Academic Staff > R.C.C. Chang

 

Raymond Chuen-Chung Chang ( 鄭傳忠 )
Assistant Professor
B.Sc.(Hons), M.Phil. (CUHK), Dr. rer. BioHuman (Ph.D., Munich)

Department of Anatomy
1/F. Laboratory Block
Faculty of Medicine Building
21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong

Anatomy Office: (852) 2819-9127 (voice)
Anatomy Office: (852) 2817-0857 (fax)

E-mail: rccchang@hkucc.hku.hk

Jump to: Background / Research / Publications / Collaborations

Background

I received my B.Sc. training in Biochemistry at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where I became particularly interested in the fields of neuroscience and neuroimmunology. Then I furthered my M.Phil. training in neurochemistry and neuroanatomy at the same university. Since neuroscience is a multidisciplinary subject, I decided to broaden my research experience. I received a research scholarship by Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service) to pursue my doctoral training in neurophysiology and clinical neuroscience at the Institute for Surgical Research at the Ludwig Maximilians University (University of Munich), Germany. Afterwards, I continued my postdoctoral training in neuropharmacology and molecular neuroscience at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, US. During that time, I received the Visiting Research Fellowship Award and the NIH Fellow Award for Research Excellence by the National Institutes of Health. I jointed The University of Hong Kong in the summer of 2000 as a research officer, then Research Assistant Professor, and I am now an Assistant Professor.

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Research

Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Mission of the Laboratory:
To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of neuronal death in aging-related neurodegenerative diseases in order to develop neuroprotective agents

Focuses of Research:

  1. Molecular Mechanisms of Neuronal Degeneration (neuronal apoptosis, autophagy, synaptic degeneration & dysfunction of axonal transport) and Pharmacological Intervention in Neurodegenerative Diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease
  2. Impact of Immune Responses in Neurological Disorders such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Glaucoma

Summary of Research:

  1. Molecular  signaling of neuronal apoptosis, autophagy, synaptic degeneration and blockage of axonal transport.

My research interest is to study the molecular signaling pathways of neuronal death in neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s disease. It has been demonstrated that postmortem human brain section displays activated caspases, suggesting that neuronal apoptosis occurs in Alzheimer’s disease. We (Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases) are the first to show that a novel double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is involved in β-amyloid peptide-induced neuronal apoptosis. Although it is originally named as double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase, recent findings have shown that PKR is a stress kinase respond to different stress signals. PKR is not simply involved in neuronal apoptosis; it also plays significant roles in the highly regulated degenerative processes. Apart from PKR, a major on-going project in our laboratory is to elucidate and map out how intracellular organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are affected by low molecular weight β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides, resulting in either autophagy or neuronal apoptosis. In addition, we are now investigating the signaling events leading to autophagic neuronal death and synaptic degeneration. Understanding of the molecular signaling pathways will definitely pave a road for a better therapeutic strategy against neurodegenerative diseases.

  1. Cell-cell Interactions of glial cells on disease progression of neurodegeneration.

Apart from the signaling pathways within neurons, cell-cell interaction between glia and neurons is also an important target for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. For example, how immune responses in the central nervous system affect the fate of neurons in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson disease and glaucoma is another thematic study in our group. Immune responses do not often occur in the brain, but only in the presence of potent immune stimulants or neuronal injuries. Innate immune components such as microglial cells are affected by normal neurotransmission and neurons. One of our research topics is to study how immune responses of glial cells in the eye affect the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma.

  1. Pharmacological targeting and drug discovery from herbal medicine for neurodegenerative diseases

With all the above basic science studies, we are able to engage in applied research in searching for neuroprotective agents from Chinese medicine to natural products. Through the collaboration with colleagues in School of Biological Science, we have identified several compounds that have high potentials to be neuroprotective agents. We are attempting to develop and commercialize some of the products into pharmaceutical market. We believe that prevention of neurodegeneration is better than treatment.

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Selected Publications

(since 2000 the year I joined HKU, *correspondence author)

Alzheimer’s Disease Research and Drug Discovery in this Area:

  1. Chiu, K., Chan, T. F., Wu, A., Leung, I. Y. P., So, K. F., Chang, R. C. C.* (2012) Neurodegeneration in the retina of mouse models of Alzheimer's disease: what can we learn from the retina?  AGE, In Press (DOI: 10.1007/S11357-011-9260-2).

