We, HK-Joint-School team, aim to reduce the side effects and mitigate the financial burden of chemotherapy of lung cancer - the most prevalent cancer in Hong Kong.
In this page, we are going to show
Forming a team and choosing our project
To build a diverse team, our human practice team is founded by teachers and students from six different high schools. We all have different connections and different majors (Science, Business, Mathematics, etc.). By brainstorming in our first meeting, we identified three areas that we should focus on, Science knowledge, Safety consideration and Users’ concern. And then, we created a stakeholder map to list out which kinds of stakeholders we should find.
The timeline below shows the summary of our human practice journey and how different stakeholders affect our project.
Forming a team and choosing our project
Background
According to The American Cancer Society, it was estimated that there were 234,580 new cases of lung cancer and about 125,070 deaths from lung cancer in 2024. [1] Meanwhile, according to the Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong, there were 5978 new cases of lung cancer in 2021, while a total of 3782 people (25.7% of all cancer deaths) died from this cancer. [2] This significantly shows that lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers locally and worldwide. In both Hong Kong and globally, the issue of lung cancer has imposed a severe medical burden on society, known for the high mortality rate and new cases of lung cancer. To address the concerns stirred around the globe, our team has done a street interview (n=50) to figure out the general public's opinions regarding lung cancer.
The most common cancer in Hong Kong: Lung Cancer
Among the 50 interviewees, our survey shows that 59.5% of respondents recognize lung cancer as the most common cancer in Hong Kong, reflecting a relatively wide concern among the general public, particularly in terms of treatment, where patients often face immense suffering. However, a small proportion of them still have misconceptions related to lung cancer, which indicates the need for targeted educational initiatives to clarify the disease's causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies. These misconceptions can hinder effective prevention efforts and early detection, underscoring the importance of comprehensive public health campaigns to dispel myths and provide accurate information to the community.
The concerns of chemotherapy
At the same time, over 90% of respondents reported significant side effects from chemotherapy, including loss of appetite (96.6%), hair loss (89.3%), and vomiting (96.1%). These effects can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and inferiority among patients, severely impacting their quality of life. Additionally, 98% of interviewees agreed that the fee for cancer treatment nowadays is high, and 89% of respondents expressed concerns that cancer treatments are undeniably unaffordable, highlighting a critical barrier to accessing necessary care. The financial burden associated with treatment can lead to delays or even the decision to forgo therapy altogether, further complicating health outcomes.
Reflection
The survey highlights both awareness and challenges surrounding lung cancer treatment in Hong Kong. Side effects from chemotherapy and treatment fees are two big challenges for cancer treatment. Therefore, our team targets lung cancer and proposes a combination treatment to lower the concentration of the chemotherapy drug needed, so that it can lower the side effects and even the treatment cost.
Forming a team and choosing our project
Background
To deepen our understanding of the impact of cancer treatment and the needs of cancer patients, we interviewed Mr. Edward Wong, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer in March 2023. He underwent a total gastrectomy, resulting in the complete removal of his stomach, followed by intraperitoneal chemotherapy and abdominal washing.
Side effects of chemotherapy
During the interview, Mr. Wong shared his experience with several side effects of chemotherapy, including hair loss, dry skin, dysgeusia, vomiting and diarrhoea. These side effects have significantly disrupted his daily life. For instance, he often had to visit the bathroom frequently during the night, which resulted in poor sleep quality. Mr. Wong’s experience has reflected how chemotherapy drugs can cast harmful effects on patients, forcing them to confront both physical and emotional hurdles. It calls attention to the imperative need of innovative solutions that aim at reducing chemotherapy side effects, which ignite our passion to tackle the pain for cancer patients.
Expensive treatment
Also, the financial burden of chemotherapy is substantial and prolonged. The annual cost of the chemotherapy drug amounts to HKD 200,000, and patients are required to undergo this expensive treatment for a period of 1.5 to 2 years, which is beyond the means of the average citizen. The cost of treatment presented a significant challenge, compounded by the adverse side effects of chemotherapy.
