Professor CHOW Hei Man Kim

Address

(Office): Rm 604, Mong Man Wai Building, CUHK
(Lab): Rm 612A, Mong Man Wai Building, CUHK

 People HMC 

Phone

(Office): (852) 3943 1530
(Lab): (852) 3943 0577
Fax (852) 2603 7732
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1203-2096
 

 


Education

2011    
PhD (Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Medicine), University of Hong Kong
2007
MPhil (Physiology), University of Hong Kong
2005 BSc (Animal and Plant Biotechnology), University of Hong Kong

Positions

2019+          Assistant Professor, School of Life Sciences, CUHK
2015-2019   Junior Fellow, Institute for Advanced Study, HKUST
2015-2019   Research Assistant Professor, Division of Life Science, HKUST
2013-2015   Postdoctoral Fellow, Division of Life Science, HKUST
2010-2011   Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cornell University, USA

Research Interests

  1. Metabolic changes in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia
  2. Neuronal senescence and brain aging

 Representative Publications

 (For the full list of 34 records, please refer to the ORCID)

  1. Wandi Xiong, Kaiyu Xu, Jacquelyne Ka-Li Sun, Siling Liu, Baizhen Zhao, Jie Shi, Karl Herrup, Hei-Man Chow, Lin Lu, Jiali Li. (2024) mtDNA-derived lncMtDloop regulates mitochondrial homeostasis and implications in AD. EMBO Journal. Accepted on 10 Sept 2024. [Co-corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 23/313 Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 9.4]
  2. Deng Wu, Jacquelyne Ka Li Sun, Kim Hei-Man Chow. (2024) Neuronal cell cycle re-entry events in the aging brain are more prevalent in neurodegeneration and lead to cellular senescence. PLOS Biology. 2024 Apr 23;22(4):e3002559. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002559 [Corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 5/109 Biology (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 7.8]
  3. Dina Popova, Jacquelyne Ka Li Sun, Hei-Man Chow, Ronald P Hart. (2024) A critical review of ethanol effects on neuronal firing: A metabolic perspective. Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research. 2024 Jan 12. doi: 10.1111/acer.15266. [Co-corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 17/55 in Substance Abuse (Q2), Clarivate impact factor2023: 3.0]
  4. Deng Wu, Xiaoman Bi, Kim Hei-Man Chow. (2024) Identification of female-enriched and disease-associated microglia (FDAMic) contributes to sexual dimorphism in late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Neuroinflammation. 2024 Jan 4;21(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s12974-023-02987-4. [Corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 13/181 in Immunology (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 9.3]
  5. Jacquelyne Ka-Li Sun, Genper Chi-Ngai Wong and Kim Hei-Man Chow. (2023) Crosstalk between DNA damage response and the central carbon metabolic network underlies selective vulnerability of Purkinje neurons in Ataxia-telangiectasia. Journal of Neurochemistry 2023 Aug;166(4):654-677. doi: 10.1111/jnc.15881. [Corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 78/310 in Neurosciences (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 4.2]
  6. Deng Wu, Xiaoman Bi, Peihu Li, Dahua Xu, Jianmin Qiu, Kongning Li, Shaojiang Zheng, Kim Hei-Man Chow. (2023) Enhanced insulin-regulated phagocytic activities support extreme health span and longevity in multiple populations. Aging Cell 2023 Mar 8;e13810. [Lead co-corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 5/74 in Geriatrics & Gerontology (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 8.0]
  7. Jacquelyne Ka-Li Sun, Deng Wu, Genper Chi-Ngai Wong, Tsun-Ming Lau, Meigui Yang, Ronald P Hart, Kin-Ming Kwan, Ho-Yin Edwin Chan, Hei-Man Chow. (2023) Chronic alcohol metabolism results in DNA repair infidelity and cell-cycle-induced senescence in neurons. Aging Cell 2023 Feb; 22(2):e13772. [Corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 5/74 in Geriatrics & Gerontology (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 8.0]
