmacher DW, Chollet F, Poo AN, Burdet E
Microrobotics and MEMS-based fabrication techniques for
scaffold-based tissue engineering. Macromolecular Bioscience
(2005) 5(6):477-89.
Ng KW, Tham W, Lim TC, Hutmacher DW
Vikram D, Thambiah J, Kagda FHY, Kumar VP
Assimilating cell sheets and hybrid scaffolds for dermal tissue
engineering. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A
(2005) 75A(2):425-438
Bilateral gluteal compartment syndrome. A case report. Journal of
Bone Joint and Surgery (Am) (2005) 87(11):2541-5.
Ng KW, Leong DT, Hutmacher DW
Liu EHC, Wong HK, Chia CP, Lim HJ, Chen ZY, Lee TL
Effects of isofluorane and propofol on cortical somatosensory
evoked potentials during comparable depth of anaesthesis as
guided by bispectral index. British Journal of Anaesthesia (2005)
94(2):193-7.
Wong HK, Hui J, Rajan U, Chia HP
Idiopathic scoliosis in Singapore school children - a prevalence
study 15 years into the screening programme. Spine (2005)
15:30(10):1188-96.
The challenge to measure cell proliferation in two and three
dimensions. Tissue Engineering (2005) 11(1-2):182-91.
Martina M, Subramanyam G, Weaver JC, Hutmacher DW,
Morse DE, Valiyaveettil S
Developing macroporous bicontinuous materials as scaffolds for
tissue engineering. Biomaterials (2005) 26(28): 5609-16.
Cool SM, Nurcombe V
The osteoblast - heparan sulfate axis: control of the bone cell
lineage. International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
(2005) 37(9):1739-45.
Cool SM, Grunert M, Jackson R, Li H, Nurcombe V, Waters MJ
Role of growth hormone receptor signaling in osteogenesis from
murine bone marrow progenitor cells. Biochemical and Biophysical
Research Communications (2005) 338(2):1048-58.
Cornilleau-Peres V, Shabana N, Droulez J, Goh JCH, Lee SM,
Chew PT
Measurement of the visual contribution to postural steadiness from
the COP movement: Methodology and Reliability. Gait & Posture
(2005) 22: 96-105.
Toh YC, Ho ST, Zhou Y, Hutmacher DW, Yu H
Reconstructed ACL explants after one month
Application of a polyelectrolyte complex coacervation method to
improve seeding efficiency of bone marrow stromal cells in a 3D
culture system. Biomaterials (2005) 26(19):4149-60.
Zhang YZ, Ouyang HW, Lim CT, Ramakrishna S, Huang ZM
Leong DT, Hutmacher DW, Chew FT, Lim TC
Electrospinning of gelatin fibres and gelatin/PCL composite fibrous
scaffolds. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research (2005) 72B:156165.
Viability and adipogenic potential of human adipose tissue processed
cell population obtained from pump - assisted and syringe-assisted
liposuction. Journal of Dermatological Science (2005) 37(3):169-76.
Ge Z, Goh JCH, Lee EH
Liu GKP, Wong HK
Selection of cell sources for ligament tissue engineering. Cell
Transplantation (2005) 14(8):573-83.
Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery for spinal condition. Neurology
India (2005) 53(4):489-498.
Ge Z, Goh JCH, Lee EH
Goh JCH, Lee PV, Toh SL, Ooi CK
The effects of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells and fascia
wrap application to anterior cruciate ligament tissue engineering. Cell
Transplantation (2005) 14(10):763-73.
Development of an integrated CAD - FEA process for below - knee
prosthetic sockets. Clinical Biomechanics (2005) 20(6):623-29.
Goh JCH, Ouyang HW, Ge Z, Toh SL
Lim AYT, Sebastin SJ
Clinical assessment of the palmaris longus - too many newer
techniques? Journal of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
(2005) 10(1016):1-3.
Lim AYT
FCU anatomy. Journal of Hand Surgery (Am) (2005) 30(4):865-6.
Tissue engineering applications for ligament and tendon reconstruction.
Journal of Biomedical Engineering (2005) 22 (3 Suppl):7-8.
Schantz JT, Brandwood A, Hutmacher DW, Khor HL, Bittner K
Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells in
computer designed fibrin-polymer ceramic scaffolds manufactured
by fused deposition modeling. Journal of Material Science: Materials
in Medicine (2005) 16(90): 807-19.
Thambyah A, Goh JCH, Das De S
Contact stresses in the knee joint in deep flexion. Medical Engineering
& Physics (2005) 27:329-335.
Hee HT
Percutaneaous vertebroplasty - Current concepts and local
experience. Neurology India (2005) 53(4):475-482.
Thambyah A, Pereira BP, Wyss U
Estimation of bone - on - bone contact forces in the tibiofemoral joint
during walking. Knee (2005) 12(5):383-8.
Tuan HS, Hutmacher DW
Application of micro CT and computation modeling in bone tissue
engineering. Computer - Aided Design (2005) 37(11): 1151-1161.
Thambyah A
A hypothesis matrix for studying biomechanical factors associated
with the initiation and progression of posttraumatic osteoarthritis.
Medical Hypothesis (2005) 64(6):1157-61.
Chipperfield H, Cool SM, Bedi K, Nurcombe V
Nather A, David V, HT Hee, Thambiah J
Lee JY, Pho RW, Yeo DS
Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis: review of 14 cases. Journal of
Orthopaedic Surgery (2005) 13(3):240-4.
Central column reconstruction following total resection of a third
metacarpal giant cell tumour. Journal of Hand Surgery (Br) (2005)
30B(6):650-5.
Adult CNS explants as a source of neural progenitors. Brain Research
Protocols (2005) 14(3):146-53.
Lahiri A, Lim AY, Qifen Z, Lim BH
Microsurgical skills training: a new concept for simulation of vesselwall suturing. Microsurgery (2005) 25(1):21-4.
Yam A, Tan TC, Lim BH
Intraoperative interfragmentary radial nerve compression in a medially
plated humeral shaft fracture: a case report. Journal of Orthopaedic
Trauma (2005) 19(7):491-3.
Heng BC, Ye CP, Liu H, Toh WS, Rufaihah AJ, Yang Z, Bay BH,
Ge Z, Ouyang HW, Lee EH
Loss of viability during freeze-thaw of intact and adherent human
embryonic stem cells with conventional slow-cooling protocols is
predominantly due to apoptosis rather than cellular necrosis. Journal
of Biomedical Science (2005) 23:1-13.
Ng BH, Chou SM, Lim BH, Chong A
The changes in the tensile properties of tendons after freeze storage in
saline solution. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Part H Journal of Engineering in Medicine (2005) H6:387-392(6).
086
Ng KW, Louis J, Ho BST, Achuth HN, Lu J, Moochhala S, Lim TC,
Hutmacher DW
Characterization of a novel bioactive poly [(lactic acid)-co-(glycolic
acid)] and collagen hybrid matrix for dermal regeneration. Polymer
International (2005) 54(10):1449-1457.
Geng L, Feng W, Hutmacher DW, Wong YS, Loh HT, Fuh JYH
Direct writing of chitosan scaffolds using a robotic system. Rapid
Prototyping Journal (2005) 11(2):90-97.
Hoque ME, Hutmacher DW, Feng W, Li S, Huang MH, Vert M,
Wong YS
Fabrication using a rapid prototyping system and in vitro
characterization of PEG-PCL-PLA scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Journal of Biomaterial Science Polymer Edition (2005) 16(12):1595610.
Shabana N, Cornilleau-Peres V, Droulez J, Goh JCH, Lee SM,
Chew PTK
Postural stability in primary open angle glaucoma. Clinical and
Experimental Opthalmology (2005) 33(3):264-273.
Lareu RR, Lacher MD, Friis RR, Dharmarajan AM
Cloning and characterization of a novel zinc finger protein (rZFP96)
in the rat corpus luteum. Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta - Gene
Structure and Expression (2005) 1732(1-3): 69-75.
Lee SJ, Pho RW
Report of an unusual case of trigger finger secondary to phalangeal
exostosis. Hand Surgery (2005) 10(1):135-8.
Sebastian SJ, Puhaindran ME, Lim AY, Lim IJ, Bee WH
The prevalence of absence of palmaris longus - A study in a Chinese
population and a review of the literature. Journal of Hand Surgery
(Br) (2005) 30(5):525-7.
Sebastian SJ, Lim AY, Bee WH, Wong TC, Methil BV
Does the absence of the palmaris longus affect grip and pinch
strength? Journal of Hand Surgery (Br) (2005) 30(4):406-8.
Ge Z, Goh JCH, Wang L, Tan PS, Lee EH
Characterization of knitted polymeric scaffolds for potential use in
ligament engineering. Journal of Biomaterial Science Polymer Edition
(2005) 16 (9):1179-1192.
Wang ZL, Teo JC, Chui CK, Ong SH, Yan CH, Wang SC,
Wong HK, Teoh SH
Computational biomechanical modeling of the lumbar spine
using marching-cubes surface smoothened finite element voxel
meshing. Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine (2005)
80(1):25-35.
Staff Profile
Professor & Head
Emeritus Professor
Professors
Adjunct Professor
: Wong Hee Kit
: Robert Pho
: Lee Eng Hin
K Satkunanantham
Shamal Das De
V Prem Kumar
: Casey Chan
: Aziz Nather
James Goh
James Hui
Aymeric Lim
Dietmar Hutmacher
(joint appointment)
Andre van Wijnen
: Hee Hwan Tak
Wilson Wang
Adjunct Associate Professors : Khong Kok Sun
Lim Beng Hai
Victor Nurcombe
Adjunct Assistant Professor : Simon Mckenzie Cool
Research Fellows
: Ashvin Thambyah
Barry Pereira
Ge Zigang
Guo Hong-Gang
Ricardo Rodolfo Lareu
Jacqueline Frida Brown
Detlef Olaf Alexander Schumann
Liu Haifeng
Liu Tongming
Ren Xiafei
Yang Zheng
Cen Lian
Ouyang Hongwei
Research Assistants
: Chong Sook Yee
Ho Hoan Nghia
Kolencheril Raphael Beena
Ng Kit Fong
Ramruttun Amit Kumarsing
Sujeevini Jeyapalina
Wu Yingnan
Yang Kai
Zhao Tianyun
Zheng Ling
Contact information
Contact Person
:
Telephone
:
Facsimile
:
Email
:
Prof V Prem Kumar
Research Director
6772-4322
6778-0720
doskumar@nus.edu.sg
Contact Person
:
Telephone
:
Facsimile
:
Email
:
Address
:
Research Director
6772-4424
6774-4082
dosgohj@nus.edu.sg
Department of
Orthopaedic Surgery
Singapore 119074
DEPARTMENT OF
Otolaryngology
INTRODUCTION
The strategy of the Otolaryngology Department is to develop focused areas of research
based on the research questions which are founded on relevant clinical questions. We have
also expanded our research interests into clinical application of genetic predisposition and
gene-environmental interaction on diseases which are involved in Otolaryngology, Head
and Neck Surgery. Our major research areas include:
A. Nasopharyngeal and head & neck cancer
1. Evaluation of screening program of siblings of NPC patients.
2. Assessment of value of plasma EBV DNA in screening for NPC.
3. Development of classification of trismus in radiated NPC patients.
4. Conduct of phase I and II trials of c225 in NPC.
5. Conduct of phase III trials of tirapazimine in chemoradiation of head and neck
squamous cell carcinoma ( part of international trial sponsored by Sanofi-Aventis).
6. Tissue engineered prefabricated vascularised bone flap - a feasibility study.
Department of Otolaryngology
B. Rhinologic & Immunology
1. Association between polymorphisms of candidate genes and
atopy and allergic rhinitis in Singapore population.
2. Clinical manifestation of food allergy: a double-blind placebocontrolled food challenge (DBPCFC) study.
3. Clinical and immunologic effects of sublingual immunotherapy
in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis: a double-blind,
placebo controlled study.
Project Description
The role of fungus in allergic rhinitis
Collaborators
: Dr Chao Siew Shuen
: Assoc Prof Wang De Yun,
Dr Raymond Ngo
Environmental control measures in persistent allergic rhinitis
4. Epigenetic alterations and gene expression profiles in human
nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis.
Collaborator
5. The role of fungus in allergic rhinitis.
Allergens for diagnosis, treatment and control of dust mite
allergy
6. Environmental Control Measures in Persistent Allergic
Rhinitis.
C. Paediatric otolaryngology
Collaborators
1. Genetic hearing loss and clinical correlates.
2. Auditory Processing Disorder.
3. The Role of Microbes in Rhinitis and Otitis Media with
Effusion.
4. Development of a scientific questionnaire for “Caregiver
experience in Pediatric Hearing Impairment”.
: Dr Chao Siew Shuen
: Assoc Prof Wang De Yun
: Dr Chew Fook Tim
: Dr Pang Yoke Teen (NUH),
Dr Mok Yu Keong,
Dr Markus R. Wenk,
Dr Mona lancovici Kidon
The role of microbes in non-allergic
Collaborators
5. Biodegradable Airway Stent for Laryngotracheal Airway
Stenosis.
: Dr Lynne Lim
: Prof Rylander Ragnar,
Assoc Prof Wang De Yun,
Dr Chao Siew Shuen
On-going Projects
Pathogenesis of nasal polyposis: role of leukotrienes in
recruitment and activation of CD8+ T cells
Collaborators
: Dr Lim Yaw Chyn,
Dr Pang Yoke Teen (NUH)
Genetic polymorphisms of candidate genes in chromosome
5q31-33 in atopic and allergic rhinitis in Singapore population
Collaborators
: Dr Heng Chew Kiat,
Dr Wai Cheung
Cochlear delivery of neurotrophic factors by gene transfer
through an intact round window membrane for treatment of
profound hearing loss
Fungal study
Collaborator
: Dr Ruan Run Sheng
: Dr Ge Ruowen
EBV DNA (RT-PCR) predictor of nasopharyngeal cancer. Early
detection of nasopharyngeal cancer with EBV Dual
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Tan Kim Siang Luke
: Dr Winson Hsieh,
Dr Loh Woei Shyang
Clinical and immunologic effects of sublingual immunotherapy in
patients with persistent allergic rhinitis: a double-blind, placebo
controlled study
Collaborators
Lab work
: Dr Pang Yoke Teen,
Dr Chan Yiong Huak
Clinical manifestations of food allergy - a double blind, placebo
controlled food challenge study
Soo Ross, Putti TC, Qian Tao, Goh BC, Lee Kang-Hoe,
Loh Kwok-Seng, Tan Luke, Hsieh WS
Over expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
and association with epidermal growth factor receptor expression.
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg (2005) 131:147-152.
: Prof Yeoh Kian Hian
Tissue engineered prefabricated vascularised bone flaps
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Tan Kim Siang Luke
: Assoc Prof Dietmar W Hutmacher,
Assoc Prof Wang De Yun,
Dr Kenneth Oo
Genotypic and phenotypic correlations of hereditary nonsyndromic hearing loss in Singapore: Connexin 26, Connexin 30,
Pendrin and A1555G mutations
Collaborator
: Dr Lynne Lim
: Dr Denise Goh
: Assoc Prof Evelyn Koay
Wang DY
Loy AHC, Putti TC, Tan LKS
Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in Warthin’s Tumour. J Laryngol Otol
(2005) 119:515-518.
Loh KS, Brown DH, Baker JT, Gilbert RW, Gullane PJ, Irish JC
A rational approach to pulmonary screening in newly diagnosed
cancer. Head and Neck (2005) 27: 990-4.
Lovell SJ, Wong HB, Loh KS, Ngo RY, Wilson JA
Impact of dysphagia on quality - of - life in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Head Neck (2005) 27: 864-72.
Eng SP, Goh CHK, Khoo JBK, Yang TL, Lim LHY
Metastatic Angiosarcoma to the thyroid. Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol
(2005) 126:111-4.
Risk factors of allergic rhinitis: genetic or environmental? (Review)
Therapeutics & Clinical Risk Management (2005) 1:115-123.
Liang XH, Cheung W, Heng CK, Wang DY
Staff Profile
Liang XH, Cheung W, Heng CK, Wang DY
: Tan Kim Siang, Luke
: Yeoh Kian Hian
: Wang De Yun
: Thomas Loh
Lynne Lim
Chao Siew Shuen
Adjunct Assistant Professor : Run Run Sheng
Visiting Professors
: James D Smith
Alan G Kerr
Reduced transcriptional activity in individuals with IL-18 gene variants
detected from functional but not association study. Biochem Biophys
Res Commun (2005) 338:736-741.
Contact information
Absence of the toll - like receptor TLR-4 gene polymorphisms
Asp299Gly and Thr399Ile in Singaporean Chinese. Therapeutics &
Clinical Risk Management (2005) 3: 243-246.
Low WK, Fong KW, Wang DY
Radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Effect on Retrocochlear Auditory Pathways. Laryngoscope (2005) 115:1823-1826.
Raza MT, Wang DY
Biological characterisitcs and role of histamine in case of allergic
rhinitis. Medicinal Chemistry reviews-online (2005) 6:505-510.
Wang DY
Importance in research of allergic rhinitis (Expert Forum). Chinese
Journal of Otorhinolaryngology (2005) 40:163-165.
Associate Professor & Head
Clinical Professor
Associate Professor
Contact Person
:
Telephone
:
Facsimile
:
Email
:
Address
:
Contact Person
Acoustic rhinometry
090
Assoc Prof Tan Kim Siang Luke
Head
6772-5370
6775-3820
entsec@nus.edu.sg
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road,
Level 3 Singapore 119074
: Assoc Prof Wang De Yun,
MD, PhD
Director of Research
Telephone
: 6772-5373/5370
Facsimile
: 6775-3820
Pager
: 9546-1986
Email
: entwdy@nus.edu.sg
Address
: 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119074
DEPARTMENT
OF Paediatrics
INTRODUCTION
Research in the Department of Paediatrics is focused in three major areas: Human Genetics, Immunology and Allergy,
and Paediatric Oncology.
The Human Genetics Research Group aims to establish and develop genetic research and diagnostic facilities
in cardiovascular, endocrine (adrenal disease and obesity), neuromuscular, neurometabolic, haematology-oncology,
hepatobiliary (Alagille’s syndrome) and renal genetics, with regards to:
• Genetic epidemiology, including sequencing, mutation screening, and genotyping.
• Establishment of a cord blood bank resource representative of Singapore’s three major ethnic groups.
• Karyotyping and gene mapping by linkage analysis and molecular cytogenetics.
• Molecular diagnostics and gene therapy.
• Functional genomics and pharmacogenomics.
• Animal models of human development and disease.
Department of Paediatrics
The Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Research Group
is currently focused on the following areas of translational
research:
• Molecular therapy for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy.
The use of aminoglycosides in inducing mutation read-throughs
in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Development of antisense oligonucleotide therapy.
• Mutation screening for mitochondrial disorders.
Genotype and phenotype correlation of mitochondrial mutations
in mitochondrial encephalomyopathies.
Screening of mitochondrial mutations in children with nonsyndromic hearing loss.
Investigating the association between mitochondrial haplogroups
and sporadic Parkinson’s Disease in Singapore Chinese.
Mitochondrial sequence variations in the D-loop region of
patients with acute childhood leukemia.
• Studying genotype and phenotype correlations in rare
neurogenetic disorders.
Studying a rare mild phenotype of aromatic amino decarboxylase
deficiency in a family.
Investigating the cholesterol and cholesterol oxidation products
in Niemann Pick disease Type C patients and the npc1 mouse
model.
The BioMEMS consortium, a collaborative project between the
Genetics Group, Department of Biological Sciences, the Institute
of Microelectronics and three industrial partners, developed a viral
RNA micro extraction system, based on an earlier silicon chip
prototype. Being able to extract RNA from viruses would enable
detection of causal viruses in many human, animal and plant diseases.
With the attractive features of being portable, fully automated,
contamination-free and disposable, the detection of pathogenic
viruses at the point-of-care or point-of-need becomes a possibility.
The consortium was awarded the Commercialization of Technology
Fund by A*STAR to develop the viral RNA Micro Chip Extraction
System. The viral RNA micro extraction chip system, measures
2x2 cm, and is capable of yielding 720 copies of viral RNA from
a starting sample of 400µl blood spiked with a clinically relevant
level of 1000 viral particles. The project has also won the Professor
Jocelyn Hicks Best Poster Award at the 10th International Congress
of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine in September 2005.
The Immunology and Allergy Research Group has 2 major
laboratories:
092
The Pediatric Allergy Laboratory whose main areas are as
follows:
• Prevention and treatment of asthma and allergic diseases, where
the focus is on the optimization of DNA vaccines for allergic
diseases.
• Immunopathogenesis of asthma and allergic diseases, where the
focus is on establishing a murine model for allergic dermatitis
and asthma to study the underlying molecular mechanisms of
pathogenesis.
• Study of immunoregulatory proteins and their application in
treatment of allergic diseases.
• Further research and development on Blomia tropicalis mite
allergens with reduced allergeneicity and the generation of
hypoallergenic recombinant mite proteins as immunotherapeutic
reagents.
• Evaluation of the protective/therapeutic effects of recombinant
Lactobacillus expressing dust mite allergen Der p2 (L.casei /Der
p2) using a murine allergy model and to perform in vivo and in
vitro studies to elucidate the mechanisms of probiotics on the
induction of T regulatory and effector cells network in these
mice.
• The influence of environmental factors in the development of
childhood allergies:
(a) Clinical trial on the effects of probiotics on atopic disease in
babies at risk for atopy.
(b) Prospective study to compare the gut microbiota between
two populations, one with high prevalence of allergy
(Singapore) and one with low prevalence (Indonesia) in the
first two years of life.
The Pediatric Renal and Transplant Immunology Research
Laboratory focuses on the following:
• Immunopathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome, in particular minimal
change disease. The Group has developed an IL-13 transfection
rat model of minimal change-like nephropathy, which won the
Young Scientist Award at the World Congress of Nephrology,
2005.
• Immunogenetics of familial nephritis.
• Infections in solid organ transplantation.
The Pediatric Oncology Research Group has as its main focus
research in childhood leukemia. Their current research plans are as
follows:
Development of highly sensitive minimal residual disease markers
in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The Group currently
runs 2 multifaceted, multicentre trial involving childhood acute
lymphoblastic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia (MA-SPORE
ALL 2003 and MA-SPORE AMC 2006 studies).