Reflection
Those challenges encountered by Mr. Wong have inspired the development of our comprehensive project focused on addressing the critical issues surrounding cancer treatment. Our primary focus is to develop interventions aimed at substantially reducing the side effects of chemotherapy, with the overarching goal of alleviating the suffering experienced by cancer patients. By mitigating the financial burden and minimising the debilitating side effects, we aim to enhance the overall quality of life for individuals undergoing cancer treatment. By integrating these innovative therapies, we aim to modify traditional chemotherapy, transforming the patient experience and improving overall health outcomes for those affected by cancer.
Forming a team and choosing our project
Background
After we made the decision to focus on lung cancer research, we selected the A549 cell line, the adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cells, for our investigation. However, when we embarked on our investigation into which chemotherapy drugs would be most effective for targeting lung cancer, we realised that we had limited knowledge about the various chemotherapy options available and their efficacy against the specific type of cancer.
To gain a deeper understanding, we turned to the Hong Kong Cancer Fund for guidance. During that time, we had the opportunity to interview Dr. Lam. His research focuses on innovative treatment approaches and circulating tumour cells related to gastrointestinal and nasopharyngeal cancers, where he has achieved remarkable achievements.
Cisplatin instead of doxorubicin
Dr. Lam provided us with invaluable insights and indicated that cisplatin is one of the most commonly used drugs for targeting lung cancer effectively. This pivotal information allowed us to dismiss the use of doxorubicin, which had been utilised in some of our previous experiments. At the same time, Dr. Lam's endorsement of cisplatin allowed us to confidently confirm that this particular chemotherapy drug would be the focus of our experimental efforts. By making this informed decision, we aimed to ensure that our research would yield more relevant and insightful results in the fight against lung cancer.
Forming a team and choosing our project
Background
Wanting to have a clearer direction and effective way to target lung cancer, we had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Cheung Yi Chung, a Chinese medicine practitioner.
The use of Traditional Chinese medicine in cancer treatment
CMP Cheung highlights that Traditional Chinese Medicine excels in addressing the side effects of chemotherapy by providing relief from the physical and emotional exhaustion that often accompanies it. He explains that Chinese medicine, including herbal treatments like Cordyceps militaris, plays a restorative role in helping patients regain strength and well-being after aggressive cancer treatments. Cheung believes that the integration of Chinese medicine into cancer recovery is becoming more recognized and widely practised. He further stressed that integrating Chinese and Western medicine enhances the quality of life, particularly during recovery from cancer treatments.
Reflection
CMP. Cheung explained the potential benefits of a holistic cancer treatment model where both chemotherapy and Chinese medicine, with our project surrounding the use of ACPs from Cordyceps militaris, found that chemotherapy and Chinese medicine could be combined. He outlined that chemotherapy and Chinese medicine combined might not only target cancer effectively but also improve the overall recovery and well-being of patients.
Forming a team and choosing our project
Background
Wanting to have a clearer direction and effective way to target lung cancer, we had the privilege of interviewing CMP. Tse Chi Yung has a deep understanding and experience in treating patients with Chinese Medicine. CMP Tse demonstrated the value and potential efficacy of integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western medical methodologies, a concept that resonates deeply with the core of our research project.
Blending Traditional Chinese and Western medicine
Through his emphasis on the complementary role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in cancer treatment, particularly in managing side effects post-treatment, CMP Tse has underscored the importance of combining the strengths of both medical systems. By incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine as a supportive therapy alongside Western treatments, CMP Tse has shown how such an approach can provide holistic care and potentially enhance patient outcomes.
Moreover, CMP Tse's discussions on the limitations and challenges within Traditional Chinese Medicine projects, coupled with his suggestions for comparing project effectiveness with Western methods to establish credibility, have highlighted the necessity of leveraging Western scientific rigour within Traditional Chinese Medicine research.