  8. Genper Chi-Ngai Wong and Kim Hei-Man Chow (2022) DNA damage response-associated cell cycle re-entry and neuronal senescence in brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 2022 Jul 11. doi: 10.3233/JAD-220203 [Corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 116/310 in Neurosciences (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 3.4]
  9. Hei-Man Chow, Jacquelyne Ka-Li Sun, Ronald P Hart, Kenneth King-Yip Cheng, Clara HL Hung, Tsun-Ming Lau, Kin-Ming Kwan. (2021) Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 cell surface availability regulates fuel metabolism in astrocytes. Advanced Science. 2021 Aug;8(16):e2004993. doi: 10.1002/advs.202004993 [Corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 18/230 in Chemistry, Multidisciplinary (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2022: 14.3]
  10. Jiechao Zhou, Hei-Man Chow, Yan Liu, Di Wu, Meng Shi, Jieyin Li, Lei Wen, Yuehong Gao, Guimiao Chen, Kai Zhuang, Hui Lin, Guanyun Zhang, Wenting Xie, Huifang Li, Lige Leng, Mengdan Wang, Naizhen Zheng, Hao Sun, Yingjun Zhao, Yunwu Zhang, Maoqiang Xue, Timothy Y Huang, Guojun Bu, Huaxi Xu, Zengqiang Yuan, Karl Herrup, Jie Zhang. (2020) Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5-Dependent BAG3 Degradation Modulates Synaptic Protein Turnover. Biological Psychiatry 2020 Apr 15;87(8):756-769. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.11.013. [Co-corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 6/276 in Psychiatry (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 9.6]
  11. Hei-Man Chow, Meng Shi, Aifang Cheng, Yuehong Gao, Guimiao Chen, Xuan Song, Raphaella Wai Lam So, Jie Zhang, Karl Herrup. (2019) Age-related hyperinsulinemia leads to insulin resistance in neurons and cell-cycle-induced senescence. Nature Neuroscience. 2019 Nov;22(11):1806-1819. doi: 10.1038/s41593-019-0505-1. [Co-corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 4/310 in Neurosciences (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 21.2]
  12. Hei-Man Chow, Aifang Cheng, Xuan Song, Mavis R Swerdel, Ronald P Hart, Karl Herrup. (2019) ATM is activated by ATP depletion and modulates mitochondrial function through NRF1. Journal of Cell Biology. 2019 Mar 4;218(3):909-928. doi: 10.1083/jcb.201806197. [Co-corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 38/205 in Cell Biology (Q1), Clarivate Impact factor2023: 7.4]
  13. Karl Herrup, Kai-Hei Tse and Hei-Man Chow. (2017) Loopholes in the DNA contract kill neurons. Nature Neuroscience. 2017 Aug 29;20(9):1192-1194. doi: 10.1038/nn.4626 [Co-corresponding author, Clarivate Ranking: 4/310 in Neurosciences (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 21.2]
  14. Hei-Man Chow, Karl Herrup. (2015) Genomic integrity and the ageing brain. Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 2015 Nov;16(11):672-84. doi: 10.1038/nrn4020 [1st author, Clarivate Ranking: 2/310 in Neurosciences (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 28.7]
  15. Hei-Man Chow, Dong Guo, Jie-Chao Zhou, Guan-Yun Zhang, Hui-Fang Li, Karl Herrup, Jie Zhang. (2014) CDK5 activator protein p25 preferentially binds and activates GSK3β. PNAS. 2014 Nov 11;111(45):E4887-95. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1402627111. [1st author; Clarivate Ranking: 13/134 in Multidisciplinary Science (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 9.4]
  16. Kim Hei-Man Chow, Raymond Wai-Yin Sun, Janice B B Lam, Carrie Ka-Lei Li, Aimin Xu, Dik-Lung Ma, Ruben Abagyan, Yu Wang, Chi-Ming Che. (2010) A gold(III) porphyrin complex with antitumor properties targets the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Cancer Research. 2010 Jan 1;70(1):329-37. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-09-3324. [1st author, Clarivate Ranking: 30/322 in Oncology (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 12.5]
  17. Janice B B Lam, Kim Hei-Man Chow, Aimin Xu, Karen S L Lam, Jing Liu, Nai-Sum Wong, Randall T Moon, Peter R Shepherd, Garth J S Cooper, Yu Wang. (2009) Adiponectin Haploinsufficiency Promotes Mammary Tumor Development in MMTV-PyVT Mice by Modulation of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Activities. PLoS ONE 2009;4(3):e4968. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004968 [Co-1st author, Clarivate Ranking: 31/134 in Multidisciplinary Sciences (Q1), Clarivate impact factor2023: 2.9]