  2. Ho, Y. S., Yang, X. F., Lau, J. C. F., Hung, C. H. L., Wuwongse, S., Zhang, Q., Wang, J. Z., Baum, L., So, K. F. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2012) Endoplasmic reticulum stress induces tau pathology and forms a vicious cycle: Implication in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. J. Alz. Dis., In Press.

  3. Ho, Y. S.. So, K. F. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2011) Drug discovery from Chinese Medicine against neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.  Chinese Medicine, 6:15.

  4. Cheung, Y. T., Zhang, N. Q., Hung, C. H. L., Lai, C. S. W., Yu, M. S., So, K. F. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2011) Temporal relationships of autophagy and neuronal apoptosis in low molecular weight β-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. J. Cell. Mol. Med., 15, 244-257.

  5. Hung, C.H.L., Ho, Y. S. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2010) Modulation of mitochondrial calcium as a pharmacological target for Alzheimer's disease.  Ageing Res. Rev., 9, 447-456.

  6. Wuwongse, S., Chang, R. C. C.* and Law, A. C. K. (2010)  The putative neurodegenerative links between depression and Alzheimer's disease, Prog. Neurobiol., 91, 362-375.

  7. Chang, R. C. C.*, Ho, Y. S., Yu, M. S. and So, K. F. (2010) Medicinal and nutraceutical uses of wolfberry in preventing neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. In: Charles Ramassamy and Stéphane Bastianetto Eds. Recent Advances on Nutrition and Alzheimer's disease. (Book Chapter). pp169-185.

  8. Chang, R. C. C.*, Chao, J., Yu, M. S. and Wang, M. (2010) Neuroprotective effects of oxyresveratrol from fruit against neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. In: Charles Ramassamy and Stéphane Bastianetto Eds. Recent Advances on Nutrition and Alzheimer's disease. (Book Chapter). pp165-168.

  9. Ho, Y. S., Yu, M. S., Yang, X., So, K. F., Yuen, W. H. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2010) Neuroprotective effects of polysaccharides from Wolfberry antagonize homocysteine-induced toxicity in rat cortical neurons. J. Alz. Dis., 19, 813-827.

  10. Yu, J. T., Chang, R. C. C. and Tan, L. (2009) Calcium dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease: From basic mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities. Prog. Neurobiol., 89, 240-255.

  11. Hugon, J., Paquet, C. and Chang, R. C. C. (2009) Could PKR inhibition modulate human neurodegeneration? Expert Rev. Neurother., 9, 1455-1457.

  12. Lai, C. S. W., Preisler, J., Baum, L., Lee, D. H. S., Ng, H. K., Hugon, J., So, K. F., and Chang, R. C. C.* (2009) Low molecular weight Aβ induces collapse of endoplasmic reticulum. Mol. Cell. Neurosci., 41, 32-43.        

  13.  Ho, Y. S., Yik, S. Y., Yu, M. S., So, K. F., Yuen, W. H. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2009) Anti-aging Lycium barbarum antagonizes glutamate excitotoxicity in rat cortical neurons. Cell. Mol. Neurobiol., 29, 1233-1244.                        

  14. Lai, C. S. W., Yu, M. S., Yuen, W. H., So, K. F., Zee, S. Y. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2008) Neuroprotective effects of anti-aging fungus Gandoderma lucidum. Brain Res., 1190, 215-224.

  15. Chang, R. C. C.*, Yu, M. S. and Lai, C. S. W. (2007) Significance of molecular signaling for protein translation control in neurodegenerative diseases. Neurosignals, 15, 249-258. (invited review)

  16. Yu, M. S., Lai, C. S. W., Ho, Y. S., Zee, S. Y., So, K. F., Yuen, W. H. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2007) Characterization of the effects of anti-aging medicine Fructus Lycii on beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. Intl. J. Mol. Med., 20, 261-268.

  17. Yu, M. S., Wong, A. Y. Y., So, K. F., Fang, J. N., Yuen, W. H. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2007) New polysaccharide from Nerium indicum protects neurons via stress kinase signaling pathway. Brain Res., 1153, 221-230.

  18. Ho, Y. S., Yu, M. S., Lai, C. S. W., So, K. F., Yuen, W. H. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2007) Characterizing the neuroprotective effects of alkaline extract of Lycium barbarum on β-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. Brain Res., 1158, 123-134.

  19. Chiu, K., Lau, W. M., Lau, H. T., So, K. F. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2007) Micro-dissection of rat brain for RNA and protein extraction from specific brain region. J. Vis. Exp., (08/30/07) 7, http://www.jove.com/index/Details.stp?ID=269.

