ABOUT
Hong-Wen Tang
Assistant Professor
Ph.D.
Institute of Biochemistry, National Taiwan University
- Harvard Medical School, Postdoctoral fellow, RNA metabolism, 2014-2020
- Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP) fellow, 2015
- Assistant Professor, Cancer & Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School,2020-present
- Adjoint Principal Investigator, Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Center Singapore, 2021-present
I am currently an Assistant Professor at Duke-NUS. My laboratory was commissioned in December 2020 and has employed molecular, biochemical, and genetic approaches to study the roles of RNA metabolism in muscle homeostasis under different physiological and pathological conditions. In these years, we have built up a strong lab with members having diverse expertise and experience in fly, mouse, and cellular work.
OUR TEAM
Dr Kenon Chua Ser
Consultant
MBBS (S'pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho Surg), MCI, FRCSEd (Ortho)
Singapore General Hospital
Kah Yong Goh
Senior Research Fellow
Ph.D.
University of Alabama (UAB), Birmingham
During my graduate studies, I investigated how mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress drive pathogenesis in cardiovascular disease. After graduation, I pursued my first post-doctoral fellowship at National Cancer Center Singapore (NCCS) to study the effects of targeted therapies on cancer. Currently, I'm researching the role of autophagy during tumorigenesis and am inspired to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting cancer.
Gopal Krishnan Priyadarshini
Research Fellow
Ph.D.
The University of Western Australia, Perth
My Phd research was based on identifying Rab proteins as potent regulators of the PI3K/mTOR signalling axis and regulating these Rab proteins to reverse the cancerous phenotype in aggressive breast cancer. I have a keen interest in signalling mechanisms and am currently working on uncovering new regulators in both sarcopenia and cancer cachexia, utilizing Drosophila and mouse as model system
Yuanli Wang
Visiting Research Fellow
Associate Professor
The First People's Hospital of Qinzhou, China
I completed my PhD and postdoctoral training in molecular biology, mainly focusing on gene regulation and disease-related molecular mechanisms. I have established a Precision Medicine Laboratory at the First People's Hospital of Qinzhou, where I have been primarily engaged in molecular diagnostics and the clinical application of next-generation sequencing (NGS). Currently, as a visiting scholar at Duke-NUS Medical School, my research focuses on sarcopenia and cancer cachexia, particularly the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle wasting and cancer-associated metabolic changes.
Chi Peng
PhD Student
Ph.D. (In Progress)
Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
I am a PhD student in the lab. My prior research centred on developmental biology, working with mouse cerebellar granule neuron progenitors and Drosophila ovarian follicle stem cells. Currently, I study muscle stem cells and cross‑tissue communication, with the goal of understanding how inter‑organ signals regulate stem‑cell function and tissue homeostasis.
Shi Chee Ong
PhD student
Ph.D. (In Progress)
Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
I have a deep interest in research and a genuine curiosity for uncovering how our bodies work, especially as we age. My current work looks into the molecular mechanisms behind sarcopenia, a condition where muscle mass and strength gradually decline with age. As populations around the world grow older, understanding the biology behind this condition feels especially meaningful.
Qizhou Jiang
PhD Student
Ph.D. (In Progress)
Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
My research centers on autophagy, a topic I have pursued since my undergraduate years. I am especially interested in mitophagy and how its dysregulation disrupts mitochondrial quality control, triggers inflammatory pathways, and ultimately reshapes the cellular microenvironment.
Weiyi Jiang
Research Assistant
Bachelor
Soochow University, China
I am deeply interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases. In my current role, I am excited to further explore the molecular basis of muscle function and aging-related conditions. I enjoy experimental work and value the process of translating basic mechanisms into insights with potential therapeutic relevance.
Priscillia Choy
Research Assistant
Bachelor (Hons)
International Medical University (IMU), Malaysia
Research is interesting and challenging, but I always enjoy myself during the experiments as it allowed me to gain deeper understanding on the molecular biology. My current project is focusing on the identification of novel regulators controlling muscle stem cells in sarcopenia and I am excited to be a part of an adventure that will change the face of the future.
Alice Ng Jie Ying
Research Associate
Master’s Degree
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
I am passionate about scientific innovation, continuous learning, and translating research into real-world healthcare applications. In my current role, I am exploring the development and application of biomaterial scaffolds for cartilage repair in orthopedic surgery. I enjoy exploring how different biomaterials can improve biocompatibility, reduce inflammation at the injury site, and support long-term cartilage regeneration, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.
Kimberly Chua
Research Intern
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
I am passionate about stem cell biology, particularly about the interplay between stem cell based-therapies and muscle degradation. I also have a great interest in cancer biology and seek to unpack and explore the different hallmarks, particularly the role of immunology in disease progression. By deepening my understanding on molecular mechanisms and disease, I wish to contribute by unravelling the complexities of diseases and aid in the advancement of translational research and improved therapeutic strategies.
Jiayue Wang
Research Intern
Bachelor (Hons) (In progress)
Nanyang Technological University
I am Jiayue, a current Y3 undergraduate studying Biological Sciences. Stem Cell research is a new area for me which I am excited to explore, develop my skills, and explore the potential of stem cells in understanding health and disease. Hopefully, the skills and knowledge acquired is able to make meaningful contributions to the healthcare landscape and advancement to translational medicine.
Lakshanya Murrali
Research Intern
Bachelor (Hons) (In progress)
PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India
The complexity of the human body is what first sparked my interest in science and continues to draw me towards research. Choosing biotechnology gave me the opportunity to explore the molecular basis of life, while my first research experience introduced me to experimental biology and strengthened my interest in laboratory research. My current work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate cellular metabolism and signalling in the context of cancer, and I am particularly interested in how these pathways contribute to disease progression. I enjoy exploring biological questions at the molecular level and hope to contribute to research that expands our understanding of human disease and opens new possibilities for future therapies.
Our Alumni
2024-2026
Assistant Prof Qian Gou
Independent Assistant Professor
Yangzhou University, Jiangsu (China)
2022-2026
Dr Wen Xing Lee
Graduated PhD student (Year 2026)
2023-2024
Dr Xujun Han
Assistant Professor
University of Kanazawa, Kanazawa (Japan)
Research internship student
2026
Lakshanya Murrali (PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, India)
2025
Weiyi Jiang (Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China)
Current Research Assistant
2023-2024
Lewin Raymarc Roldan Turqueza (National University of Singapore)
Current MD student in Duke-NUS Medical School
Global Undergraduate Award 2025
2023
Mariana Quesada Urera (Yale-NUS College)
Current Bioinformatician in Singapore General Hospital
2023
Wee Pin Lim (Singapore Polytechnic)
2022
Victoria Tan (Temasek Polytechnic)
2021
L Krishaa (National University of Singapore)
Current MD student in Duke-NUS Medical School
Visiting research fellow
2025-present
Associate Prof Yuanli Wang
Director of the Precision Medicine Laboratory
TheFirst People's Hospital of Qinzhou, Guangxi (China)
2023-2024
Assistant Professor Dr Wang Hua Xin
University of Jinan, Shandong (China)
2022-2023
Dr Xiaoping Li
Deputy Chief Surgeon
Jiangmen Central Hospital, Guangdong (China)