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Education
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Cornell University
Activities and Societies: Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Minor: Biophysical Chemistry
Minor: Fluid Mechanics -
Activities and Societies: Student Government Association, Golden Key International Honors Society, Alpha Chi Honors Society, Circle K, Student Hospital Connection
Licenses & Certifications
Publications
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Phenotypic Switch in Blood: Effects of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines on Breast Cancer Cell Aggregation and Adhesion
PLOS ONE
Hematogeneous metastasis can occur via a cascade of circulating tumor cell adhesion events to the endothelial lining of the vasculature, i.e. the metastatic cascade. Interestingly, the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-a, which play an important role in potentiating the inflammatory cascade, are significantly elevated in metastatic breast cancer (BCa) patients. Despite their high metastatic potential, human breast carcinoma cells MDA-MB-231 lack interactions with E-selectin functionalized…
Hematogeneous metastasis can occur via a cascade of circulating tumor cell adhesion events to the endothelial lining of the vasculature, i.e. the metastatic cascade. Interestingly, the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-a, which play an important role in potentiating the inflammatory cascade, are significantly elevated in metastatic breast cancer (BCa) patients. Despite their high metastatic potential, human breast carcinoma cells MDA-MB-231 lack interactions with E-selectin functionalized surfaces under physiological shear stresses. We hypothesized that human plasma, 3-D tumor spheroid culture, and cytokine-supplemented culture media could induce a phenotypic switch that allows BCa cells to interact with E-selectin coated surfaces under physiological flow. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence imaging, and flow-based cell adhesion assay were utilized to investigate the phenotypic changes of MDA-MB-231 cells with various treatments. Our results indicate that plasma, IL-6, and TNF-a promote breast cancer cell growth as aggregates and induce adhesive recruitment of BCa cells on E-selectin coated surfaces under flow. 3-D tumor spheroid culture exhibits the most significant increases in the interactions between BCa and E-selectin coated surfaces by upregulating CD44V4 and sLe x expression. Furthermore, we show that IL-6 and TNF-a concentrations in blood may regulate the recruitment of BCa cells to the inflamed endothelium. Finally, we propose a mechanism that could explain the invasiveness of 'triple-negative' breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 via a positive feedback loop of IL-6 secretion and maintenance. Taken together, our results suggest that therapeutic approaches targeting cytokine receptors and adhesion molecules on cancer cells may potentially reduce metastatic load and improve current cancer treatments.
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Effect of homotypic and heterotypic interaction in 3D on the E-selectin mediated adhesive properties of breast cancer cell lines
Biomaterials
Hematogenous metastasis involves a glycoprotein mediated adhesion cascade of tumor cells with E-selectin on the endothelial layer of the blood vessels. Cell–cell interactions play a major role in cancer metastasis and invasiveness. Intercellular communication between two cancer cells or between a cancer cell with a stromal cell in the microenvironment such as fibroblasts or inflammatory cells play an important role in metastatic invasion. Culturing tumor cells as 3D spheroids can recapitulate…
Hematogenous metastasis involves a glycoprotein mediated adhesion cascade of tumor cells with E-selectin on the endothelial layer of the blood vessels. Cell–cell interactions play a major role in cancer metastasis and invasiveness. Intercellular communication between two cancer cells or between a cancer cell with a stromal cell in the microenvironment such as fibroblasts or inflammatory cells play an important role in metastatic invasion. Culturing tumor cells as 3D spheroids can recapitulate these physiologically relevant cell–cell interactions. The heterogeneity in primary tumors is attributed to cell subpopulations with varying degree of invasiveness. Co-culturing cancer cells with different phenotypes as 3D spheroids can mimic this heterogeneity. Here we report the effect of homotypic and heterotypic interactions in breast cancer cells cultured as 3D spheroids on PDMS on the adhesion phenotype to E-selectin. We show that breast cancer cell lines (BT20 and MCF7) propagating as 3D spheroids on PDMS exhibit a stronger interaction with human recombinant E-selectin when compared to their respective monolayer grown counterparts on tissue culture plate (TCP). To mimic tumor heterogeneity in vitro, a co-culture model included tumorigenic cell lines BT20, MCF7 and a non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cell line MCF10A. These cell lines were cultured together in equal seeding ratio on PDMS to generate co-culture spheroids. The heterotypic interactions in the co-culture model resulted in enhancement of the adhesion of the most invasive BT20 cell line to E-selectin. BT20 cells in co-culture bound to the greatest degree to soluble E-selectin compared to MCF7 and MCF10A cells in co-culture. The results challenge the classic use of planar cell culture for evaluating the adhesion of cancer cells to E-selectin and establish our co-culture technique as a model that can help investigative studies in metastasis and invasiveness of breast and other types of cancers.