Research Grants

 [As Principal Investigator (PI) /Co-PI/ Project Coordinator (PC)]

 I. Extramural competitive grants

  1. PI, General Research Fund 2024/25. PKM2 moonlighting as the bimodal switch for aerobic glycolysis and cell cycle gene re-expression in neurons after sustained insulin exposure—Implications in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Research Grants Council, HK$ 1,559,580, 01/01/2025-31/12/2027.
  2. PI, Young Scientist Fund 2023. ATM as a critical mediator of insulin-regulated metabolic flexibility and the related implications in cerebellar ataxia. National Natural Science Foundation of China, CYN$ 300,000, 01/01/2024-31/12/2026.
  3. Co-PI, Young Collaborative Research Fund 2021/22. Light Protects Vision: Optogenetic Activation of Trk Signaling for Neuroprotection of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Ocular Diseases. Research Grants Council, HK$ 3,755,333, 30/06/2023-29/06/2026. (Project Coordinator: Prof. Liting Duan, CUHK; with HK$ 400,000 allocated).
  4. Co-PI, Collaborative Research Fund 2021/22. Establishment of Spatial Multi-Omics Core Facility. Research Grants Council, HK$ 2,000,000. 30/06/2023-29/06/2026. (Project Coordinator: Prof. Andrew Man-Lok Chan, CUHK).
  5. Co-PI, Collaborative Research Fund 2020/21. The First Integrated State-of-the-Art Live Cell Imaging Platforms to Timely Promote Interdisciplinary and Advanced Life Sciences Research in Hong Kong and Beyond. Research Grants Council, HK$ 10,000,000. 30/06/2022-29/06/2025. (Project Coordinator: Prof. Liwen Jiang, CUHK).
  6. PI, Early Career Scheme 2021/22, Chronic alcohol consumption induces brain metabolic reprogramming: implications in accelerated brain aging and potentials of senolytics-based therapies. Research Grants Council, HK$ 1,185,691, 01/01/2022-31/12/2024.
  7. PI, Excellent Young Scientists Fund 2020, Metabolic reprogramming mechanism and regulation in cerebellar ataxia. National Natural Science Foundation of China, CYN$ 1,200,000, 01/01/2021-31/12/2023.
  8. Co-PI, Collaborative Research Fund 2019/20, The First Integrated State-of-the-Art Sample Preparation System for Cryo-Electron Microscopy/Tomography Analysis to Promote Advanced Cellular and Structural Biology Research in Hong Kong. Research Grants Council, HK$ 7,439,308, 30/06/2020-29/06/2023. (Project Coordinator: Prof. Liwen Jiang, CUHK).
  9. PI, General Research Fund 2019/20, Loss of nuclear estrogen-related receptor-a (ERRa) activity impairs metabolic plasticity and mitochondrial OXPHOS in neurons: Implications of sex differences observed in Alzheimer’s disease. Research Grants Council, HK$ 911,408, 01/01/2020-31/12/2022.
  10. PI, General Research Fund 2018/19, A novel ATM-NRF1 axis facilitates mito-nuclear communication in response to cellular energy demand—Implications for cerebellar neurodegeneration in Ataxia-telangiectasia. Research Grants Council, HK$ 972,000, 01/07/2018-31/12/2021.
  11. PI, General Research Fund 2017/18, The Wnt antagonist Dkk1 acts as a bimodal switch of Wnt signaling that controls the neurotrophic versus neurotoxic fates of astrocytes: Implications in the Alzheimer’s disease. Research Grants Council, HK$ 819,393, 01/01/2018-31/12/2019.
  12. PI, Alzheimer’s Association Research Fellowship 2017. Targeting brain insulin resistance-mediated neuronal dysfunction in AD. Alzheimer’s Association, US$ 175,000, 01/10/2017-31/09/2021.

