Our group has four major research themes which are the: i) Disease Mechanism; ii) Function of Deubiquitinase; iii) Osmoregulation; and iv) Developmental Toxicity. We used both the in vitro cell line model and the in vivo small fish model (zebrafish and medaka) in our researches. The laboratory applied various molecular techniques and integrative omics technologies to understand the biological issues.

Disease Mechanism

Our group uses in vivo and in vitro model to understand the developmental disease. One of our focuses is the craniofacial malformation. Development of the proper facial structure is a complex process that requires tight regulation on various signaling molecules. Gene mutation is known to cause cleft lip and/or palate (CL/ CLP). By understanding the pathogenesis of the disease, potential gene therapy and small molecule will be identified for treatment.

Osmoregulation

The capability of animal cells to maintain a constant cell volume is a prerequisite for cellular life. When eukaryotic cells are exposed to extracellular hypertonicity or hypotonicity (osmotic stress), they undergo rapid regulatory processes, which include restoration of the cell volume, change in the cytoskeletal architecture, and redistribution of small organic osmolytes, to maintain their cellular homeostatic status. The mechanism is particularly important in gill epithelia in fishes. Our group applies multiple omics technologies to understand the molecular issues in fish osmoregulation.