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Three to tango: MUC1 as a ligand for both E-selectin and ICAM-1 in the breast cancer metastatic cascade
http://www.frontiersin.org/
Cancer cell tethering and rolling on the vascular wall is facilitated by various selectin: glycoprotein interactions which lead to eventual extravasation and metastases. The aberrantly underglycosylated mucin MUC1 has been shown to both abundantly express selectin binding moieties (sialyl Lewis x and a) and to consistently expose its core epitope. Flow cytometry was used to determine MUC1 expression on ZR-75-1 and MCF7 cells, while immunofluorescence microscopy was used to confirm the aberrant…
Cancer cell tethering and rolling on the vascular wall is facilitated by various selectin: glycoprotein interactions which lead to eventual extravasation and metastases. The aberrantly underglycosylated mucin MUC1 has been shown to both abundantly express selectin binding moieties (sialyl Lewis x and a) and to consistently expose its core epitope. Flow cytometry was used to determine MUC1 expression on ZR-75-1 and MCF7 cells, while immunofluorescence microscopy was used to confirm the aberrant form of MUC1 and MUC1:ICAM-1 interactions. Each cell line was then perfused through combined E-selectin and ICAM-1 coated microtubes, as a model of the microvascular endothelium. ZR-75-1 and MCF7 were found to express abundant and low levels of underglycosylated MUC1, respectively. The rolling/adhesion profiles showed that ZR-75-1 cells, when compared to MCF7 cells, interact with E-selectin more efficiently resulting in sufficiently slow rolling velocities to form MUC1:ICAM-1 interactions thereby facilitating firm adhesion. The purpose and novelty of this work is the demonstration of the synergistic adhesion capabilities of MUC1 in the metastatic adhesion cascade, where the observed differential adhesion is consistent with the relative metastatic potential of the ZR-75-1 (highly metastatic) and MCF7 (weakly metastatic) cell lines.
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Glycomechanics of the Metastatic Cascade: Tumor Cell–Endothelial Cell Interactions in the Circulation
Annals of Biomedical Engineering
This review article provides an overview of glycoprotein glycosylation associated with the abnormal glycan expression on cancer cell surfaces, where well-established and novel selectin ligands that are cancer related are discussed. An overview of computational approaches on the effects of fluid mechanical force on glycoprotein mediated cancer cell rolling and adhesion is presented with a highlight of recent flow-based and selectin-mediated cell capturing/enriching devices. Finally, as an…
This review article provides an overview of glycoprotein glycosylation associated with the abnormal glycan expression on cancer cell surfaces, where well-established and novel selectin ligands that are cancer related are discussed. An overview of computational approaches on the effects of fluid mechanical force on glycoprotein mediated cancer cell rolling and adhesion is presented with a highlight of recent flow-based and selectin-mediated cell capturing/enriching devices. Finally, as an important branch of the glycoprotein family, mucins, specifically MUC1, are discussed in the context of their aberrant expression on cancer cells and their role as cancer cell adhesion molecules. Since metastasis relies heavily on glycoprotein interactions in the bloodstream where the fluid shear stress highly regulates cell adhesion forces, it is important to study and understand the glycomechanics of all relevant glycoproteins (well-established and
novel) as they relate to the metastatic cascade.Other authors -
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Continuously perfused microbubble array for 3D tumor spheroid model
Biomicrofluidics
Multi-cellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) have been established as a 3D physiologically relevant tumor model for drug testing in cancer research. However, it is difficult to control the MCTS testing parameters and the entire process is time-consuming and expensive. To overcome these limitations, we developed a simple microfluidic system using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microbubbles to culture tumor spheroids under physiological flow. The flow characteristics such as streamline directions, shear…
Multi-cellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) have been established as a 3D physiologically relevant tumor model for drug testing in cancer research. However, it is difficult to control the MCTS testing parameters and the entire process is time-consuming and expensive. To overcome these limitations, we developed a simple microfluidic system using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microbubbles to culture tumor spheroids under physiological flow. The flow characteristics such as streamline directions, shear stress profile, and velocity profile inside the microfluidic system were first examined computationally using a COMSOL simulation. Colo205 tumor spheroids were created by a modified hanging drop method and maintained inside PDMS microbubble cavities in perfusion culture. Cell viability inside the microbubbles was examined by live cell staining and confocal imaging. E-selectin mediated cell sorting of Colo205 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines on functionalized microbubble and PDMS surfaces was achieved. Finally, to validate this microfluidic system for drug screening purposes, the toxicity of the anti-cancer drug, doxorubicin, on Colo205 cells in spheroids was tested and compared to cells in 2D culture. Colo205 spheroids cultured in flow showed a threefold increase in resistance to doxorubicin compared to Colo205 monolayer cells cultured under static conditions, consistent with the resistance observed previously in other MCTS models. The advantages presented by our microfluidic system, such as the ability to control the size uniformity of the spheroids and to perform real-time imaging on cells in the growth platform, show potential for high throughput drug screening development.
