Suzhou Municipal Key Lab for Metabolic Syndrome Drug Research

Overview

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of metabolic abnormalities including hypertension, insulin resistance, visceral obesity, fatty liver, atherogenic cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. It is characterized by the presence of at least three out of five health conditions that elevate the risk of serious health issues like cardiovascular disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. The Suzhou Key Laboratory for Metabolic Syndrome and Novel Drug Research, housed in the School of Science at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, stands at the forefront of metabolic disorder research and innovative drug development. This lab delves into the molecular mechanisms of MetS, employs systems and structural biology, and pioneers new drug development. By fostering deep integration among scientific research, talent development, and industry partnerships, and by leveraging interdisciplinary approaches and an open scientific platform, the laboratory significantly contributes to addressing critical healthcare needs and furthering societal well-being.

Research themes

Molecular mechanism of Metabolic Syndrome
Therapeutic, diagnostic, and advanced material innovations for metabolic syndrome-related diseases
Microbiota and Metabolic Diseases

Mission& objectives

To advance research in metabolic syndrome and drug development through industry-academia-research collaboration, talent development, and international partnerships. The lab focuses on building a provincial key research platform, ensuring expected outcomes, and securing funding to solidify its position as a world-class research institution with impactful results in the field.
To secure increased funding, publish high-quality research papers, establish partnerships with industry and academic institutions, host metabolism-related events, achieve recognition as a Provincial Key Lab, and develop a mentorship program for students. The overall goal is to become a leading force in metabolic research.

Team Organization

Director: Dr. Weiwei Dai

Associated Director: Dr. Jianrui Song (AoP)-research & seminars

Associated Director: Dr. Antony Kam-collorbration & industrial partnership

External Collaboration Director: Dr. Yongtao Zhu

Team Members

Theme 1: Molecular mechanism of Metabolic Syndrome—Theme Leader Dr. Jianrui Song

Dr. Weiwei Dai studies nitrogen metabolism in physiology and metabolic diseases including obesity and liver cancer, nutritional regulation of mTOR activation, and cancer metabolism.

Dr. Jianrui Song (AoP) investigate how obesity drives cancer progression, exploring itaconate’s anti-inflammatory effects in cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Ken Cheng study regulatory mechanism investigation of bioactive compounds in metabolic diseases, and mass spectrometry-based analytical methods for comprehensive coverage of metabolome and lipidome.

Dr. Lanlan Han studies protein structures and engineers enhanced protein therapeutics.

Dr. Zhihao Jia (Suda/AoP) investigate the role of protein arginine methyltransferases and their substrates in adipose and muscle development and metabolism.

Dr. Mingming Xu (AoP) conduct drug discovery and mechanism studies for common neurodegenerative diseases, identifying exosomal biomarkers from biofluids for common cancers.

Dr. Zhimin Gu (ISM) focus on hematopoietic system development and hematologic malignancies, using high-throughput techniques to explore tumor mechanisms and develop new therapies.

Dr. Yu Feng (Suzhou University Second Affiliated Hospital (Sanxiang Rd Yuanqu)-Endocrinology Department) mass spectrometry and NMR-based metabolomics and lipidomics studies,make animal models,developing new strategies to treat metabolic disease.

Dr. Caifeng Jiang (Suzhou Dushuhu Hospital) Study chronic liver diseases, focusing on liver fibrosis mechanisms and cirrhosis complications, alongside liver cancer pathogenesis and early diagnosis and treatment of colorectal tumors.

Theme 2: Therapeutic, diagnostic, and advanced material innovations for metabolic syndrome-related diseases—Theme Leader Dr. Antony Kam

Dr. Antony Kam (BIO): Specializes in the design of novel peptides and proteins, the development of gene and cell therapies, the creation of diagnostic tests, the enhancement of drug delivery methods, the discovery of new medicines, and the investigation of mechanisms of action utilizing multi-omics technology.

Dr. Shining Loo (AoP): Concentrates on designing innovative peptides and proteins, creating gene and cell therapies, developing diagnostic tests, improving drug delivery methods, discovering new medicines, and studying mechanisms of action through multi-omics approaches.

Dr. Jeong Hyeon Park (BIO): Conducts research on drug mechanisms, discovers new drugs through molecular biology research, and develops gene delivery systems for therapeutic applications.

Dr. Kozo Hamada (BIO): Focuses on engineering biosensors for disease detection and designing therapeutic proteins for targeted interventions.

Dr. Francesco Zonta (BIO): Employs artificial intelligence and computational techniques to design antibodies and discover novel drug candidates.

Dr. Yong Shen (BIO): Specializes in constructing synthetic biological systems and employing genetic engineering for therapeutic applications in metabolic syndrome-related diseases.

Dr. Qiuchen Dong (CHEM): Concentrates on the development of advanced sensors and materials for sensing and monitoring metabolic syndrome-related diseases, enabling early detection and personalized treatment.

Dr. Xuan Xue (CHEM): Focuses on the development of cutting-edge biomaterials and polymers for targeted drug delivery and tissue engineering applications in metabolic syndrome-related diseases.

Dr. Chun Chan (BIO): Utilizes artificial intelligence integrated with computational biology approaches to drive innovative drug discovery for metabolic syndrome-related diseases.

Dr. Faez Khan (BIO): Conducts research on protein-protein interactions, engineers’ proteins for therapeutic purposes, designs drugs targeting specific protein targets, analyzes protein dynamics, and explores protein folding mechanisms in the context of MetS-related diseases.

Theme 3: Microbiota and Metabolic Diseases—Theme Leader Dr. Yongtao Zhu

Dr. Yongtao Zhu pure culturing, biochemical/physiological studying and genetic manipulation of microorganisms.

Dr. Min Tang host-specificity of gut symbionts, gut microbiome, and biological adaption.

Dr. Xinzhao Tong host-microbe interaction, human and built environment microbiome, and microbial ecology.

Dr. Lu Zhang microbial interactions in natural and engineered communities, meta-omics and isotope labelling.

Significance

The Metabolic Key Lab focuses on advancing research in metabolic syndrome, developing innovative treatments and diagnostics, and fostering industry collaboration. Its strategic goals include enhancing knowledge of molecular mechanisms, promoting cross-disciplinary research, and publishing high-quality papers. The lab aims to secure funding, train skilled researchers, and translate findings into practical applications that benefit society and the biopharmaceutical industry.

Expected Outcomes and Deliverables

In three years, we will ensure the Metabolic Key Lab the #1 well-known Metabolic Key Lab in Suzhou, both in research outputs and governmental & industrial funding support
make much better connections with local hospitals and relevant BioBay industrial companies, as well as funding support
apply to be Metabolic Key Lab in SIP and Jiangsu Province by 2025/2026 and seeking significantly higher amount of direct governmental funding support
the Metabolism Key Lab will offer more than 13 PhD study opportunities, publish more than 15 high-impact research publications, and enroll at least 3 metabolic disease & drug development related PIs

By focusing on these strategic objectives and adhering to the outlined timeline, the Metabolic Key Lab aims to establish itself as a driving force in metabolic research, attracting top talent, securing substantial funding, and making significant contributions to the field.