Research Philosophy
I believe the key to understanding health and disease lies in the intricate dialogue between our cells and their surrounding environment. Normal and neoplastic cells are surrounded by a non-cellular network that exerts complex effects on their function. Elucidating the fundamental processes that govern this microenvironment is crucial for our understanding of cell behavior in both physiological and pathological conditions, forming the foundation of my research.
Core Research Pillars
Extracellular Matrix & Aging
My research focuses on the proteolytic enzymes that control extracellular matrix remodeling. By understanding how these proteinases are regulated, we gain new insights into the mechanisms underlying energy intake, metabolic homeostasis, inflammation, and cancer, laying the framework for new fields of research in tissue homeostasis and disease pathogenesis.
Host-Microbiome Dynamics
The gut microbiota is a vast ecosystem that performs crucial functions. Viewing the human as a "meta-organism," my work explores the co-evolution and molecular machinery that control host-microbial mutualism. This research contributes to the era of microbiome-based personalized medicine by unraveling aspects of host-microbiome crosstalk.
WONG Hoi-Leong Xavier
Professor
Teaching and Research Division
School of Chinese Medicine
Hong Kong Baptist University