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Vascular Recruitment of Human Retinoblastoma Cells by Multi-Cellular Adhesive Interactions with Circulating Leukocytes
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOENGINEERING
Submitted for the 2010 BMES Outstanding Contribution Special Issue of Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a retinal cancer of childhood. RB survivors tend to develop additional tumors later in life, although the physical mechanisms of RB metastatic spread are largely unknown. One step in metastasis through the blood stream is tumor cell adherence to the blood vessel wall through specific receptor:ligand interactions. Yet, human RB cell lines RB143 and WERI-Rb27…Submitted for the 2010 BMES Outstanding Contribution Special Issue of Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a retinal cancer of childhood. RB survivors tend to develop additional tumors later in life, although the physical mechanisms of RB metastatic spread are largely unknown. One step in metastasis through the blood stream is tumor cell adherence to the blood vessel wall through specific receptor:ligand interactions. Yet, human RB cell lines RB143 and WERI-Rb27 do not express selectin ligands or beta-2 integrins and cannot directly interact with inflamed endothelium. In this study, we show that RB cells express ICAM-1, a beta-2 integrin ligand that correlates with metastasis and is preferentially co-expressed on RB cells that also express ABCG2, a stem cell marker associated with chemoresistance and metastasis. Based on the presence of ICAM-1+ RB cells, we tested the hypothesis that RB cells could be recruited to an E-selectin surface via attachment to activated polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). We characterized the dynamic adhesion between RB cells and PMNs within E-selectin coated microtubes under a physiological range of wall shear stress values (0.2–5 dyn/cm2). We show that activated PMNs are necessary for the recruitment of RB cells through ICAM-1:LFA-1 binding. Results from this work may lead to new strategies that target the metastatic spread of tumor cells.Other authors -
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Accurately Characterizing the π−π Interaction Energies of Indole−Benzene Complexes
J. Phys. Chem A
See publicationNoncovalent interactions play a significant role in determining the structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Among the most prevalent are π−π interactions, which occur as favorable forces between the aromatic subunits of biochemical molecules. The aromatic side chains of amino acids tryptophan and phenylalanine are commonly modeled with indole and benzene, respectively. We have utilized the MP2 and SCS-MP2 methods with the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set to compute several T-shaped interaction energies and…
Noncovalent interactions play a significant role in determining the structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Among the most prevalent are π−π interactions, which occur as favorable forces between the aromatic subunits of biochemical molecules. The aromatic side chains of amino acids tryptophan and phenylalanine are commonly modeled with indole and benzene, respectively. We have utilized the MP2 and SCS-MP2 methods with the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set to compute several T-shaped interaction energies and parallel displaced (PD) three-dimensional potential energy surfaces (PESs) at 3.4, 3.6, and 3.8 Å vertical separations. At selected minima, CCSD(T) results extrapolated to the complete-basis-set (CBS) limit were obtained. The trend of the T-shaped interactions has been rationalized by considering electrostatic potential maps and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) results. The global minimum has been verified to be the N−H/π T-shaped configuration with a CCSD(T)/CBS interaction energy of −5.62 kcal mol−1. For the PD PESs, the MP2 and SCS-MP2 methods predict different minimum configurations. The CCSD(T) method favors the SCS-MP2 PD configuration over the MP2 PD configuration by 0.18 kcal mol−1. Among the approximate methods considered here, the SCS-CCSD method extrapolated to the CBS limit incurs only around 2% error compared to CCSD(T)/CBS results and is the most reliable for the interaction energies of the indole−benzene complex. Overall, the extension of aromaticity and the highly positive hydrogen of the N−H bond, both exhibited by indole, enhance the strength of nonbonded interactions with benzene compared to those in the benzene dimer or in the pyridine-benzene complex.
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Dynamic Switch Between Two Adhesion Phenotypes in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Cellular and Molecular Bioengineering
The hematogenous metastatic cascade is mediated by the interaction of cancer cells and the endothelial cell lining of blood vessels. In this work, we examine the colon cancer cell line COLO 205, which grows simultaneously in both adherent and suspended states in culture and can serve as a good model for studying tumor heterogeneity. The two subpopulations of cells have different molecular characteristics despite being from the same parent cell line. We found that the ratio of adherent to…
The hematogenous metastatic cascade is mediated by the interaction of cancer cells and the endothelial cell lining of blood vessels. In this work, we examine the colon cancer cell line COLO 205, which grows simultaneously in both adherent and suspended states in culture and can serve as a good model for studying tumor heterogeneity. The two subpopulations of cells have different molecular characteristics despite being from the same parent cell line. We found that the ratio of adherent to suspended cells in culture is maintained at 7:3 (equilibrium ratio). The ratio was maintained even when we separate the two populations and culture them separately. After 8 h in culture the equilibrium was achieved only from either adherent or suspended population. The adherent cells were found to express less E-selectin binding glycans and demonstrated significantly weaker interaction with E-selectin under flow than the suspended cells. Manipulation of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers β-catenin and E-cadherin expression, either by siRNA knockdown of β-catenin or incubation with E-cadherin antibody-coated microbeads, shifted the ratio of adherent to suspended cells to 9:1. Interestingly, human plasma supplemented media shifted the ratio of adherent to suspended cells in the opposite direction to 1:9, favoring the suspended state. The dynamic COLO 205 population switch presents unique differential phenotypes of their subpopulations and could serve as a good model for studying cell heterogeneity and the EMT process in vitro.