Reflection
By drawing inspiration from CMP Tse's insights, our project is uniquely positioned to blend the wisdom of TCM with the precision and advancements of Western medical techniques. Through this harmonious integration, we aim to develop a novel approach that not only respects the traditions of TCM but also embraces the analytical power of Western methodologies, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive and effective strategy for combating cancer.
Forming a team and choosing our project
Background
In order to reconfirm that the idea of blending Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine is valid and appropriate, we had a beneficial interview with Dr. Cho Chi Shing William. A Chinese medicine practitioner.
The use of Traditional Chinese medicine in drug resistance and synergistic effects
We sought advice from Dr. Cho related to drug resistance. Dr. Cho concluded that drug resistance is a significant challenge. Investigating the synergistic effects of anticancer peptides may help overcome this resistance, making it a suitable approach to address lung cancer. Bsides, Dr. Cho mentioned that safety concerns for cancer patients should be prioritized before advancing anticancer drugs to human trials since most modern Western medicine treatments are aggressive and may cause side effects to patients. Therefore, Chinese medicine has become a great option as it provides a mild treatment that may be suitable for patients.
Joining Traditional Chinese and Western medicine
In the interview, We also asked about the feasibility of integrating Western cancer treatments with TCM. Dr. Cho acknowledged that major international conferences have highlighted recent advances in Western cancer therapy, such as new medication approvals and enhanced minimally invasive procedures. As immunotherapy and gene therapy become more popular, using Traditional Chinese medicine can significantly minimize side effects and improve patients' quality of life. This combination provides a beneficial method for increasing survival rates while laying the groundwork for future research possibilities. As a consequence, combining Western and Traditional Chinese medicine is an effective technique to treat lung cancer.
Reflection
Dr. Cho clarified the unideal points of using Western methods of cancer treatment and the solving approach of using Traditional Chinese medicine, confirming that chemotherapy and Chinese medicine could be combined together in cancer treatment.
Forming a team and choosing our project
Background
During our research, we came across a paper discussing several anticancer peptides (ACPs) found in Cordyceps militaris [3], which is highly relevant to our project. To gain more insights, we invited Professor Pramote Chumnanpuen, one of the contributors to the paper, for an interview. Prof. Chumnanpuen specialises in bioscience improvement and standards, and we are grateful for his recommendations and support.
ACPs databases
In our interview, we posed several questions regarding the paper, such as, the limitations of ACPs in cancer therapies; and how to figure out the stability of ACPs under extreme pH and high temperatures. He patiently addressed our concerns, and we believe that incorporating the four ACPs discussed into our future investigations and experiments will be highly beneficial. To identify the most promising ACP among our peptides, Professor Chumnanpuen offered valuable advice. By examining ACPred and ENNACT - two distinct databases developed by other researchers—we can identify candidates that score exceptionally high in one or both assessments. A higher probability score indicates a greater likelihood of being an anti-cancer peptide (ACP), this screening process enables us to evaluate the potential of promising peptides for further selection and investigation. He further suggested checking other peptide properties, such as s BU BU olubility (through protein-sol) and stability (through Expasy). Utilising these resources will help us estimate experimental outcomes more effectively and enhance the reliability of our products.
Potential of Cordyceps militaris
Professor Chumnanpuen also encouraged us to explore the potential of Cordyceps militaris, a fascinating fungus known for its remarkable medicinal properties. He pointed out that this natural resource has been traditionally used in various cultures for its health benefits, including enhancing energy, boosting the immune system, and exhibiting anti-cancer properties. He suggested that by conducting thorough research on Cordyceps militaris, we can uncover its bioactive compounds and evaluate their efficacy in combating cancer. He believes that harnessing the therapeutic potential of this fungus could lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment and provide new avenues for innovative therapies. By delving deeper into the properties of Cordyceps militaris, we may discover valuable insights that could contribute to the field of oncology and improve patient outcomes.
Reflection
Overall, we appreciate Professor Chumnanpuen's invaluable recommendations and have learned important lessons about ACPs. We confirmed on four Cordyceps militaris ACPs (C-ori, C-rds, CTP-ori and CTP-rds) which would be tested by two databases - ACPred and ENNACT to predict the anticancer ability against lung cancer.
