1. Small Fluorescent Compounds for Biomedical Applications

Small fluorescent molecules have been an important tool for fluorescence-based imaging, thanks to their technical simplicity, sensitivity and structural flexibility. Probing specific intracellular systems with a small fluorescent molecule, however, is not an easy task owing to the intricate nature of the cells. Ideal imaging probes should be highly permeable and be without background noise to allow undisrupted observations. We are interested in the advances of design strategies for cell-permeable fluorescent probes through rational design for applications in labeling and imaging cellular biomolecules and architectures in their native environment for biomedical applications.

 

2. Exploring the Intracellular Architectures through Metabolic Engineering and Bioorthogonal Chemistry Approach

We design and apply innovative molecular tools to visualize, track, and manipulate biomolecules within living systems, enabling a deeper understanding of cellular organization and dynamics.

By leveraging metabolic labeling strategies and bioorthogonal reactions, we aim to map and interrogate complex biological processes with high precision and minimal perturbation. This allows us to uncover how cellular architecture influences fundamental mechanisms such as signaling, metabolism, and disease progression. We hope to advance the development of next-generation imaging and analytical platforms, providing transformative insights for both basic biology and biomedical applications.

 

3.⁠ ⁠Interrogating the Potential of Repurposed Drugs and Their Effects in Non-Communicable Disease Models

We are interested in interrogating the potential of repurposed drugs and their effects in non-communicable disease (NCD) models. By leveraging existing drugs with known safety profiles, we aim to uncover novel therapeutic applications that can accelerate translational impact and reduce the time and cost of drug development through both dry and wet lab.

We combine molecular and cellular approaches to investigate how repurposed compounds influence disease-related pathways. Through this strategy, we seek to provide deeper mechanistic insights into NCD progression and to identify promising candidates for further preclinical and clinical evaluation.