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Courses
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Analysis of Biological Systems
BME 7310
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Cell-Biomaterials Interactions
BME 5830
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Core Concepts in Disease
BME 7130
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Engineering Principles for Drug Delivery
BME/CHEME 6310
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Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering Research
BME 7110
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Immersion Experience in Medical Research and Clinical Practice
BME 7160
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Nanobiotechnology
BME 6670
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Regulation of Cell Proliferation, Senescence, and Death
BIOMG 4370
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Special Topics in Evolution and Ecology
BIOEE 7600
Honors & Awards
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Design and Research Award
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
Selected as one of the recipients of the 2012 Research and Design Awards as a result of the extended abstract submission "Three to Tango: MUC1 as a ligand for both E-selectin and ICAM-1 in the breast cancer metastatic cascade." The award will be presented at the BMES Town-Hall Meeting and Award Ceremony taking place Thursday, October 25th in Atlanta, GA.
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Howard Hughes Medical Institute Med into Grad Fellowship
HHMI
2010-2011
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National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
NSF
Three years of support (2011-2014)
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Presidential Life Science Fellowship
Cornell University
2009-2010
one year funding
requires three lab rotations -
Undergraduate Research Scholar Award
Georgia Tech
one year funding for research
2007-2008 -
W.M. Spicer Scholarship in Chemistry
Georgia Tech
2008
Awarded to outstanding rising senior
Languages
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English
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Chinese
Native or bilingual proficiency
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Japanese
Limited working proficiency
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Danny Hsu
https://lnkd.in/gtpjhNcw Our preprint on the first glimpse of how the human proteasome recognizes a K48/K11-branched ubiquitin chain is out. This work represents a major breakthrough in our understanding of how the 26S proteasome uses a new multi-subunit binding motif to recognize this unusual ubiquitination product to carry out timely house-keeping functions during cell devision and in response to protein unfolding stress. Here is a summary made by AI: This study elucidates the structural mechanisms underlying the recognition of K11/K48-branched ubiquitin chains by the human 26S proteasome, using cryo-electron microscopy to resolve complex interactions at atomic resolution. The authors provide compelling evidence for a novel binding site on RPN2, enhancing understanding of substrate specificity within the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The findings reveal a tripartite binding interface including K11 and K48 linkages, facilitating multivalent recognition and prioritizing degradation of substrates marked by such chains. Enhanced proteasome-mediated turnover of specific proteins critical during cell cycle progression and stress responses emphasizes implications for proteostasis, particularly under cellular stress contexts. The newly characterized binding modalities offer an expanded view of ubiquitin signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets. Your feedbacks will be most welcome
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TAI TAN
18 July 2024 Singapore Before the advent of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), the turnaround time for molecular testing in laboratories could vary significantly due to factors such as sample transport, sample processing, PCR amplification, detection, analysis, and data interpretation and reporting. Typically, the turnaround time for molecular testing could span from several hours to several days depending on several factors. At Credo Diagnostics Biomedical, we are pioneering the evolution of POCT with our Molecular Point-of-Care Testing solutions designed to meet stringent laboratory standards. Our innovation begins with condensing two critical laboratory testing processes—RNA/DNA extraction and PCR—into our portable multiplex VitaSIRO solo™ instrument. This advancement significantly reduces the footprint within laboratories. With the VitaSIRO solo™ instrument, we have also achieved the following transformations: 1. Sample Transport: Our VitaSIRO solo™ instrument performs tests near patients, eliminating transportation and logistical issues, which translates into significant cost savings. Additionally, our solutions can be stored and used at room temperature, reducing the need for refrigeration. 2. Sample Processing/PCR Amplification: The design of the VitaSIRO solo™ instrument automates RNA/DNA extraction, purification, PCR amplification, target sequence detection, and result interpretation. All in a matter of 40 minutes. 3. Detection and Analysis/Data Interpretation and Reporting: Result interpretation is automated through the instrument's built-in software. Qualitative results ("Positive" or "Negative"), along with Ct values and fluorescence curves, are displayed on a 7-inch intuitive touch screen. 4. Meets Laboratory Standards: Guided by a robust framework, our design ensures competence, consistency, and reliability in testing processes. We adhere to ISO 15189 guidelines, ensuring quality and accuracy of results, maintaining patient safety, and meeting regulatory and accreditation standards. 5. Connectivity: Our device supports seamless integration of test results into electronic health records (EHRs) and other clinical systems, featuring the POCT01-A2 connectivity standard alongside a built-in Ethernet port for local area network connectivity. 6. Diverse Testing Capabilities: Our platform supports a wide range of tests, including Nucleic Acid Amplification, Single Nucleotide Polymorphism analysis, and Protein Marker testing. With cutting-edge technology, the VitaSIRO solo™ offers a seamlessly integrated Molecular Point-of-Care platform suitable for both laboratory and non-laboratory settings. This flexibility empowers our customers to deploy diagnostics effectively across diverse environments. We hope to see you at the upcoming ADLM Exhibition, from 30th July to 1st August, in Chicago. We are located at Booth No. 3654.