Forming a team and choosing our project
Background
Our team has done a second street interview (n=50) to figure out the general public's opinions regarding using ACPs as a new treatment for lung cancer.
Late diagnosis of lung cancer
In our street interview, the survey results show that the majority of people (75.0%) believe that the similarity between lung cancer symptoms and those of respiratory diseases leads to late diagnoses, allowing cancer to spread throughout the body. This shows that the majority worry that the diagnosis of lung cancer will be too late and they cannot receive proper treatment. Our ACPs can prevent the spread of cancer cells, thereby treating cancer, while minimising the damage to nearby healthy cells [4], and we use biotechnology for mass production, which can significantly reduce costs.
The need for new drug treatment
Our survey shows that people are optimistic about the future of cancer treatment due to technological advancements. 57.4% of respondents believe we will see more effective cancer therapies. Meanwhile, 36.2% expect these advancements to result in fewer side effects for patients, thereby improving quality of life during treatment. Additionally, 27.7% of them anticipate that technological progress will lower treatment costs, making care more accessible. These insights highlight hope for improved cancer therapies in the future. The collective belief emphasises the importance of ongoing research and development, which boosts our confidence in continuing our project. To alleviate the general public’s current worry, we found that our ACP will combine different cancer treatment methods to enhance efficiency, and using ACP results in fewer side effects compared to other treatments [4]. We utilise biotechnology for mass production, which can significantly reduce costs.
Suitability of ACP's introduction
We also asked the public about the suitability of ACP's introduction into Hong Kong's healthcare system. The survey results indicate strong support for introducing ACP in Hong Kong, with 58% of respondents rating its suitability as 4 or 5 out of 5. This positive feedback underscores the potential demand for a cost-effective treatment option, suggesting that the project aligns well with the needs and preferences of interviewees. This shows that the public has high expectations for our ACP, which confirms our direction in researching ACP.
Moreover, the public was asked if they would use the new drug (ACP, which is less expensive than the drugs currently on the market, and has fewer side effects when taking the medication), or choose the more conservative option of the existing drugs on the market, if they were diagnosed lung cancer unfortunately. The result showed that 83.6% of them would choose the new drug. This further examines the public’s enthusiasm for accepting ACP in the future, driving us to launch the project of ACP.
Forming a team and choosing our project
E. coli as expression system
During our discussion with Dr. Wong Tsz-Yeung about plasmid design, we focused on the potential of using genetically modified E. coli as our expression system for synthesising peptides and purifying them for cell cytotoxicity experiments. Dr. Wong emphasised the advantages of employing GM E. coli, as it could significantly enhance the efficiency of peptide synthesis and purification required for our assays.
Removing SUMO tag
One of his key suggestions was to modify the pET-SUMO expression vector by removing the SUMO tag. He pointed out that the SUMO tag is relatively large and may interfere with both the penetration and protein-binding abilities of the peptides we aim to produce. In response to this valuable insight, we decided to cut the plasmid using the restriction enzymes NdeI and SacI, which would allow us to effectively remove the SUMO tag while retaining the essential elements of the plasmid.
Adding 6X His tag
Furthermore, to ensure that the peptides could be purified efficiently, Dr. Wong recommended including a 6x His tag in the design of all DNA inserts ordered from Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT). This addition would facilitate the purification process, ensuring that we can isolate the peptides successfully for our experiments.
Reflection
Overall, Dr. Wong provided us with a wealth of valuable suggestions regarding the design and functionality of our plasmid. We confirmed using E. coli as our expression system, removing SUMO tag in pET plasmid and including 6x His tag in insert for purification.
Forming a team and choosing our project
Background
Before beginning the first step in the laboratory, we had an interview with Mr.Wong Yik Teng, a seasoned biology teacher.
