Dr Chak Kwong CHENG (Andy), a RGC Postdoctoral Fellow in Prof. HUANG Yu’s laboratory in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, was awarded a Young Investigator Award (Second Place) at the 2022 ACRE/CAAC/CNAHA Joint Symposium. The online symposium was held on 19 November 2022, co-organised by the Academy of Cardiovascular Research Excellence (ACRE), Chinese American Academy of Cardiology (CAAC) and Chinese American Heart Association (CNAHA). Dr Cheng presented his findings on the protective role of key mitochondrial antioxidant protein uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), by elucidating that UCP2 as a novel mechanosensitive gene under the control of fluid shear stress and the transcription factor KLF2 in endothelial cells. The UCP2 expression in endothelial cells is pivotal for the regulation of inflammation and atherogenesis. Strategies enhancing UCP2 level may have therapeutic potential against atherosclerotic vascular diseases. This piece of work has recently been published by Circulation Research on 19 August 2022 with Dr Cheng being the co-first author.

The joint symposium was an academic meeting highlighting the latest scientific advancement in the areas of cardiovascular research. Please browse the symposium website for more information.