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Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation, Singapore (CRIS)
🤝 Earlier this year, PRECISE announced the inking of a partnership with A*STAR’s DxD Hub - Diagnostics Development Hub to catalyse translational research and diagnostic development for #precisionhealth. With this partnership, researchers and industry partners can now not only utilise datasets from the NPM programme for research and discovery, but also productise their discoveries by leveraging the expertise of DxD Hub. Beyond translational research, the data output has the potential to be converted into novel diagnostic assays and instrumental platforms. “We hope this partnership will enable the local healthcare ecosystem to parlay into the development of therapeutics for genomic medicine,” said Professor Patrick Tan, Executive Director, PRECISE. As these datasets continue to drive the translation of insights from bench to bedside, PRECISE looks forward to facilitating more of such partnerships to make a positive impact on diverse communities worldwide, with a particular focus on Asian populations. Missed the event? Read about it at https://lnkd.in/gpH-yJex #npm_sg #precisionmedicine #globalhealthcare #partnershipsforhealth #genomicmedicine
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Cora Vacher
Complete nanopore repeat sequencing of SCA27B (GAA-FGF14 ataxia) in Japanese The FGF14 expansions, like most expansions, can vary in length but also in the nature of the repeats, from "pure GAA" (considered pathogenic), to variations with GCA. The group screened FGF14 repeat expansion ina Japanese cohort of 460 molecularly undiagnosed adult-onset cerebellar ataxia patients and 1022 controls, together with 92 non-Japanese controls, and performed nanopore sequencing of FGF14 repeat expansion and discovered features unique to the ancestry group. #nanopore #ataxia #diversity
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Rainis Venta
📢 Exciting developments in 🇸🇬 Singapore! Last Tuesday, Pfizer unveiled the expansion of their highly automated Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing facility at Tuas Biomedical Park. This expansion is part of a monumental S$1 billion investment, resulting in a 37,000 sq m2 facility expected to create 250 skilled jobs by 2026. According to EDB, 230 positions have already been filled, with locals making up approximately 80%. This news coincides with AstraZeneca's recent announcement to establish a facility in Singapore with an investment of about $1.5 billion. Moreover, Novartis has embarked on a $256 million expansion to meet the soaring demand in the Asian market, aiming to create 100 high-skilled jobs. 💡 For small European nations like 🇪🇪 Estonia, the parallels are significant. Consider the numbers: a S$1 billion investment (680 million €), a state-of-the-art facility covering 37,000 square meters, and the creation of 250 highly skilled, high-value positions on the ground! To draw a comparison with local initiatives in 🇪🇪 Estonia, the planned €1 billion investment by Est-For Invest aimed to establish a cellulose factory that would create 200 direct jobs (some of high skilled) and an additional 500-700 jobs (low skilled) in the value chain within the cellulose industry. Despite the significant land requirements (railways!), voluminous and cheap freshwater, and raw material input, the factory would still be relatively small compared to competing Finnish cellulose industry. 🔗 In 🇪🇪 Estonia, we face a "low-value trap": our economy relies heavily on low-value industries that employ many but innovate little. These sectors face stiff price competition, unsuitable for small production volumes and distant markets due to high logistic costs. Despite the high educational levels and expertise in high-value sectors such as biotechnology and material sciences among Estonian youth, there is a stark contrast in the imaginative power for industry here. This discrepancy drives many to seek opportunities abroad, with many having already explored possibilities in places like 🇸🇬 Singapore. 🚀 To break this cycle of low value, low wages, and low prices, 🇪🇪 Estonia must pivot to industries with higher manufacturing value added, like pharmaceuticals, novel materials, aerospace, and semiconductors. Imagine the impact of attracting S$1 billion in direct foreign investments and nurturing 250 skilled experts! This shift could also uplift local businesses by integrating them into more lucrative value chains. While a local furniture maker might not switch to pharmaceuticals, they could certainly supply specialized, high-value products to the pharmaceutical industry. 🌍 Let's dream bigger and aim higher to create a thriving, high-value economy in Estonia! Our youth will be scared away by thinking in billions but making shale-oil $50 per barrel. Accelerate Estonia; Startup Estonia; Invest in Estonia;
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Experimental Drug Development Centre (EDDC)
