Professor

EDUCATION AND POSITIONS HELD:

• BS, Taiwan University (1971~1975) Agriculture Cmistry
• MS, Cornell University (1976~1978) Biology & Life Science
• Ph.D, Cornell University (1980~1984) Biology & Life Science National Yang-Ming University
• Senior Research Scientist, Penicillin Assays Inc., MA, USA (1984~1987)
• Project Leader, Staff Scientist, Genzyme Inc./Gene-Trak Systems, MA, USA (1987~1990)
• Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA, USA (1990~1991)
• Research Associate, Department of Pathology, Cornell University Medical College, NY, USA (1991~1994)
• Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Cornell University Medical College, NY, USA (1994~1997) Associate professor, Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine, National Yang-Ming University (1997~2002)
• Professor, Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine (2002~present)
• Adjunct Professor Institute of Biophotonics Engineering (2006~present)

HONORS:

• Oversea Studentship to Cornell University, Minister of Education, Taiwan, 1976
• NIH Research Award, Cornell University Medical School (Weill Medical College of Cornell University), USA, 1993
• Academia Sinica Research Award for Junior Research Investigators, 2003
• International Society of Atherosclerosis; Investigator Award, 2003

RESEARCH INTERESTS:

Investigation of the role of Extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi, or Ling-Zhi, a medical fungus) polysaccharides (EORP), in T cells and in functions of regulatory T cells

Our previous studies indicated Extract of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (EORP) exerts immuno-modulatory functions. The regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a bi-functional regulation between Th1 and Th2, which potentially prevent autoimmune disorders including asthma (氣喘), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE,紅斑性狼瘡), rheumatoid arthritis (RA, 類風濕症關節炎), psoriasis vulgaris (乾癬). In addition, Tregs may exert anti- and anti-inflammatory. Our preliminary results indicated EORP induces naïve CD4+T cells into CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells, which could inhibit effector T cells in vitro. Hence, we plan to investigate (1) Whether EORP is able to stimulate Tregs, (2) does and how EORP-mediated Tregs involve in immunological responses. Currently, using inflammatory bowel disease of mice model or other autoimmunity animal models, we will further investigate the mechanism for the role of Tregs involved in EORP alleviation of “autoimmune-like” diseases.

The development of Extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi, or Ling-Zhi) polysaccharides (EORP) to an anti-cancer drug

Lung cancer as one of the most common cancers in Taiwan as well as in the world represents a major public health problem (it is also listed as the number 1 cancer occurrence). Currently, only parts of the drugs are useful to a sub-group of patients in lung cancer, the need to develop an effective and drug in cure of lung cancer. At present, one of our projects is focused on the inhibitory effects of extract of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) polysaccharides (EORP) on lung cancer. The accumulated documents indicated that human immune system plays important roles in the development of lung cancer. In the collaboration with Academia Sinica and biotechnological industry, we plan to apply the functions of EORP-regulated immunity to investigate the function of human immune system in the prevention of lung cancer. In essence, we will use lung cancer cells including non-small lung cancer cells (NSLCC) bearing mice to examine the mechanism for EORP inhibition NSLCC in vitro and in vivo.

Cordyceps sinensis (Hirsutella sinensis) mediate signalings in the regulation of cytokines expression

Cordyceps sinensis is considered as one of effective immune regulatory Chinese traditional medicines. Importantly, Hirsutella sinensis (HS), a true anamorph of Chinese caterpillar fungus was isolated from Cordyceps sinensis. Using the fermented HS mycelia as experimental source, we examined the effects of HS on molecular, cellular and immunological aspects of immune related cells including monocytes/macrophages and mice. In essence, we focus on pro- and anti-inflammatory related cytokines expression (e.g., IL-1, IL-1Ra, IL-10, etc.) from immune cells and mice animal model. In addition, we we’ll dissect the essential (key) components, e.g., polysaccharides, protein from HS, we will further investigate the immuno-modulator functions. Hirsutella sinensis-mediated signal transduction in regulation of cytokines expression would aid our understanding of Cordyceps-mediated human immunological activities.

Application of molecular/cellular biology and biophotonic methods to investigate the role of lipid raft/micro-domain in receptor-mediated signallings and immune responses

In our recent studies, we utilized instruments of biophotonic to investigate the roles of lipid rafts in Reishi-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokine (proIL-1, IL-1) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1Ra) production within macrophages. In our previous study, we found the specific singling cascades regulated by external stimulation within macrophages are lipid raft involved. Hence we will focus on the mechanism Reishi polysaccharides activate lipid rafts and then regulate signaling cascades to enhance macrophages function. What we want to clarify is the role of Reishi polysaccharides-mediated macrophages in immune system, and we also combine various methods, which include biochemistry, molecular cell biology, and collaborated with biophotonic experts to investigate the processing of Reishi polysaccharides-mediated lipid rafts conformations, and the flow path theses lipid rafts transfer polysaccharides entering macrophages to enhance immune function. Our purpose is to understand the molecules compositions of lipid rafts which Reishi polysaccharides-induced within macrophages, and the single molecules movement (e.g. Reishi polysaccharides, TLR2, 4, etc.) by biophotonic methods to clarify the relationships between Reishi polysaccharides and macrophages.