Prof. Chun-kit KWOK

Award Citation

Professor Kwok's outstanding contributions to the field of RNA science are developing biochemical technologies to decipher the hidden layers of information in non-canonical RNA structures, such as RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s). He has pioneered the innovative development of nucleic acid aptamers for targeting functional RNA structures, specifically RNA G4s. This advancement has unlocked their potential applications in biology and therapy. Additionally, his work has explored the possibility of utilizing novel aptamers for the detection of pollutants like antibiotics as well as pathogens in the environment. Based on these landmark studies, he has invented novel and important techniques such as rG4-SELEX and G4-SELEX-Seq to produce the first generation of G4-targeting L-RNA aptamers to recognize G4-structure of interest, inhibit G4-protein interactions, and control G4-linked gene activity. He has also established comprehensive characterization methods for L-RNA aptamers, encompassing binding affinity and specificity studies, as well as structural characterization using biophysical and biochemical techniques. These platforms hold great potential for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools to combat various diseases, particularly those related to G4 dysregulation. He has spearheaded the development and application of rG4 targeting tools and is addressing the important question on whether some of the biologically and therapeutically relevant rG4s can be used as targets for drug development. As a trained basic scientist, Professor Kwok has expanded the scope of his research from curiosity-based and hypothesis-driven inquiries to problem-based and solution-driven investigations. Next, he will continuously uncover the central RNA players in stress physiologies and diseases, reveal novel RNA-mediated gene regulations, as well as develop innovative and high-throughput aptamer-based targeting strategies for manipulation of gene expression and potential biotechnological applications in improving the quality of human life.