Safety precautions of making GM E. coli
While interviewing, Mr.Wong had introduced the entire flow of producing engineered proteins by GM E. coli. Moreover, Mr.Wong stressed that ‘safety is our first priority’. Therefore, while students were doing experiments in the laboratory, Mr.Wong would definitely remain alongside them in case an incident happened. To illustrate, he told us to disinfect all the experimental utensils by autoclave, wear medical gloves and use alcohol to sterilise both gloves and workplace, in safety cabinets etc.
Government rules for GMOs
Mr. Wong had also reminded us that according to ‘The Genetically Modified Organisms (Control of Release) Ordinance, Cap. 607 (the Ordinance)’, GMOs intended for contained use, such as GM micro-organisms cultured in laboratories, are approved in Hong Kong. Moreover, we should follow all the safety guidelines from “Safety Guidelines on Microbiology and Biotechnology Experiments in School Laboratories” issued by The Hong Kong Education Bureau. Our laboratories are classified as Biosafety levels (BSL) 2, so we only can handle organisms with moderate individual risk.
Developing our project
Presenting our project
Background
In the middle of our project, our team co-organized a Hong Kong-Macau iGEM Symposium with universities and high schools, including The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Po Leung Kuk Ngan Po Ling College. This symposium aims to provide communication opportunities for iGEM teams to discuss their project and make suggestions for better improvement.
Consideration of the concentration of expressed proteins
We gained valuable insights from other iGEM teams’ members and experts. They indicated that we should consider the concentration of expressed proteins, as the concentration may not be high enough for us to do cytotoxicity tests. In order to ensure the concentration is high enough, we finally used Amicon Ultra-0.5 mL Centrifugal Filters for protein concentration.
Forming a team and choosing our project
Background
Our team member has a precious chance to have a phone call with Dr. Keith WY Kwong, founder of the biotech company DreamTec. DreamTec is committed to biotechnology research, innovatively manufacturing cutting-edge products and technologies, focusing on the use of bioengineering, cell Technology and regenerative medicine research.
Safety Issues in Cancer Cell Culture
Dr. Kwong emphasised the importance of strict safety protocols when handling cancer cell cultures to prevent contamination and ensure the safety of lab personnel. He discussed the need for proper personal protective equipment (PPE), aseptic techniques, and waste disposal methods.
Advantages and Possibilities of 3D Cell Culture
Dr. Kwong highlighted the benefits of 3D cell culture, particularly through spheroid formation, which should be possible for the equipment we have. This method better mimics the in vivo environment compared to traditional 2D cultures. 3D cultures can provide more accurate data on cell behaviour, drug responses, and interactions, making them a valuable tool in cancer research.
Variations in Absorbance Measurements
He reminded us that absorbance readings on a 96-well plate can vary significantly, which can affect the accuracy of our results. Dr. Kwong advised being meticulous in your experimental setup and data collection to minimise these variations and ensure reliable results. This embark on one of our engineering cycles, in order to enhance our accuracy in data collection on 96 well plate.
Developing our project
Background
Our team had the opportunity to interview Dr. Molly Xue, an expert in 3D cell culture and spheroid formation. The primary focus of the interview was to gain insights into achieving consistent spheroid sizes, a challenge we have been facing in our experiments.
Consistency in spheroid size
Challenge: We have been struggling to grow spheroids with consistent sizes. Advice: Dr. Xue emphasised the importance of centrifuging the plate after cell seeding. This step helps in evenly distributing the cells, leading to more uniform spheroid formation.
Centrifugation technique
Procedure: After seeding the cells into the wells, centrifuge the plate at a low speed. This ensures that the cells settle uniformly at the bottom of the wells, promoting consistent spheroid growth.
Experience in spheroid formation
Dr. Xue shared her extensive experience in spheroid formation, highlighting common pitfalls and best practices. She mentioned that factors such as cell density, medium composition, and incubation conditions play crucial roles in spheroid consistency.
Handbooks and resources
Dr. Xue provided us with several handbooks and resources related to 3D cell culture developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific. These materials include detailed protocols, troubleshooting tips, and case studies that can help us refine our techniques.