EDDC is pleased to announce that the Phase 1 trial for EBC-129 has progressed into dose expansion! A big congratulations to the team, comprising of both clinical and non-clinical members from A*STAR Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) and EDDC, for achieving this milestone. EBC-129 is the first made-in-Singapore antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) to enter clinical development, targeting a tumour antigen that is a specific N-glycosylated site conserved on both CEACAM 5 and 6. This tumour antigen is selectively expressed on cancer cells, over normal cells, thereby contributing to its specificity and ability to address a broad range of solid cancers expressing either one or both tumour markers. The first patient for the recently concluded dose escalation part of the study was dosed at the National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) in May 2023. EBC-129 is also being tested at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), as well as the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the University of Colorado Cancer Center in the United States. 👇 Follow the links to learn more about EBC-129 and the progress made in clinical development to date. A Study of EBC-129 in Advanced Solid Tumours: https://lnkd.in/gquecHwU A Phase 1A/B Study To Evaluate The Safety And Tolerability Of EBC-129 As A Single Agent And In Combination With Pembrolizumab In Advanced Solid Tumours: https://lnkd.in/gXu5xaFD #EDDCsg #ESMO2024 #Oncology #GastricCancer #GEJCancer #GOJCancer #EsophagealCancer #OesophagealCancer #LungCancer #PancreaticCancer #EDDCsg #OncologyResearch #CancerResearch #CancerTrial #PatientRecruitment #DrugDevelopment #ClinicalTrials #ADC #TeamWork
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NATTOKINASE(NSK-SD) of Japan BioScience Lab Co. For Healthy Heart, Mind and Soul
**NSK-SD** by Japan Bio Science Laboratory (JBSL) is more scientifically proven compared to Nattiase. JBSL has conducted extensive research on its NSK-SD formulation, producing multiple clinical trials and studies yearly. The enzyme has been recognized globally, with approvals from key regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Health Canada, and others. Furthermore, JBSL’s studies have specifically demonstrated the efficacy of NSK-SD in reducing blood clots, enhancing fibrinolysis, and benefiting overall cardiovascular health [oai_citation:4,About — NSK-SD](https://lnkd.in/gahM2GUY) [oai_citation:3,Study shows natto enzyme helps break down blood clots, benefits blood flow](https://lnkd.in/gRGZunfk). The product is backed by clinical trials showing improvements in fibrin degradation, D-dimer concentration, and anticoagulation pathways after consumption, which are important markers for cardiovascular health [oai_citation:2,Study shows natto enzyme helps break down blood clots, benefits blood flow](https://lnkd.in/gRGZunfk). These studies help differentiate NSK-SD from other nattokinase products, ensuring that it has published and peer-reviewed safety and efficacy data. Thus, NSK-SD stands out for its robust scientific backing and regulatory validation. Wabi Sabi Wellness (a Rising Sun Co) brings the power of most authentic and 100 % natural NattoKinase (NSK-SD) of Japan Biosciences Co Ltd (JBSL) directly from Japan. The product is packaged in JBSL factory premises in Osaka. The original NattoKinase unlike fake versions helps to: 1. Regulate hypertension naturally 2. Improves mental health 3. Prevents blood clots 4. Prevents brain strokes 5. Improves gut health More importantly without any side effects. NattoKinase is quite popular in USA, Europe, Japan, China and many other countries and is medically approved by their authorities. JBSL is more than 50 year old company with a patented brand of NattoKinase NSK-SD. It is sold in more than 40 countries. JBSL make NattoKinase has 85 % market share globally and 97% market share in Japan. NSK-SD is produced from the traditional Japanese super food NATTO. It’s 100 % vegetarian. For inquiries, please write to: [email protected] Or call/whatsapp: 98964 00538 The product is available in the form of RAW MATERIAL as well as FINISHED form. The PHARMA Companies can buy the raw material and can process NattoKinase in thier own brand.
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Dr. Jaemin Park