  20. Yu, M. S., Suen, K. C., Kwok, N. S., So, K. F., Hugon, J. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2006) Beta-amyloid peptide induces neuronal apoptosis via a mechanism independent of unfolded protein responses. Apoptosis, 11, 687-700.                       

  21. Lai, S. W., Yu, M. S., Yuen, W. H. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2006) Novel neuroprotective effects of the aqueous extracts from Verbena officinalis Linn. Neuropharmacology 50, 641-650.                                      

  22. Yu, M. S., Leung, S. K. Y., Che, C. M., Zee, S. Y., So, K. F., Yuen, W. H. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2005) Neuroprotective effects of an anti-aging Chinese medicine Lycium barbarum against β-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. Exp. Geronotol.40, 716-727.

  23. Lin, K. F., Chang, R. C. C., Suen, K. C., So, K. F., and Hugon, J. (2004) Modulation of calcium/calmodulin kinase II attenuates β-amyloid peptide-induced neurotoxicity. Eur. J. Neurosci. 19, 2047-2055.                        

  24. Yu, M. S., Lai, S. W., Lin, K. F., Fang, J. N., Yuen, W. H. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2004) Characterization of polysaccharides from the flowers of Nerium indicum and their neuroprotective effects. Intl. J. Mol. Med., 14, 917-924.               

  25. Suen, K. C., Yu, M. S., So, K. F., Chang, R. C. C.* and Hugon, J. (2003) The upstream pathway of double-stranded RNA-dependent serine/threonine kinase activation in neurons exposed to β-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. J. Biol. Chem. 278, 49819-49827.

  26. Suen, K. C., Elyaman, W., Lin, K. F., So, K. F. Chang, R. C. C.* and Hugon, J. (2003) Reduction of intracellular calcium increase provides partial neuroprotection against β-amyloid peptide toxicity, significance of endoplasmic reticulum stress. J. Neurochem. 87, 1413-1426.

  27. Chang, R. C. C., Suen, K. C., Ma, C. H., Elyaman, W., Ng, H. K. and Hugon, J. (2002) Involvement of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase and phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha in neuronal degeneration. J. Neurochem. 83, 1215-1225.

  28. Chang, R. C. C., Wong, A. K. Y., Ng, H. K. and Hugon, J. (2002) Phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF2α) is associated with neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease. NeuroReport 13, 2429-2432.

  29. Elyaman, W., Terro, F., Suen, K. C., Yardin, C. Chang, R. C. C. and Hugon, J. (2002) BAD and Bcl-2 regulation are early events linking neuronal endoplasmic reticulum stress to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Mol. Brain Res. 109: 233-238.

Neurodegeneration in Glaucoma Research and Drug Discovery in this Area:

  1. Chan, T. F., Chiu, K., Lok, C.K. M., Lau, H. W., So, K. F., Chang, R. C. C.* (2012) Morphometric analysis of retinal sections, J. Vis. Exp., e3377, DOI: 10.3791/3377.  In press (http://www.jove.com/details.php?id=3377).

  2. Chiu, K., So, K. F., Chang, R. C. C.* (2011) Immune modulation in glaucoma - can manipulation on microglia activation help? In: Martin Kofronova & Tomaš Kubena Eds. The Mystery of Glaucoma; InTech Open Access Publisher (Book Chapter). Chapter 14, 257-268.  (ISBN: 978-953-307-567-9).

  3. Chiu, K., Liang, Y. X., Chang, R. C. C., So, K. F. (2011) Lycium barbarum L.: a neuroprotective drug for glaucoma枸杞子–青光眼的神经保护劑. Ophthalmol. CHN. (眼科), 20, 21-27.

  4. So, K. F. and Chang, R. C .C. (2010) Ginseng, Wolfberry, Bilberry in “Section 8: Non-pharmaceutical Medications and Approaches”. In: R.N. Weinreb & J. Liebmann Eds. Medical Treatment of Glaucoma: World Glaucoma Association Consensus Series 7. Kugler Publication (Book Chapter) pp239-242.

  5. Chiu, K., Zhou, Y., Yeung, S. C., Lok, C. K. M., Chan, O. O. C., Chang, R. C. C.*, So, K. F. and Chiu, J. F. (2010) Up-regulation of crystallins is involved in neuroprotective effects of Wolfberry on survival of retinal ganglion cells in rat ocular hypertension model.  J. Cell. Biochem., 110, 311-320.