Project Description
Screening of mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA gene
mutations in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathies
Collaborator
: Dr Stacey Tay KH
: Dr Lai Poh San,
Prof Low Poh Sim
: Dr Yee Woon Chee
Application of aminoglycosides in inducing mutation readthroughs for molecular therapy in Duchenne muscular
dystrophy patients
: Dr Lai Poh San
: Prof Low Poh Sim,
Dr Stacey Tay KH
Automated mutation/SNP Lab-on-a-Chip Devices for Molecular
Diagnostics and Genomic Research
: Assoc Prof Samuel Chong
: Dr Caroline Lee,
Dr Liu Wen Tso
(Civil Engineering, NUS),
Dr Dieter Trau
(Chemical & Biomolecular, NUS),
Dr Feng Han Hua
(Institute of Microelectronics)
Th2 Cytokines in minimal change nephrotic syndrome - in vivo
and in vitro study of the underlying molecular mechanisms
Collaborators
: Prof Yap Hui Kim
: Dr Wei Chang Li
: Dr Caroline Lee
(Biochemistry, NUS),
Dr Lu Jin Hua (NUMI, NUS),
Prof Stanley C Jordan (UCLA),
Dr Gilbert SC Chiang
(Pathology, SGH)
The influence of fever on early life wheeze: creating a predictive
index for identifying wheezy infants at risk of persistent wheeze
and likely asthma at preschool age
: Prof Hugo van Bever
: Assoc Prof Daniel Goh,
Dr Chng Seo Yi,
Ms Tan Teng Nging
A longitudinal study on infectious risks and immune response
to vaccination in S’pore infants enrolled in a placebo-controlled,
randomised study of probiotic supplementation
: Dr Marion Aw
: Dr Lynette Shek
Evaluation of the effect of a low density gas (helium) in the
alleviation of upper airway obstruction in children with
obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Daniel Goh
: Dr Chng Seo Yi (Paediatrics, NUH),
Dr Ng Kar Hui (Paediatrics, NUH)
: Prof Carole L Marcus
(Ped Pulmonology, Children’s Hosp
of Philadelphia)
A multicentre childhood ALL study incorporating a riskstratified treatment protocol, biodiscovery for new diagnostic
and prognostic markets using gene expression
Collaborator
: Dr Allen Yeoh
: Assoc Prof Chew Fook Tim
(Dept of Biological Sciences)
Cord blood mononuclear cell responses to probiotics as a
predictor for and potential therapeutic tool in allergic diseases
: Dr Lynette Shek
Developing new molecular signatures for diseases
prognostication for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
using expression profiling
: Dr Allen Yeoh
Genetics of Pediatric Renal Diseases
Collaborators
: Prof Yap Hui Kim
: Dr Goh Li Meng, Denise,
Assoc Prof Samuel Chong SC,
Dr Tan Puay Hoon
(Pathology, SGH),
Dr Gilbert Chiang
(Pathology, SGH),
Dr Ng Kar Hui
(Paediatrics, NUH)
Genetics of cardiovascular disorders
: Dr Heng Chew Kiat
Development of a universal microarray format for multiplexed
genotyping of candidate genes for coronary artery disease
: Dr Heng Chew Kiat
Lactobacilli - based oral vaccine: A model to study the induction
and role of regulatory cells in the ablation of allergic diseases
: Prof Chua Kaw Yan
Evaluation of allergy related genes - exploiting genetic
differences in closely related substrains of BalB/C mice with
diverse responses to allergens
: Dr Denise Goh Li Meng
: Prof Chua Kaw Yan
A study on the paediatric prevalence of adverse drug reaction
and drug allergy in Singapore
Collaborator
: Dr Dawn Lim
: Prof Hugo van Bever,
Dr Lynette Shek,
MsTan Teng Nging
: Adj Assoc Prof Lee Bee Wah
On-going Projects
A*Star Singapore Cancer Syndicate grant-Establishment of
a national paediatric oncology group (Singapore) [POG(S)]
comprising of an experimental therapeutics/clinical trial and
outcome consortium, a central research laboratory and cancer
and tissue bank in Singapore
: Dr Allen Yeoh Eng Juh
: Assoc Prof Quah Thuan Chong
(Paeds, NUS),
Dr Tan Ah Moy (Paeds, KKH),
Dr Chan Mei Yoke (Paeds, KKH),
Dr Chui Chan Hon (Paeds, KKH)
International genetic epidemiology of oral clefts
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Lim Thiam Chye
(Surgery, NUS),
Dr Denise Goh Li Meng,
Assoc Prof Kelvin WC Foong
(Dentistry, NUS)
Development of a lactobacilli-based oral vaccine for prevention
and treatment of allergic diseases
Collaborator
: Prof Chua Kaw Yan
: Dr Ranee Lim Lay Hong
(Microbiology, NUS)
The role of interleukin-13 in the pathogenesis of minimal change
nephrotic syndrome and its underlying molecular mechanisms
Collaborators
: Dr Wei Chang Li
: Prof Yap Hui Kim
: Dr Lu Jin Hua (NUMI, NUS),
Dr Caroline Lee (Biochemistry, NUS),
Prof Stanley C Jordan (UCLA),
Dr Tan Puay Hoon (Pathology, SGH),
Dr Gilbert SC Chiang
(Pathology, SGH)
Genomic and in situ expression analyses of the Zebrafish
homologs of TWIST, the gene mutated in Saethre - Chotzen
syndrome
Development of an accurate method for designing optimal
antisense oligonucleotides inducing exon skipping - a therapy
for duchenne muscular dystrophy (NHG)
PVO Education Initiatives Grant- The NUS/HMI Program for
physician educators - Evaluation of its short and long term
outcome
Collaborators
Human skeletal myoblast transplantation for cardiac repair:
molecular basis of donor cell survival and improvement of
myocardial performance
: Assoc Prof Teh Ming
(Pathology, NUS)
Collaborators
: Dr Terrance Chua,
Dr Philip Wong
094
: Assoc Prof Roy Joseph
: Assoc Prof Mathew Gwee,
Dr Elizabeth Armstrong
Environmental endotoxin exposure and its relationship with
atopy and allergy symptoms in the first two years of year
Collaborators
: Dr Dawn Lim,
Adj Assoc Prof Lee Bee Wah,
Prof Chua Kaw Yan,
Ms Tan Teng Nging,
Prof Ho Bow (Microbiology, NUS),
Prof Karnen Garna Baratwidjaja
(Medicine, University of Indonesia)
To establish values for cellular components in bronchoalveolar
lavage fluid as well as intracellular and extracellular IL-1, IL-6,
IL-10, tumour necrosis factor and gamma-interferon levels in
lung fluid obtained by bronchoscopic and non-bronchoscopic
methods from patients with pneumonia requiring bronchoscopy
for clearance of secretions
Collaborators
: Dr Nicola Ngiam Siew Pei
: Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Yam Thiam,
Dr Cindy Hia (Paediatrics, NUH)
The role of myocardial perfusion imaging in the detection of
cardiac complications in Kawasaki disease
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Quek Swee Chye
: Dr Ho Kheng Thye
(Cardiac, NUH),
Dr Terence Lim (Paed, NUH)
Characterization and evaluation of the functional significance
of the unpregulated DEC-1 gene in children with steriod responsive nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in relapse
Collaborators
Identifying the educational needs of teaching faculty members
in the SOM, NUS: An exploratory survey
: Dr Zubair Amin
: Dr Marion Aw,
Dr Wong Mee Lian (COFM, NUS),
Dr Calvin Fones (Psychological
Medicine, NUS)
: Dr Lai Poh San
: Prof Yap Hui Kim
: Dr Caroline Lee Guat Lay,
Dr Gong Wei Kin,
Mr Wilson Cheung Wai
Prevalence of allergic symptoms and atopy in 2 diverse
populations in SE Asia, and a comparative evaluation of the
influence of environmental microbial factors
Collaborators
: Dr Dawn Lim,
Prof Chua Kaw Yan,
Ms Tan Teng Nging,
Prof Ho Bow (Microbiology, NUS),
Assoc Prof Malkeet Singh
(Microbiology, NUS),
Prof Karnen Garna Baratwidjaja
(Medicine, Univ. of Indonesia)
The incidence and consequence of the Gly71Arg polymorphism
in the human UDP-glucuronosyl-transferase 1A1 (UDP1A1) in
the term newborn population - A prospective study
BioMEMS for cells characterization
: Assoc Prof Poenar Daniel Piu
(NTU)
: Dr Heng Chew Kiat
Characterisation of CYP11B1 mutations in 11-beta hydroxylase
deficiency
Hepatitis B immune status in children - a decade after mass
vaccination
Collaborators
Establishment and validation of a preimplantation genetic
diagnosis program in Singapore
Co-Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Samuel Chong
: Dr Christine Yap (O&G, SGH)
Molecular Basis of Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) in
beta thalassemia
Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigator Collaborator
: Dr Caroline G Lee
(Biochemistry, NUS)
Genetic Epidemiology of Pre-eclampsia
Collaborators
: Dr Chong Yap Seng
: Dr Caroline G Lee
(Biochemistry, NUS),
Dr Heng Chew Kiat
Molecular elucidation of the role of FAT10 in carcinogenesis
Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigators : Dr Caroline G Lee
(Biochemistry, NUS)
: Assoc Prof Samuel Chong,
Dr Patrick Tan,
Dr London Lucien Ooi Peng Jin
Development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines for
asthma and allergic diseases
Collaborators
: Prof Chua Kaw Yan
: Adj Assoc Prof Lee Bee Wah,
Dr Ranee Lim,
Dr Lynette Shek,
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Yam Thiam,
Dr Cheong Nge,
Dr Denise Goh Li Meng,
Dr Liew Lip Nyin,
Dr Dawn Lim,
Dr Thomas August (John Hopkins),
Dr Sven Pettersson
(Karolinska Inst. Sweden),
Dr Bengt Bjorksten
(Karolinska Inst. Sweden),
Assoc Prof Lee Yuan Kuan
(Microbiology, NUS),
Dr Lu Jinhua (NUMI, NUS),
Dr Wang De Yun (ENT, NUS)
: Assoc Prof Loke Kah Yin
: Assoc Prof Quak Seng Hock
: Dr Lai Poh San,
Dr Marion Aw,
Dr Oh Meng Choo
(Paediatrics, NUH)
Targeted gene repair of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Lymphoblastoid Cells using modified oligonucleotides
: Dr ZA Dwi Pamono (NNI)
: Dr Lai Poh San,
Dr Yee Woon Chee,
Dr Feng Zhiwei (NNI)
Characterization of differentially expressed genes from CD8+
Th2 cells in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in
relapse and remission
Collaborators
: Prof Yap Hui Kim
: Dr Cheung Wai Wilson,
Dr Caroline Lee Guat Lay
Production of codon optimized recombinant dust mite allergens
in Chinese hamster ovary cells for diagnostic and therapeutic
purposes
Collaborators
: Prof Chua Kaw Yan
: Dr Ranee Lim Lay Hong,
Dr Dawn Lim Li Chern,
Dr Cheong Nge
An evaluation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductace
regulator (CFTR) gene mutations in Asians with chronic
pulmonary disease
:
:
Collaborators
:
Assoc Prof Daniel Goh
Assoc Prof Samuel Chong
Dr Nicola Ngiam Siew Pei,
Assoc Prof Lim Tow Keang
(Medicine, NUS),
Dr Azman Johan (Medicine, AH),
Dr Ong Kian Chung
(Respiratory Medicine, TTSH),
Dr Chng Seo Yi,
Dr Cindy Hia Ping Ping,
Dr Shek Pei Chi Lynette
NUS YIA - Biodiscovery and development of DNA and
proteomic diagnostic biochips in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic
Leukemia
Immune responses to allergens in early childhood in relation to
environmental factors
Collaborators
: Prof Chua Kaw Yan
: Adj Assoc Prof Lee Bee Wah,
Assoc Prof Lee Yuan Kun,
Assoc Prof Ho Bow,
Dr Shek Pei Chi Lynette,
Prof Bengt Bjorksten,
Dr Scott M Montgomery
Functional studies of mutant melanocortin receptors due to
novel mutations of the melanocortin-3 receptor gene and
melanocortin-4 receptor gene causing obesity in humans
Collaborator
Characterization of molecular events involved in the
immunosuppressive action of PX-3.102 - a bioactive extract
from a Chinese herb
Collaborators
Influence of probiotics on atopy, atopic
immunological responses - A randomised
placebo-controlled clinical trial
Collaborators
: Dr Lee Yung Seng
Retroviral-mediated strategies for in vivo expression reporting
and isolation of novel zebrafish genes important in human
development and disease
: Dr Caroline Chee,
Dr Ethylin W Jabs
Characterization of the mechanism of albumin permeability in
childhood minimal change nephrotic syndrome
Collaborator
: Prof Yap Hui Kim
: Assoc Prof Harry Yu
Single nucleotide polymorphins (SNPS) in the MDR1 Gene in the
three ethnic groups in Singapore - correlating polymorphins/
haplotypes with drug transport in search of functional SNPS
Collaborator
: Dr Caroline G Lee
: Prof Edmund Lee
Production of recombinant chimeric mite allergens for specific
immunotherapy
Collaborators
: Dr Liew Lip Nyin
: Prof Chua Kaw Yan,
Dr Dawn Lim Li Chern
96
: Dr Shek Pei-Chi Lynette
: Dr Marion Margaret Aw,
Assoc Prof Abu Rauff,
Dr Chong Yap Seng,
Dr Saw Seang Mei,
Dr Dawn Lim Li Chern,
Assoc Prof Lee Yuan Kun,
Prof Chua Kaw Yan,
Dr Steven Ng Chin Yuen
Genetic polymorphisms of the IL-13 gene and IL-13 receptor
complex genes in minimal change nephrotic syndrome of
childhood
: Prof Yap Hui Kim
Collaborators
: Dr Samuel Chong,
Mr Cheung Wai Wilson
A nation-wide study in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
incorporating minimal residual disease based risk-stratification
pharmacogenomic study of thiopurine methyltransferase
deficiency and establishment of a cell bank
Collaborators
: Dr Ranee Lim Lay Hong
: Prof Chua Kaw Yan,
The portable and
automated extraction
system that enables
nuclei acid extraction to
be carried out anywhere
without being confined
to the laboratory
disease and
double-blind,
Molecular characterization of mutant DAX-1 protein in X-linked
adrenal hypoplasia congenita: A study of 3 novel mutations
Heterologous expression of dust mite allergens in Lactobacillus
casei
Collaborators:
: Prof Yap Hui Kim
: Dr Lee Guat Lay Caroline,
Assoc Prof Ang Siau Gek,
Assoc Prof Lai Yee Hing,
: Assoc Prof Quah Thuan Chong,
Dr Tan Poh Lin,
Dr Tan Ah Moy (KKH),
Dr Heng Chew Kiat,
Dr Li Chi Kong
(Chinese University of Hong Kong),
Dr Dario Campana
(St Jude Children’s Research
Hospital, Memphis, US),
Dr Pui Ching Hon
(St Jude Children’s Research
Hospital, Memphis, US)
Characterisation of the genetics and complications of childhood
obesity in Singapore
Collaborators
: Dr Lee Yung Seng
: Dr Saw Seang Mei,
Dr Rose Vaithinathan
(School Health Service, HBP)
Characterising normative values for areal and volumetric bone
mineral density and body composition in Singapore children and
adolescents: towards an accurate assessment of therapeutic
intervention in chronic paediatric disease and childhood obesity
Collaborators
: Dr Lee Yung Seng,
Assoc Prof James CH Goh,
Evaluation of the prevalence and factors associated with snoring
and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children in Singapore
: Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Yam Thiam
Relationship between exhaled nitric oxide and atopy in
asthmatic and non-asthmatic Asian adults
: Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Yam Thiam
Molecular characterization of adult onset multiple acyl coA
dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD)
: Dr Lai Poh San
: Dr Yee Woon Chee
Molecular genetics in neuromuscular disorders
: Dr Yee Woon Chee
: Dr Ho Meng Fatt,
Dr Lai Poh San
Miura Y, Tay SK, Aw MM, Eklund EA, Freeze HH
Clinical and biochemical characterization of a patient with congenital
disorder of glycosylation (CDG) IIx. Journal of Paediatrics (2005)
147(6):851-853. (United States).
Wang W, Chan AYY, Chan LC, Ma ESK, Chong SS
Unusual rearrangement of the globin gene cluster containing both the
3.7 and anti-4.2 crossover junctions: clinical diagnostic implications
and possible mechanisms. Clinical Chemistry (2005) 51(11):21672170. (United States).
Wang W, Chan AY, Chan LC, Ma ES, Chong SS
Unusual rearrangement of the -globin gene cluster containing
anti-4.2
both the - 3.7 and
crossover junctions: clinical diagnostic
implications and possible mechanisms. Clinical Chemistry (2005)
51(11):2167-2170. (United States).
Hagendorens MM, Bridts CH, Lauwers K, Van nuys S, Ebo DG,
Vellinga A, De clerck LS, Van bever HP, Weyler JJ, Stevens WJ
Perinatal risk factors for sensitization, atopic dermatitis and wheezing
during the first year of life (PIPO-study). Clinical and Experimental
Allergy (2005) 35(6):733-740. (United Kingdom).
Lim DL, Neo KH, Goh DLM, Shek LPC, Lee BW
Missing parvalbumin: Implications in diagnostic testing for tuna allergy.
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2005) 115(4):874-875.
(United States).
Ko J, Busse PJ, Shek LPC, Noone S, Sampson HA, Li X
Effect of Chinese herbal formulas on T cell responses in patients with
peanut allergy or asthma. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
(2005) 115(2):34. (United States).
Wang Z, Wang B, Tang K, Lee E JD, Chong SS, Lee CGL
Genetics (2005) 14:2075-2087. (United Kingdom).
Wang B, Ren J, Ooi LLP J, Chong SS, Lee CGL
Dinucleotide repeats negatively modulate the promoter activity
of Cyr61 and is unstable in hepatocellular carcinoma patients.
Oncogene (2005) 24:3999-4008. (United Kingdom).
Sutcharitchan P, Wang B, Settapiboon R, Amornsiriwat S,
Tan SC, Chong SS
Hemoglobin H disease classification by isoelectric focusing? Molecular
verification of 110 cases from Thailand. Clinical Chemistry (2005)
51:641-644. (United States).
ABCC5 gene locus. Pharmacogenetics (2005) 15:91-104. (United
States).
Tan EK, Chan DKY, Ng PW, Woo J, Teo YY, Tang K, Wong LP,
Chong SS, Tan C, Shen H, Zhao Y, Lee CGL
Effect of MDR1 haplotype on risk of Parkinson disease. Archives of
Neurology (2005) 62:460-464. (United States).
Yi FC, Lee BW, Cheong N, Chua KY
Quantification of Blot 5 in mite and dust extracts by two-site ELISA.
Allergy (2005) 60:108-112. (Denmark).
He XL, Lu YJ, Saha N, Yang HY, Heng CK
Acyl-CoA: Cholesterol Acyltransferase-2 Gene Polymorphisms and
their association with plasma lipids and coronary artery disease risks.
Human Genetics (2005) 118(3-4):393-403. (Germany).
Liang X, Cheung W, Heng CK, Wang DY
Reduced transcriptional activity in individuals with IL-18 gene variants
detected from functional but not association study. Biochemical and
Biophysical Research Communications (2005) 338(2):736741. (United States).
Beaty TH, Fallin MD, Hetmanski JB, McIntosh I, Chong SS,
Ingersoll R, Sheng X, Chakraborty R, Scott AF
Haplotype diversity in 11 candidate genes across four populations.
Genetics (2005) 171(1):259-267. (United States).
Van bever HP, Shek LPC, Lim DL, Lee BW
Viewpoint: are doctors responsible for the increase in allergic
diseases? Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (2005) 16(6):464-470.
(United Kingdom).
Phua KB, Quak SH, Lee BW, Emmanuel SC, Goh P, Han HH,
Devos B, Bock HL
Evaluation of RIX4414, a live, attenuated rotavirus vaccine, in a
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial involving
2464 Singaporean infants. Journal of Infectious Diseases (2005)
(Suppl. 1 on Rotavirus in Asia) 192(1):S6-S16. (United States).
Kirk RC, Goh DLM, Packia J, Kam HM, Ong BKC
Computer calculated dosage in Paediatric prescribing. Drug Safety
(2005) 28(9):817-824. (New Zealand).
Tan PL, Yeoh EJ, Quah TC
Unrelated umbilical cord blood transaction in patients with genetic
diseases - Singapore experience. Bone Marrow Transplantation
(2005) 35:Suppl. 2:R1205. (United Kingdom).
Mancuso M, Ferraris S, Nishigaki Y, Azan G, Mauro A, Sammarco P,
Krishna S, Tay SKH, Bonilla E, Romansky SG, Hirano M,
Dimauro S
Congenital or late-onset myopathy in patients with the T14709C
mtDNA mutation. Journal of the Neurological Sciences (2005)
228(1):93-97. (United States).
Deeb A, Mason C, Lee YS, Hughes IA
Correlation between genotype, phenotype and sex of rearing in
111 patients with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome. Clinical
Endocrinology (2005) 63(1):56-62. (United Kingdom).
Pica EC, Pramono ZAD, Kamal KV, Lai PS, Yee WC
A novel transthyretin mutation V32A in a Chinese man with late-onset
amyloid polyneuropathy. Muscle & Nerve (2005) 32:223-225. (United
States).
Wei C, Cheung W, Heng CK, Arty N, Chong SS, Lee BW,
Puah KL, Yap HK
Chen H, Heng CK, Poenar DP, Zhou XD, Lee AC, Lim TM
Interleukin-13 genetic polymorphisms in Singapore Chinese children
correlate with long-term outcome of minimal-change disease.
Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation (2005) 20(4):728-734. (United
Kingdom).
Detection of Saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized on self-assembled
monolayer (SAM) of alkanethiolate using elect rochemical impedance
spect roscopy. Analytica Chimica Acta (2005) 554(1-2):52-59.
(Netherlands).
Tan TN, Lim DL, Lee BW, Van bever HP
Yeo ACC, Chan KP, Kumarasinghe G, Yap HK
Prevalence of allergy-related symptoms in Singaporean infants in
the second year of life. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology (2005)
16(2):151-156. (United Kingdom).
Rapid detection of codon 460 mutations in the UL97 gene of
ganciclovir-resistant cytomegalovirus clinical isolates by real-time
PCR using molecular beacons. Molecular and Cellular Probes (2005)
Yap HK, Prabhakaran K, Tan LSF, Loh LSKD, Tambyah PA
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever After Living Donor Renal
Transplantation. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation (2005)
Zubair A, Khoo HE, Gwee MCE, Koh DR, Tan CH
Medical education in Southeast Asia emerging issues: Challenges
and opportunities. Medical Education (2005) 39(8):829-833. (United
Kingdom). (Lead article with accompanying editorial).
Ben J, Jabs EW, Chong SS
Genomic, cDNA and embryonic expression analysis of the zebrafish
ortholog of the Van der Woude syndrome and popliteal pterygium
syndrome gene IRF6. Mechanisms of Development (2005) 5:629638. (Netherlands).
Quek SC, Hia CPP, Yip WCL
A surgically correctable cause of dilated cardiomyopathy in infancy.
Cardiology in the Young (2005) 15(1):54-55. (United Kingdom).
Lal S, Madhavan M, Heng CK
The association of mitochondria DNA 5178C>A polymorphism with
plasma lipid levels among three ethnic groups in Singapore. Annals of
Human Genetics (2005) 69(Pt 6):639-44. (United Kingdom).
Ubogu EE, Tay SKH, Akman HO, Dimauro S, Katirji B,
Preston DC, Shapiro BE
Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease: a case report of a manifesting
heterozygote. Muscle & Nerve (2005) 32(5):675-81. (United States).
Koletzko B, Baker S, Cleghorn G, Neto UF, Gopalan S, Hernell O,
Quak SH, Jirapinyo P, Lonnerdal B, Pencharz P, Pzyrembel H,
Ramirez-Mayans J, Shamir R, Turck D, Yamashiro Y, Ding ZY,
ESPGHAN Coordinated International Expert Group Consultation
Global standard for the composition of Infant Formula:
Recommendations of an ESPGHAN Coordinated International
Expert Group. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
(2005) 41:584-599. (United Kingdom).
98
The viral RNA extraction micro-chip measuring 2x2 cm
Zubair A, Tan Y, Pang C
Lu Y, Wee-kham KY, Tan PL, Quah TC, Heng CK, Yeoh EJ
A successful format of breastfeeding advocacy skills workshop.
Medical Education (2005) 39:515. (United Kingdom).
Arrayed primer extension: a robust and reliable genotyping platform
for the diagnosis of single gene disorders: beta-thalassemia and
thiopurine methyltransferase deficiency. Genetic Testing (2005)
9(3):212-219. (United States).
Tan LK, Tay FEH, Van bever HP
Sleep monitoring devices using electric field (E-field) mattress for
children with eczema. International Journal of Software Engineering
and Knowledge Engineering (2005) 15(2):177-182. (Singapore).
Joseph R
Screening newborns for Inborn errors of metabolism - A standard of
care. Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Care (2005) (Perinatology)
7(5):243-245. (India).
Wang XS, Goh DYT, Shek LPC, Baratawidjaja K, Darwis A,
Kartasasmita C, Lee BW
Affluence and Asthma : Evidence from South East Asia. Allergy &
Clinical Immunology International - Journal of the World Allergy
Organization (2005) 17(2):53-57.
Tay SKH, Sacconi S, Akman HO, Morales JF, De Vivo DC,
Shanske S, Bonilla E, DiMauro S
Unusual clinical presentations in four cases of Leigh disease,
cytochrome C oxidase deficiency, and SURF1 gene mutations. Journal
of Child Neurology (2005) 20(8):670-674. (United States).
Fang L, Wei H, Chowdhury SH, Gong N, Song J, Heng CK,
Sethi SK, Toh TH, Chatterjee S
Association of Leu125Val polymorphism of platelet endothelial cell
adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) gene and soluble level of PECAM1 with coronary artery disease in Asian Indians. Indian Journal of
Medical Research (2005) 121(2):92-99. (United States).
Loke KY
Tay SKH, Shanske S, Crowe C, Shanske A, Schafer I, Pancrudo J,
Lu JS, Bonilla E, Dimauro S
Atypical clinical features of X-linked Adrenal Hypoplasia Congenita.
Japanese Journal of Inherited Metabolic Diseases (2005) 21(1):67-70.
(Japan).
Clinical and genetic features in 2 families with MELAS and the T3271C
point mutation in mitochondrial DNA. Journal of Child Neurology
(2005) 20(20):142-146. (United States).
Tan EC, Lai PS
Tay SKH, Khng HH, Low PS, Lai PS
Molecular diagnosis of neurogenetic disorders involving trinucleotide
repeat expansions. Expert Reviews in Molecular Diagnosis (2005)
A novel approach to detecting pathogenic mutations in Asian
patients with duchenne and becker muscular dystrophy by protein
truncation analysis using transformed lymphocyte cell lines. Journal
of Child Neurology, (2005). (United States).
Cheah SH, Jabs EW, Chong SS
Genomic, cDNA and embryonic expression analysis of zebrafish
transforming growth factor beta 3 (tgfb3). Developmental Dynamics
(2005) 232:1021-1030. (United States).
Chng SY, Van bever HP, Lian D, Lee SX, Xu XN, Wang XS,
Goh DYT
Relationship between exhaled nitric oxide and atopy in Asian young
adults. Respirology (2005) 10(1):40-45. (Australia).
Sim X, Ali RA, Wedren S, Goh DLM, Tan CS, Hall P, Chia KS
Prabhakaran K, Patankar JZ, Quak SH
Surgical complications and outcome of paediatric liver transplantation:
the Singapore experience. Paediatric Surgery International (2005)
21(8):609-614. (United States).
Van bever HP
Zijn wij, de behandelende artsen, uiteindelijk verantwoordelijk voor
de toename van allergieen bij kinderen? Tijdschr Geneesk (2005)
61:807-813. (United States). (In German).
Ethnic differences in the time trend of breast cancer incidence:
Singapore 1968-2002. Breast Cancer Research, (2005). (United
Kingdom).
Tan YM, Loke KY
Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) for the
rapid detection of SHOX haploinsufficiency in Leri-Weill Syndrome.
Diagnostic Molecular Pathology (2005) 14(4):247-249. (United
States).
Raju GC, Loganath A, Roy AC, Chong SS, Wong YC
Hypoxia up-regulared angiogenin and down regulated vascular cell
adhesion molecule-1 expression and secretion in human placental
trophoblasts. Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation
(2005) 12(5):310-319. (United States).
