Haematology and Stem Cell research
Lead Researcher:
Professor Beng Chong
Most significant advances or findings in past 10yrs
Professor Beng Chong and his colleagues were the first to clone human FOG-2 and studied extensively this and another related gene, GATA-4. These genes are critical for heart development and stem cell differentiation to heart muscle cells, and are important for stem cell treatment of heart disease.
They have also studied extensively other related genes (FOG-1, GATA-1, NF-E2 and Fli-1), which are essential for blood cell development, and alteration of these genes (oncogenes) leads to leukemia and blood disease.
Professor Chong’s pioneering work in heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, a life- and limb-threatening condition, has led to better diagnosis and treatment of this condition, particularly the use of danaparoid for its treatment.
Most important aspects of current work
We have identified a component in ginseng root that can increase platelet production. This compound can be used for safe and effective treatment of platelet disorders including ITP. We have recently identified a component in a Chinese herb that kills leukaemia and cancer cells without harming normal cells, and will potentially be very useful for treatment of leukaemia and cancers.
Recent publications
Holmes M, Turner J, Fox A, Chisholm O, Crossley M, Chong BH. hFOG-2: a novel zinc finger protein binds the co-repressor mCtBP2 and modulates GATA-mediated activation. J Biol Chem 274: 23491-8, 1999.
Hu W, Philips A, Kwok J, Eisbacher M, Chong BH. Identification of nuclear import and export signals within Fli-1: Roles of the nuclear import signals in Fli-1-dependant activation of megakaryocyte-specific promoters. Molecular and Cellular Biology, 25: 3087-3108, 2005.
