Thrilled to Congratulate ABCT Prof. Ko on Nature Communications Breakthrough!
The PolyU team, led by Prof. Ben Ko Chi-bun of the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT), their study uncovers the key mechanism behind the antiviral and neuroprotective effects of tetrandrine, a compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine.
By utilizing advanced photoaffinity probe technology and multi-omics analysis, Prof. Ko’s team discovered that tetrandrine targets the lysosomal protein LIMP-2, regulating calcium signalling in cells—a breakthrough that opens new avenues for treating viral infections (including Ebola and COVID-19) and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The PolyU team’s integrated technology platform enables the comprehensive study of natural compounds and their molecular targets, paving the way for innovative drug development. This research demonstrates how modern analytical approaches can revitalize traditional Chinese medicine by translating its natural products into scientifically validated therapeutic agents.
This remarkable achievement highlights the team’s dedication to advancing biomedical research and demonstrates how modern science can revitalize traditional medicine for innovative drug discovery.
Congratulation to Professor Ko and his team!