Staff Profile
Associate Professor & Head : Quak Seng Hock
Professors
: Yap Hui Kim
Low Poh Sim
Hugo PS van Bever
: Roy Joseph
Quah Thuan Chong
Loke Kah Yin
Quek Swee Chye
Daniel Goh Yam Thiam
Research Professor
: Chua Kaw Yan
Research Associate Professor: Samuel Chong Siong Chuan
Adjunct Associate Professors : Byrappa Venkatesh
Lam Kong Peng
Lee Bee Wah
Lee Wei Ling
William Yip Chin Ling
: Marion Margaret Aw Hui Yong
Denise Goh Li Meng
Stacey Tay Kiat Hong
Lynette Shek Pei Chi
Lee Yung Seng
Nicola Ngiam Siew Pei
Allen Yeoh Eng Juh
Zubair Amin
Senior Research Fellows
: Lai Poh San
Heng Chew Kiat
Visiting Fellow
: Elizabeth Anne Clarke
Research Fellows
: Chen Hui
Cheong Nge
Huang Chiung Hui
Kuo I Chun
Liew Lip Nyin
Lim Lay Hong, Ranee
Seow See Voon
Tan Teng Nging
Wei Chang Li
Teo Su Min, Audrey
Zhao Bing
Yi Fong Cheng
Adjunct Research Fellow
: Yeo Chao Chuang, Adrian
100
Research Assistants
: Ben Jin
Cheah Siew Hong, Felicia
Chee Li Lian
Ezrein Shah bin Selamat
Kwok Sze Nga, Cecilia
Lai Kin Wai, Danny
Lau Suk Hiang
Li Zhi Mei
Lye Hui Jen
Lim Chin Chin
Lu Yi
Soh Gim Hooi
Tan Li Kiang
Wang Jingbo
Wang Wen
Yeo Gare Hoon
Yeo Hui Joo, Sharon
Xu Hui
Zhang Dong Wei
Zhou You You
Contact information
Contact Person
: Prof Yap Hui Kim
Director of Research, Paediatrics
Telephone
: 6772-4112
Facsimile
: 6779-7486
Email
: paesec@nus.edu.sg
Address
: Department of Paediatrics
Lower Kent Ridge Road
Singapore 119074
DEPARTMENT
OF Pathology
INTRODUCTION
As Pathology evolves into a complex and unique discipline recognized as both a basic biomedical science and a
clinical specialty, the Department of Pathology has kept pace with this evolution. We worked hard at upgrading
our core facilities, attracting top-level staff and accruing new equipment, in order to conduct quality research
in the study of mechanisms and in vitro manifestations of disease. To complement our internationally accredited
histology and immunohistochemistry laboratories, other core facilities such as laser capture microscopy,
molecular diagnostics and cytogenetics, electron microscopy and a departmental data system-computer network
were set up.
In 2005, the department achieved a vast increase in grant funding, maintained a sizeable publication record of
over 50 research papers in reputable international journals, more than half of which were basic research papers,
contributed a number of patents, and won a few national and international awards for excellence in research and
pioneering new frontiers in pathology.
Department of Pathology
Due to the encompassing nature of pathology, the research interests
and activities of our faculty cover a broad range that includes basic
science, translational research, and clinical research, deriving benefit
from synergistic opportunities related to intra-disciplinary, multidisciplinary, inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary interactions.
Many of our staff actively collaborate with fellow researchers
at the NUS Oncology Research Institute, with colleagues in the
Medical, Science and Engineering faculties, as well as with principal
investigators at the A-STAR research institutes at the Biopolis
research hub, with special focus on the biology, genetics and
immunology of cancer, and validation of new molecular markers
in cancer diagnostics and therapy. In recent years, the research in
tumour biology, the traditional strength of our department, has
evolved to include analysis of neoplasia at all levels of involvement:
molecular, nuclear, cell membrane, intracellular, and matrix; and the
identification and analysis of neoplastic events; and the application
of novel therapies.
Amongst our most notable contributions to Singapore’s biomedical
research initiatives is the extensive re-organisation of our vast tissue
repository reserves. Changes were made to enable researchers to
maximize the potential of using banked tissue resources such as
paraffin-archives for basic and translational research. To modernise
tissue banking practices, our TR faculty developed computerised
registry systems and established PI-centred cancer repositories
and associated bioinformatics systems.
Project Description
HER-2/neu-mediated phospho-proteomic profiles in breast
cancer cell lines: identification of phospho- and/or
dephosphorylated proteins by switching on/off the HER-2/
neu signalling pathway
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Evelyn SC Koay
: Dr Han Jin Hua,
Dr Zhang Daohai
Proteomics analysis of HER-2/neu-linked differentially
expressed proteins and phosphorylation patterns in the
tumour microenvironment
Collaborators
: Dr Zhang Daohai
: Dr Thomas C Putti,
Prof Hew Choy Leong,
Assoc Prof Chang Chan Fong
Novel receptor-ligand interactions that mediate tumour cell
adhesion to endothelial cell from different organ sites
: Dr Lim Yaw Chyn
The role of leukotriene B4 in malignant lymphoma growth and
survival
Collaborators
: Dr Lim Yaw Chyn
: Dr Leonard Tan,
Assoc Prof Chong Siew Meng
Development of a cell tracking programme for the analysis
of cell-cell (cell-protein) interactions under defined flow
conditions
Collaborators
: Dr Lim Yaw Chyn
: Assoc Prof Tay Cho Jui,
Assoc Prof Quan Chenggen
Molecular Information Arrays (MIA) - High-throughput
constructions of annotated frozen and paraffin tissue
microarrays, linked to clinico-pathological relational databases,
to support clinical, translational and epidemiologic trials, and to
validate new molecular markers
Co-Principal Investigators : Dr Manuel Salto-Tellez
: Assoc Prof Teh Ming,
Dr Richie Soong,
Dr Thomas C Putti,
Dr Tan Kong Bing,
Dr Robert E Hewitt
Immunoperoxidase study of the antigenic profile of the
esophageal mucosa in Barrett’s esophagitis
Collaborator
RUNX3 protein expression is upregulated in 1) a basal cell
carcinoma tissue microarray format by immunohistochemistry and
2) corresponding Western blot analysis of relevant cell lines
102
: Dr Nga Min En
: Dr Liu Qiang
Keratoacanthomas and squamous cell carcinomas: elucidation
of biomarker immunoexpression and identification of novel
molecular signatures by proteomics
Collaborators
: Dr Tan Kong Bing
: Prof Lee Yoke Sun
: Dr Zhang Daohai,
Assoc Prof Evelyn SC Koay
Molecular determinants of acute renal allograft rejection
Pattern spaces: theory, algorithms and applications
: Dr Thomas P Thamboo
Dr Richie Soong,
Dr Lim Yaw Chyn
RUNX 3 in columnar cell lesions of breast
Collaborators
: Dr Raymond Lin (NUH)
: Dr Koh TH (SGH),
Dr Hsu LY (SGH)
Characterizing plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance
associated with the qnr gene in bacteria as a new resistance
threat in Singapore
: Dr Raymond Lin (NUH)
Sequencing of novel HLA Class 1 alleles in the local Singaporean
population
Collaborators
A personalized and adaptive literature curation system for
biomedical sciences
: Dr Thomas C Putti
Dr Richie Soong,
Dr Lim Yaw Chyn
Investigating the genomics of new strains of virulent communityacquired Staphylococcus aureus isolated in Singapore
Clinical relevance of thymidylate synthase gene variants
Collaborators
: Dr Richie Soong
: Dr Liu Yanqun (SGH),
Dr Ross Soo (NUH)
: Dr Manuel Salto-Tellez,
Dr Nilesh Shah,
Assoc Prof Barry Iacopetta
(UWA),
Dr Ho Kok Sun (SGH)
Development of computerised registry systems
Collaborators
: Dr Richie Soong
: Dr Manuel Salto-Tellez,
Dr Ross Soo (NUH),
Dr Liu Yanqun (SGH),
Dr Simon Ong (NCC),
Dr Yap Wai Ming (SGH)
: Dr Robert E Hewitt,
Mr Tan Kee Peck (NHG)
: Prof John Wong,
Prof Yong Eu Leong,
Assoc Prof Chia Kee Seng,
Dr Michael Back (NUH),
Dr Jimmy So (NUH),
Dr Robert Lim Seng Cheong
(NUH),
Dr Tchoyson Lim (NNI),
Dr Ng Wai Hoe (NNI),
Dr Denis Cheong (TTSH),
Dr James Tan (TTSH)
Establishing PI-centred cancer repositories and associated
bioinformatics systems
Collaborators
: Dr Robert E Hewitt
: Prof Yong Eu Leong,
Assoc Prof Teh Ming,
Assoc Prof Sunil Sethi,
Dr Manuel Salto-Tellez,
Dr Thomas Putti
The role of RUNX-3 as a tumour suppressor in human colorectal
cancer
Collaborators
Infrastructure for developing gastrointestinal cancer prognostic
and predictive markers
: Dr Tang Bor Luen
: Prof Wong Lim Soon,
Dr Allen Chong
On-going Projects
: Dr Mickey Koh (CTM)
: Ms Phang Chew Yen (CTM),
Dr Diana Teo (CTM)
: Dr Richie Soong
: Dr Manuel Salto-Tellez
: Assoc Prof Barry Lacopetta
(UWA),
Dr Ross Soo (NUH)
: Dr Patrick Tan (NCCS)
: Dr Lim Yun Ping (BII),
Dr Martti Tammi,
Assoc Prof Tan Tin Wee,
Prof Wong Lim Soon,
Dr Ng See Kiong (I2R),
Dr Su Jian (I2R)
A study of genes whose expressions are co-regulated with that
of AMPA receptors of excitatory synapses
Predictive significance of 5-fluorouracil enzymes in Asians and
Caucasians
Collaborators
: Prof Wong Lim Soon
: Dr Kosei Ito
: Dr Masafumi Inoue,
Assoc Prof Teh Ming
Involvement of the CC3 metastasis suppressor gene in colorectal
and breast cancer progression
Collaborators
: Dr Masafumi Inoue,
Dr Lau Quek Choon,
Dr Zhang Daohai,
Tissue Repository Programme
Phase II study of docetaxel combined with ketoconazole in the
first-line treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast
cancer patients with measurable primary breast tumours
Co-Principal Investigators : Dr Lee Soo Chin (NUH)
: Dr Goh Boon Cher (NUH),
Dr Lim Siew Eng (NUH),
Dr Philip lau,
Dr Benjamin Mow (NUH),
Prof John Wong,
Dr Thomas C Putti,
Dr Tan SH (NSC),
Dr Chin TM (NUH),
Dr Wong CI (NUH),
Dr B Chuah (NUH)
Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma:
immunohisto chemical findings and potential implications
Collaborator
Collaborators
: Dr Emma Shtivelman
(California Pacific Medical Center
Research Institute)
Collaborator Principal Investigator
: Dr Prakash Hande
: Dr Thomas C Putti
Technetium-99m sestamibi scintimammography for the
prediction of multidrug resistance expression and neoadjuvant
chemotherapy response in locally advanced/metastastic breast
cancer: correlation with dynamic MRI, gene expression and
genotyping studies
: Dr Yvonne Ho (NUH)
: Assoc Prof Wang SC,
Dr Lee SC (NUH),
Dr Philip lau,
Dr Thomas C Putti
: Dr Manuel Salto-Tellez
: Dr Lim Sai-Kiang
Prospective and retrospective, high-throughput construction of
annotated frozen and paraffin tissue microarrays (TMA) linked
to assessment of histomorphology, immunophenotype and RNA
in-situ hybridization: Towards the establishment of molecular
information arrays
Collaborators : Dr Manuel Salto-Tellez
: Dr Robert Hewitt,
Dr Thomas Putti,
Dr Richie Soong
Knowledge discovery from biological & clinical data
Maintenance of telomere-chromosome integrity by DNA repair/
recombination and DNA damage signalling factors in mammalian
cells: Role of breast cancer genes
: Dr Goh Poh Sun,
Dr Tan Lip Kun (NUH)
Physiopathological animal models of disease
: Dr Tan Kong Bing
: Dr Thomas C Putti
Preliminary studies to test the clinical relevance of the
metastasis-suppressing gene in the progression of colorectal and
breast cancer towards a metastatic phenotype
Collaborator A prospective molecular monitoring study for early invasive
aspergillus infection in high-risk immunosuppressed patients
with haematologic malignancies or haematopoietic stem-cell
transplantation
: Dr Wynne Hsu,
Prof Wong Lim Soon
: Dr Lee Mong Li,
Mr Ken Sung,
Mr Ng See Kiong (I2R),
Mr Li Jinyan (I2R),
Dr Vladimir Brusic (I2R),
Dr Vladimir Bajic (I2R)
Pathogenesis of nasal polyposis: role of leukotrienes in
recruitment and activation of CD8+ T cells
: Dr Wang De Yun
: Dr Lim Yaw Chyn
Disease-related protein database of colorectal cancer:
Identification of tumour-related proteins by proteomic studies
Collaborator
: Dr Zhang Daohai,
Prevalence of the founder BRCA1 mutation C2845insA in
Singapore Malay breast and ovarian patients unselected for
family history
: Dr Philip lau
: Dr Thomas C Putti
COX-2 is highly expressed in NPC tumour cells
104
Boedefeld WM, Soong R, Weiss H, Diasio RB, Urist MM, Bland KI,
Heslin MJ
E1A-F is overexpressed early in human colorectal neoplasia and
associated with cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-7.
Mol Carcinog (2005) 43:13-17 (United States).
Chng WJ, Tan LHC
Late-onset marrow aplasia due to imatinib in newly diagnosed
chronic phase chronic myeloid leukaemia. Leukemia Res (2005)
29(6):719-720 (England).
Goh BK, Tan YM, Kumarasinghe MP, Ooi LL
Mucinous cystic tumor of the pancreas with ovarian-like mesenchymal
stroma in a male patient. Digest Dis Sci (2005) 50(11):2170-2177
(United States).
Heslin MJ, Hawkins A, Boedefeld W, Arnoletti JP, Frolov A,
Soong R, Urist MM, Bland KI
Tumor-associated down-regulation of 15-lipoxygenase-1 is reversed
by celecoxib in colorectal cancer. Ann Surg (2005) 241:941-946
(United States).
Huang BH, Laban M, Leung CHW, Lee L, Lee CK, Salto-Tellez M,
Raju GC, Hooi SH
Kumarasinghe MP, Eu KW
Pathological features and prognostic implications of colorectal
endocrine cell tumours: a long term follow-up study. Pathology
(2005) 37(3):204-210 (Australia).
Lau LG, Tan LK, Koay ESC, Liu TC
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia after tandem autologous stem cell
transplantations for multiple myeloma. Leukemia (2005) 19(2):299301 (England).
Lau LG, Chng WJ, Tan LHC, Liu TC
Malignant pleural effusion in a patient with multiple myeloma. Diagn
Cytopathol (2005) 32(3):171-172 (United States).
Lee SC, Guo JY, Lim R, Soo R, Koay ES, Salto-Tellez M, Leong A
Clinical and molecular characteristics of hereditary non-polyposis
colorectal cancer families in Southeast Asia. Clin Genet (2005)
68(2):137-145 (Denmark).
Li L, Bhatia M, Zhu YZ, Zhu YC, Ramnath RD, Wang ZJ,
Mohammed Anuar FB, Whiteman M, Salto-Tellez M, Moore PK
inflammation in the mouse. FASEB J (2005) 19(9):1196-1198 (United
States).
Inhibition of histone deacetylase 2 increases apoptosis and p21Cip1/
WAF1
expression, independent of histone deacetylase 1. Cell Death
Differ (2005) 12(4):395-404 (England).
Liu H, Li J, Wong LS
Isaac JR, Skinner S, Elliot R, Salto-Tellez M, Garkavenko O,
Khoo A, Lee KO, Calne R, Wang DZ
Liu H, Han H, Li J, Wong LS
Transplantation of neonatal porcine islets and Sertoli cells into
nonimmunosuppressed nonhuman primates. Transplant Proc (2005)
37(1):487-488 (United States).
Use of extreme patient samples for outcome prediction from gene
expression data. Bioinformatics (2005) 21(16):3377-3384 (England).
DNAFSMiner: A web-based software toolbox to recognize two
types of functional sites in DNA sequences. Bioinformatics (2005)
21:671-673 (England).
Loy AHC, Putti TC, Tan LKS
Ito T, Ming T, Yeoh KG, Ito Y
Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in Warthin’s tumour. J Laryngology
Otology (2005) 119(7):515-518 (England).
Frequent cytoplasmic retention of RUNX3 in gastric cancer cells:
a novel mechanism of inactivation. Cancer Res (2005) 65:7743-7750
(United States).
Mangold KA, Manson RU, Koay ESC, Stephens L, Regner M,
Thomson Jr RB, Peterson LR, Kaul KL
Real-time PCR for detection and identification of Plasmodium spp.
J Clin Microbiol (2005) 43(5):2435-2440 (United States).
Kam MH, Mathur P, Peng XH, Seow FC, Chen IW,
Kumarasinghe MP
Meng SW, Zhuo Z, Wong LS
Correlation of histology with anorectal function following stapled
hemorrhoidectomy. Dis Colon Rectum (2005) 48(7):1437-1441
(United States).
A +1 Programmed ribosomal frameshifting in a human C2H2 zinc
finger gene discovered by computational analysis. Biotechnology
(2005) 4(4):316-324 (Pakistan).
Kindwall-Keller T, Otterson GA, Young D, Neki A, Criswell T,
Nuovo G, Soong R, Diasio R, Villalona-Calero MA
Peng X, Karuturi RKM, Miller LD, Lin K, Jia Y, Konda P, Wang L,
Wong LS, Liu ET, Balasubramanian MK, Liu J
Phase II evaluation of docetaxel-modulated capecitabine in previously
treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Cancer Res
(2005) 11:1870-1876 (United States).
Identification of cell cycle-regulated genes in fission yeast. Mol Biol
Cell (2005) 16(3):1026-1042 (United States).
Kong SL, Salto-Tellez M, Leong APK, Chan YH, Koay ESC
Breast pathology practice: Most common problems in a consultation
service. Histopathology (2005) 47(5):445-457 (England).
Parallel quantitative detection of putative markers in nodal
micrometastases: heterogeneity of gene expression and discordance
in patient’s re-staging. J Clin Pathol (2005) 58(8):839-844 (England).
Putti TC, Pinder S, Elston CW, Lee AHS, Ellis IO
Putti TC, El-Rehim DM, Rakha EA, Paish CE, Lee AH, Pinder
SE, Ellis IO
Estrogen receptor-negative breast carcinomas: a review of
morphology and immunophenotypical analysis. Mod Pathol (2005)
18(1):26-35 (United States).
Tan EH, Hooi SC, Laban M, Wong E, Ponniah S, Wee A, Wang ND
CCAAAT/Enhancer binding protein knock-in mice exhibit early
liver glycogen storage and reduced susceptibility to hepatocellular
carcinoma. Cancer Res (2005) 65(22):10330-10337 (United States).
Tan LHC, Do E, Tan SY, Chong SM, Koay ESC
Salto-Tellez M, Putti TC, Lee CK, Chiu LL, Koay ESC
Adenomyoepithelioma of the breast: description of allelic imbalance
and microsatellite instability. Histopathology (2005) 46(2): 230-231
(England).
Salto-Tellez M, Tan E, Lim B
ARDS in SARS: cytokine mediators and treatment implications.
Cytokine (2005) 29(2):92-94 (England).
Salto-Tellez M
Molecular histopathology: diagnostic utility and translational
research. Recent Advances and Research Updates (2005) 6(2): 167171 (India).
Salto-Tellez M
Lewis Carroll versus George Papanicolau: a case for a unified
international classification of cervical cytology. Cytopathology (2005)
16(3):154-155 (England).
Salto-Tellez M, Tan SY, Chiu LL, Koay ESC
Dinucleotide microsatellite repeats are essential for the diagnosis
of microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer in Asian patients.
World J Gastroenterol (2005) 11(18):2814-2816 (China).
Soo R, Putti TC, Tao Q, Goh BC, Lee KH, Loh KS, Tan L, Hsieh W
Overexpression of cyclooxygenase-2 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
and association with epidermal growth factor receptor expression.
Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg (2005) 131: 147-152 (United
States).
Soong R, Diasio RB
Advances and challenges in fluoropyrimidine pharmacogenomics
and pharmacogenetics. Pharmacogenomics (2005) 6:835-847 (United
States).
Multi-lineage interrogation of the performance characteristics of
a split-signal fluorescence in situ hybridization probe for anaplastic
lymphoma kinase gene rearrangements: a study of 101 cases
characterized by immunohistomorphology on fixed archival tissue.
Mol Diagn (2005) 8(4):213-229 (New Zealand).
Tan KB, Putti TC
Cyclooxygenase 2 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma:
immunohistochemical findings and potential implications. J Clin
Pathol (2005) 58(5):535-538 (England).
Teoh SB, Thean L, Koay ESC
Cytomegalovirus in aetiology of Posner-Schlossman syndrome:
evidence from quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Eye (2005)
19(12):1338-1340 (England).
Tiong HY, Kew CY, Tan KB, Salto-Tellez M, Leong AF
Metastatic testicular carcinoma from the colon with clinical,
immunophenotypical and molecular characterization: report of a
case. Dis Colon Rectum (2005) 48(3):582-585 (United States).
Tse GM, Wong FC, Tsang AK, Lee CS, Lui PC, Lo AW, Law BK,
Scolyer RA, Karim RZ, Putti TC
Stromal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression correlates with the
grade of mammary phyllodes tumour. J Clin Pathol (2005) 58(6):600604 (England).
Tse GM, Tsang AK, Putti TC, Scolyer RA, Lui PC, Law BK,
Karim Z, Lee CS
Stromal CD10 expression in mammary fibroadenomas and phyllodes
tumours. J Clin Pathol (2005) 58(2):185-189 (England).
Venkatesh SK, Tan LK, Siew EP, Putti TC
Macronodular hepatic tuberculosis associated with portal vein
thrombosis and portal hypertension. Australas Radiology (2005)
49(4):322-324 (Australia).
Wang DZ, Skinner S, Elliot R, Escobar L, Salto-Tellez M,
Garkavenko O, Khoo A, Lee KO, Calne R, Isaac JR
Xenotransplantation of neonatal porcine islets and Sertoli cells
into nonimmunosuppressed streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Transplant Proc (2005) 37(1):470-471 (United States).
Wee A
Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the liver: algorithmic approach
and current issues in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
CytoJournal (2005) 2:7 (United States).
Dr Eng Chon Boon using the Experion lab-on-a-chip system for RNA
quality control
106
Wong HW, Tay YK, Kwok YK, Kumarasinghe MP
Asymptomatic linear plaque on the neck. Archiv Dermatol (2005)
141(2):263-268 (United States).
Yew EH, Cheung NS, Choy MS, Qi RZ, Lee AY, Peng ZF,
Melendez AJ, Manikandan J, Koay ESC, Chiu LL, Ng WL,
Whiteman M, Kandiah J, Halliwell B
responses: a microarray analysis. J Neurochem (2005) 94(4):943-956
(England).
Zhang DH, Tai LK, Wong LL, Chiu LL, Sethi SK, Koay ESC
Proteomic study reveals that proteins involved in metabolic and
detoxification pathways are highly expressed in HER-2/neu-positive
breast cancer. Mol Cell Proteomics (2005) 4(11):1686-1696 (United
States).
Zhang DH, Wong LL, Tai LK, Koay ESC, Hewitt RE
Overexpression of CC3/TIP30 is associated with HER-2/neu status
in breast cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol (2005) 131(9):603-608
(Germany).
Zhang DH, Tai LK, Wong LL, Sethi SK, Koay ESC
Proteomics of breast cancer: Enhanced expression of cytokeratin 19
in human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2-positive breast
tumors. Proteomics (2005) 5(7):1797-1805 (Germany).
Staff Profile
Professors
:
Professorial Fellows :
:
Associate Professors :
:
Adjunct Assistant Professor :
Research Assistants
:
Teh Ming
Lee Yoke Sun
Aileen Wee
Aw Tar Choon
Alexander R Chang
Wong Lim Soon
K Shanmugaratnam
Edward Tock Peng Chong
Gangaraju C Raju
Evelyn Koay Siew-Chuan Sunil K Sethi
Marian Priyanthi Kumarasinghe
Thomas C Putti
Manuel Salto-Tellez
Tan Hwan Cheong, Leonard
Robert E Hewitt
Lim Yaw Chyn
Richie Soong
Tan Kong Bing
Thomas P Thamboo
Nga Min En
Zhang Daohai
Tai Lee Kian
Wong Lee Lee
Kelly Lim Swee Ying
Lim Joe Thuan
Contact information
Contact Person : Assoc Prof Teh Ming
Head
Telephone
: 6772-4300 / 6772-4313
Email
: pathead@nus.edu.sg
Contact Person : Assoc Prof Evelyn SC Koay
Department Research Director
Telephone
: 6772-4564
Facsimile
: 6778-0671
Email
: patkoaye@nus.edu.sg
Address : Department of Pathology
Singapore 119074
DEPARTMENT OF
Pharmacology
INTRODUCTION
The Department is involved in both basic and clinical pharmacology research. The Department has organised
its research efforts into three main areas including Pharmacogenetics, Pharmacokinetics, Neuropharmacology,
Immunopharmacology and Cardiovascular Pharmacology. Members of the Department work together in these
general areas and collaborate with staff in other Departments and elsewhere in Singapore. The longer term strategic
aim is to increase the quality of research output and maintain a successful research focus which is competitive with
other academic institutions worldwide.
