Program Website
http://ias.ust.hk/events/202511fcbe/
Overview
Epigenetics is the study of how gene activity is controlled in a heritable manner without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic changes refer to chemical modifications to DNA that can turn genes on or off, or to histone modifications that mark the chromatin for transcriptional instructions. A unit of chromatin is known as a nucleosome, which consists of eight histone subunits bound to DNA. Epigenetic inheritance refers to the transfer of histones from parental DNA to daughter DNAs while coupled to DNA replication and is known to be a key factor in cancer development. The aim of this focused program is to bring together diverse participants interested in this broad topic to share the latest in their respective subfields. We hope to bring together scientists who are interested in epigenetics, DNA replication, transcription and cancer biology with a focus on chromatin biology.
Organizers
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Yuanliang ZHAI, HKUST (Chair)
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Bik-kwoon TYE, Cornell University & HKUST
(IAS Senior Visting Fellow) -
Toyotaka ISHIBASHI, HKUST
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Danny LEUNG, HKUST
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Xiang David LI, The University of Hong Kong
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Keda ZHOU, The University of Hong Kong
Co-sponsors
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Croucher Foundation
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K. C. WONG Education Foundation
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Global Engagement and Communications Office, HKUST
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School of Science, HKUST
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Division of Life Science, HKUST
Enquiries
For further enquiries, please contact the program secretariat at ias2025fcbe@ust.hk.
Abstract
Genetically modified animal models have been extensively used to investigate the pathogenesis of age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer (AD), Parkinson (PD), Huntington (HD) diseases, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The common feature of these diseases is the age-dependent accumulation of misfolded proteins in the brain, which can be recapitulated in a variety of mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases. However, the brains of transgenic mouse models of AD, PD, and HD do not show the striking neuronal loss or degeneration that is a typical pathological feature in patient brains. Species differences between small animals and humans may account for differential pathology in transgenic mouse models and patient brains. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to modify the endogenous disease genes in large animals (pigs and monkeys), the speaker and his research team demonstrate that typical neuropathological features can be mimicked in the brains of large animals. The findings underscore the importance of using large mammals to investigate the pathogenesis of important brain diseases and their therapeutics.
About the Speaker
Prof. LI Xiao-Jiang is a Professor at Jinan University. He also serves as the Director of the Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-human Primate Research.
Prof. Li obtained his PhD from Oregon Health & Science University and completed his postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University in the US. From 1996 to 2019, he worked in the Department of Human Genetics at Emory University, where he was promoted to tenured full professor in 2005 and has held the title of Distinguished Professor since 2007. Between 2012 and 2016, he conducted research at the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to establish large animal models of human diseases. In 2019, he joined Jinan University on a full-time basis and currently holds a professorship at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration at Jinan University.
Prof. Li is dedicated to studying early nervous system development, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases, employing transgenic disease animal models such as mice, pigs, and monkeys. He is currently focused on elucidating pathogenic mechanisms using genetically modified large animal models. His research findings have been published in over 250 international journals, including reputable publications like Cell and Nature, with cumulative citations exceeding 33,810 and an H-index of 95.
For Attendees' Attention
Seating is on a first come, first served basis.
To support the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, HKUST Connect has designed a series of games to educate our future generations. Collaborating with P.L.K. Fung Ching Memorial Primary School, you will have the opportunity to manage one of the SDG-themed game booths. Through these engaging activities, you can educate primary students about sustainable development and global citizenship. Join us in creating a brighter future!
為支持聯合國2030年可持續發展議程，科大侍學行設計了一系列的遊戲以教育學生。我們將與保良局馮晴紀念小學合作，你將會有機會負責其中一個以可持續發展為主題的攤位。通過有趣的活動，你能教育小學生有關於可持續發展及全球公民意識。齊來參加，教育我們的下一代！
Briefing
Date: 20 Jan 2026 (Tue)
Time: 2:30 - 3:30pm
Venue: HKUST Campus
Service
Date: 21 Jan 2026 (Wed)
Time: 2 - 4pm
Venue: Hang Hau
# You are required to attend the whole service program, including Briefing, Service & Debriefing.
Remark:1. Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email from connect@ust.hk, and will be able to find their application status listed as "Confirmed" on the Social Career portal/app.
2. [HMAW1905] This is a recognized event in the "Self-directed Experience" component of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 3 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10 mins.
3. Upon completion of the service, the actual service hours will be subjected to the confirmation of the partner association.
4. Enquiry: forrest.kwan@ust.hk
Sign up here by 15/01/2026 11:59PM
https://app.socialcareer.org/en/volunteers/be97a765-9ea9-422a-9905-622e5e47fa59
Sustainable Development Goal(s):SDG 4