Today I spoke with yet another SG medtech company who is contemplating whether to commercialise first in the US, or start in the ASEAN markets first. There is no right or wrong answer here, of course US markets will be the most logical choice for the largest upside. However, does the startup team fit the target market? Truth is, most early stage entrepreneurs in Singapore do not have relevant US network or manpower on their own. This can be solved only by hiring professional CEOs with MNC experience or sales person who previously worked in the US, which costs money. Would it make sense to do this in Singapore first, and at least target 2-3 markets in ASEAN before targeting US? Or does it make sense to start from the US first? This is not just Singapore story. I see same stories repeating in Taiwan, Korea, as well as other developed markets. Many ASEAN countries are also looking to grow their R&D capabilities and sooner or later will face this problem. What are some common needs that each ecosystem has that can be improved? Also, how would US innovators see the Singapore problem, based on their US experience? What are some key challenges for US medtech innovators, and what are some key learning points for Singapore innovators and our neighbors? Are there also easier ways for local innovators to collaborate with US counterparts? We hope to answer some of these questions in our upcoming event, Boston & Singapore Biomed Ecosystem, hosting Richard Cohen of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Wai Chiew CHIK of Heritas Capital. The event happens on Nov 29th, 10 AM Singapore time. Please RSVP below: https://lnkd.in/gSNQZ2Mr Heal Venture Lab is starting the dialogue on the state of biomed ecosystem in ASEAN, starting with Singapore. We will delve deeper with our future events, focusing on each market including Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines. Nares Damrongchai, Peili Teo, Henrik Glarbo, David Ng, Raul Destura MD, MBA, FPSMID, Su Ling Yeo, Nara Decharin, Dr Lynne Lim, Lourdes Marie Tejero, PhD, Ali Haghighi-Mood, Hezkiah Tsoory, Mark Wang, TITAN HUANG, I-Hsuan Lai #biotech, #medtech, #medicalinnovation, #biomedicalhub, #singapore, #US, #asean, #taiwan
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OncoDaily
📌 The CityU-AFCR Symposium on Precision Medicine and Digital Medicine was held on September 12-13 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, as part of BIOHK2024. The event featured presentations from leading experts in precision medicine, creating a dynamic platform for exchanging innovative ideas and fostering collaboration in the biotechnology field. City University of Hong Kong Asian Fund for Cancer Research #BIOHK2024 #PrecisionMedicine #DigitalMedicine #Cancer #MedNews #Health #Medicine #MedTwitter #OncoDaily #Oncology
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Parag Agarwal
🔬 A new MSBP polymer boosts resolution and reliability in structural biology by tackling particle trapping and orientation issues—no hardware tweaks needed. 🧪✨ #Innovation #CryoEM 🇭🇰 Tech offer from The University of Hong Kong #techtransfer #licensing #universities #research https://lnkd.in/dnNTKAtu 📌 Follow UniversityTech.io - Discover University Research on LinkedIn and subscribe to UniversityTech.io for daily updates on the latest tech offers from Asia Pacific universities (5 tech offers added every weekday).
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Hung Trinh
#Singapore: PROMISING CELL THERAPY OFFERS HOPE FOR RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY T-CELL LEUKAEMIA SINGAPORE, Oct. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new cell therapy, targeting CD7 on leukaemia cells, gives a potentially effective treatment for patients with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL) who have exhausted all standard treatment options. Published in the prestigious medical journal Nature Medicine on 3 September 2024[1], the study highlights the effectiveness of a new chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. All the 17 patients, ranging from two to 72 years of age, had T-ALL that could not be eliminated with chemotherapy or had relapsed after treatment. Using a technology developed in Professor Dario Campana's laboratory under the Department of Paediatrics at National University of Singapore Medicine, the patient's own T cells were reprogrammed to express an anti-CD7 CAR, and then re-infused into the patients. The anti-CD7 CAR protein redirects the CAR T-cells to kill T-leukaemia cells that have CD7 protein on their surface. Notably, 16 of the 17 patients achieved complete remission within one month, and leukaemic cells became undetectable even with ultra-sensitive flow cytometry tests that can detect one leukaemia cell in the background of 10,000 normal cells, developed by Ms Elaine Coustan-Smith's laboratory at NUS Medicine. The same techniques were key to analyse CD7 expression in leukaemic cells and determining patient eligibility as well as to monitor expansion and persistence of CAR-T cells after infusion. The first patient treated with this therapy has been in remission for five years, without needing additional chemotherapy or a bone marrow transplant. The treatment was well-tolerated, and side effects were mild, given the fact that all patients enrolled had a high tumour burden and had received prolonged and intensive treatment prior to CAR-T therapy. T-ALL accounts for approximately 10 per cent of ALL cases in children and 25 to 30 per cent in adolescents and young adults[2],[3]. Although 70 to 80 per cent of children are cured with intensive and prolonged chemotherapy, the cure rate in adults remains approximately 60 per cent or lower[4]. https://lnkd.in/ehfit_PT
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Sarah W.