Specific research topics of interest in the current year include, (i) relationship of genetics to variability in
cardiovascular responses and in susceptibility to disease, (ii) optimization of anti-cancer (and other) drug therapy from
a pharmacokinetics perspective, (iii) gene and protein expression and involvement of local hormones and transmitters
in animal models of inflammation (asthma, pancreatitis, septic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome),
(iv) neuroprotection, (v) role of pharmacological mediators in anxiety/depression/fear and the response to psychoactive
drugs, (vi) evaluation of novel derivatives of des-aspartate angiotensin I in cardiovascular and other disease states,
(vii) therapeutic uses of agents derived from natural products with particular reference to potential anti-cancer agents
and hypolipidaemics, (viii) physiological and pathophysiological significance of hyrdrogen sulphide in the cardiovascular
system, (ix) Understanding the molecular and structural machineries of neurotransmission and channelopathies as
therapeutic targets, (x) Regulation of glutamate receptors function and expression (xi) Structural proteomics of ion
channels, and (xii) crosstalk between dopamine and NMDA receptors in Parkinsonism.
Department of Pharmacology
Project Description
An investigation of the cardiovascular significance of hydrogen
sulphide: role in the vascular complications of diabetes mellitus
: Prof Philip K Moore
: Prof Vernon Oh,
Assoc Prof Madhav Bhatia,
Assoc Prof Matt Whiteman,
Prof KO Lee,
Prof GD Webb,
Assoc Prof Shabbir M Moochhala,
Assoc Prof Benny Tan
Nitric oxide is an endogenous inhibitor of proteasome significance for inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease
: Prof Barry Halliwell,
Assoc Prof Matt Whiteman,
Dr Steve Cheung Nam Sang,
Assoc Prof Madhav Bhatia,
Asst Prof Gavin Dawe
Identifying genetic abnormalities in mitochondria as
determinants of susceptibility to drug-induced idiosyncratic
liver injury
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Urs Alex Boelsterli
: Assoc Prof Sit Kim Ping,
Assoc Prof Chung Ching Ming,
Dr Tan Lip Kun
Proteomics programme to identify pathogenic molecules and
therapeutic targets in an animal model of stroke
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof WS Fred Wong
: Assoc Prof Peter TH Wong
Hydrogen sulphide: a novel mediator of inflammation
: Assoc Prof Madhav Bhatia
: Prof Philip K Moore,
Assoc Prof Shabbir M Moochhala
Acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury: the role of nitric
oxide as a potential therapeutic target
Can traditional yin tonic Chinese herbs improve oxidant status
in diabetic animals treated with western drugs?
: Assoc Prof Tan Kwong Huat Benny
: Dr Huang De Jian
Regulation of dopamine-dependent intracellular trafficking
of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits and their colocalization with D1 receptor
: Dr Low Chian Ming
: Dr Rema Vazhappilly
Structural and pharmacological studies on NMDA receptor
ligand binding domains
: Dr Low Chian Ming
Proof of concept that contact lens provide effective drug delivery
system - Release of timolol from contact lens in Rabbit Eye
: Assoc Prof Lee How Sung
: Dr Edwin Chow (IBN)
Effects of des-aspartate-angiotensin on plasma level of insulin
and glucose in type 2 diabetic animals
: Assoc Prof Sim Meng Kwoon
On-going Projects
The role of H2S in wound healing
: Assoc Prof Madhav Bhatia,
Proteomics of airway inflammation: identification
pathogenetic molecules and therapeutic targets
Collaborators
Substance P as a mediator of inflammation in sepsis
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Shabbir M Moochhala
of
: Assoc Prof WS Fred Wong
: Assoc Prof Chang Chan Fong,
Assoc Prof Tan Tin Wee,
Dr Cynthia Chee Bin Eng (TTSH),
Dr John A Abisheganaden (TTSH),
Dr Chng Hiok Hee (TTSH),
Assoc Prof Leong Khai Pang (TTSH)
Vascular pharmacology of a novel gasomediator, hydrogen
: Assoc Prof Madhav Bhatia,
Apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells and acute pancreatitis
Neurogenic inflammation in acute pancreatitis and associated
lung injury: novel possibilities for therapeutic interventions
Gavin, Tan Xiao Wei, Xiao Zhi Cheng, Stem Cells in mother’s brain
Collaborators
: Prof A Basbaum (UCSF, USA),
Prof J Neoptolemos (Liverpool, UK)
C-C chemokines in inflammation: acute pancreatitis versus sepsis
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Shabbir M Moochhala
(DMERI)
Pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis and associated lung injury:
the role of neurogenic inflammation
Collaborators
: Prof A Basbaum (UCSF, USA),
Prof C Pothoulakis (Harvard),
Prof J Neoptolemos (Liverpool, UK)
Hydrogen sulfide: implications of a new treatment of septic
shock/multiple organ dysfunction
Li L, Bhatia M, Zhu YZ, Zhu YC, Ramnath RD, Wang ZJ, Anaur F,
Hydrogen sulfide is a novel mediator of endotoxic shock. FASEB J
(2005) 19:1196-1198.
Bhatia M, Sidhapuriwala J, Moochhala SM, Moore PK
Hydrogen sulphide is a mediator of carrageenan-induced hindpaw
oedema in the rat. Br J Pharmacol (2005) 145:141-144.
Rose P, Moore PK, Shen HM, Ong CN, Whiteman M
Hydrogen sulfide protects colon cancer cells from chemopreventative
agent -phenylethyl isothiocyanate-induced apoptosis. World Journal
of Gastroenterology (2005) 11:3990-3997.
Blood-derived proteases and brain damage
Rose P, Whiteman M, Armstrong JS, Moore PK, Zhu YZ
Bioactive S-alk(en)yl cysteine sulfoxides metabolites in the genus
Allium: The Chemistry of potential therapeutic agents. Natural
Products Report (2005) 22:351-368.
: Assoc Prof Peter TH Wong
: Dr Low Chian Ming
Androgen regulates HERG/IKr expression and function: why
women are at higher risk than men for developing arrhythmias?
2005-2008
Collaborators
: Dr Jinsong Bian
: Dr Gavin Dawe
: Assoc Prof Thomas V McDonald
(AECOM),
Assoc Prof Soong Tuck Wah
alpha1A receptor regulation of HERG K+ channel expression
and function
Collaborators
: Dr Jinsong Bian
: Dr Gavin Dawe,
: Assoc Prof Thomas V McDonald
(AECOM),
Assoc Prof Soong Tuck Wah
Hydrogen sulfide regulation of calcium homeostasis in the brain
cells-direct evidence of H2S as a new neuromodulator
: Dr Jinsong Bian
Hydrogen sulfide regulation of heart excitability and its clinical
implications
: Dr Jinsong Bian
Assoc Prof Peter TH Wong
Huang J, Moochhala SM, Moore PK, Bhatia M
Flurbiprofen and HCT1026 protect mice against acute pancreatitisassociated lung injury. Shock (2005) 24:182-187.
Yusuf M, Tan BTH, Hsu A, Bhatia M, Moore PK
Experimentally induced type 1 diabetes is associated with impaired
hydrogen sulfide biosynthesis. Biochem Biophys Res Comm (2005)
333:1146-1152.
Collin M, Anuar F, Murch O, Bhatia M, Moore PK
Inhibition of endogenous hydrogen sulfide formation reduces the
organ injury caused by endotoxemia. Br J Pharmacol (2005) 146:498505.
Luk JM, Su YC, Lam CT, Hu MY, Wong WSF, Fan ST
Proteomic identification of Ku70/Ku80 autoantigen recognized by
monoclonal antibody against hepatocellular carcinoma. Proteomics
(2005) 5:1980-1986.
Duan W, Aguinaldo Datiles AMK, Leung BP, Vlahos CJ,
Wong WSF
An anti-inflammatory role of a phosphoinositol 3-kinase inhibitor
LY294002 in a mouse asthma model. Int Immunopharmacol (2005) 5:
495-502.
Implications of alternative splicing of voltage-gated calcium
channel a11.2 subunit in cardiovascular physiology and disease
Duan W, Chan JHP, McKay K, Crosby JR, Choo HH, Wong CH,
Leung BP, Karras J, Wong WSF
Collaborator
Inhaled p38
mitogen-activated protein kinase antisense
oligonucleotide attenuates asthma in mice. Am J Respir Crit Care
(2005) 171: 571-578.
: Assoc Prof Soong Tuck Wah
: Dr Bian Jinsong
Endothelium and smooth muscle interaction in coronary artery
bypass grafts with implications in coronary surgery
: Prof Guo-Wei He (HK)
: Dr Jinsong Bian
Potential anti-diabetic and antiviral acitons of des-aspartateangiotensin I via a novel mechanism of action
110
: Assoc Prof Sim Meng Kwoon
Zhao J, Zhu H, Wong CH, Leung KY, Wong WSF
Increased lungkine and chitinase levels in allergic airway inflammation:
a proteomics approach. Proteomics (2005) 5: 2799-2807.
Wong WSF
Targeting the tyrosine kinase signaling cascade for asthma. Curr Opin
Pharmacol (2005) 5: 264-271.
Bhatia M, Wong FL, Fu D, Lau HY, Moochhala S, Moore PK
Bhatia M
Role of hydrogen sulfide in acute pancreatitis and associated lung
injury. FASEB J (2005) 19: 623-625.
Molecular mimicry in autoimmune pancreatitis: An interesting idea.
J Cell Mol Med (2005) 9: 745.
Bhatia M, Wong FL, Cao Y, Lau HY, Huang J, Puneet P, Chevali L
LePage K, Ishmael JE, Leid M, Cumuze K, Low CM, Traynelis SF,
Murray TF
Pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis. Pancreatology (2005) 5:132-144.
Bhatia M, Ramnath RD, Chevali L, Guglielmotti A
Treatment with Bindarit, a blocker of MCP-1 synthesis, protects mice
against acute pancreatitis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol
(2005) 288: G1259-G1265.
Bhatia M
Inflammatory response on the pancreatic acinar cell injury. Scand J
Surg (2005) 94: 97-102.
Bhatia M, Sidhapuriwala J, Moochhala S, Moore PK
Hydrogen sulphide is a mediator of carrageenan-induced hindpaw
oedema in the rat. Br J Pharmacol (2005) 145:141-144.
Bhatia M
Differential binding properties of [3H]dextrorphan and [3H]MK-801
in heterologously expressed NMDA receptors. Neuropharmacology
(2005) 49:1-16.
Chua YL, Zhang D, Boelsterli UA, Moore PK, Whiteman M,
Armstrong JS
Oltipraz-induced phase 2 enzyme response conserved in cells
lacking mitochondrial DNA. Biochemical and Biophysical Research
Communications (2005) 337: 375-381.
Tian Q, Zhang J, Tan TMC, Chan E, Duan W, Yang H, Boelsterli
UA, Ho PC, Bian J, Huang M, Zhu YZ, Xiong W, Li X, Zhou S
Human multidrug resistance associated protein 4 confers resistance
to camptothecins. Pharmaceutical Research (2005) 22: 1837-1853.
Hydrogen sulfide as a vasodilator IUBMB Life (2005) 57: 603-606.
Tay VKS, Wang AS, Ong MMK, Leow KY, Wong KP,
Boelsterli UA
Lau HY, Wong FL, Bhatia MA
Key role of neurokinin 1 receptors in acute pancreatitis and associated
lung injury. Biochem Biophys Res Commun (2005) 327: 509-515.
Mitochondrial permeability transition as a source of superoxide
anion induced by the nitroaromatic drug nimesulide in vitro. Free
Radical Biology and Medicine (2005) 39:949-959.
Bhatia M
Low CM, Wong PTH
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- 8 ligands protect against
lung injury: potential therapeutic targets? Crit Care Med (2005) 33:
2436-2437.
Regulation of postsynaptic NMDA receptor function: An extracellular
perspective. In Amino Acid Signaling 04, Ed. Yoneda Y. Research
Signpost, India (2005) pp85-102. ISBN:81-308-0047-0 (Invited).
Huang J, Moochhala S, Moore PK, Bhatia M
Wong ESP, Ng FM, Yu CY, Lim P, Lim LH, Traynelis SF,
Low CM
Treatment with flurbiprofen and NO-flurbiprofen protects mice against
acute pancreatitis associated lung injury. Shock (2005) 24: 182-187.
Puneet P, Moochhala, S, Bhatia M
Chemokines in acute respiratory distress syndrome. Am J Physiol
Lung Cell Mol Physiol (2005) 288: L3-L15.
Expression and characterization of soluble amino-terminal domain of
NR2B subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Protein Sci (2005)
14: 2275-2283.
Wang JC, Goh BC, Lu WL, Zhang Q, Chang A, Liu XY, Lee HS
Li L, Bhatia M, Zhu YZ, Ramnath RD, Wang ZJ, Anuar F,
In vitro cytotoxicity of stealth liposomes co-encapsulating doxorubicin
and verapamil on doxorubicin-resistant tumour cells. Biological &
Pharmaceutical Bulletin (2005) 28:822-828.
inflammation in the mouse. FASEB J (2005) 19:1196-1198.
Wang Q, Ting WL, Yang HY, Wong PTH
Yusuf M, Tan BK, Hsu A, Whiteman M, Bhatia M, Moore PK
Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in the rat is associated with
enhanced tissue hydrogen sulphide biosynthesis. Biochem Biophys
Res Commun (2005) 333: 1146-1152.
High doses of simvastatin upregulate dopamine D1 and D2 receptor
expression in the rat prefrontal cortex: possible involvement of
endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Brit J Pharmacol (2005) 144:933-939.
Hegde A, Bhatia M
Neurogenic inflammation in acute pancreatitis. JOP (2005) 6: 417-421.
Collin M, Anuar F, Murch O, Bhatia M, Moore PK, Thiemermann C
Inhibition of endogenous hydrogen sulfide formation reduces the organ
injury caused by endotoxemia. Br J Pharmacol (2005) 146:498-505.
Fetal Cells in
Mum’s Brain
Pung YF, Wong PTH, Kumar PP, Kini RM
A novel protein, Ohanin, from King Cobra venom induces
hypolocomotion and hyperalgesia in mice: its identification, isolation,
expression and functional characterization. J Biol Chem (2005)
280:13137-13147.
Staff Profile
Professor & Head
Professors
Associate Professors Wang Q, Wang PH, Mclachlan C, Wong PTH
Simvastatin reverses the downregulation of dopamine D1 and D2
receptor expression in the prefrontal cortex of 6-hydroxydopamineinduced Parkinsonian rats. Brain Res (2005) 1045:229-233.
Wang H, Wong PTH, Spiess J, Zhu YZ
Cholecystokinin-2 (CCK2) receptor-mediated anxiety-like behaviors
in rats. Neuroscience Biobehavior Review (2005) 29:1361-1373
(invited review).
McLachlan CS, Chua WC, Wong PTH, Kah TL, Chen C, El Oakely RM
Homocysteine is positively associated with cytokine IL-18 plasma
levels in coronary artery bypass surgery patients. Biofactors (2005)
23(2):69-73.
Lu Q, Zhu YZ, Wong PTH
Neuroprotective effects of candesartan against cerebral ischemia in
spontaneously hypertensive rats. Neuroreport (2005) 16(17):19631967.
Loke WK, Sim MK, Go ML
Novel neuroprotective effects with O-benzyl derivative of
pralidoxime in soman-intoxicated rodents. Eur J Pharmacol (2005)
521(1-3):59-69.
Dharmani M, Mustafa MR, Achike FI, Sim MK
Effect of des-aspartate-angiotensin I on the actions of angiotensin II
in the isolated renal and mesenteric vasculature of hypertensive and
STZ-induced diabetic rats. Regul Pept (2005)129(1-3):213-9.
Sim MK, Min L
Des-aspartate-angiotensin I and angiotensin AT1 receptors in rat
cardiac ventricles. Regul Pept (2005) 129(1-3):133-7.
112
: Philip K Moore
: Edmund Lee Jon Deoon
Matthew CE Gwee
: Peter Tsun-Hon Wong
Lee How Sung
Sim Meng Kwoon
Tan Chay Hoon
Benny Tan Kwong Huat
Wong Wai Shiu Fred
Urs Alex Boelsterli
Madhav Bhatia
: Gavin Dawe
Bian Jinsong
Low Chian Ming
: Zhu Yi Zhun
Contact information
Contact Person
: Prof PK Moore
Telephone
: 6516-3266
Facsimile
: 6773-0579 / 6873-7690
Email
: phchead@nus.edu.sg
Address
: Department of Pharmacology
Blk MD2, 18 Medical Drive
Singapore 117597
Homepage
: http://medicine.nus.edu.sg/medphc
DEPARTMENT OF
Physiology
INTRODUCTION
The department has focused on developing 4 major research programmes, each under the
leadership of a senior staff member. Staff members are actively collaborating within the group
and among the different groups. Senior members within the group also act as mentors for
junior staff members in the department. The 4 research areas with a brief description of each
are listed below:
Neurobiology (Coordinator: Assoc Prof Sanjay Khanna)
Research into cellular, system, and behavioural functions of the central nervous system with
emphasis on 1. the modulation of the pain experienced by the septo-hippocampal region
of the forebrain, 2. axonal guidance and neuronal plasticity in learning and memory, and
3. the role of voltage-gated calcium channels in neurotransmitter release, muscle contraction,
hormone secretion and gene expression.
Department of Physiology
Apoptosis and Cancer Biology
(Coordinator: Assoc Prof Manoor Prakash Hande)
Research into the cell’s growth regulatory machinery, and the
mechanism(s) involved in :
1. oncogenesis and metastasis with emphasis on signal
transduction, 2. reactive oxygen species, regulation of the death
signal, cell cycle control, 3. telomere biology, 4. gene regulation,
oncogene and tumour suppressor action, and 5. drug resistance,
anti-tumour pharmacology.
Cell and Tissue Engineering
(Coordinator: Assoc Prof Hanry Yu)
Research into the structural and functional relationships of cells and
tissues that enable tissue repair and regeneration with emphasis
on : 1. liver regeneration, 2. bioartificial livers, and 3. the role of
extra-cellular matrices in the control of cell differentiation.
Immunology and Inflammation
(Coordinator: Dr Alirio J Melendez)
Research into the genetic controls and mechanisms of immune
function and development with emphasis on : 1. T cell biology, 2.
immune cell signaling, 3. immunogenetics, 4. inflammation, and 5.
Tumour immunology.
Research Grants
Research projects were well supported by grants from the National
Medical Research Council (NMRC), Biomedical Research Council
(BMRC) and Academic Research Fund (ARF, NUS). Total value of
new grants obtained in 2005 was close to $9.7 million.
Research Collaborations
We have established collaborations with the following Departments
at NUS :
Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Surgery, ORI,
O&G, COFM, Bioengineering, and Chemistry.
The staff members are actively engaged in collaborations with
researchers from the following research institutes and A*STAR:
Research Publications
The department published a total of 51 research publications in
2005, many in top journals. These include Current Biology, Blood,
American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine, Cancer
Research, Human Molecular Genetics, Journal of Neuroscience,
Molecular and Cellular Biology, Journal of Cell Science, Cell Death
and Differentiation, Journal of Immunology, Journal of Biological
Chemistry, European Heart Journal, Cellular Microbiology, Journal
of Hepatology, Cardiovascular Research, Leukemia, Journal of
Neurochemistry, Genes Chromosomes & Cancer and Journal of
Leukocyte Biology.
There were two articles published in book chapters, i.e. McGraw-Hill
Yearbook of Science 2005 and DNA Repair and Human Disease.
Media Highlights
The Straits Times, Home: 25 February 2005
Team led by Dr Alirio J Melendez, first study on why SARS
patients had it bad: “Sars virus evades body’s defences”.
The Straits Times, Home: 15 March 2005
Team led by Assoc Prof Shazib Pervaiz, understanding why
certain cancers don’t respond to drugs: “S’pore team helps to solve
cancer mystery”.
The Straits Times, Home: 22 November 2005
Team led by Assoc Prof Byrappa Venkatesh of the IMCB:
“Pufferfish toxin mystery: S’pore team finds the key”.
Prof Byrappa Venkatesh, Song Qing Lu, Nidhi Dandona,
Shean Long See, Sydney Brenner and Tuck Wah Soong.
2005. Genetic Basis of Tetrodotoxin Resistance in Pufferfishes,
Current Biology, Vol 15, 2069-2072.
The Straits Times, 24 November 2005 and Zaobao, 23 November
2005, highlighting work by the team in the Department of Physiology
led by Assoc Prof Hooi Shing Chuan on the identification of
novel genes involved in metastasis.
DMERI, Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Institute of
Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN), IMCB, Johns Hopkins
Singapore Pte Ltd, NCC, NNI, SGH and TTSH.
Overseas Collaborations
The staff members have overseas collaborations with the following
research institutes and universities:
Amgen Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Dept of Biomedical
Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA; Dept of
Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Scripps Research Institute,
USA; Dept of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine,
USA; Dept of Toxicology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden;
Dept of Surgery, Prince of Wales University, Hong Kong; Institute
of Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology,
USA; Technical University, Munich, Germany; Dept of Immunology,
University of Glasgow, UK; Dept of Immunology, University of
Strathclyde, UK.
114
Telomere-FISH analysis of
metaphase spread from tBrca1/p53-/- mouse splenocytes.
