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HKBU’s interdisciplinary research papers in the health and drug discovery cluster illuminate pathways to major innovations on air pollution control and pharmaceuticals

A health and wellbeing-focused research paper explores the potential of a metabolic component in humans to reduce the impact of PM 2.5 on our lungs.
Study findings on the catalysed development of an organic compound may offer potential solutions to many modern societal challenges, including drug discovery.

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HKBU’s interdisciplinary research papers in the health and drug discovery cluster illuminate pathways to major innovations on air pollution control and pharmaceuticals

Published: 12:00am, 9 Dec 2024Updated: 3:35pm, 11 Dec 2024

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The advent of industrialisation and rapid urbanisation has improved the livelihoods of billions, but it has also brought about numerous health scourges, including air pollution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has linked air pollution to an estimated seven million deaths annually, recognising it as the leading environmental risk factor globally. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a major air pollutant, increases the risk of chronic health problems, such as heart and lung diseases, that affect people of all ages.

Air pollution is linked to estimated seven million deaths annually, according to WHO.

In addition to air pollution, numerous diseases and viruses continue to impact the physical health of humankind. Medical interventions are one means to restore health and save lives. However, pharmaceutical manufacturers and scientists around the world struggle with drug discovery. While numerous developments in drug discovery have reduced timescales, complexity, cost, and enhanced precision, many challenges remain.

At the forefront of health-focused interdisciplinary approaches that contribute to potential solutions, Dr Zhu Yang of the Department of Biology and Professor Jun (Joelle) Wang of the Department of Chemistry at Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, have made significant discoveries and published ground-breaking research papers. Professor Wang and Dr Yang’s contributions in their respective fields have been recognised with the HKBU Outstanding Research Output Award (the Award) for the academic year 2023/24.

Dr Yang’s paper focuses on an important component in the body’s metabolism that may counteract the adverse effects of PM2.5 toxicity on lung cells. His discovery not only offers vital insights for regional pollution control and health interventions, but also provides the prospect of developing novel treatments for related health issues, potentially addressing this public health challenge. In the future, the research’s findings may also contribute to the development of diagnostic protocols for lung diseases caused by PM2.5, apart from the component’s potential as a therapeutic agent.

Professor Wang’s award-winning paper explains the study that developed the catalysed asymmetric cascade hydroboration of MCP (methylenecyclopropanes), an organic compound. This discovery will potentially accelerate the development of organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry. The field of organic synthesis is rapidly evolving to address the challenges of modern society, including the need for new materials, drugs, and technologies that are both effective and environmentally responsible. Medicinal chemistry remains the most time-consuming step in the drug discovery process.

Drug discovery worldwide continues to face many challenges.

The Award honours excellent research outputs produced by HKBU researchers from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

Multi-facetted contributions

The significant research findings from Dr Yang’s paper “Phosphocholine-induced Energy Source Shift Alleviates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Lung Cells Caused by Geospecific PM2.5 Components” have been published in the highly influential international academic journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), one of the world’s most cited and comprehensive multidisciplinary scientific journals via direct submissions. In addition, he has had over 50 papers published in other science journals, such as the Journal of Hazardous Materials and Molecular Plant.

An assistant professor, Dr Yang's research expertise focuses on understanding metabolic responses and inter-tissue communications at a systems level, particularly in response to external stimuli. His pioneering work involves the development of mass spectrometry-based quantitative omics techniques and model-based data analysis approaches to delve into the intricate molecular interactions between living systems and their environments. Combining wet and dry lab methodologies, Dr Yang explores the biological and physiological impacts of external factors on systems-level processes.

In addition to research on the health risks of PM2.5, Dr Yang has worked on a study focused on exploring the relationship between plasma metabolites biomarkers and antibody levels in recovered COVID-19 patients. The relevant research results have also been published in PNAS.

“Based on the study, further research is needed to explore the potential for application in other treatments and disease control. For example, innovative strategies can be developed to improve the efficiency of humans in increasing antibody levels after vaccination, especially in diabetic patients in high-risk groups for COVID-19,” he says.

A passion for challenges: Precision Molecular Design and Editing

While the paper titled “Enantio- and Regioselective Cascade Hydroboration of Methylenecyclopropanes for Facile Access to Chiral 1,3- and 1,4-Bis(boronates)” by Professor Wang, who also serves as the Executive Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU, she has a wide range of research interests. These include asymmetric catalysis, green chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and cosmetic chemistry. In 2022, she was elected as a member of the Hong Kong Young Academy of Sciences.

Reflecting on her impactful research expertise, Professor Wang’s research focus on the molecular design and editing via asymmetric catalysis. The precise construction of chiral compounds occupies a central position in the field of chemical science. The ability to selectively synthesize chiral compounds accelerates the drug discovery process. Chiral compounds can be designed to interact more precisely with biological targets, improving treatment outcomes. Asymmetric catalysis not only provides the material foundation for multiple domains such as medicine, pesticides, and material science, but also has a profound impact on the advancement of science and technological innovation.

She says, “I enjoy challenging work, selecting a topic myself and then working on it together with the students. It's a great feeling to go through many twists and turns and finally achieve our goal. As a much-quoted Chinese poem goes, 'Just when all seemed lost, a new path emerges beyond the shadows of the trees.’”

On her ongoing research path, Professor Wang says she has been driven by her passion for challenges and perseverance. “My sense of accomplishment comes from two sources: self-recognition and the application of my research findings,” she adds.

Cluster aims to enhance health and well-being

Both Dr Yang and Professor Wang’s papers are in the Health and Drug Discovery cluster, one of four strategic clusters identified by HKBU. This cluster seeks to transform health and wellbeing. Researchers at HKBU break barriers by integrating cutting-edge sciences, such as Chinese medicine philosophy, chemical biology, data analytics, and environmental, physical, and social sciences. Aiming to revolutionise preventive measures, diagnosis, and therapeutic treatments for human diseases, HKBU is ready for an exhilarating journey to enhance health, ignite prosperity, and change lives.

Future articles will focus on more award-winning research papers in the Health and Drug Discovery cluster, as well as in the Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence and Humanities and Cultures clusters.