Overview of research in biochemistry

Biochemistry is a research field that involves the use of chemical tools, including analytical instruments and synthetic chemistry to manipulate or study the biological system. Our biochemistry research groups focus on studying the mechanism underlying aging process using mass spectrometry, developing the diagnostic tools for osteoporosis and oral cancer, as well as the design and synthesis of small molecules/ peptides which interact with molecular targets of various diseases. We have engaged in collaborative works with various research laboratories including Slovak Academy of Sciences, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, China Medical University, Chung Shan Medical University and Chang Gung University. Local biotech companies are also actively collaborating with our research group to develop their consumer products. The following are the brief outline of research carried out in the biochemistry sector:

Exploration of mitochondria metabolism

Mitochondria are the power houses of the cell. The life cycle of mitochondria is strongly coordinated with the cell cycle. Mutation of the mitochondria follows aging of individuals, and the mutated mitochondria in elderlies may cause the age-related diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases. One of our interest is to study the lipids in mitochondria, in particular cardiolipin. Cardiolipin exists only in mitochondria and plays pivotal role in the functioning of mitochondria, including ATP production. We are particularly interested in neuronal cells as it helps in understanding the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. Effects of alternative treatments on neurodegenerative disease by antioxidants, oils, neurotransmitter and modulating enzyme activity have also been studied. These studies are carried out using different mass spectrometric techniques such as Hydrogen /Deuterium Exchange-Mass Spectrometry, lipidomics, proteomics, as well as other experimental methods from molecular biology, cellular biology and protein physical biology.

Medicinal chemistry

Our research on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery involves the design and synthesis of novel small molecules or peptides that targeting medical conditions such as bacterial infection, cancer, multidrug resistance and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The synthesized molecules are analyzed for in vitro biological activity. Refinement through multiple cycles of synthesis and biological evaluation will result in the finding of potential therapeutic agents. Computational tools are also utilized in modeling interaction of molecules with their molecular targets.

Development of medical diagnostic tests

Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OCSCC) is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. There is an urgent need to develop a convenient method to identify high-risk individuals in the early oral cancer patients. Our research uses the oral cancer specific peptide (ZNF510-F) as the target antigen. By generating ZNF510-F antibody and immobilizing on nanoparticles, this conjugate molecule can be used to detect the presence of ZNF510 in the saliva of oral cancer patients. The same strategy can also be used to develop methods for detecting osteoporosis.

Associated Faculty

	Feng-Di Lung Professor
	Yuan-Hao Hsu Professor
	Yu-Shan Wu Associate Professor