(Arrow - a tri-radial like
structure; b-chromatid /
chromosome breaks) (Image
taken from McPherson”,
Hande* et al. 2006 A role for
Brca1 in chromosome end
maintenance. Human Molecular
Genetics 15 (6): 831-838)
Project Description
Near field scanning optical microscopy studies at cell surfaces
for identification of drug targets
Collaborator
: Assoc Prof Herbert Schwarz
: Dr Dieter Trau
Molecular mechanisms underlying SUMO-mediated repression
of SF-1 by DP103 and PIAS proteins
Collaborator
Characterization of the gene expression profile and the activation
stage induced by CD137 in hematopoietic stem cells
recombination and DNA damage signalling factors in mammalian
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Manoor Prakash Hande
: Dr Thomas Choudary Putti
(Pathology),
Dr Razqallah Hakem (Ontario
Cancer Centre, Canada),
Dr Fabrizio di Fagagna
(The FIRC Institute for Molecular
Oncology, Italy)
Analysis of growth and selection advantages which tumor cells
gain by expressing CD137 as a neoantigen. Evaluation of a novel
therapeutic approach
Collaborator : Assoc Prof Herbert Schwarz
: Dr Tan Hwan Cheong
Regulation of hepatocyte functions in co-culture with nonparenchymal cells
: Dr Martin Lee
: Prof Holly A Ingraham (UCSF)
Mechanism of defective drug-induced apoptotic signaling in B
cell lymphomas
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Shazib Pervaiz
Characterization of a novel candidate tumor suppressor gene
: Assoc Prof Hooi Shing Chuan
: Dr Manuel Salto-Tellez (Pathology),
Dr Linda Chuang S H (IMCB),
Dr Adrian Leong P K (Surgery)
Modulation of hippocampus field CA1 synaptic excitability by
hypothalamic suprammillary region
: Assoc Prof Sanjay Khanna
Generation of novel inhibitors for sphingosine kinase: validation
in physiological responses triggered by immune-cells
Collaborator
: Dr Alirio J Melendez
: Dr Lam Yulin (Chemistry)
: Assoc Prof Hanry Yu
Collaborators
: Dr Chia Ser Mien,
Dr Eastwood Leung Hon-Chiu
(A*STAR)
Reactive oxygen species-dependent inhibition of MAP kinase
phosphatase for sensitization of tumor cells to TRAIL-induced
apoptosis
Cancer therapeutic animal model program for pre-clinical
testing in NUS/NUH
Investigation of neurological consequences of specific ablation
of alternative spliced exons of voltage-gated calcium channels:
generations of knock-out mice and assessment of altered
behavioural traits
: Assoc Prof Hanry Yu
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Yong Eu Leong,
Prof Ong Choon Nam
Regulation of hepatocyte functions in co-culture with nonparenchymal cells
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Hanry Yu
Collaborators
: Dr Chia Ser Mien,
Dr Eastwood Leung Hon-Chiu
(A*STAR)
Program to study the regulation of cellular stress signaling by
reactive oxygen species and its role in malignant transformation
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Marie-Clement
(Biochemistry),
Dr M Prakash Hande,
Dr Md Matiullah Khan (NUMI)
The effectiveness of a naturally occuring compound on leukocyte
activation in allergy: Role of Annexin-1
: Dr Lina Lim
Principal Investigator Principal Investigator
Collaborators
: Prof David Yue (Johns Hopkins),
Prof David Linden (Johns Hopkins)
A prospective study of clinical, laboratory and genetic factors in
the prediction of the outcome in systemic lupus erythematosus
: Dr Howe Hwee Siew (TTSH)
: Dr Bernard Leung
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Koh Dow Rhoon,
Dr Alirio J Melendez
A novel anti-inflammatory role for statins as therapeutic agents
in systemic lupus erythematosus
Principal Investigator :
:
Collaborators
:
Dr Howe Hwee Siew (TTSH)
Dr Bernard Leung
Dr Alirio J Melendez,
Dr Lian Tsui Yee (TTSH)
Identification of anti-tumour properties of novel gold(I)
- carbene compounds
Collaborator
: Dr Lina Lim
: Prof Andy Hor Tzi Sum
Investigation into the role of septo-hippocampal region in pain
Characterization of soluble CD137 and its ability to enhance the
efficacy of cancer chemo therapy
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Herbert Schwarz
On-going Projects
recombination and DNA damage signaling factors in mammalian
Principal Investigator Collaborators Investigating the roles of gelsolin in tumourigenesis
Principal Investigator Collaborator : Dr Celestial Yap
: Dr Sutherland K Maciver
(University of Edinburgh)
ROS Biology research
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Shazib Pervaiz
Genetic analysis of a lipoapoptosis pathway in yeast
: Dr Robert Yang Hongyuan
Computational tools for studying a Tri-partite protein complex
formed by Bc1-2, RacA and subunit I of COX
: Assoc Prof David Hsu
Investigations into the neural circuitry underlying hippocampal
nociceptive responses and its influence on formalin nociception,
an animal model of persistent pain
: Dr Lim Yaw Chyn
: Assoc Prof Tay Cho Jui
(Mechanical Engineering),
Dr Quan Chenggen
(Mechanical Engineering)
The isolation and characterization of putative colon cancer
stems cells: correlation with tumorigenicity and metastasic
Collaborator : Assoc Prof Hooi Shing Chuan
: Dr Carol Tang (NNI)
Principal Investigator Collaborators : Assoc Prof Koh Dow Rhoon
: Assoc Prof Eric Yap Peng Huat
(DMERI),
Assoc Prof Fong Kok Yong (SGH),
Dr Julian Thumboo (SGH),
Dr Howe Hwee Siew (TTSH)
Interplay between intracellular redox status and pro-apoptotic
protein Bax during drug-induced tumor cell death: potential
implications for cancer chemotherapy
Principal Investigator Collaborator : Assoc Prof Shazib Pervaiz
: Assoc Prof Marie-Veronique
Clement (Biochemistry)
Study to assess the role of cellular redox status on intracellular
pH regulation and its effect on drug-induced apoptosis in tumor
cells and to develop novel molecules that sensitize tumor cells
to death stimuli by altering the redox status
Investigations of the tumor supressor activity and the adhesion/
migration properties of hepaCAM, a novel cell adhesion molecule
of the immunoglobulin superfamily, which is abrogated in a
diverse number of human malignancies
Principal Investigator Collaborator Principal Investigator The implication of Plexin-B3/RhoGTPases interaction in axon
guidance
: Dr Shen Shali
: Assoc Prof Marie-Veronique
Clement (Biochemistry)
A novel E-SIGE technology to bioimage alternative splicing
activity in neuron and muscle
Principal Investigator Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Soong Tuck Wah
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Hooi Shing Chuan,
Prof Santosh K Mishra (BII),
Mr Leong Shiang Rong,
Mr Ng Kwang Loong Stanley (BII)
Functional characterization of a novel axon guidance molecule
plexin-B3
The anti-arthritic potential of novel Sphingosine Kinase Blockage
in Murine Collagen Induced Arthritis
: Dr Bernard Leung
Investigation of the interaction between surfaces modified
nanoparticles and various cell lines in in vitro environment
116
Immunogenetics of systemic lupus erythematosus
Development of a cell tracking program for the analysis of cellcell (cell-protein) Interactions under defined flow conditions
Collaborators
: Dr Thomas Choudary Putti
(Pathology),
Dr Razqallah Hakem
(Ontario Cancer Centre, Canada),
Dr Fabrizio di Fagagna
(The FIRC Institute for Molecular
Oncology, Italy)
: Dr Valiyaveettil (Chemistry)
Principal Investigator Collaborators : Dr Alan Lee
: Dr Alan Lee
: Dr Steve Cheung Nam Sang
(Biochemistry),
Dr Qi Zhong Robert (IMCB)
Cubic membranes: a novel 3D nano-periodic biological structure
- implications for cellular response to starvation and ischemia
Principal Investigator Collaborators : Dr Deng Yuru
: Prof Sepp Kohlwein
(University of Graz, Austria),
Prof Carmen Mannella
(Wadsworth Center, USA),
Prof Francis Sluse
(University of Liege, Belgium)
Identification of metastatic suppressor gene(s) in colon cancer
Collaborator : Assoc Prof Hooi Shing Chuan
: Dr Yang He
(Bioinformatics Institute)
The significance of cell adhesion molecule L1 in Axon-glial
interaction and its implication in axonopathy
Principal Investigator : Dr Alan Lee
Dissecting the roles of FcgRs-mediated signaling and antigen
presentation in health and disease
Principal Investigator Collaborators : Dr Alirio J Melendez
: Dr Howe Hwee Siew (TTSH),
Dr Bernard Leung (TTSH)
The role of interleukin-21 on the induction of murine collageninduced arthritis
Analysis of growth and selection advantages which tumor cells
gain by expressing CD137 as a neoantigen. Evaluation of a novel
therapeutic approach
Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigator Principal Investigator Collaborators : Dr Lina Lim
: Dr Lim Yaw Chyn (Pathology)
Inhibition of telomerase in human brain tumour cells
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Manoor Prakash
Hande
Characterisation of the genetic basis and the pathophysiology of
primary and acquired periodic analysis: Thyrotoxic, familial and
idiopathic causes
Collaborators
: Prof Cheah Jin Seng,
Dr Daphne Koo,
Dr Ho Su Chin,
Dr Lai Poh San,
Prof Louis Ptacek
The role of heparin/heparan sulfate interacting protein in cell
differentiation and proliferation
Principal Investigator Principal Investigator Collaborator : Dr Martin Lee
: Prof Holly A Ingraham (UCSF)
: Dr Tsang Fai
(National Neuroscience Institute),
Prof Ted Dawson
(Johns Hopkins University School
of Medicine, USA),
Dr Lim Kah Leong
(National Neuroscience Institute)
Biomarkers that regulate metastatic potential in colorectal
cancer cells: the role and regulation of CXCR4 and beta1
integrins
Principal Investigator Collaborators : Assoc Prof Hooi Shing Chuan
: Dr Lim Yaw Chyn,
Dr Lina Lim Hsiu Kim
Implications of alternative splicing of voltage-gated calcium
channel 1 1.2 subunit in cardiovascular physiology and disease
Principal Investigator Co-Principal Investigators Collaborators : Dr Liu Jian-Jun
Regulation of intranuclear distribution of the orphan nuclear
receptor steroidogenic factor 1 by piasy and the dead-box
protein DP103
: Dr Tan Hwan Cheong (Pathology)
Investigations into the neurobiological consequences of
overloading iron into neurons via an iron transporter: implications
in Parkinson’s disease
Mechanisms of basophil activation and recruitment in allergic
inflammation and anaphylaxis
Principal Investigator Collaborator : Dr Bernard Leung
: Dr Tan Sek Guan (SGH),
Dr Chua Yeow Leng (SGH)
: Prof David Yue
(Johns Hopkins University School
of Medicine, USA),
Dr George Wellman
(University of Vermont, USA)
Regulation of subfamily V nuclear receptors by SUMOmodification and DEAD-box helicases
Principal Investigator Collaborator : Dr Martin Lee
: Prof Holly Ingraham (UCSF, USA)
Enhancement of protective immune responses by CD137
Confocal image of
Purkinje neurons of
mouse cerebellum
immunolabelled with
splice variant-specific
Cav 1.3 calcium channel
antibody (green),
co-stained with
neurofilaments (red).
Picture taken by Dr Jiang
Fengli; work done by Dr
Jiang and Ms Shen Yiru
from Assoc Prof Soong
Tuck Wah’s laboratory
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Herbert Schwarz
Telomere dysfunction, chromosome instability and oxidative
damage in mammalian cells lacking ataxia telangiectasia
mutated (ATM) gene
Principal Investigator : Assoc Prof Manoor Prakash Hande
Heng BC, Yu H, Lim SG, Yin YJ, Cao T
Duan W, Chan JH, McKay K, Crosby JR, Choo HH, Leung BP,
Karras JG, Wong WS
Factors influencing stem cell differentiation into the hepatic lineage in
vitro. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 20(7): 957-987.
Inhaled p38alpha Mitogen-activated protein kinase antisense
oligonucleotide attenuates asthma in mice. American Journal of
Respiratory Critical Care Medicine 171: 571-578.
Ng SSS, Wu YN, Yu H
Duan W, Agulnaldo Datiles AM, Leung BP, Vlahos CJ, Wong WS
Optimization of 3-D Hepatocyte Culture by Controlling the Physical
and Chemical Properties of the Extra-cellular Matrices. Biomaterials
26(16): 3153-3163.
Clement MV, Sivarajah S, Pervaiz S
Production of intracellular superoxide mediates dithiothreitoldependent inhibition of apoptotic cell death. Antioxidants & Redox
Signalling 7: 456-464.
Reactive oxygen species and the mitochondrial signalling pathway of
cell death. Histology & Histopathology 20(1): 205-219.
Lee M, Lebedeva LA, Tran PV, Desclozeaux M, Fowkes RC,
Suzuwa M, Ingraham HA
Repression of orphan nuclear receptor activity via SUMOmodification and the dead-box protein DP103 (Ddx20, Gemin-3).
Molecular and Cellular Biology 25(5): 1879-1890.
Schwarz H
Biological activities of reverse signal transduction through CD137
ligand. Journal of Leukocyte Biology 77: 281-286.
Huang BH, Laban M, Leung CHW, Lee L, Lee CK, Salto-Tellez M,
Raju GC, Hooi SC
An anti-inflammatory role for a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor
LY294002 in a mouse asthma model. International Journal of
Immunopharmacology 5: 495-502.
Reghunathan R, Jayapal M, Hsu LY, Chng HH, Tai D, Leung BP,
Melendez AJ
Expression profile of immune response genes in patients with Severe
Acute Respiraory Syndrome. BMC Immunology 18(6):2.
Howe HS, Cheung PL, Kong KO, Badsha H, Thong BY, Leong KP,
Koh ET, Lian TY, Cheng YK, Lam S, Teo D, Lau TC, Leung BP
Transforming growth factor beta-1 and gene polymorphisms in
oriental ankylosing spondylitis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 44: 51-54.
He Q, Manopo I, Lu L, Leung BP, Chng HH, Ling AE, Chee LL,
Chan SW, Ooi EE, Sin YL, Ang B, Kwang J
Novel immunofluorescence assay using recombinant nucleocapsidspike fusion protein as antigen to detect antibodies against severe
acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Clinical and Diagnostic
Laboratory Immunology 12: 321-328.
Tay HK, Vit P, Melendez AJ
Sphingosine Kinase Signaling in Immune Cells. Clinical and
Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology 32: 153-161.
Inhibition of histone deacetylase 2 increases apoptosis and p21
(Cip1/WAF1) expression, independent of histone deacetylase 1. Cell
Death and Differentiation 12: 395-404.
Furtner M, Straub RH, Krüger SS, Schwarz H
Sun Y, Orrenius S, Pervaiz S, Fadeel B
Toh YC, Ho ST, Zhou Y, Hutmacher DW, Yu H
Plasma membrane sequestration of apoptosis protease activating
factor-1 in human B lymphoma cells: a novel mechanism of
chemoresistance. Blood 105(10): 4070-4077.
Poh TW, Pervaiz S
LY294002 & LY303511 sensitize tumor cells to drug-induced
apoptosis via intracellular hydrogen perxide production independent
of the PI3K-Akt pathway. Cancer Research 65(14): 6364-6274.
Soluble CD137 is increased in sera of leukemia and lymphoma
patients. Leukemia 19(5): 883-885.
Polyelectrolyte complex coacervation as a mean of improving
seeding efficiency of bone marrow stromal cells in a 3D culture
system. Biomaterials 26(19): 4149-4160.
Chia SM, Lin PC, Yu H
TGF is important for the enhanced hepatocyte functions in
hepatocyte-NIH3T3 co-culture. Biotechnology and Bioengineering
89(5): 565-73.
Zhou Y, Sun T, Chan M, Zhang J, Han Z, Wang X, Toh Y,
Chen JP, Yu H
Scalable encapsulation of hepatocytes by electrostatic spraying.
Journal of Biotechnology 117(1): 99-109.
Red fluorescent staining
of actin filaments in
glioblastoma cells
with phalloidin. cells
which fluoresce green
overexpress cofilin, an
anti-binding protein which
modulates actin filament
turnover
118
Zhu JH, Wang XW, Lao XJ, Ng S, Quek CH, Ho HT, Yu H
Encapsulating live cells with water-soluble chitosan in physiological
conditions. Journal of Biotechnology 117(4): 355-365.
Moh MC, Zhang CL, Luo CL, Lee LH, Shen S
Structural and functional analyses of a novel lg-like cell adhesion
molecule, hepaCAM, in the human breat carcinoma MCF7 cells.
Journal of Biological Chemistry 280: 27366-27374.
Moh MC, Lee LH, Shen S
Venkatesh B, Lu SQ, Dandona N, Seem SL, Brenner S, Soong TW
Cloning and characterization of hepaCAM, a novel lg-like cell
adhesion molecule suppressed in human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Journal of Hepatology 42: 833-841.
Genetic basis of tetrodotoxin resistance in pufferfishes. Current
Biology 15: 2069-2072.
Tan EH, Hooi SC, Laban M, Wong E, Ponniah S, Wee A, Wang ND
Chia SM, Lin PC, Quek CH, Yin C, Mao HQ, Leong KW, Xu X,
Goh CH, Ng ML, Yu H
Engineering environment for expansion of sensitive anchoragedependent mammalian cells. Journal of Biotechnology 118(4): 434-447.
Sun GW, Lu J, Cao WP, Pervaiz S, Gan YH
pseudomallei. Cellular Microbiology 7(10): 1447-1458.
CCAAT/Enhancer binding protein a knock-in mice exhibit early
liver glycogen storage and reduced susceptibility to hepatocellular
carcinoma. Cancer Research 65(22): 10330-10337.
Wang C, Hanseok K, Thomas B, Tsang F, Tay SP, Chew KCM,
Ho WLM, Lim TM, Soong TW, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Lim KL
Stress-induced alterations in parkin solubility promote parkin
aggregation and compromise parkin’s protective function. Human
Molecular Genetics 14(24): 3885-3897.
Leong WF, Tan HC, Ooi EE, Koh DR, Chow VTK
Microarray and real-time RT-PCR analyses of differential human gene
expression patterns induced by severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS) coronavirus infection of Vero cells. Microbes and Infection
7(2): 248-259.
Culshaw S, Leung BP, Gracie JA, Campbell CC, Thomson D,
Gemmell C, Liew FY, McInnes IB
Prior elevation of IL-18 promotes rapid early IFN-gamma production
during staphylococcal infection. European Journal of Immunology 35
(5):1438-44.
Almsherqi ZA, McLachlan CS, Mossop P, Knoops K, Deng Y
Direct template matching reveals a host subcellular membrane
gyroid cubic structure that is associated with SARS virus. Redox
Report 10(3): 167-171.
Toh YC, Ng SSS, Khong YM, Samper V, Yu H
A configurable 3D microenvironment in a micro-fluidic channel
for primary hepatocytes culture. Assay and Drug Development
Technologies 3(2):169-176.
Almsherqi ZA, McLachlan CS, Mossop P, Deng Y
Combined pharmacologic treatment with clopidogrel and statin for
patients with acute coronary syndrome: is there a survival advantage?
European Heart Journal 26(18): 1932-1932.
Almsherqi ZA, McLachlan CS, Mossop P, Deng Y
Evaluation of clopidogrel resistance. Thrombosis Research 116(5):
451-453.
Yew EH, Cheung NS, Choy MS, Qi RZ, Lee YW, Peng ZF, Melendez
AJ, Manikandan K, Koay ES, Chiu LL, Ng WL, Whitemam M,
Kandiah J, Halliwell B
responses: a micoarray analysis. Journal of Neurochemistry 94: 943-956.
Tan FR, Chia SC, Zhang S, Chen PM, Gao H, Liu CP, Khanna S,
Lee WL
Glumate receptor 1 immunopositive neurons in the gliotic CA1
area of the mouse hippocampus after pilocarpine induced status
epilepticus. European Journal of Neuroscience 21(9): 2361-2374.
Yew EH, Cheung NS, Choy MS, Qi RZ, Lee YW, Peng ZF, Melendez
AJ, Manikandan K, Koay ES, Chiu LL, Ng WL, Whitemam M,
Kandiah J, Halliwell B
responses: a micoarray analysis. Journal of Neurochemistry 94: 643-956.
Vlasenko LP, Melendez AJR
A critical role for sphingosine kinase in anaphylatoxin induced
neutropenia, peritonitis and cytokine production in vivo. Journal of
Immunology 174: 6456-6461.
Giavara S, Kosmidou E, Hande MP, Bianchi M, Morgan A,
Di Fagagna FD, Jackson SP
Yeast NHP6A/B and mammalian HMGB1 facilitate the maintenance
of genome stability. Current Biology 15:68-72.
Lee MK, Hande MP, Sabapathy K
Ectopic mTERT expression in mouse embryonic stem cells does
not affect differentiation but confers resistance to stress- and
differentiation-induced apoptosis. Journal of Cell Science 118(4):
819-829.
Hande MP, Azizova TV, Burak LE, Khokhryakov VF, Geard CR,
Brenner DJ
Complex chromosome aberrations persist in individuals many years
after occupational exposure to densely ionizing radiation: An mFISH
study. Genes Chromosomes & Cancer 44(1):1-9.
Li J, Luo R, Hooi SC, Ruga P, Zhang J, Meda P, Li G
Ectopic expression of syncollin in INS-1
-cells sorts it into
granules and Impair regulated secretion. Biochemistry 44(11):43654374.
Liao PM, Yong TF, Liang MC, Yue DT, Soong TW
Splicing for alternative structures of Cav1.2 Ca2+ channels in cardiac
and smooth muscles. Cardiovascular Research 68(2):197-203.
Chaudhari D, Alseikhan B, Chang SY, Soong TW, Yue DT
Developmental activation of calmodulin-dependent facilitation of
cerebellar P-type Ca2+ current. Journal of Neuroscience 25(36):
8282-94.
Wong E, Yu W, Yap WH, Venkatesh B, Soong TW
Comparative genomics of the human and fugu voltage-gated calcium
channel a1 subunit gene family reveals greater diversity in fugu. Gene
366(1):117-27.
Research Fellows
Hooi SC, Koh DR, Chow VTK
The NUS MBBS-PhD Programme: Nurturing Clinician-Scientists
for Tomorrow. Annals Academy of Medicine Singapore 34(6):163C165C.
Hooi SC, Koh DR, Chow VTK
One hundred years of Physiology education in Singapore. Annals of
Academy of Medicine Singapore 34(6):84C-86C.
Staff Profile
Associate Professor & Head : Hooi Shing Chuan
Professor : Shazib Pervaiz
: Koh Dow Rhoon
Sanjay Khanna
Soong Tuck Wah
Herbert Schwarz
Hanry Yu
Ho Ting Fei
Lee Chee Wee
Manoor Prakash Hande
Professorial Fellow
: Peter Hwang Lam Hum
Associate Professorial Fellow : Wong Chong Thim
: Alirio J Melendez
Deng Yuru
Leung Pui Lam, Bernard
Lee Beng Huat, Martin
Lee Yiu Wah
Lim Hsiu Kim, Lina
Lim Yaw Chyn
Shen Shali
Wang Nai-dy
Srividya Swaminathan
Yap Suen Mei, Celestial Therese
Wong Boon Seng
Adjunct Associate Professors: Graeme Guy
Walter Hunziker
Lee Kim Hock, Lionel
Li Fuk Loi, Benjamin
Sohail Ahmed
Adjunct Assistant Professors : Tan Boon Ooi, Patrick
Ong Siew Hwa
Lam Yeng Po, Paula
Ng Chun Yeen, Aylwin
Carol Tang
Craig McLachlan
120
: Chang Siao Yun
Chia Ser Mien
Gong Yue
Jayapal Manikandan
Jiang Fengli
Kishore Ramaji Sakharkar
Koo Mei Keng
Liao Ping
Liu Jian-Jun
Padnam Puneet
Peter Natesan Pushparaj
Qiu Guo-hua
Tang Yanxia
Tang Zhenzhi
Tay Puei Nam
Teleguakula Narasaraju
Thio Swee Chin Sharon
Tsang Fai Philip
Wang Chun Ming
Zakaria Ali Moh. Almsherqi
Contact information
Research Enquiries
Contact Person
Telephone Email
: 6516-7773
: phssh@nus.edu.sg
Postgraduate Enquiries
Contact Person
: Assoc Prof Manoor Prakash
Hande
Telephone : 6516-3664
Email
: phsmph@nus.edu.sg
General Enquiries
Contact Person
: Asha Reka Das
Telephone : 6516-3223
Facsimile
: 6778-8161
Email
: phssec@nus.edu.sg
Address
: Department of Physiology
Block MD9, 2 Medical Drive
Singapore 117597
Homepage
: http://www.med.nus.edu.sg/phys/
DEPARTMENT OF
Psychological Medicine
INTRODUCTION
The strategic research initiatives of the Department include research on:
• Psychiatric Epidemiology and Gerontological Research.
• Early identification and treatment of psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and related psychoses.
• Psychological aspects of general medical and surgical conditions.
Our aim is to engage in collaborative research with local and overseas partners in both clinical and basic sciences,
leveraging on platform technologies like functional neuron-imaging and molecular/genetic research.
Research
Research in psychosis by the First Episode Schizophrenia (FES) Study Group has produced interesting new results of
dorsal lateral precortex activation in schizophrenia patients using fMRI.
The Gerontology Research Programme (GRP) is a flagship research initiative of the Department and provides a
systematic, coordinated programme of research activities on the health of the elderly Singaporeans that provide the
scientific information needed for formulating strategies of disease prevention and health promotion. The research has
produced the first nationally representative estimates of the prevalence of depression and dementia in the elderly for
policy information and planning. It has also published the first human evidence of the link between curry consumption
and better cognitive functioning in the elderly.
Following the SARS outbreak in 2003 the Department initiated research into the psychological reactions of healthcare
workers in Singapore and other SARS-affected countries.
Department of Psychological Medicine
Project Description
Randomised controlled trial of a Community-based Early
Psychiatric Intervention Strategy (CEPIS) to screen and
manage depression in the elderly
: Assoc Prof Ng Tze Pin
: Assoc Prof Calvin Fones,
Assoc Prof Ko Soo Meng,
Dr Rajeev Kumar
Physical and cognitive functions in the elderly
:
Collaborators
:
Dr Mathew Niti,
Dr Gerald Koh,
Prof Lois Verbrugge
Mild cognitive impairment
Collaborators
: Dr Mathew Niti,
Dr Feng Lei
Healthcare utilization of the elderly
On-going Projects
Collaborator
Gerontology Research Programme: Biological, clinical,
psychosocial and behavioural predictors of health status in
prospectively follow-up cohorts of elderly persons
Post stroke depression, dementia and physical function
Collaborators
: Prof Kua Ee Heok,
Assoc Prof Calvin Fones,
Assoc Prof Victor Goh,
Assoc Prof Tan Chay Hoon,
Assoc Prof Goh Lee Gan
A preliminary neurocognitive study of “high functioning” nonschizophrenic relatives of schizophrenia patients
: Dr Tan Hao Yang
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Calvin Fones,
Assoc Prof Ko Soo Meng
Epidemiological study of depression in Singapore
: Dr Chua Hong Choon (IMH/WH),
Assoc Prof Ng Tze Pin,
Nutrition and cognitive function
Collaborators
: Dr Feng Lei,
Dr Mathew Niti
: Dr Feng Liang
:
Collaborators
:
Dr Sanjiv Saxena,
Dr Fong Ngan Phoon,
Dr Gerald Koh,
Dr David Yong
Depression and chronic obstructive
comorbidity and outcomes
Collaborator
pulmonary
disease
: Dr Mathew Niti
Lim L, Ng TP, Chua HC, Chiam PC, Won V, Lee T, Fones CS,
Kua EH
Generalised anxiety disorder in Singapore: prevalence, co-morbidity
and risk factors in a multi-ethnic population. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr
Epidemiol (2005) 40(12):972-9.
Ng TP, Tan WC
Prevalence and determinants of excessive daytime sleepiness in an
Asian multi-ethnic population. Sleep Med (2005) 6(6):523-9.
Chee CY, Lee DT, Chong YS, Tan LK, Ng TP, Fones CS
Confinement and other psychosocial factors in perinatal
depression: A transcultural study in Singapore. J Affect Disord
(2005) 89(1-3):157-66.
Ng TP, Goh LG, Tan Y, Tan E, Leong H, Tay EG, Thai AC
Ethnic differences in glycaemic control in adult Type 2 diabetic
patients in primary care: a 3-year follow-up study. Diabet Med (2005)
22(11):1598-604.
Ng TP, Lim LC, Jin A, Shinfuku N
Memory Assessment
122
Exploring the mind in old age
Ethnic differences in quality of life in adolescents among Chinese, Malay
and Indians in Singapore. Qual Life Res (2005) 14(7):1755-68.
Department of Psychological Medicine
Chee CY, Ng TP, Kua EH
Tan EC, Lai PS
Comparing the stigma of mental illness in a general hospital with
a state mental hospital A Singapore study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr
Epidemiol (2005) 40(8):648-53.
Molecular diagnosis of neurogenetic disorders involving trinucleotide
repeat expansions. Expert Rev Mol Diagn (2005) 5(1):101-9. Review.
Zubair A, Khoo HE, Gwee M, Koh DR, Tan CH
Lim SL, Goh WT, Lee JM, Ng TP, Ho KY
Changing prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux with changing time:
longitudinal study in an Asian population. J Gastroenterol Hepatol
(2005) 20(7):995-1001.
Tan HY, Choo WC, Fones CS, Chee MW
fMRI study of maintenance and manipulation processes within
working memory in first-episode schizophrenia. Am J Psychiatry
(2005) 162(10):1849-58.
Luo N, Fones CS, Lim SE, Xie F, Thumboo J, Li SC
The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer
Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-c30): validation of
English version in Singapore. Qual Life Res (2005) 14(4):1181-6.
Koh D, Lim MK, Chia SE, Ko SM, Qian F, Ng V, Tan BH, Wong KS,
Chew WM, Tang HK, Ng W, Muttakin Z, Emmanuel S, Fong NP,
Koh G, Kwa CT, Tan KB, Fones C
Risk perception and impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome
(SARS) on work and personal lives of healthcare workers in Singapore:
what can we learn? Med Care (2005) 43(7):676-82.