Reflection
The interview with Dr. Molly Xue was highly informative and provided us with practical solutions to improve our spheroid formation process. Implementing her advice on centrifugation and utilising the shared resources will be our next steps in achieving consistent spheroid sizes
Developing our project
Background
After having cell viability tests, we found that the concentration of Cordyceps militaris peptides needed to reach IC50 is very high and the mechanism of those peptides against A549 cell line is unclear. Therefore we wanted to try another possible method to target lung cancer. We were granted an opportunity to interview Dr. Liu, whose research fields include medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, microbial fermentation, drug design and Chemical biology and other disciplines, and has accumulated rich experience in synthetic research, and Dr. Chai, who was specialised in lung cancer, tumour diagnosis and treatment with traditional Chinese and Western medicine. We also met with Prof. Ko. He is the expert of KRAS pathway and cancer drug design.
Know more about KRAS pathway
Dr.Chai and Dr.Liu introduced KRAS signalling and KRAS pathway to us since KRAS is one of the commonest gene mutations in cancer. At the same time, we interviewed Prof. Ko for more information. He stressed that KRAS is one of the most common driver mutations in cancer, accounting for 17-25% of all cancers. In non-small cell lung cancer specifically, KRAS mutation has a frequency of around 30%,14% in the form of tumours. This inspired us to focus on KRAS signalling and try out novel approaches to target lung cancer.
Difficulties in finding the mechanisms of Chinese Medicine extracts
Dr.Chai also pointed out it is very difficult to find out the mechanisms of Chinese Medicine extracts. He doesn't suggest we further focus on the improvement of the anticancer ability of Cordyceps militaris peptides, as we don't know the mechanism of those peptides and we don't have time to figure out the mechanism.
Considerations of developing drug
Dr. Ko emphasised that developing drugs is a complex process from a pharmacological standpoint. Numerous factors must be taken into account, including potential impacts on the immune system and the possibility of increasing drug side effects.
Reflection
These insights can inform and enhance our future research efforts. After the discussion with those experts, we decided to move our project focus from Cordyceps militaris peptides to AI peptides targeting the KRAS pathway. Persuaded by artificial intelligence nowadays, we wanted to use an AI platform to design some whole new peptides against lung cancer. Compared with Cordyceps militaris peptides, we hope that all new peptides can have a better anticancer effect with clear mechanisms.
Developing our project
Background
In order to better understand how to use AI platforms to create new peptides, we interviewed Conrad, a student studying Bioinformatics at the University of Hong Kong.
The use of AI platform
He indicated that through data collection, it was found that blocking KRAS-PDEδ might be a good way for developing effective treatments. Furthemore, Conrad suggested that we could use several AI platforms that could help generate the de novo peptides, including RFdiffusion, ProtainMPNN-AI and AlphaFold. He also taught us how to use them.
Adding cell-penetrating peptide
Also, Conrad introduced cell-penetrating peptide to us and suggested that we can add cell-penetrating peptide to the end of each de novo peptide (generated by AI platform) to increase its cell penetrating ability. Moreover, cell-penetrating peptide also can be added to Cordyceps militaris peptides to see if it is possible to improve its anticancer ability.
Developing our project
Background
After conducting experiments, we found that the effectiveness of the ACPs from Cordyceps militaris is lower than the AI-generated ACPs, so we conducted street interviews (n=146) regarding the AI as an assistance for cancer treatment.
AI in treating cancer is a good way
It was found that over 70% of the public is interested in AI and has a positive view of its role in assisting with cancer treatment. Regarding the medical field, 38.4% of them emphasised the potential to accelerate drug discovery and development. Additionally, 37.4% of them agreed that diagnostic accuracy can be improved with the assistance of AI. 24% of them saw the potential for reducing medicine costs. These insights reflect a promising landscape where the integration of AI into cancer treatment not only enhances clinical outcomes but also aligns with public sentiment toward more innovative and effective healthcare solutions. It is believed that the breakthrough of our project can significantly improve patient care and outcomes.