𝐓𝐨 𝐔𝐒 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐒? 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 🇺🇸 🌏💡 For many startups we meet at Heal Venture Lab, a Asia-focused health tech accelerator, the decision of where to scale is crucial. Historically, the U.S. healthcare market was a clear answer, given its advanced tech ecosystem, abundant capital, and readiness for new innovations. Today, we believe that the global landscape is shifting. Whilst the U.S. healthcare market offers high potential, it’s still fiercely competitive, heavily regulated, and costly to enter and navigate. Startups that succeed typically need to establish a local presence and hire locally to break into the space. 🌍 On the other hand, Asia offers startups unique opportunities to diversify risk, access rapidly growing and aging populations, and tailor solutions for specific healthcare needs across the region. Heal Venture Lab believes in testing the waters within Asia before a U.S. expansion, and we’re excited to explore this through a series of insightful webinars with industry experts. 🎙️ Join us as we kickstart a series where we invite a variety of key stakeholders to share their real-world experiences! Check out the details below for our first webinar on the biomed ecosystem, and scaling strategies in Asia vs. the U.S. #HealthTech #StartupStrategy #AsiaInnovation #ScalingInAsia #HealthcareTransformation #VentureLab #MedTech 🚀
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Alex Dickinson
Bomb just went off in my head (🤯) triggered by this paragraph in the Illumina Form 10. Says our lucky exec would have been paid the first tranche of their nutso $78M bonus as soon GRAIL revenue reached $500M/year prior to 2030. But the company now says NONE of this bonus will EVER get paid out. This means GRAIL itself projects sales won't reach $500M/year this decade (I'm shocked, shocked 🤪). BUT remember, this baby burns $700M in cash a year (🔥🔥🔥). Let's borrow Exact Sciences gross margins of 73%. That means GRAIL needs sales of $1B just to break even (stop burning investor money). But they JUST TOLD US GRAIL won't even get to $500M by 2030. So how much money does GRAIL need to get to break even? (Counts on fingers AND toes). Let's say GRAIL gets to $1B break even by 2034 - 10 years from now. Let's estimate it spends an average of 700/2 = $350M each year; it'll need $3.5B to get there and it's only going to have $1B in the bank on day 1, so there's $2.5B missing from the equation. Anywho, really curious to see what the GRAL stock price is when the spinout happens, nominally June 12th, 2024 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️
34 Comments -
John Lucas
I believe we should do more to bring traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to market. The three biggest issues holding it back are complexity (e.g., Qiliqiangxin has active 11 ingredients), standardization, and market exclusivity (lack of patent protection). Surprisingly so some, the lack of patent protection is not a problem for TCM in my opinion. The secret is that generic wannabes will be unable to match the chemical fingerprint of botanical drug. The double-edge sword is that the drug maker also has to match is own chemical fingerprint batch after batch. Modern controlled environment agriculture can solve this issue and enable standardization and batch-to-batch consistency. #Phytome is an example of a company focusing on this issue. FDA has recognized the issue of complexity and does not require a well defined MOA. I probably would not start with Qiliqiangxin because of the number of actives. However, there are over 11,000 different plants used in hundreds of different TCMs. If we cherry picked the top 1%, we would make a very successful company. https://lnkd.in/e3GigdG3
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Stephen Jack Blignaut
Meet our Chief Scientific Officer - Dr. Keith Wai Yeung Kwong, Ph.D.: Biotechnologist, Educator, and Pioneer in Bio-Identical Growth Factor Production Meet Dr. K, a visionary in the biotechnology industry whose groundbreaking work in bio-identical growth factors and protein expression systems is transforming healthcare and regenerative medicine. Dr. Kwong has spearheaded the development of innovative methods for producing authentic human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). He has not only made these valuable proteins cost-effective but also enhanced their bioactivity and safety, opening new frontiers in regenerative medicine, wound healing, and cosmeceuticals. His commitment to creating bio-identical proteins without additional tags or terminal modifications ensures minimal risk of immune reactions, allergies, or toxicity, making his work invaluable for therapeutic applications across multiple fields. Strategic Leadership and Scientific Innovation Dr. Kwong’s influence extends beyond his research. As a Visiting Professor at two top hospitals in China, he leads a team conducting pioneering research on lung cancer therapies, contributing significant advances in oncology. He has also designed GMP-compliant laboratories for numerous research facilities and hospitals in Hong Kong and China, demonstrating his expertise in aligning high-quality standards with cost-effective solutions. Inspiring the Next Generation of Biotechnologists An advocate for education, Dr. Kwong is deeply committed to empowering future generations in biotechnology. Through his educational initiative in Hong Kong, he builds labs in local schools, equipping students with hands-on experience in biotechnology and fostering exceptional academic results. His program has become a catalyst for innovation, nurturing young talent and laying the groundwork for a scientifically literate society. A Prolific Researcher with Global Impact Dr. Kwong’s research spans numerous high-impact fields, from immunostimulation to antiviral therapies and regenerative medicine. His recent studies on the adjuvant effects of natural products like Astragalus membranaceus in enhancing COVID-19 vaccination efficacy, as well as the development of antiviral filters against airborne SARS-CoV-2 particles, underscore his interdisciplinary approach to today’s most pressing health challenges. Dr. Kwong’s contributions to biotechnology are setting new standards in the industry, bridging the gap between scientific innovation and practical application. Whether through developing cutting-edge therapies, transforming educational opportunities, or advancing public health initiatives, his work embodies a dedication to improving lives through science. #Biotechnology #GrowthFactors #RegenerativeMedicine #Education #HealthcareInnovation #bFGF #EGF #COVID19 #Oncology #LabDesign #STEMEducation #InnoTech #PublicHealth #LinkedInProfiles
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Soichiro Tsuda
Have you ever wondered what's in our microbial single-cell genome database bitGEM and how it looks, but were too shy to contact us?! Here's a sneak peek for you. We've made a part of our database publicly available - over 30,000 genome datasets are now accessible! While this is just a fraction of our full database (it's rather a small part of our DB), I'm totally sure you'll be amazed by the >30,000 genome datasets sequenced by our one & only microbial single-cell genome sequencing, bit-MAP. Curious to see for yourself? Check out our new Microbiome paper to access this data from the link below, or contact us directly bitBiome, Inc. to learn more about what our bit-MAP sequencing and bitGEM database can do for your biotechnology applications!
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