Chia SE, Koh D, Fones C, Qian F, Ng V, Tan BH, Wong KS,
Chew WM, Tang HK, Ng W, Muttakin Z, Emmanuel S, Fong NP,
Koh G, Lim MK
Appropriate use of personal protective equipment among healthcare
workers in public sector hospitals and primary healthcare polyclinics
during the SARS outbreak in Singapore. Occup Environ Med (2005)
62(7):473-7.
Medical education in Southeast Asia: emerging issues, challenges and
opportunities. Med Educ (2005) 39(8):829-32.
Staff Profile
Professor
:
:
:
Research Fellow
:
Calvin Fones
Kua Ee Heok
Ko Soo Meng
Ng Tze Pin
Tan Hao Yang
Rajeev Kumar
Mathew Niti
Contact information
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
Address
:
:
:
:
:
6772-4511
6777-2191
pcmngtp@nus.edu.sg
Department of
Singapore 119074
Tan EC, Chong SA, Wang H, Lim CPE, Teo YY
Gender-specific association of insertion/deletion polymorphisms in
the nogo gene and chronic schizophrenia. Brain Res Mol Brain Res
(2005) 139(2):212-6.
Lerer B, Segman RH, Tan EC, Basile VS, Cavallaro R, Aschauer
HN, Strous R, Chong SA, Heresco-Levy U, Verga M, Scharfetter
J, Meltzer HY, Kennedy JL, Macciardi F
Combined analysis of 635 patients confirms an age-related
association of the erotonin 2A receptor gene with tardive
dyskinesia and specificity for the non-orofacial subtype. Int J
Neuropsychopharmacol (2005) 8(3):411-25.
Imaging the human mind
DEPARTMENT
OF Surgery
INTRODUCTION
The Department comprises of eight clinical divisions, namely, General Surgery, Urology,
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Cardiac, Thoracic & Vascular Surgery, Neurosurgery,
Paediatric Surgery, Colorectal Surgery and Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery. In addition,
the Department also co-ordinates the interdepartmental and multidisciplinary clinical services
associated with minimally invasive and transplantation surgery. The Department carries out
clinical, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate teaching activities and both clinical and
basic research.
The research carried out in the department includes the areas of cancer biology, wound
healing, bone regeneration/grafting, cardiology and stem cells. Funding for these projects
comes from the Biomedical Research Council, National Medical Research Council, the
Academic Research Fund, The National Health Group and The Singapore Cancer Syndicate.
The Department is actively engaged in collaborative research with other departments in the
Faculties of Medicine, Science and Engineering in NUS and with the Institute of Molecular
and Cell Biology, National University Medical Institute, Genome Institute of Singapore, the
Defence Military Research Institute as well as local Hospitals. International collaborations
with Research Institutes, Universities and companies abroad have increased over the years.
Department of Surgery
The research highlights for this year include the selection of work
carried out by Dr Sng Jen-Hwei and Dr Philip Iau Tsau Choong on
the identification and characterization of 3 novel BRCA genomic
rearrangements (the first genomic rearrangements to be reported
in an Asian population) for a poster panel discussion at the 28th
Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, Dec 2005, USA;
development of a lentivirus delivery system for insulin for diabetes
therapy; development of Lactobacilli as delivery agents for antigens
for disease therapy and the award of the beat NHG Scientist
award at the Combined Scientific Meeting 2005 to Dr Wu Qinghui
for work carried out in Assoc Prof Kesavan Esuvaranathan’s and
Dr Ratha Mahendran’s lab.
Project Description
Screening for complex genomic rearrangements in the BRCA2
gene of Singaporean patients presenting with early-onset breast
cancer with or without family history
: Dr Sng Jen-Hwei
: Dr Philip Lau Tsau Choong
Prospective, randomized controlled study of the effects
of N-acetylcysteine in patients with preoperative renal
impairment undergoing coronary revascularization surgery with
cardiopulmonary
: Prof Lee Chuen Neng
: Dr Atasha Asmat
Isolation, cultivation, characterisation and utilization of umbilical
cord membrane-derived epithelial and mesenchymal stem/
progenitor cells: A novel source of stem cells for regenerative
medicine, cell-based therapy and tissue engineering
: Dr Phan Toan Thang,
Adj Assoc Prof Ivor Lim
Breaking tolerance to tumour antigens using anti-IL-10, PGE2 or
TGF- in conjunction with BCG or cytokine gene immunotherapy
in murine models of bladder cancer
: Dr Ratha Mahendran
: Assoc Prof Kesavan Esuvaranathan
Producing animal models for the pre-clinical evaluation of
therapies for bladder cancer
Modified Lactobacilli as delivery vehicles for antigens for the
induction of local and systemic immunity
Collaborator
Dr Shaik Ahmad operating
(Microbiology)
(Anatomy)
Examining the transfection efficiency/stability of DOTAP/DNA/
methyl-b-cyclodextrin solubilized cholesterol
: Assoc Prof Lim Lee Yong
(Pharmacy)
Cell therapy replacement and diabetes
Dr Shaik Ahmand & Dr Jane Lim performing a surgical procedure
: Assoc Prof Li Guang Dong
(National University Medical
Institute)
Adj Assoc Prof Ivor Lim
Co-culture of human embryonic stem cells with foetal lung tissue
Collaborator
: Dr Elaine Lim (Medicine)
: Assoc Prof Wong Poo Sing,
Assoc Prof Wong Peng Cheang,
Dr Lim Bing
: Dr Anne Bishop
On-going Projects
Reconstruction of the orbit with a poly-caprolactone implant
Collaborators
: Dr Jan Thorsten Schantz,
Dr DW Hutmacher
(Bioengineering and Orthopedic
Surgery),
Assoc Prof Shabbir Moochhala
(DMRI)
The role of connective tissue growth factor (CTFG) in the biology
of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions of scar pathogenesis and
skin aging
Adipose-derived mesenchymal cells for bone reconstruction:
A preliminary study in a mouse model
Collaborators
The role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in
epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in keloid
Collaborator
: Dr Phan Toan Thang
: Adj Assoc Prof Ivor Lim
National Fibrovascular Disorder Research Program
: Dr M Ragunath
(Division of Bioengineering)
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Koh Dow Roon
(Physiology),
Prof Donald Tan (SERI and,
Opthamology),
Dr Wilson Wang (Orthopedics)
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Sae-Lim Varawan
(Faculty of Dentistry)
Dr George Yip Wai Cheong
(Anatomy)
A comparison of the immunotherapeutic potential of Lactobacillus
spp. and Mycobacterium bovis, Bacillus Calmette Geurin
Collaborator
(Microbiology)
(Anatomy)
Collaborators
: Dr R Mahendran,
Dr Wu Qinghui
Non-viral gene therapy for human bladder cancer
Collaborators
: Dr Edmund Chiong
: Assoc Prof Kesavan Esuvaranathan,
Dr Ratha Mahendran
Evaluation of the anti-tumor efficacy of the ESAT-6 antigen in
gene therapy for bladder cancer
Collaborators
: Dr Edmund Chiong
: Assoc Prof Kesavan Esuvaranathan,
Dr Ratha Mahendran
Intravesical interferon alpha and BCG immunotherapy for patients
with recurrent bladder cancer after previous BCG therapy
126
: Dr Sng Jen-Hwei
: Dr Philip Iau Tsau Choong
: Dr Lee Soo Chin
(Haematology Onoclogy, NUH),
Prof John Wong Eu-Li
(Haematology Oncology,
NUS/NUH),
Assoc Prof Ilandcheran A
(Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
NUS/NUH),
Dr Mahesh Choolani
(Obstetrics & Gynaecology,
NUS/NUH),
Dr Khalil Raziv (Obstetrics &
Gynaecology, NUS/NUH),
Dr Putti Thomas Choudary
(Pathology, NUS/NUH)
Are medullary breast cancers an indication for BRCA1 mutation
screening? A mutation analysis of 42 cases of medullary breast
cancer
Evaluation of intravesical gene transfer using a novel liposomebased preparation in a porcine model
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Shabbir Moochhala
(DMRI),
Dr Jan Thorsten Schantz
(Laboratory for BioMedical
Engineering)
Prevalence of the founder BRCA1 mutation c.2845insA in
Singapore Malay breast and ovarian patients unselected for
family history
Molecular profiles of periodontal tissue after tooth replantation
: Dr Sng Jen-Hwei
: Dr IO Ellis,
Dr S Pinder,
Dr E Denley (Department of
Pathology, Nottingham City
Hospital, UK),
Dr G Cross (Department of
Molecular Genetics, Nottingham
City Hospital, UK),
Prof RW Blamey (City Hospital,
Nottingham, UK)
Islet transplantation for type I diabetes using the Edmonton
protocol
Collaborators
: Sir Roy Calne
: Prof Lee Kok Onn,
Assoc Prof Thai Ah Chuan
: Dr Sum Chee Fang (AH),
Dr Lim Su Chi (AH),
Dr Cheah Wei Keat,
Dr Pary Sivaraman,
Assoc Prof Wang Shih Chang
Continuing investigations into the role of epidermalmesenchymal interactions in keloid pathogenesis and aberrant
skin fibroproliferation
Collaborators
: Adj Assoc Prof Ivor Lim,
Dr Phan Toan Thang
: Dr Robert Qi (HKUST, SAR,
China formerly IMCB),
Assoc Prof Boon Huat Bay
(Anatomy),
Dr Sabine Werner
(ETH, Zurich, Switzerland),
Dr Michael T Longaker
(Stanford, USA)
The prevalence of large exon rearrangements in the BRCA1
gene in Asian early onset and familial breast cancer patients
Collaborators
: Dr Sng Jen Wei
: Dr Lee Soo Chin (Oncology),
Prof John Wong (Division of
Haematology/Oncology, NUS)
Engineered bone graft in the reconstruction of the craniofacial
skeleton
Collaborators
: Dr Chou Ning,
Assoc Prof Shabbir Moochhala
(DMRI/CCPL),
Dr Dietmar Hutmacher
(Bioengineering)
5-azacytindine induced cardiomyocytetransformation of bone
marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells and their therapeutic
potential for the treatment of chronic myocardial infarction
Collaborators
: Adj Assoc Prof Eugene Sim,
Dr KH Haider (NUMI)
: Prof Lim Yean Leng,
Dr Ye Lei,
Assoc Prof Liu Teh Chih,
Dr Phillip Wong
Wong PS, Yang H, Ling LH
Severe mitral regurgitation caused by annular abscess fistulating into
the left atrium. Heart (2005) 91(6):790.
Asmat A, Wong PS
An unusual cause for palpitations. Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann
(2005) 13(1):98.
Lee CH, Wong PS, Tan HC, Lim YT
Free coronary perforation after X-Sizer thrombectomy: experience
of two cases and review of the literature. J Invasive Cardiol
(2005)17(8):445-8.
Prabhakaran K, Patankar JZ, Quak SH
Surgical complications and outcome of paediatric liver transplantation:
the Singapore experience. Pediatr Surg Int (2005) 21(8):609-14.
Fernandes ML, Lee YM, Sutedja D, Wai CT, Isacc J, Prabhakaran
K, Lim SG, Lee KH
Treatment of steroid-resistant acute liver transplant rejection with
basiliximab. Transplant Proc (2005) 37(5):2179-80.
Tan FL, Loh D, Prabhakaran K
Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis in a child secondary to peritoneal
dialysis. J Pediatr Surg (2005) 40(5):e21-3.
Colwell AS, Phan TT, Kong W, Longaker MT, Lorenz PH
Hypertrophic scar fibroblasts have increased connective tissue
growth factor expression after transforming growth factor-beta
stimulation. Plast Reconstr Surg (2005) 116(5):1387-90.
Phan TT, Lim IJ, Aalami O, Lorget F, Khoo A, Tan EK,
Mukhopadhyay A, Longaker MT
Smad3 signalling plays an important role in keloid pathogenesis via
epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. J Pathol (2005) 207(2):232-42.
Urine analysis for prognostic indicatiors of response to therapy in
bladder cancer patients receiving intravesical BCG instillations
Percussion, diuresis and inversion therapy assisted passage of
lower pole renal calculi after ESWL
Collaborator
: Dr Edmund Chiong
: Assoc Prof Li Man Kay
Dr Ye Lei preparing to load a gel
Ms Tan Ai Lin counting cells
Phan TT, Lim IJ, Tan EK, Bay BH, Lee ST
Cheong EC, Ong WC, Lim TC, Lim J
Evaluation of cell culture on the polyurethane-based membrane
(Tegaderm): implication for tissue engineering of skin. Cell Tissue
Bank (2005) 6(2):91-7.
Successful split-thickness skin grafting in a contaminated wound with
an enterocutaneous fistula. Plast Reconstr Surg (2005) 115(4):1221-2.
Leong DT, Hutmacher DW, Chew FT, Lim TC
Mukhopadhyay A, Tan EK, Khoo YT, Chan SY, Lim IJ, Phan TT
Conditioned medium from keloid keratinocyte/keloid fibroblast
coculture induces contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen
lattices. Br J Dermatol (2005) 152(4):639-45.
Viability and adipogenic potential of human adipose tissue processed
cell population obtained from pump-assisted and syringe-assisted
liposuction. J Dermatol Sci (2005) 37(3):169-76.
Cheong EC, Wong MT, Ong WC, Lim J, Lim TC
Heng BC, Cao T, Liu H, Phan TT
Directing stem cells into the keratinocyte lineage in vitro. Exp
Dermatol (2005) 14(1):1-16.
Oakley RE, Msherqi ZA, Lim SK, Lee SH, Ho KT, Sutandar A,
Lee CN, Lim YT
Transplantation of autologous bone marrow-derived cells into the
myocardium of patients undergoing coronary bypass. Heart Surg
Forum (2005) 8(5):348-50.
Ong WC, Lim TC, Lim J, Sundar G
Cervicofacial, retropharyngeal and mediastinal emphysema: a
complication of orbital fracture. Asian J Surg (2005) 28(4):305-8.
Sensory innervated superior gluteal artery perforator flap for
reconstruction of sacral wound defect. Plast Reconstr Surg (2005)
115(3):958-9.
Ong WC, Chin DC, Lim J, Lim TC
A novel method of debridement of fat necrosis in reconstructed
breasts. Plast Reconstr Surg (2005) 115(3):946-7.
Chim H, Schantz JT
New frontiers in calvarial reconstruction: integrating computerassisted design and tissue engineering in cranioplasty. Plast Reconstr
Surg (2005) 116(6):1726-41.
Schantz JT, Brandwood A, Hutmacher DW, Khor HL, Bittner K
Cheong EC, Ong WC, Lim J, Lim TC
A modification of the nasolabial flap for lower eyelid defect in
preventing ectropion. Plast Reconstr Surg (2005) 116(4):1176-7.
Osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells in computer
designed fibrin-polymer-ceramic scaffolds manufactured by fused
deposition modeling. J Mater Sci Mater Med (2005) 16(9):807-19.
Ng KW, Tham W, Lim TC, Werner Hutmacher D
Chiong E, Wong AF, Chan YH, Chin CM
Assimilating cell sheets and hybrid scaffolds for dermal tissue
engineering. J Biomed Mater Res A (2005) 75(2):425-38.
Cheong EC, Lim J, Lim TC
An atrophic, fat-infiltrated gracilis muscle for ischial reconstruction?
Br J Plast Surg (2005) 58(5):749-51.
Ong WC, Lim J, Lim TC
A modification of the bilobed and Karapandzic flap used for
reconstruction of the lower lip. Plast Reconstr Surg (2005)
115(7):2154-5.
Review of clinical manifestations of biochemically-advanced prostate
cancer cases. Asian J Surg (2005) 28(3):202-6.
Chiong E, Hwee ST, Kay LM, Liang S, Kamaraj R, Esuvaranathan K
Randomized controlled study of mechanical percussion, diuresis, and
inversion therapy to assist passage of lower pole renal calculi after
shock wave lithotripsy. Urology (2005) 65(6):1070-4.
Kong SL, Salto-Tellez M, Leong AP, Chan YH, Koay ES
Discordant quantitative detection of putative biomarkers in
nodal micrometastases of colorectal cancer: biological and clinical
implications. J Clin Pathol (2005) 58(8):839-44.
Achuth HN, Moochhala SM, Mahendran R, Tan WT
Nitrosoglutathione triggers collagen deposition in cutaneous wound
repair. Wound Repair Regen (2005) 13(4):383-9.
Pook SH, Teoh CK, Mahendran R
Combination of thiol antioxidant silibinin with brostallicin is
associated with increase in the anit-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and
decrease in caspase 3 activity. Cancer Lett. (2005).
Ms Juwita Rahmat preparing media
128
Staff profile
Professor & Head
:
Associate Professor
& Deputy Head :
Professor
:
Professorial Fellow
:
Adjunct Professors
:
:
Adjunct Associate Professors :
:
Visiting Professors
Visiting Senior Fellow
Assistant Professor
& Research Staff Senior Research Fellow
Research Fellows
Research Assistants
Laboratory Officers
Lee Chuen Neng
Leong Peng Kheong, Adrian
Soo Khee Chee
Ti Thiow Kong
Abu Rauff
Alan Porter
Walter Tan
Kesavan Esuvaranathan
K Prabhakaran
Lim Thiam Chye
Peter Ashley Robless
Wong Poo Sing
Chin Chong Min
Reida Menshawe El Oakley
Timothy Lee
Eugene Sim
Prema Raj
Hong Ga Sze
Susan Lim
Ivor Lim
Foo Chee Liam
Fong Poh Him
Mark Da Costa
Edmund Chiong
Schantz Jan-Thorsten
: Sir Roy Calne
Bernat Soria Escoms
: Davide Lomanto
Contact information
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsimile
Email
Address
(Postgraduate/Research Enquiries)
: 6772-4224
: 6777-8427
: kesavan@nus.edu.sg
: Dr R Mahendran
(Postgraduate/Research Enquiries)
: 6874-8000
: 6777-8427
: surrm@nus.edu.sg
: Department of Surgery
Singapore 119074
: Phan Toan Thang
: Ratha Mahendran
: Sng Jen Hwei
Winston Shim
(Adjunct Fellow)
Kerrie Tang
Lian Qizhou
Gan Shu Uin
Pook Sim Hwee
: Tham Sin Mun
Audrey Khoo
Lim Yew Koon
Law Chiong Siong
Jayavani d/o Karuppasamy
Que Qian Wen
Tan Ai Lin, Diane
: Juwita Rahmat
Elias Lye
Deng Wei
James Boon
Ngo Kae Siang
Revathi Kamaraj
Ivy Seah
National University
Medical Institutes (NUMI)
INTRODUCTION
Research interests in NUMI are:
• Oncology research (group leader: Prof Yoshiaki Ito).
• Cardiovascular research (Assoc Prof Eugene Sim).
• Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Biology and Apoptosis (group leader: Assoc Prof Shazib Pervaiz).
• Biology of pancreatic islet beta-cells and cell therapy for diabetes. Achieving functional insulin-producing cells
derived from embryonic progenitor cells (Assoc Prof Li Guodong).
• Neurodegenerative diseases (Dr Wong Boon Seng).
Oncology Research Programme
The Oncology Research Institute conducts research on 4 main types of cancers: Gastric, Breast, Colorectal,
Leukemia. These cancers are leading cancer deaths in Singapore as well as the Asia-Pacific region. In year 2005,
we have formed a small group which focus on bone cancers that is currently led by Visiting Associate Professor,
Assoc Prof Andre van Wijnen, who is from Department of Cell Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School.
National University Medical Institutes (NUMI)
Cardiovascular Research Programme
We aim to restore the regional blood flow through therapeutic
angiogenesis and repopulate the scar tissue with myogenic cells for
treatment of myocardial infarction.
Specific achievements:
a. Human skeletal myoblasts were fused with host porcine
myocardium to form mosaic muscle fiber. The heterogeneous
muscle fiber expressed slow and fast isoforms of skeletal myosin
heavy chain. Thus, fusion between the donor myoblasts and the host
cardiomyocytes plays a significant role in the donor cell survival
which leads to the improved cardiac function. This further supported
by studies from studies of Reinecke et al. (2004) and Rubart et al.
(2004).
b. We have characterized skeletal myoblasts transduction with
angiogenic gene. The angiogenic gene carrying skeletal myoblasts
transplantation is safe and a more efficient stategy for cardiac repair.
No angioma and cancer were found. The significantly improved
heart function with regional blood flow suggested a novel approach
as concurrent angiogenesis and myogenesis.
ROS Biology and Apoptosis Programme
The ROS Biology program aims to identify mechanisms of redoxmediated pathways pertinent to cancer, and other disease states. To
that end the PIs are involved in a variety of extramurally funded
programs to enhance our understanding of these pathways for use
as biomarkers of disease or targets for novel drug design.
Project Description
Program to study the regulation of cellular stress signalling
by reactive oxygen species and its role in malignant
transformation
Mechanism of defective drug-induced apoptosis signalling in B
cell lymphomas
ROS in Cell Death and Survival Signaling
Niche area program: Cell replacement therapy & diabetes
: Assoc Prof Li Guodong
Uncovering the neuropathological role of
mitochondrial dysfunction in Down syndrome
Collaborators
SOD1
and
: Dr Wong Boon Seng
: Dr Denise Goh,
Dr Jeffrey Armstrong
Glycan fingerprinting of APP in Alzheimer’s disease
: Dr Wong Boon Seng
: Dr Song Jianxing
Creation and characterization of “gene-knockout” neuronal
cell lines relevant to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
: Dr Wong Boon Seng
Characterizing the resveratrol-evoked, Bax- and p53independent apoptosis signalling cascades: in relevance to
the therapeutic development of resveratrol in treating drugresistant cancers
: Dr Lee Shao Chin
Delineation of resveratrol-activated apoptotic signalling
cascades through functional proteomic analysis
: Dr Lee Shao Chin
Phosphoproteomic fingerprinting and identification of
activated tyrosine kinases and substrates in laser-captured
microdissection-purified human breast cancer epithelial cells
as potential molecular markers
Collaborators
ORI Runx3-TGFb
: Dr Lim Yoon Pin
: Prof Brian Druker (OHSE),
Prof Sara Sukumar (JHKs),
Prof Maxey Chung,
Prof Wong Chow Yin (SGH),
Dr Newman Sze (GIS),
Dr Tan Puay Hoon (SGH),
Dr Robert Qi (HKU),
Dr Philip Lau
Development of high-throughput laser capture microdissection
and tumor phosphoproteomics technologies for biomarker
discovery
Collaborators
: Dr Lim Yoon Pin
: Dr Newman Sze (GIS),
Dr Nilesh Shah
Elucidating the mechanism that is involved in the cytoplasmic
retention of RUNX3 and its effect on gastric cancer
Collaborator
: Dr Ko Tun Kiat
: Dr Kosei Ito (IMCB)
Predictive Significance of 5-Fluorouracil Enzymes in Asians and
Caucasians
Collaborators
: Dr Richie Soong,
Dr Manuel Salto Tellez
: Assoc Prof Barry Iacopetta
(University of Western Australia
Surgery and Pathology),
Dr Ross Soo (NUH)
Clinical relevance of thymidylate synthase gene variants
Collaborators
: Dr Richie Soong
: Dr Liu Yanqun (SGH),
Dr Ross Soo (NUH)
: Dr Manuel Salto Tellez
(NUH/NUS),
Dr Nilesh Shah,
Assoc Prof Barry Iacopetta
(University of Western Australia
Surgery and Pathology),
Dr Ho Kok Sun (SGH)
Infrastructure for developing gastrointestinal cancer prognostic
and predictive markers
: Dr Richie Soong
: Dr Manuel Salto Tellez
(NUH/NUS),
Dr Ross Soo (NUH),
Dr Liu Yanqun (SGH),
Dr Simon Ong (NCC),
Dr Yap Wai Ming (SGH)
Program to study the regulation of cellular stress signalling by
reactive oxygen species and its role in malignant transformation
: Dr Matiullah Khan
Molecular mechanisms governing leukemia: a quest for novel
therapeutic targets
: Dr Liou Yi-Cherng
: Dr Srividya Swaminathan,
Dr Deng Lih Wen,
Dr Ng Huck Hui (GIS)
Pathogenic potential of BRCA2 mutations
132
: Dr Srividya Swaminathan
On-going Projects
Interplay between intracellular redox status and pro-apoptotic
protein Bax during drug-induced tumor cell death: Potential
implications for cancer chemotherapy
Study to assess the role of cellular redox state on intracellular
pH regulation and its effect on drug-induced apoptosis in tumor
cells and to develop novel molecules that sensitize tumor cells
to death stimuli by altering the redox status
Mechanisms of anti-apoptotic activity of resveratrol in human
leukemia cells: Clinical implications for the use of resveratrol in
combination chemotherapy regimens - A pilot study
Molecular mechanism for the activation of Rac1 and downstream
effectors by glucose stimulation in the regulation of insulin
secretion from islet beta-cells
Collaborator
: Prof Anjan Kowluru (Wayne State
University, USA)
Generation, isolation and verification of insulin-secreting cells
from progenitor cell lines derived from mouse embryos and ES
cells
Collaborator
: Dr Lim Sai Kiang (Genome
Institute of Singapore)
Crossing the histocompatibility barriers using transient
immunosuppression:
Implications
in
the
cellular
cardiomyoplasty using human skeletal myoblasts for
cardiac repair
: Assoc Prof Eugene Sim
Collaborators
: Assoc Prof Lim Yean Leng,
Dr Philip Wong
(National Heart Centre),
Dr Ye Lei
Lipofection of human VEGF165 in human skeletal myoblasts for
angiomyogenesis: making it safer for the ailing heart
:
Collaborators
:
Assoc Prof Eugene Sim
Dr Terrance Chua
Dr Philip Wong
Dr Ye Lei
Human skeletal myoblast transplantation for cardiac repair
molecular basis of donor cell survival and improvement of
myocardial performance
: Assoc Prof Li Guodong,
Assoc Prof Eugene Sim
Collaborators
Dr Terrance Chua
Assoc Prof Samuel Chong,
Dr Philip Wong
(National Heart Centre)
INTERNATIONAL Publications
Reactive oxygen species and the mitochondrial signaling pathway of
cell death. Histol Histopath (2005) 20(1):205-219. Invited.