Benefit in society
Furthermore, regarding the entire society, 47.9% of respondents agreed that the assistance of AI could potentially lower the fatality rate of cancer and foster social prosperity. Additionally, 29.5% appreciated the reduction of the financial burden on patients, while 22.6% highlighted the importance of alleviating the psychological burden faced by those affected by cancer. The survey reveals significant societal benefits of utilising AI in cancer treatment. These findings underscore the positive impact AI can have on both individual and societal levels in the fight against cancer.
High feasibility of using AI
The survey results show a promising outlook for using AI in cancer treatment, with 63.7% of respondents rating its feasibility as 4 or 5. This indicates a strong belief in AI's potential to enhance cancer care, suggesting that advancements in technology could significantly improve treatment outcomes in the future. We believe that leveraging AI assistance can better support our research.
Reflection
By leveraging AI to generate ACPs, we can mass-produce them using biotechnology, resulting in highly efficient and low-cost solutions. This innovative approach enhances accessibility and ensures that more patients receive personalised care tailored to their needs.
Developing our project
Presenting our project
Background
Our team presented our ongoing research on the development of a peptide drug aimed at targeting cancer cells. The presentation covered the theoretical background of our peptide drug, its proposed mechanism of action, and preliminary results from our experiments.
Well-documented theoretical background
Prof. Lo emphasised the importance of a strong theoretical foundation for our peptide drug. He suggested that a well-documented theoretical background would not only strengthen our research but also make it more convincing to potential stakeholders.
Prove of the mechanism of de novo ACP
Prof. Lo suggested that we should do further experiments (e.g. qPCR) to prove the mechanism of our de novo ACPs to ensure they really can block KRAS-PDEδ binding.
Use of control cell lines
He highlighted the necessity of using control cell lines to test the side effects of our drug on normal cells. This step is crucial to ensure the safety and specificity of our peptide drug, minimising potential side effects on healthy tissues.
Research experience and team dynamics
Prof. Lo shared valuable insights from his extensive research experience. He discussed how his team at Novostics approaches scientific projects, emphasising the importance of collaborative discussions and thorough planning. He encouraged us to adopt similar practices to enhance our research efficiency and outcomes.
Reflection
Developing our project
Presenting our project
Fig. 39: Interview with Prof. Mok Shu Kam at Prince of Wales Hospital
Background
Our team member has a treasurable chance to have an interview with Prof. Mok Shu Kam helping us to understand the current treatment of lung cancer. Prof. Mok is the Li Shu Fan Medical Foundation endowed Professor and Chairman of the Department of Clinical Oncology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. His main research focuses on biomarker and molecular targeted therapy in lung cancer. He also engaged in clinical research on oncogene driven lung cancer and immunotherapy. Here’s a summary of what we learnt from the insightful interview:
KRAS - multiple signalling pathways
He emphasised the importance of the mechanism and the definition of anti-cancer peptides. He pointed out that KRAS has multiple signalling pathways in different forms. We have to know how our drug targeted specific pathways.
The use of synergistic formula
He said that % of cell viability after one cycle of chemotherapy we aim to target depends on the drug mechanism and cancer growth rate which varies. He suggested we use a synergistic formula to test the combination effect on ACPs and chemotherapy drugs.
Personal experience
Prof. Mok shared his personal experience on doing research on lung cancer treatment as a doctor and a scientist. He discussed the mindset a researcher needs.He reminded us to maintain curiosity about everything and to enjoy the process of researching.
Suggestion for education activities
Prof. Mok highlighted the importance of public education to let people know what they can do to prevent lung cancer, and also the way to choose the right information from reliable sources to prevent misconceptions.
Reflection
We should have more understanding of the KRAS pathway and follow the synergistic formula to test the combination effect on ACPs and cisplatin.