  6. Chiu, K., Yeung, S. C., So, K. F. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2010) Modulation of morphological changes of microglia and neuroprotection by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in experimental glaucoma. Cell. Mol. Immunol., 7, 61-68.

  7. Chiu, K., Chan, H. C., Yeung, S. C., Yuen, W. H., Zee, S. Y., Chang, R. C. C.* and So, K. F. (2009) Modulation of microglia by Wolfberry on the survival of retinal ganglion cells in a rat ocular hypertension model. J. Ocular Biol. Dis. Informatics, 2, 127-136.

  8. Chiu, K., Lau, W. M., Yeung, S. C., Chang, R. C. C.* and So, K. F. (2008) Retrograde labeling of retinal ganglion cells by application of Fluoro-Gold on the surface of superior colliculus. J. Vis. Exp., (06/01/08) 16, http://www.jove.com/index/Details.stp?ID=819.

  9. Chan, H. C., Chang, R. C. C., Ip, A. K. C., Chiu, K., Yuen, W. H., Zee, S. Y. and So, K. F. (2007) Neuroprotective effects of Lycium barbarum Lynn, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine in protecting retinal ganglion cells in an ocular hypertension model of glaucoma. Exp. Neurol., 203, 269-273.

  10. Chiu, K., Chang, R. C. C.* and So, K. F. (2007) Laser induced chronic ocular hypertension model on SD rats. J. Vis. Exp., (12/01/07) 10, http://www.jove.com/index/Details.stp?ID=549.  

  11. Chiu, K., Chang, R. C. C.* and So, K. F. (2007) Intravitreous injection for establishing ocular disease model. J. Vis. Exp., (10/01/07) 8, http://www.jove.com/index/Details.stp?ID=313.

Parkinson’s Disease Research and Drug Discovery in this Area:

  1. Chao, J., Leung, Y., Wang, M., Chang, R. C. C.* (2012) Nutraceuticals and their preventive or potential therapeutic value for Parkinson's disease.  Nutr. Rev., In press.

  2. Chao, J., Lau, K. W., Huie, M. J., Ho, Y. S., Yu, M. S., Lai C. S. W., Wang, M., Yuen, W. H., Lam, W. H., Chan, T. H. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2010) A pro-drug of the green tea polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) prevents differentiated SH-SY5Y cells from toxicity induced by 6-hydroxydopamine. Neurosci. Letters, 469, 360-364.

  3. Chao, J., Li, H., Cheng, K. W., Yu, M. S., Chang, R. C. C.* and Wang, M. (2010) Protective effects of pinostilbene, a resveratrol methylated derivative, against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. J. Nutr. Biochem., 21, 482-489.

  4. Cheung, Y. T., Lau, W. K. W. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2010) What do we need to concern in using cell line for neurotoxicology research, differentiation or disturbance of intracellular signaling? NeuroToxicology, 31, 164-166. (Letter to Editor)

  5. Cheung, Y. T., Lau, W. K. W., Yu, M. S., Lai, C. S. W., Yeung, S. Z., So, K. F. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2009) Effects of all-trans retinoic acid on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y as in vitro model of neurotoxicity research. NeuroToxicology, 30, 127-135.

  6. Chao, J., Yu, M. S., Ho, Y. S., Wang, M. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2008) Oxyresveratrol prevents Parkinsonian mimetic 6-hydroxydopamine neurotoxicity. Free Radic. Biol. Med., 45, 1019-1026.

Herbal Medicine Research in Aging and Aging-related Neurodegenerative Diseases:

  1. Ho, Y. S., Poon, D. C. H., Chan, T. F., Chang, R. C. C.* (2012) From small to big molecules: how do we prevent and delay progression of aging-related neurodegeneration?  Curr. Pharma. Design, In press.

  2. Ho, Y. S., Chiu K., Hung C. H. L. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2011) Holistic approach versus scientific evidence, what do we know about anti-aging herbal medicine in aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases?  In Akhlaq A. Farooqui Ed: Phytochemicals and Human Health: Pharmacological and Molecular Aspects.  (Book Chapter) Chapter 6 , p157-186 (ISBN: 978-1-61761-196-4). 

  3. Ho, Y. S., Hung, C. H. L., Chang, R. C. C.* (2011) Green tea and neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease.  In: Victor R. Preedy Ed.  Tea in Health and Disease Prevention Elsevier Publisher (Book Chapter).  In Press.    