Sun Y, Orrenius S, Pervaiz S, Bengt F
Plasma membrane sequestration of apoptosis protease activating
factor-1 in human B lymphoma cells: a novel mechanism of
chemoresistance. Blood (2005) 105(10): 4070-4077.
Clément MV, Sivarajah S, Pervaiz S
Genetic influence on prion
neurodegenerative diseases
Collaborator
protein:
an
insight
to
: Dr Wong Boon Seng
: Assoc Prof Matthew Whiteman
A study to investigate the mechanism involved in H202mediated repression of the NA+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE-1) gene
expression: possible role in cells’ response to apoptotic death
Collaborator
: Dr Alan Prem Kumar
Study on vitrification of cells and tissues
: Dr Lilia Kuleshova
Role of aberrant proteolysis in the pathogenesis of APL
: Dr Matiullah Khan
: Dr Motomi Osato (IMCB)
Small scale screening of ER (Endoplasmic Reticulum) stress
inhibitors in APL cells
: Dr Matiullah Khan
: Dr Manoor Prakash Hande
Targeting the conformational rearrangement of N-CoR protein
in APL for therapeutic intervention
: Dr Matiullah Khan
Functional analysis of Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) in
BRCA and non-BRCA tumors
: Dr Srividya Swaminathan
: Assoc Prof Manoor Prakash
Hande
Production of intracellular superoxide mediates dithiothreitoldependent inhibition of apoptotic cell death. Antiox Redox Sig
(2005) 7(3-4):456-464.
Poh TW, Pervaiz S
LY294002 and LY303511 sensitize tumor cells to drug-induced
apoptosis via intracellular hydrogen peroxide production independent
of the PI3K-Akt pathway. Cancer Res (2005) 65(14):6264-74.
Low CP, Liew LP, Pervaiz S, Yang H
Apoptosis and lipoapoptosis in the fission yeast. FEMS Yeast (2005)
5(12):1199-206. Invited Review.
Sun GW, Lu J, Cao WP, Pervaiz S, Gan YH
pseudomallei. Cellular Microbiology (2005) 7(10):1447-1458.
Li J, Luo RH, Hooi S, Ruga P, Zhang J, Meda P, Li GD
Ectopic expression of syncollin in INS-1 -cells sorts it into granules
and impairs regulated secretion. Biochemistry-US (2005) 44:43654374.
Pan T, Li R, Wong BS, Kang SC, Ironside J, Sy MS
Novel antibody-lectin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that
distinguishes prion proteins in sporadic and variant cases of
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. J Clin Microb (2005) 43(2):1118-1126.
Pan T, Li R, Kang SC, Pastore M, Wong BS, Ironside J,
Gambetti P, Sy MS
Biochemical fingerprints of prion diseases: scrapie prion protein
in human prion diseases that share prion genotype and type.
J Neurochem (2005) 92(1):132-142.
Ye L, Haider HKH, Jiang SJ, Ge RW, Law PK, Sim EKW
In vitro functional assessment of human skeletal myoblast after
transduction with adenoviral bicistronic vector carrying human
VEGF165 and Angiopoietin-1. Heart Lung Transplant (2005)
24(9):1393-1402.
Ye L, Haider HKH, Jiang SJ, Ling LH, Ge RW, Law PK, Sim EKW
Reversal of myocardial injury using genetically modulated human
skeletal myoblasts in a rodent cryoinjured heart model. European
Journal of Heart Failure (2005) 7:945-952.
Haider HKH, Sim EK, Lei Y, Ashraf M
Soong R, Diasio RB
Cell-based ex vivo delivery of angiogenic growth factors for cardiac
repair. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol (2005) 25(12):e144.
Advances and challenges in fluoropyrimidine pharmacogenomics and
pharmacogenetics. Pharmacogenomics (2005) 6:835-847.
Ye L, Haider HKH, Jiang SJ, Law PK, Sim EKW
Ito T, Teh M, Yeoh KG, Ito Y
Mechanism of human skeletal myoblast survival in porcine heart:
fusion between myoblasts and porcine cardiomyocytes. Circulation
Research (2005) 97:e30.
Ye L, Haider HKH, Jiang SJ, Law PK, Sim EKW
Fusion between myoblasts and pig cardiomyocytes is the mechanism
of survival of xenotransplanted human skeletal myoblasts in pig heart.
European Heart Journal (2005) 26(suppl):320.
Ye L, Haider HKH, Jiang SJ, Tan RS, Ge RW, Law PK, Aziz S,
Sim EKW
Synergy between cellular cardiomyoplasty and cardiac angiogenesis
for treatment of myocardial infarction. European Heart Journal (2005)
26(suppl):530.
Ye L, Haider HKH, Jiang SJ, Tan RS, Ge RW, Law PK, Aziz S,
Sim EKW
Synergy between human skeletal myoblasts and angiopoietin-1 for
cardiac repair. Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
(2005) 4(suppl):S12.
Kumar AP, Ryan C, Cordy V, Reynolds WF
Inducible nitric oxide synthase expression is inhibited by
myeloperoxidase. Nitric Oxide (2005) 13(1):42-53.
Kumar AP, Reynolds WF
Statins downregulate myeloperoxidase gene expression in
macrophages. Biochem Biophys Res Commun (2005) 331(2):
442-51.
Lim YP
Mining the tumor phosphoproteome for molecular cancer markers.
Clinical Cancer Research (2005) 11:3163-3169.
Kindwall-Keller T, Otterson GA, Young D, Neki A, Criswell T,
Nuovo G, Soong R, Diasio R, Villalona-Calero MA
Phase II evaluation of docetaxel-modulated capecitabine in previously
treated patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Clinical Cancer
Research (2005) 11:1870-1876.
Boedefeld WM 2nd, Soong R, Weiss H, Diasio RB, Urist MM,
Bland KI, Heslin MJ
E1A-F is overexpressed early in human colorectal neoplasia and
associated with cyclooxygenase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-7.
Mol Carcinog (2005) 43:13-17.
Heslin MJ, Hawkins A, Boedefeld W, Arnoletti JP, Frolov A,
Soong R, Urist MM, Bland KI
Tumor-associated down-regulation of 15-lipoxygenase-1 is reversed
by celecoxib in colorectal cancer. Ann Surg (2005) 241:941-946.
134
RUNX3, A Novel Tumor Suppressor, Is Frequently Inactivated in
Gastric Cancer by Protein Mislocalization. Cancer Research (2005)
65(17):7743-50.
Iwatsuki K, Tanaka K, Kaneko T, Kazama R, Okamoto S,
Nakayama Y, Ito Y, Satake M, Takahashi S, Miyajima A,
Watanabe T, Hara T
RUNX1 promotes angiogenesis by down regulation of insulin-like
growth factor binding protein-3. Oncogene (2005) 24:1129-1137.
Yanagida M, Osato M, Yamashita N, Liqun H, Jacob B, Wu F,
Cao X, Nakamura T, Yokomizo T, Takahashi S, Yamamoto M,
Shigesada K, Ito Y
Increased dosage of Runx1/AML1 acts a positive modulator of
myeloid leukemogenesis in BXH2 mice. Oncogene (2005) 24:44774485.
Iwasaki M, Kuwata T, Yukari Y, Jenkins AN, Copeland GN,
Osato M, Ito Y, Kroon E, Sauvageau G, Nakamura T
Identification of cooperative genes for NUP98-HOXA9 in myeloid
leukemogenesis using a mouse model. Blood (2005) 105(2):785-793.
Chi XZ, Yang JO, Lee KY, Ito K, Sakakura C, Li QL, Kim HR, Cha
EJ, Lee YH, Kaneda A, Ushijima T, Kim WJ, Ito Y, Bae SC
RUNX3 suppresses gastric epithelial cell growth by inducing
p21WAF1/Cip1 expression in cooperation with TGF-ß-activated
SMAD. Molecular and Cell Biology (2005) 25:8097-8107.
Kim WJ, Kim EJ, Jeong P, Quan CY, Kim JY, Li QL, Yang JO, Ito
Y, Bae SC
RUNX3 Inactivation by Point Mutations and Aberrant DNA
Methylation in Bladder Tumors. Cancer Research (2005) 65:93479354.
Yamashita N, Osato M, Huang LQ, Yanagida M, Kogan S,
Iwasaki M, Nakamura T, Shigesada K, Asour N, Ito Y
Haploinsufficiency of RUNX1/AML1 promotes myeloid features
and leukaemogeneis in BXH2 mice. British Journal of Haematology
(2005)131(4):415-xii.
Mouse embryonic
progenitor-derived
insulin-producing
MEPI-1 cells (upper)
express insulin and
other protein markers
typical in adult mouse
pancreatic islets (lower)
Staff Profile
Directors
: Assoc Prof Shazib Pervaiz (NUMI)
Prof Yoshiaki Ito (ORI)
Associate Professor
: Li Guodong
Senior Research Scientists : Wong Boon Seng
Lim Yoon Pin
Md Matiullah Khan
Richie Soong Chuan Teck
Srividya Swaminathan
Yasuko Yamamura
Research Scientists
: Alan Prem Kumar
Andrea Lisa Holme
Lee Shao Chin
Lilia Kuleshova
Huang Canhua
Ko Tun Kiat
Lau Quek Choon
Research Pathologist
: Nilesh Manubhai Shah
Research Fellows
: Ye Lei
Eng Chon Boon
Li Bin
Liu Qiang
Rudaba Nasreen Akhand
Research Assistants
: Chua Ching Ching
Gouk Sok Siam
Lee Soo Fern
Quake Ai Li
Wahidah
Anuradha Poonepalli
Emily Chen Yunhao
Kah Kong Jie
Lee Huiyin
Liang Xiaohui
Lim Simin
Mohd Feroz Bin Mohd Omar
Peh Bee Keow
Zhang Haiyuan
Lab Officers (Research)
: Luo Ruihua
Xie Fei
Toh Wee Chi
Baidah Binte Ahmad
Chong Pei Yi
Fong Jek Howe
Goh Mei Xian
Han Hwan Chour
Jules Rusli
Leong Kok Mun
Liu Jie
Ng Swee Siang
Nin Sijin, Dawn
Nur Diyanah Binte Anuar
Koh Sian Chi
Tan Jia Li
Toh Hwee Boon
Contact information
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsmile
Email
Address
Website
Contact Person
Telephone
Facsmile
Email
Address
Website
: Director
National University Medical
Institutes
: (65) 6516-8098
: (65) 6773-5461
: nmisec@nus.edu.sg
: Blk MD11 10 Medical Drive
#02-01, Clinical Research Centre
Singapore 117597
: http://numi.nus.edu.sg
: Director
Oncology Research Institute
: (65) 6516-1160
: (65) 6873-9664
: nmiitoy@nus.edu.sg
: Centre for Life Sciences
28 Medical Drive #02-07
Singapore 117456
: http://www.ori.nus.edu.sg
AWARDS & Prizes
Awards & Prizes
Anatomy
Prof Ling Eng Ang
received the Faculty Research Excellence Award 2005.
Biochemistry
Prof Barry Halliwell, Assoc Prof Marie Veronique Clement,
were awarded the Faculty Research Excellence Award.
Assoc Prof Marie Veronique Clement
has won the Outstanding Researcher Award 2005, with Assoc Prof
Shazib Pervaiz from Department of Physiology.
jointly with University of Iowa, research partly supported by
BMRC was selected by NIH as one of the 25 “Significant Advances
in Dietary Supplement Research” for 2004 for their paper “Does
supplemental vitamin C increase cardiovascular disease risk in
women with diabetes?”
Ren Jianwei
a postgraduate student (Principal Investigator: Dr Caroline Lee,
Biochemistry) has won the NUS Basic Poster Award at the Combined
Scientific Meeting: “Shaping a new era in Healthcare” on Nov 4-6
2005 at the Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore. He presented
a poster on “Over-expression of the FAT10 gene is associated with
increased chromosomal instability through re-localization of MAD2,
the mitotic checkpoint protein”.
Ye Fan, RJC (Mentor: Assoc Prof Chang Chan Fong, Biochemistry)
won a Silver Award for his Science Research Programme (SRP)
project title “Immunostaining of Mice Testis Tissues: Evidence for
the Presence of a CD38-homolog” at the Singapore Science &
Engineering Fair (SSEF).
& Family Medicine
Ms Huang Qing (graduate research student), Dr Shen Han Ming
and Prof Ong Choon Nam
won the Best Poster Award entitled “Inhibitory effect of emodin on
tumor invasion through suppression of activator protein-1 and nuclear
factor - K ” at the International Congress on Complementary and
Alternative Medicines (ICCAM) 2005 held from 26-28 February 2005.
Dr Kenneth Choy (Ministry of Manpower) and Assoc Prof
Chia Sin Eng
Zhou Huijun (MSc Clinical Science student) and Assoc Prof
Chia Sin Eng
won the Best Poster Award entitled “Association of renal functions
and -Aminolevulinic Acid Dehydratase (ALAD) polymorphism
among Vietnamese & Singapore workers exposed to inorganic
lead” at the First Singapore Public Health & Occupational Medicine
Conference, 22-23 April 2005, Singapore.
was awarded the Edward Clarence Dyason Universitas 21 Felllowship
by the University of Melbourne in April 2005. She spent 2 weeks at
the University of Melbourne from 4 to 20 April 2005.
Dr Daniel Ng
was awarded the American Diabetes Association Travel Award 2005.
Mr Shi Ranxin
a graduate research student, won the NUS-NMRC Young Scientist
Award at the Combined Scientific Meeting 2005 held from 4-6
November 2005, Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore.
was awarded a Fellowship by the Australian National University
(ANU). She visited ANU from 14-25 November 2005.
Venkatesh SK
won the Best Educational Exhibit “CT of Blunt Pancreatic Trauma”
at the European Congress of Radiology, Vienna, Austria, March 3-7,
2006.
Venkatesh SK, Wang SC
won the Best Scientific Poster Award for “Utility of Diffusion
Weighted MR Images in Differentiation of Focal Hepatic Lesions”
at the 15th Annual Scientific Meeting Singapore Radiological Society,
February 18-19, 2006.
Ng HP,Foong KWC, Ong SH, Goh PS, Nowinski WL
won the Outstanding Paper Award for “Moving Towards the
Construction of a Highly Realistic Pre-Surgical Facial Model” at the
12th International Conference in Biomedical Engineering, National
University of Singapore, December 2005.
Venkatesh SK, Wang SC
won the First Prize, Oral Presentation (Chest) for “Severity
assessment and quantification of pulmonary embolism with CT
pulmonary angiography as a predictor of patient outcome” at the
European Congress of Radiology,Vienna, Austria, March 4-8, 2005.
won the Best Oral Presentation Award for a joint paper entitled
“Establishing a local references standard for neurobehavioral test
performance” at the First Singapore Public Health & Occupational
Medicine Conference, 22-23 April 2005, Singapore.
Awards & Prizes
Medicine
Microbiology
Dr Chan MY, Dr Poh KK, Dr Yang H, Assoc Prof Ling LH
Dr Paul MacAry
won the Young Investigators’ Award, Best Clinical Paper at the 17th
Annual Scientific Meeting, Singapore Cardiac Society.
Title: “Physiologic significance and prognostic importance of left
atrial function in aortic valve stenosis with normal ejection fraction:
Insights from tissue Doppler imaging and N-terminal pro-B-type
natriuretic peptide assay”.
won the Young Investigator Award for his project entitled “Dendritic
Cell Induction of EBV and Human CMV specific Cytotoxic Tlymphocyte responses”. $400,000/-
Prof Chia Boon Lock
Prof EL Yong
was awarded the Lee Foundation-NHG Lifetime Award by Lee
Foundation & NHG Group.
Dr Ho Chee Khun, Assoc Prof Wong Poo Sing, Assoc Prof Evan
Lee, Dr Lee Chuen Neng, Dr Titus Lau
won the Best Abstract Prize at the World Congress of Nephrology,
Singapore.
Title: “Use of angiotensin coverting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin
receptor blocker in high-risk coronary artery bypass grafting and the
development of post-op acute on chronic renal failure”.
won the “NHG Best Oral Paper Award - Medicine & Paediatrics”
(Best Scientific Presentation in the Medicine & Paediatrics Category)
at the Combined Scientific Meeting, Singapore in November 2005.
Title: “The association of HLA class II antigens with achalasia in
Singaporean patients”.
won the “Oral Presentation Award” at the Asia-Pacific Digestive
Week 2005, Seoul Korea in September 2005. Title: “The role of
gastric mucosa cyclo-oxygenase and prostaglandin in the pathogenesis
of gastroduodenitis and ulcer disease in uremic patients”.
was awarded the following:
• Dean’s Citation for Excellence in Research in January 2005.
• National Award: BMRC-NMRC Clinician-Scientist Investigator
(CSI) Award (Category A) in March 2005.
• His student LSE Lim, PhD, won the Best Poster Award at the
Inaugural International Congress for Complementary and
Alternative Medicines 2005, Raffles City Convention Center,
26-28 February 2005. Abstract Book: pg 200.
Title: “An animal model to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of
novel progestogens following administration of a traditional
Chinese herbal extract”.
Mattar C, Chan YS, Tan P, Chew A, Rajaram R, Rauff MHJ, Chong YS
won the Nursing Oral Papers - Best NHG Oral Paper Award at the
Combined Scientific Meeting in November 2005.
Title: “Simple antenatal preparation to improve breastfeeding
practice: a randomized controlled trial”.
Ho JFV, Chong YS, Chan YH, Lim KJ, Loganath A, Lee CGL, Chong SS
won the NUS Clinical Science Poster Award at the Combined
Scientific Meeting in November 2005.
was awarded Outstanding Citizen by NHG Group, Singapore.
Title: “Fetal HLAG genotype is associated with significantly
increased risk for preeclampsia but not gestational hypertension in
the Malay population.”
Assoc Prof Ong KC Benjamin
Prof Ariff Bongso
Prof Lim Tow Keang
Dr Sim Khe Guan
won the Lee Kuan Yew Postdoctoral Fellowship (LKY-PDF) Award.
Wong RKM, Assoc Prof Lim SG, Chan YH, Aung MO, Wai CT
won the Young Investigator Award at the Asia Pacific Association of
Study of Liver (APASL) Annual Meeting, Bali 2005.
Title: “Primary biliary cirrhosis in an Asian population: a natural
history study”.
Assoc Prof Yeoh Khay Guan
• ASEAN Outstanding Scientist Award, 2005.
• Honorary DSc (DSc honoris causa), University of Sri Lanka,
Peradeniya, December 2005.
Dr A Loganath
was the Winner of the Hera’s Prize at 37th Organization Gestosis
Congress, 20-22 May 2005, Zagreb, Croatia.
Title: “Cytokines and its role in uteroplacental dysfunction”.
Dr Srilatha Balasubramanian
• Asia Pacific Society for Sexual Medicine (APSSM) Research Grant
Award for a project on “Effect of oestrogens on intracellular
cAMP and cGMP pathways in rat erectile tissue”.
• Asia Pacific Society of Sexual Medicine Travel Grant Award to
attend 10th Biennial Meeting of the Asia Pacific Society for Sexual
& Impotence Research, Cairns, Australia.
138
Awards & Prizes
Ophthalmology
was awarded the The Fred Hollows Lecture in Ophthalmic Vision
Science during The Australian Ophthalmic and Visual Sciences 2005
Meeting, Australia.
was awarded the 2005 Woodward Medal for Science and
Technology by the University of Melbourne, Australia, for his
remarkable contribution to research.
Prof Donald Tan
won the 2005 Film Festival First prize - New Techniques section by
the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)
for his video: “OOKP Surgery - A Tooth for an Eye”.
Adjunct Prof Roger Beuerman
won the Bireswar Chakrabarti Memorial Oration by the Indian Eye
Research Group.
Adj Assoc Prof Au Eong Kah Guan
won 2005 The Eye Institute - Novartis Research Prize (co-winner) by
The Eye Institute, National Healthcare Group, Singapore.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Lim KH, Ho HN, Chew CN, Chen PCY, Jeyapalina S, Teo CL,
Lim BH
won the ICBME 2005 Outstanding Paper Award for “New uniaxial
extensometer to measure in-vivo mechanical properties of the
human skin” at the 12th International Conference on Biomedical
Engineering, Singapore, 7-10 Dec 2005.
Sahoo S, Goh J, Tay TE, Nayak BKP, Toh SL
won the ICBME 2005 Outstanding Paper Award for “Optimization
of polymer scaffolds for tendon and ligament tissue engineering”
at the 12th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering,
Singapore, 7-10 Dec 2005.
Lee KBL, Hui JHP, Lee EH
Dr Leonard Ang
won the Investigator Award (Visual Science) 2005 at the 2nd SERIARVO Meeting on Research in Vision and Ophthalmology for his
paper “The Development of a Serum-Free Derived Conjunctival
Equivalent with Improved Proliferative Properties for Clinical
Transplantation”.
Dr Leonard Ang
won the 2005 Young Scientist Award by the Singapore National
Academy of Science and supported by the Agency for Science,
Technology and Research.
Dr Aung Tin
won the 2005 Clinician Scientist Investigator Award by the National
Medical Research Council (NMRC) - Biomedical Research Council
(BMRC), Singapore.
won the Grace Ballas Medical Research Travelling Fellowship by the
National Medical Research Council, Singapore.
won 2005 The Eye Institute - Pfizer Research Prize for Best Original
Paper (co-winner) by The Eye Institute, National Healthcare Group,
Singapore, for the paper “Modulation Transfer Functions in Children:
Pupil Size Dependence and Meridional Anisotropy”.
won 2005 The Eye Institute - Pfizer Research Prize for Outstanding
Original Paper (co-winner) by The Eye Institute, National Healthcare
Group, Singapore, for the paper “A Prospective Ultrasound
Biomicroscopy Evaluation of Changes in Anterior Segment
Morphology after Laser Iridotomy in Asian Eyes”.
won the Young Orthopaedic Investigator Award for “Mesenchymal
stem cell therapy for cartilage defects - A novel, miminally invasive
approach” at the 28th Annual Scientific Meeting, Singapore
Orthopaedic Association, 1-4 Dec 2005, Sheraton Towers, Singapore.
was awarded Honorable Mention at The Asian Wall Street Journal’s
Asian Innovation Awards for “Direct Pressure Cast Prosthetic
Socket System” on 27 Sep 2005.
BH Ng, SM Chou, BH Lim and A Chong
won the 2004 PE Publishing Award by Journal of Engineering
in Medicine, 1 Sep 2005 for “Strain rate effect on the failure
properties of tendons”.
Assoc Prof James Goh, Dr Peter Lee, Ms Chong Sook Yee
won the 1st prize for “Direct Pressure Cast Prosthetic Socket
for Transtibial Amputees” at the Assistive Technology Invention
Competition (Open Category), Society for the Physically Disabled.
Ashvin Thambyah, Aziz Nather, James Goh
won the Albert Trillat Young Investigator’s Award for “Mechanical
Properties of the Articular Cartilage Covered” by the Meniscus’
International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic
Sports Medicine (ISAKOS) 5th Biennial Congress, April 3-7 2005,
Hollywood, FL USA.
Low Siew Leng, S Das De, Wilson Wang, K Satku
won the ISCD Young Investigator Award for “Measurement of
tibial subchondral BMD in the knee using DXA” at the 2005 Annual
Meeting of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry, New
Orleans, LA, USA, Feb 16-19 2005.
Awards & Prizes
Paediatrics
Prof Yap Hui Kim
won the Faculty Research Excellence Award by Yong Loo Lin School
of Medicine, NUS, January 2005.
Kang Pei Lin, Paramasivan Kathirvel, Lai Poh San
won the Merit Award at the 17th Science Research Congress,
Singapore, March 2005.
Title: “Optimization of conditions for amplifying dystrophine gene”.
Joanna Tan Li Yan, Marion Aw, Quak Seng Hock, Lai Poh San
won the Merit Award at the 17th Science Research Congress,
Singapore, March 2005.
Title: “Spectrum of mutations in JAG1 which cause Alagille’s syndrome”.
Dr Lynette Shek
won the NMRC-BMRC Clinician Scientist Investigator Award by
NMRC-BMRC, April 2005.
Dr Allen Yeoh Eng Juh
won the NMRC-BMRC Clinician Scientist Investigator Award by
NMRC-BMRC, April 2005.
Tan Li Kiang, Lai Kin Wai, Wei Chang-Li, Tan Puay-Hoon,
Gilbert Chiang, Stanley Jordan, Yap Hui Kim
won the Young Scientist Award at the 3rd World Congress of
Nephrology, 26-30 June 2005.
Title: “Overexpression of interleukin-13 induces minimal changelike nephropathy in rats and is associated with increased B7.1
expression in the glomeruli”.
Marion Aw, Lai Poh San, Lee WS and Quak Seng Hock
won the Best Free Paper Paediatrics Award at the 39th SingaporeMalaysia Congress of Medicine, 30 June - 3 July 2005.
Title: “Molecular Basis of Alagille Syndrome”.
Ms Chan Mei Yen, Dr Heng Chew Kiat
won the APRU 6th Doctoral Students Conference - Travel Fellowship
by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, Oregon, USA, 7-12
August 2005.