Developing our project
Presenting our project
Inspiration and Guidance on qPCR
During the interview, Ms. Ng provided guidance on the entire qPCR workflow, from RNA extraction to data analysis. She guided us through the process of extracting high-quality RNA from our cell samples, ensuring that we obtained sufficient and intact RNA for subsequent steps. She also instructed us on the reverse transcription process, converting RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA), which is essential for qPCR analysis. Moreover, she meticulously explained the qPCR setup, including the selection of appropriate primers, optimization of reaction conditions, and the importance of controls to us. Furthermore, Ms. Ng provided comprehensive guidance on analysing qPCR data, including the calculation of relative gene expression levels using the ΔΔCt method. She emphasised the importance of normalising the data to housekeeping genes to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Reflection
Through her mentorship, we successfully demonstrated the molecular mechanism of de novo peptide 5 (ACP5) in inhibiting KRAS. This was a pivotal achievement in our research, providing strong evidence for the efficacy of our peptide drug.
Presenting our project
Background
With our project's new approach focused on using AI to generate peptides for enhancing chemotherapy treatments, we interviewed Dr. Marco Li. His expertise in bioinformatics, algorithm development, and cancer research made him an ideal candidate to provide valuable insights. Given his work on identifying viral-human integration events and his background in radiology, Dr. Li could offer key perspectives on how AI-generated peptides could potentially improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy, aligning with our goal to innovate cancer treatment strategies.
Merging Old and New
Our project, focusing on the discovery of anti-cancer peptides from Cordyceps militaris to target lung cancer cells, aligns with the evolving landscape highlighted by Marco Li. By extracting and generating peptides from natural sources and utilising AI to enhance our research, we are embracing the intersection of traditional medicine and cutting-edge technology to develop potential solutions for cancer treatment.
The fusion of genetics, AI, and natural remedies in both Marco Li's insights and our project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to healthcare. By acknowledging the significance of genetic variations, leveraging AI for diagnostics, and exploring natural sources for therapeutic peptides, we are contributing to the advancement of personalised and targeted treatments in oncology.
Regarding the acceptance of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in cancer treatment, Dr. Marco highlights, especially in symptom management and cases where Western medicine may have limitations.
Reflection
From this interview, it's clear that our project has good commercial potential. Dr. Marco stressed the importance of thorough clinical testing to prove that our ACPs works, which is essential for success in the market. His focus on showing real benefits, ensuring safety, and meeting the needed standards for widespread use suggests that ACPs could be commercially successful. This positive feedback from an expert like Dr. Marco indicates promising prospects for the project's commercial success.
During our human practices journey, we met with different stakeholders to gain different perspectives to shape our project. We focus on lung cancer and aim to reduce the side effects and treatment cost after the 1 st street interview and interviews with a cancer survivor and doctors. And then we decided to use Cordyceps militaris peptides to achieve our goal after the 2 nd street interview and interviews with Chinese Medicine Practitioners and scientists. In order to make sure our project is safe, we had interviews with lots of different experts to ensure we follow all necessary safety precautions and also the government rules. Next, we find our project limitations and we redesign our project changing our focus from Cordyceps militaris peptides to AI peptides targeting KRAS pathway after meeting with lots of different experts. Furthermore, we keep presenting our results data to more experts to further improve our investigation. Finally, a 3 rd street interview has been done to confirm our work. We complete a full human practice cycle to help our project to move forwards and connect to the real World.
[1]: Lung Cancer Statistics | How Common is Lung Cancer? (n.d.). American Cancer Society. //www.cancer.org/cancer/types/lung-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
[2]: Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health - Lung Cancer. (n.d.). https://www.chp.gov.hk/en/healthtopics/content/25/49.html
[3]: Chinnadurai, R. K., Khan, N., Meghwanshi, G. K., Ponne, S., Althobiti, M., & Kumar, R. (2023). Current research status of anti-cancer peptides: Mechanism of action, production, and clinical applications. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 164, 114996. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114996
[4]: Chantawannakul J, Chatpattanasiri P, Wattayagorn V, et al. Virtual Screening for Biomimetic Anti-Cancer Peptides from Cordyceps militaris Putative Pepsinized Peptidome and Validation on Colon Cancer Cell Line. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2021 Sep;26(19):5767. DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195767. PMID: 34641308; PMCID: PMC8510206.