  4. Ho, Y. S., So, K. F. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2010) Anti-aging herbal medicine – how and why can they be used in aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases? Ageing Res. Rev., 9, 354-362.

  5. Chang, R. C. C.* and So, K. F. (2008) Use of anti-aging herbal medicine, Lycium barbarum, against aging-associated diseases. What do we know so far? Cell. Mol. Neurobiol., 28, 643-652. (Invited review)        

  6. Sze, S. C. W., Song, J., Chang, R. C. C., Zhang, K. Y., Wong, R. N. S. and Yao, T. (2008) Recent advances on anti-aging profile of Fructus Lycii: An ancient Chinese herbal medicine. J. Compl. Alt. Med., 5, (1), Article 8. Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jcim/vol5/iss1/8.

  7. Chang, M. P., Chang, R. C. C., Wang, M. and So, K. F. (2008) A review on the laboratory investigations and epidemiological studies of black tea, In: Chi-Tang Ho, James E. Simon, Fereidoon Shahidi and Yu Shao, ACS Symposium Series 987, Dietary Supplements. Washington, DC, American Chemical Society. (Book chapter)

  8. Yu, M. S., Ho, Y. S., So, K. F., Yuen, W. H. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2006) Cytoprotective effects of Lycium barbarum against reducing stress on endoplasmic reticulum. Intl. J. Mol. Med., 17, 1157-1162.                                           

  9. Fang, X., Chang, R. C. C.* Yuen, W. H. and Zee, S. Y. (2005) Immune modulatory effects of Prunella Valgaris L. Intl. J. Mol. Med. 15, 491-496.

  10. Fang, X., Yu, M. S., Yuen, W. H., Zee, S. Y. and Chang, R. C. C.* (2005) Immune modulatory effects of Prunella Valgaris L. on monocytes/macrophages. Intl. J. Mol. Med., 16, 1109-1116.

Neuroimmunology and Neuroinflammation Research:

  1. Chang, R. C. C.*, Chiu, K., Ho, Y. S. and So, K. F. (2009) Modulation of neuroimmune responses on glia in the central nervous system: implication in therapeutic intervention against neuroinflammation. Cell. Mol. Immunol., 6, 317-326.

  2. Jeohn, G. H., Cooper, C., Wilson, B., Chang, R. C. C., Jang, K., Kim, H. Liu, B. and Hong, J. S. (2002): p38 kinase is involved in LPS-induced dopaminergic neuronal cell death in rat mescenphalic neuron-glia cultures. Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 962: 332-346.                             

  3. Chang, R. C. C., Tsang, D. and Stadlin, A. (2001): The effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha on taurine uptake in cultured rat astrocytes. Neurochem. Intl. 38: 251-256.                    

  4. Chang, R. C. C.*, Chen, W., Hudson, P., Wilson, B., Han, S. K. and Hong, J. S. (2001) Neurons reduce glial responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and prevent injury of microglial cells from over-activation by LPS. J. Neurochem. 76: 1042-1049.

  5. Chang, R. C. C., Hudson, P., Wilson, B., Haddon, L. and Hong J. S. (2000) Influence of neurons on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha by glia. Brain Res. 853: 236-244.

  6. Chang, R. C. C., Hudson, P., Wilson, B., Liu, B., Abel, H. and Hong, J. S. (2000) High concentrations of extracellular potassium enhance bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide-induced neurotoxicity. Neuroscience 97: 757-764.

  7. Chang, R. C. C.*, Hudson, P., Wilson, B., Liu, B., Abel, H., Hemperly, J. and Hong, J. S. (2000) Immune modulatory effect of neural cell adhesion molecules on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated nitric oxide production by cultured glia. Mol. Brain Res. 81: 197-201. 

  8. Chang, R. C. C., Rota, C., Glover, R., Mason, R. and Hong, J. S. (2000) A novel effect of opioid receptor antagonist naloxone on the production of reactive oxygen species by microglia: A study of free radical by electroparamagnetic resonance. Brain Res. 854: 224-229.                              

  9. Liu, B., Du, L., Kong, L. Y., Hudson, P. M., Wilson, B. C., Chang, R. C., Abel, H. and Hong, J. S. (2000) Reduction of lipopolysaccharide induced- and microglial activation mediated-neurotoxicity in mouse cortical neuron-glia co-cultures by naloxone. Neuroscience 97: 749-756.