Title: “Psyllium as a Potential Agent in Preventing Atherosclerosis
and Alzheimer’s disease”.
Siti Rafeah, Shuli Zhou, Hui-Jen Lye, Chin-Chin Lim, Levent
Yobas Hongmiao Ji, Saxon Liw, Yu Chen, Wing-Cheong Hui, SekMan Wong, Tit-Meng Lim, Chew-Kiat Heng
won the Professor Jocelyn Hicks Best Poster Award at the 10th
International Congress of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine, 3-6
September 2005.
Title: “An Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction and Amplification
Lab-On-A-Chip System for Pathogen Detection”.
140
Yap Hui Kim, Lai Kin Wai, Wei Chang Li, Tan Li Kiang, Tan Puay
Hoon, Gilbert SC Chiang
won the Best Free Paper Oral Presentation Award at the 9th Asian
Congress of Pediatric Nephrology, 28-30 October 2005.
Title: “Upregulated hepatic gene expression of insulin-like growth
factor I (IGF-1) in an IL-13 over-expression rat model of minimal
change-like nephropathy”.
Ho Julia Fee-Voon, Chong Yap Seng, Chan Yiong Huak, Lim
KJ, Loganath Annamalai, Lee Caroline Guat Lay, Chong Siong
Chuan Samuel
won the NUS Clinical Science Poster Award at the Combined
Scientific Meeting, Singapore, 4-6 November 2005.
Title: “Fetal HLAG genotype is associated with significantly increased
risk for pre-eclampsia but not gestational hypertension in the Malay
population”.
Ren Jian-Wei, Kan Alison, Leong Siew Hong, Ooi London Lucien
Peng Jin, Chong Siong Chuan Samuel, Kon Oi Lian, Lee Caroline
Guat Lay
won the NUS Basic Science Poster Award at the Combined Scientific
Meeting, Singapore, 4-6 November 2005.
Title: “Over-expression of the FAT10 gene is associated with
increased chromosomal instability through relocalization of MAD2,
the mitotic checkpoint protein”.
Ding Ying, Seow See Voon, Chua Kaw Yan
won the Merit Award, NUS Clinical Science Poster Award at the
Combined Scientific Meeting, Singapore, 4-6 November 2005.
Title: “Adjuvant Effects of an immunomodulatory Protein in Tumor
Immunotherapy”.
Mr Danny Lai
won the Travel Award at the 1st Congress of the Asian Society for
Pediatric Research, 24-26 November 2005.
Title: “Induced cholesterol synthesis in a rat model of minimal
change-like nephropathy over-expressing IL-13”.
Dr Yeo Wee Song
won the Travel Award at the 1st Congress of the Asian Society for
Pediatric Research, 24-26 November 2005.
Title: “Apoptosis Of Mitogen-Stimulated PBMC BY PX3.102 Is Link
With Downregulation Of Metallothionein”.
Ms Tan Li Kiang
won the Young Investigator’s Award at the 1st Congress of the Asian
Society for Pediatric Research, 24-26 November 2005.
Title: “Upregulation of DEC1 gene in CD4+ cells of children with
relapse of minimal change nephrotic syndrome”.
Awards & Prizes
Pathology
Physiology
Moh Mei Chung
was conferred the Singapore Society of Pathology BD Award in
Pathology 2005, for pioneering work in the field of Molecular
Pathology translational research and molecular diagnostic services
in Singapore.
a Research Assistant under Dr Shen Shali, won the Travel Award at
the 18th Asia Pacific Cancer Conference, Seoul, Korea, September
2005.
Mirtha Laban
a MSc candidate (Supervisor: Assoc Prof Evelyn SC Koay), was
awarded the NMRC-Singapore Totalisator Board Medical Research
Scientist Award for Research Scientists, November 2004 - July 2005.
a Research Assistant under Assoc Prof Hooi Shing Chuan, won the
Best Poster Award at the 1st International Symposium on Cancer
Metastasis and the Lymphovascular System: Basis for Rational
Therapy, April 2005.
Dr Chng Wee Joo
Dr Leung Pui Lam Bernard
a MSc candidate (Supervisor: Assoc Prof Evelyn S C Koay) was
awarded the following:
• A*Star International Fellowship 2004-2006.
won the 2004 NUS/OLS Young Investigator Award by the Office of
Life Sciences, NUS, in March 2005.
• Best Oral Presentation Arizona Academic Excellence Day 2005
for his presentation entitled “A validated FISH-based trisomy
index demonstrates hyperdiploid / non-hyperdiploid dichotomy
in MGUS”, 4 May 2005, Arizona, USA.
Ms Tai Lee Kian
Dr Manuel Salto-Tellez
• “Eminent Scientist of the Year 2005” International Award from
Singapore by the World Scientist Forum “based on his academic
excellence, research contributions and expertise in the field of
Pathology, especially in gastrointestinal and oncopathology”.
won the Outstanding Researcher Award 2005 by NUS in January
2005.
won the Research Excellence Award 2003/2004 (Dean’s citation) by
NUS in January 2005.
Surgery
Asst Prof Edmund Chiong
won the following awards:
• Singapore Urology Assoc Bookprize / Best Clinical Podium
Presentation Award at the Singapore Urology Assoc Scientific
Meeting.
• As supervisor, Dr Salto-Tellez was awarded prizes for best basic
and clinical presentations in the Singapore Combined Scientific
Meeting 2005, on projects involving a) Pim-1 expression in human
cancers, b) the role of VEGF ligand in gastrointestinal stromal
tumours and c) the effect of ROSH cells in the regeneration of
myocardium in a mouse disease model.
• Singapore Best Basic Science Oral Presentation Award at the
Singapore Urology Assoc Scientific Meeting.
Pharmacology
• Singapore Urological Association Bookprize / Best Oral Podium
Presentation Award at the Singapore Urology Assoc Scientific
Meeting.
Dr Low CM
• NHG Doctor Award at the Combined Scientific Meeting 2005.
won the 2005 Travel Award by The Japanese Society for
Neurochemistry, Fukuoka, Japan, for outstanding achievements of
research on neurochemistry and brain science.
• Best NHG Oral Presentation Award (Surgical disciplines) at the
Combined Scientific Meeting 2005.
Dr Ye Lei
won the following the awards:
• Young Investigators award for the Singapore Cardiac Society
(SCS) 17th Annual Scientific Meeting 2005.
• Young Investigator Award (First Prize) at the 13th Annual Meeting
of Asian Society for Cardiovascular Surgery 2005.
Awards & Prizes
Institutes (NUMI)
Assoc Prof Li Guodong
was awarded as one of the “Novel & Newsworthy Top Ten in Cell
Biology in 2005” for his work on “Generation and Verification
of Functional Insulin-producing Cells Derived from Embryonic
Progenitor Cells” by the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB).
Dr Ye Lei
won the following awards:
• Young Investigator Award (First Prize) at the 13th Annual Meeting
of Asian Society for Cardiovascular Surgery, Chiang Mai, Thailand,
Feb 5-8, 2005.
• Young Investigator Award (First Prize of Basic Research) at the
17th Annual Meeting of Singapore Cardiac Society, March 26-27
2005.
• Rabago Prize Award at the 54th International Congress for
European Society of Cardiovascular Surgery, Athens Greece,
May 19-22 2005.
• European Council for Cardiovascular Research Scholarship, Oct
14-16, 2005.
Dr Nilesh Shah
won the Best oral presentaion award in basic science category
for paper - Pim-1 Protein Expression In Breast And Colorectal
Carcinomas : Biological Implications. Oral presentation at Combined
Scientific Meeting 2005, 4-6 November 2005, Singapore.
- Evaluated immunohistochemistry results for Pim1 protein in breast
and colorectal tissue.
Mr Han Hwan Chour
won the Best Clinical Science Poster Award at Combined Scientific
Meeting 2005, 4-6 November 2005, Singapore.
142
Patents
Patents
Biochemistry
Khoo HE, Yau YH and Gopalakrishnakone P
(December 2005) Anti-Coagulant Protein From Snake Venom. Khoo
HE 03-US/PRV (US provisional patent filed).
Li Q-T, Shao K, Hou Q, Sit KP and Wu X
(November 2005) Novel Liposome-Based Ligand Targeted Drug
Delivery System (DDS). Application No. 60/685,895 (US provisional
patent filed).
Chua Kaw Yan, Liew Lip Nyin
Recombinant Nucleic Acid Useful for Inducing Protective Immune
Response against Allergens. National Entry in Australia, National
Reference Number: 2003256240. File date: 16 March 2005.
Response against Allergens. National Entry in China, National
Reference Number: 20038247542. File date: 28 April 2005.
Tan ET, Ong SH, Yan CH, Wang SC
Method and System of Entropy-based Image Registration. US
Provisional Application No.60/618,361.
Medicine
Phee L, Ho KY, Low SC, Tang SW, Chung SC
Surgical Robotic System for Flexible Endoscopy. (U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Filed) - patent was successfully filed in March 06.
Ong YC, Yong EL
A method of modulating steroidogenic activity. US Patent
Application number: 20010046524 A1. Granted January 2005.
Published on-line www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html.
Response against Allergens. National Entry in new Zealand, National
Reference Number: 539061. File date: 29 March 2005.
Pathology
Kwok CS, Wong LS
A method for eliminating redundant email messages. European
Patent No. 1327192, 20 April 2005. Singapore Patent No. 95931
[WO 00/33981], 31 May 2005.
Li J, Li H, Wong LS
System and method for identifying sets of attributes in a database
system and method for constructing a tree structure for a
database and computer program elements. PCT/SG2005/000386,
10 November 2005.
Pharmacology
Sim Meng Kwoon
Orthopaedic Surgery
Wong HK, Goh JC
Novel contoured spinal fixation device. United States patent filed on
21 September 2005.
Ouyang HW, Goh JC, Toh SL, Tay TE
Physiology
Novel method for engineering connective tissues. US Provisional
Patent 2005.
Hooi Shing Chuan
Paediatrics
Wang Nai-dy
Chua Kaw Yan and Yi Fong Cheng
Modified house dust mite allergens for specific immunotherapy. USA
patent No: US60/689,172. File date: 10 June 2005.
Chua Kaw Yan, Liew Lip Nyin and Lim Lay Hong
Chimeric House Dust Mite Allergens for Specific Immunotherapy.
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 60/712,271. Date of Filing:
29 August 2005.
144
The use of des-aspartate-angiotensin I as an antiviral and antidiabetic agent. Provisional Patent filed with the United States
Patent and Trademark Office on 9 September 2005.
Proline Rich Acidic Protein and Uses Thereof. US Patent Application
No. 10/985,790. Status: Filed. Country: USA.
C/EBPalpha Gene Targeting Constructs and Uses Thereof.
International Patient Cooperation Treaty. Application No. PCT/
SG2004/000364. Published Date: 19 May 2005. Country: USA.
Harnett W, Harnett MM, McInnes IB, McSharry C, Melendez AJ
Method of Treating Allergy and / or Airway Disease. International
Publication Number: WO 2005/027956 A1. Published Date:
September 2004.
Patents
Surgery
Phan TT, Lim IJ
Isolation, cultivation and uses of stem/progenitor cells. Awarded
19 August 2005.
Phan TT
Isolation and cultivation of stem/progenitor cells from the amniotic
membrane of umbilical cord and uses of cells differentiated there
from. Awarded 21 October 2005.
Phan TT, Swarup S
Uses of plant-derived furanocoumarins in cell culture, regenerative,
comestic medicine and tissue repair. Patent filing in progress.
Phan TT, Yang YY, Lim IJ
Application of drug-loaded nanoparticles for treatment of skin
wound healing and pathological scars. Patent filing in progress.
Toon Tien Foo, Than Myint, Prof Teoh Swee Hin, Mr Woon Shin
Chong, Manoja Ranawake, Keng Soon Ting, Chum Mok Puah,
Assoc Prof Kay Chiang Chua, Asst Prof Jan-Thorsten Schantz,
Assoc Prof Dietmar W. Hutmacher
Bioreactor of growing cell or tissue cultures. Patent filing in progress.
Institutes (NUMI)
Li Guodong, Lim Sai Kiang (GIS)
Establishment of non-tumorous, glucose-sensitive insulin-secreting
cell lines with the potential for infinite expansion of cells in vitro.
US provisional patent application (No. 60/726,163).
Graduate
Students
Graduate Students
Anatomy
MD
Huang Jingxiang
Lo Siaw Ling
Protein function prediction via protein-protein interaction a support vector machine approach.
Glutathione S-transferase Pi expression in invasive ductal breast
carcinoma.
Ng Kian Hong
PhD
Wen Chi
Ang Eng Tat
Effects of physical exercise on neuroprotection and spatial memory
in rats.
Du Hongyan
Immunomodulatory roles of heat shock proteins.
Effect of intracellular cholesterol trafficking on its efflux to APOA-I.
Wu Juan
Effects of plant polyphenols and mutational analysis of multidrug
resistance protein 4 (MRP4/ABCC4) functions.
Hypericin mediated photodynamic therapy in nasopharyngeal cancer.
Yang Fei
Hu Qidong
Effects of novel purine analogs and the role of aromatic amino acids
on MRP4 functions.
The role of F3/NB-3-Notch signaling pathway in oligodendrocyte
development.
Nie Duyu
Neurite-outgrowth inhibitors in axon-glial communication at the
node of Ravier.
Zhu Xiaoming
Distribution of betaine/gaba transporter BGT-1 in excitotoxic brain
injury and its role in osmoregulation in the brain.
Yew Hau Jin, Elaine
Effects of proteasome inhibition on neuronal cells.
& Family Medicine
PhD
Gao Fei
On the detection of seasonal variation in the onset of disease.
Biochemistry
PhD
Low Teck Yew
A proteomics study of chemically induced cirrhosis in rat liver
revealed the mechanism of thioacetamide hepatotoxicity.
Zhang Siyuan
Studies on the anti-cancer potential of the sesquiterpene lactone
parthenolide.
MSc
Manav
Zeng Jieming
Construction of nerve growth factor loop 4 - containing polypeptides
for facilitated gene transfer to neurons.
Zhu Yimin
A novel membrane pool of protein kinase C and its role in mammalian
cell signalling.
MSc
A study into the different mechanisms of anti-cancer effect of
docosahexanoic acid in colon cancer cells.
MSc (Clinical Science)
Qian Feng
Professional and career satisfaction, role of the private sector in
health care, and response to the SARS outbreak: A questionnaire
survey of Singapore doctors.
Gan Bong Hwa
liver cirrhosis.
Liew Huei Chun
Functional & structural studies of Stonustoxin (SNTX), a lethal factor
from Stonefish (Synanceja Horrida) venom.
Liew Li Phing
Dissection of lipoapoptosis in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
Graduate Students
Medicine
BSc
Mr Been
Development of software to aid the interpretation of nerve
conduction studies. (Joint supervision with Assoc Prof Ong SH,
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, NUS) 2004-5.
Mr Pierre Ang Soon
Design and development of a device for skin wrinkling measurement.
(Joint supervision with Assoc Prof Li XP Mechanical Engineering)
2004-5.
PhD
Zhang Xin
Role of Human Growth Hormone - regualted HOXA1 in mannary
gland neoplastic progression.
Yuan Chujun
Development of system of study Adenovirus interaction with the
cytoskeleton-based host transport machinery (co-supervised).
PhD
Chu Jang Hann, Justin
The involvement of cellular components in West Nile virus
replication cycle.
New Jen Yan
Alloreactive T cells and cytokines in murine graft versus host
disease.
Ng Bee Ling
Helicobacter pylori infection in paediatric patients with dyspeptic
symptoms.
Tan May May, Jeanne
Isolation and characterization of the novel human gene, MOST-1.
Microbiology
MSc
Gao Xiao Li
Genetic and biochemical characterization of unknown XlnD and
HbzB from Pseudomonas Alcaligenes NCIMB 9867.
MSc
Anuradha Poonepalli
Koh Wee Lee
Detection of low grade mosaicism in Turner Syndrome using
fluorescence in-situ hybridization.
Differential expression of cellular genes during a West Nile virus
infection.
Ng Toon Yaa
Nanotechnology to understand virus-cell interactions.
Screening and characterization of traditional herbal medicine for
ligands which activate or inhibit the receptors related to steroidal
activity.
Li Bojun
Qin Yan
Lee Wei Ming, Jason
Expression of EBV genes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Lim Chin Tiong, William
Cellular gene expression profiles of human macrophages exposed to
Chlamydia pneumoniae and treated with low density lipoprotein.
Identifying differentially expressed cell membrane proteins on
fetal primitive erythroblasts and adult anucleate erythrocytes for
non-invasive prenatal diagnosis.
PhD
Ng Siew Boon
Tong Guo Qing
Manipulation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils respiratory burst.
Nuclear reprogramming: A novel approach of using in-vitro matured
porcine oocytes in mouse model.
Radhika Das D/O Ramadas
Study of Clostridium difficile isolates from the Singapore General
Hospital.
Tan Chew Ling
Mutational and expression analysis of gentisate 1,2-dioxygenase
(GDO) in Pseudomonas alcaligenes NCIB 9867 (P25X).
Yuan Pei
Cloning, expression and characterization of fibroblast - activating
factor of Porphyromonas gingivalis.
148
Mark Richards
The derivation, propagation, storage and gene expression of human
embryonic stem cells on human feeders.
Graduate Students
Ophthalmology
Paediatrics
MD
PhD
Dr Lee Sao Bing
Miss Huang Chiung-Hui
Matrix metalloproteinases expression and regulation in the
pathogenesis of pterygium.
Establishment of Murine Model for Atopic Dermatitis using
dermatophagoides allergen.
MSc
Miss Ong Tan Ching
Zheng Ce
Evaluate the optic nerve head of early open-angle glaucoma patients
with high myopia using Heidelberg Retinal Tomography-II.
MSc (Clinical Science)
Wei Ruihua
A clinical study of keratoconus in Asian patients and assessment of
different topographic patterns of keratoconus in Asian patients.
Prathiba Janardhanan
Evaluation of the risk factors for penetrating Keratoplasty in Asian
patients.
Aerobiology of the tropical environment and biometric image
analysis of spores and pollen grains.
Mr Ramgolam Vinod Satisch
Characterization of CMX-13 and evaluation of efficacy and
mechanisms of action in animal model of autoimmunity.
Mr Seow See Voon
The invivo and in vito studies of immunomodulatory activity of a
fungal protein, FIP-fve and its application in allergy treatment.
Miss Wang Wen
Molecular diagnostics and mutation characterisation in thalassaemia.
Miss Tan Hui Hui, Jenny
Orthopaedic Surgery
PhD
Ashvin Thambyah
Mechanical factors for osteoarthritis in the knee joint.
MSc
Chan Pui Yee
The effects of load carrying on the posture and gait of normal and
scoliotic adolescents.
Lipid-related candidate genes for coronary artery disease.
Miss Yi Fong Cheng
Immunochemical characterization and molecular cloning of mite
allergens from Blomia Tropicalis.
MSc
Dr Kadam Priya
Investigation of tumorigenesis in retinoblastoma.
Mr Qin Xiaotao
Haplotype profiles and linkage disequilibrium analysis in the ABCA2
and PXR loci in three ethnic Asian groups.
Otolaryngology
PhD
Hao Jing
Role of allergy and mucosal inflammation in nasal polyps and chronic
rhinosinusitis.
Mr Suman Lal Chirammal Sugunan
DNA-chip-based genotyping of candidate genes for coronary artery
disease.
Mr Tan Sia Chye
Molecular genetics of inherited diseases.
MSc
Miss Loh Hsiu Yin, Alicia
Tang Bin
Genetic susceptibility in asthma-cytokine gene polymorphism.
A study on wireless hearing aids system configuration and stimulation.
M.Med (OM)
Amarasinghe Nirmalie Champika
Anaemia among Sri Lankan free trade zone female garment workers
and Need for its urgent correction.
Han Win Win
Musculoskeletal symptoms in the ice industry in Myanmar. A crosssectional study.
Graduate Students
Mohamed Zareen
Prevalence of skin problems in textile processing workers with
particular attention to alopecia.
Ng Wee Tong
Prevalence, prevention and treatment of sea motion sickness in
aviation personnel.
Sai Han Kyaw Sein
Occupational safety point of view on work-related ocular injuries
occurred amongst Myanmar workers.
Teo Tzu Li Sylvia
A study on occupational skin conditions in the food and beverage.
Tran Anh Thanh
Prevalence of silicosis among silica exposed workers at Thai Nguyen
province, Vietnam.
M.Med (PH)
Pathology
PhD
Qiu Lianqun
Pathogenic mechanisms in the development and progression of IgA
nephropathy.
Pharmacology
PhD
Duan Wei
Anti-inflammatory effects of inhibitors of the tyrosine kinase signaling
cascade in animal models of asthma.
Colin John Greengrass
The neuropharmacology and behavioural effects of cholecystokinin.
Chen Woei Shin
Beng Kian Lam Arthur
Functional and structural activity study of angiotesin peptide
analogues.
The impact on Haze from Forest Fire to Respiratory Health in the
Batamindo Industrial Park (Batam, Indonesia).
Wang Ying
Genetic variability of human AANAT gene and melatonin regulation.
Lee Heow Yong
Socio-cultural and religious determinants of smoking in malay
Singaporeans: A qualitative and quantitative study.
Liow Chee Hsiang
A comparative study on the impact of village doctor training on the
health of rural China.
Ng Tonny
Evaluation of Influenza Vaccination in long term care facilities for
the Elderly in Hong Kong.
Tan Keng Boon Harold
Assessing Doctors’ Compliance with clinical practice guidelines:
A local Audit on Diabetes Management.
Vedam Ravi Shankar
Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviour regarding HIV/AIDS and
Sexually Transmitted Diseases among truck drivers and truck
cleaners in Southern India.
Wong Li Lian Lilian
Patients’ complaints against a Hospital Emergency Department in
Singapore.
Aye Min Thein
Factors influencing malnutrition in nursery school children in
Shwepaukan Township, Yangon, Myanmar.
Myat Pan Hmone Crystal
A study on the Knowledge, Attitude and Health Beliefs of parents
towards myopia in Singapore.
150
Justin Mohamed Farook
Behavioural neuropharmacology of fear and anxiety involving
cholecystokinin2 receptors.
Qu Dianbo
Studies of regulatory and functional properties of the neuronal
CdK5 Kinase using functional proteomics.
Wen Qiang
Effect of des-aspartate-angiotensin I on myocardial ischemiareperfusion injury in rats and on release of prostanoids by human
umbilical vein endothelial cells.
MSc
Nui Hui Lian
Pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel in local patients with nasopharyngeal
carcinoma.
Ma Shwe Zin Nyunt
Topical aspirin gel formulation and assessment of its irritancy in an
in vivo model.
Graduate Students
Physiology
MSc
MSc
Li Bin Tao
Chua Chiew Yen, Adeline
Study of cell-cell interaction in hepatocyte co-culture.
Tai Siew Kian
Insight and Cognition in Schizophrenia.
Jin Ai Zhen
Psychiatric Morbidity and Help Seeking in the Community.
Hippocampal nociceptive activation in the rat.
Tan Li Sa, Elisabeth
Surgery
Characterization of cellular dynamics and function of cells from a
novel microenvironment.
PhD
Toh Ling Ling, Joelle
Mechanisms for chemoprevention of colon cancer.
The effect of medial septum cholinergic lesion on suppression of
hippocampal C-FOS in the rat formalin model of pain.
Mr Que Jianwen
Wu Yingnan
Study of galactosylated collagen as ECM in 3-D hepatocyte culture
in vitro.
PhD
Dr Liu Qiang
Molecular Mechanism of self - renewal exit during entothelial
differentiation.
Dr Ye Lei
Angiogenesis and Myogenisis using Human Skeletal myoblast cells
for cardiac repair.
Ho Ai Wei, Ivy
Dr Wu Qinghui
Design of viral vectors for improved gene delivery.
Immunotherapy of bladder cancer.
Jiang Fengli
Ms Tan Guet Khim
Modulation of dorsal hippocampus field CA1 pyramidal cell excitability
by an ascending relay from hypothalamic supramammillary nucleus.
Michelle Identification and Characterization of iron homeostasis related genes and HCC - Down-Regulated Mitochondrial Carrier
Protein (HDMCP), a novel liver-specific uncoupling protein in human
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Kashif Adil Ahmad
Tumor cell response to drug induced apoptosis is a function of intracellular redox status.
Lakshmanane Boominathan
Role of c-Jun in the regulation of tumor suppressor p53 homologue,
p73.
MSc
Ms Narayanan Maykalavaane
Prognostic markers / indicators for the development of colorectal
cancer.
Dr Zang Zhijiang
Analysis of gene expression in bladder cancer and normal tissue.
PhD
Feng Liang
Health Care Utilization in the Elderly.
Feng Lei
Nutrition and Cognitive Function.
Ng Gim Yew
Psychological Studies in Breast Cancer.
Ma Shwe Zin Nyut
Screening and Treatment of Depression in Primary Care.
PRESS CLIPPINGS
1
2
3
4
5
152
1
5 Patients gets ‘new’ knees in NUH stem-cell trial
The Straits Times, Thursday, December 8, 2005
4
S’pore team helps solve cancer mystery
The Straits Times, Tuesday, March 15, 2005
2
New gene research could prevent cancer
The Straits Times, Monday, October 31, 2005
5
Emeritus awards for top surgeon
The Straits Times, Friday, July 8, 2005
3
NUS’ gene find may help brain treatment
The Straits Times, Wednesday, July 27, 2005
10 Medical Drive Singapore 117597
T 65 6516 3297 / 6516 3298 F 65 6778 5743
http://medicine.nus.edu.sg/research/file/rschrpt2005/NUSMed.pdf

2005 - National University of Singapore

Transcription

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