  10. Jeohn, G. H., Chang, R. C. C., Kim W. G., Wilson, B., Mohney R. P., Wetsel, W. C. and Hong, J. S. (2000) Post-transcriptional inhibition of lipopolysaccharide-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase by Gö6976 in murine microglia. Mol. Brain Res. 79: 18-31.

Other Collaborative Research:

  1. Xiao, J., Liong, E. C., Ching, Y. P., Chang, R. C. C., So, K. F., Fung, M. L., Tipoe, G. L. (2012) Lycium barbarum polysaccharides protect mice liver from carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and necroinflammation. J. Ethanopharmacol., In press. (doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.11.033).

  2. Lau, B. W., Ren, C., Yang, J., Yan, S. W., Chang, R. C. C., Pu, M., So, K. F. (2011) Light deprivation induces depression-like behavior and suppresses neurogenesis in diurnal Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). Cell Transplant 20, 871-881.

  3. Li, S. Y., Yang, D., Yeung, C. M., Yu, W. Y., Chang, R. C. C., So, K. F., Wong, D., Lo, A. C. Y. (2011) Lycium Barbarum Polysaccharides reduce Neuronal Damage, Blood-retinal Barrier Disruption and Oxidative Stress in Retinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury. PLos One, e16380.

  4. Zheng, Z. P., Ma, J., Cheng, K. W., Chao, J., Zhu, Q., Chang, R. C. C., Zhao, M., Lin, Z. X., Wang, M. (2010)  Sulfur-containing constituents and one 1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid derivative from pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.] fruit.  Phytochemistry, 17-18, 2046-2051.

  5. Peng, X., Ma, J., Chao, J., Sun, Z., Chang, R. C. C., Tse, I., Li, E. T., Chen F., Wang, M. (2010) Beneficial effects of cinnamon proanthocyanidins on the formation of specific advanced glycation endproducts and methylglyoxal-induced impairment on glucose consumption.  J. Agric Food Chem., 58, 6692-6696.

  6.  Yu, H. T., Chan, W. W. L., Chai, K. H., Lee. C. W. C., Chang, R. C. C., Yu, M. S., McLoughlin, D. M., Miller, C. C. J. and Lau, K. F. (2010) Transcriptional regulation of human FE65, a ligand of Alzheimer’s disease amyloid precursor protein, by Sp1. J. Cell. Biochem., 109, 782-783.

  7. Lau, K. F., Chan, W. M., Perkinton, M. S., Tudor, E. L., Chang, R. C. C., Chan, H. Y. E., McLoughlin, D. M. and Miller, C. C. J. (2008) Derax1 interacts with Fe65 to regulate Fe65-amyloid precursor protein dependent transcription. J. Biol. Chem., 283: 34728-34737.

  8. Wong, H. K., Wang, X., Chang, R. C. C., Feng, H., Wang, Q., Lo, K. W., Huang, D. P., Yuen, P. W., Wong, Y. C. and Tsao, S. W. (2005) Stable expression of EBERs in immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cells confers resistance to apoptotic stress. Mol. Carcinogen., 44: 92-101.

  9. Ringel, F., Chang, R. C. C., Staub, F., Baethmann, A. and Plesnila, N. (2000) The contribution of anion transporters to the acidosis-induced swelling and intracellular acidification of glial cells. J. Neurochem. 75: 125-132.

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Collaborations

Dr. Chang is a founding member and secretary of HKU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Network, aiming to bridge all investigators in HKU for Alzheimer’s disease research. Besides collaborations within the department and with other departments at HKU, collaborative efforts have been made with other local universities such as the Chinese University of the Hong Kong (Dr. KF Lau, Dr. Larry Baum and Prof. HK Ng). In addition, collaboration is also continued with research groups at the National Institutes of Health, USA, Professor Philip Wong at Department of Pathology/Alzheimer Disease Research Centre, John Hopkins University, USA; Professor Jacques Hugon at Alzheimer Clinical Centre, University of Paris 7, France; Professor Jianzhi Wang at Pathophysiology Department, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; Professor Weidong Le at Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Dr. Xifei Yang at Shenzhen Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China;  Professors JZ Ni and Qiong Liu at the College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.  Apart from research, the laboratory actively engages in neuroscience education in high school (secondary school in Hong Kong). Together with Dr. Andrew Suen at Po Leung Kuk Laws Foundation College, Hong Kong, we have established research oriented educational program to teach and nurture our future young neuroscientists in Hong Kong in neurodegenerative diseases research. Our effort has been awarded by Society for Neuroscience for the Neuroscientist-Teacher Partner Award in 2006.

 

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