 II. Intramural competitive grants

  1. PC, Strategic Seed Funding for Collaborative Research Scheme. A pilot multi-omics investigation at whole tissue, sub-lobular, and cellular levels to profile the spatial and temporal changes in maturing cerebellum of the Fragile X syndrome—implications in autism. CUHK-Research Committee. HK$500,000, 1/11/2023-31/10/2025.
  2. PC, Seed Fund from School of Life Sciences for future CRF application 2022-23. Dissecting the role of FMR1 in regulating thyroid hormonal signaling and mitochondrial functions in the maturing cerebellum. CUHK-Research Committee. HK$ 200,000, 01/06/2023-31/05/2024.
  3. PC, CUHK-Academic Equipment Grant 2021/22. The Integrated Neuroscience and Metabolic Phenotypic Core (INMPC). HK$3,433,742, 06/03/2022-21/08/2022.
  4. PI, Direct Grants 2019/20. Metabolic Rewiring and Bioenergetic Adaption in Cerebellar Ataxia. CUHK-Research Committee, HK$ 150,000, 01/03/2020-31/08/2021.

Research Awards

  1. International Health Policy Fellowship, The National Academy of Medicine (NAM), USA, 07/2023-12/2025.
  2. Faculty Exemplary Teaching Award, Faculty of Science, CUHK, Hong Kong. 04/2022.
  3. JESSICA Most Successful Women Awards, Hong Kong South China Media, Hong Kong. 05/2021.
  4. Excellent Young Scientists Fund, National Natural Science Foundation of China, China. 09/2021.
  5. Young Investigator Award, CUHK East Meets West Symposium 2019, Hong Kong. 09/2019.
  6. For Women in Science: China Future Female Scientist Award and Hong Kong representative for the 2018 L’Oreal-UNESCO International Rising Talents Award, L’Oreal-UNESCO-China Association of Science and Technology, China. 01/2018.
  7. Alzheimer’s Association Research Fellowship, Alzheimer’s Association, USA. 10/2017-09/2021.
  8. Global Future Council Fellowship, World Economic Forum, Switzerland. 11/2016-11/2019.
  9. Junior Fellowship, HKUST Institute for Advanced Study, Hong Kong. 09/2015-06/2019.

Professional Services and Activities

  1. Official Nominator. VinFuture Prize. VinFuture Foundation, Vietnam. 01/2024-Current
  2. Grant reviewer. 深圳市医学研究专项资金. China. Since 09/2023-Current.
  3. Grant reviewer. Action for A-T. UK. Since 01/2022-Current.
  4. Journal reviewer. Academic journals including eNeuro, Aging Research Reviews, European Journal of Neuroscience, Genes & Diseases, BMC Biology, Laboratory Investigation, Frontiers of Neuroscience, Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy, Molecular Endocrinology. Since 09/2019-Current.
  5. Award reviewer. Trainee Professional Development Award (TPDA) Selection Committee, Society for Neuroscience, USA. 07/2019-12/2024 (Every year).
  6. Judge. ESF-Innofair 2022, English Schools Foundation, Hong Kong. 07/03/2022.
  7. Expert Panelist, Textbook Revision Study 2020, HKSAR Consumer Council, Hong Kong. 09/2020-10/2020.
  8. Chapter Representative, Hong Kong Society for Neuroscience (i.e., Hong Kong SAR Chapter), Society for Neuroscience, 09/2021-Current.

Teaching

 I. Classroom Teaching Courses

  1. BCHE4040 Aspects of Neuroscience (UG/ Fall Semester)
  2. FNSC3030 Nutritional Biochemistry (UG/ Fall Semester)
  3. FNSC5220 Nutrition and immunity across the Life Span (PG/ Fall Semester)
  4. BBMS6500 Research Methods and Literature Review in Biochemical and Biomedical Sciences (PG/ Fall Semester)
  5. BBMS5100 Perspectives in Biochemical Sciences (PG/ Fall Semester)
  6. LSCI6000 Research Methods and Ethics (PG/ Fall Semester)
  7. FNSC2002 Nutrition for Health (UG/ Spring Semester)
  8. ENSC3520 Environmental and Biochemical Toxicology (UG/ Spring Semester)
  9. BIOL4310 Human Genetics (UG/ Spring Semester)
  10. BMS5220 Biochemical and Biomedical Technology (PG/ Spring Semester)
  11. FNSC5320 Nutritional Physiology (PG/ Spring Semester)
  12. LSCI6302 Techniques in Transgenic Animals (PG/ Spring Semester)
  13. LSCI6301 Techniques in Mammalian Cell Research (PG/ Summer Semester)
       

 II. Dissertation/ Research Project Supervision Courses

  1. CBMI3100 Methodology of Critical Thinking in CMB (UG/ Fall Semester)
  2. BBMS6200 MSc Project (PG/ Fall Semester)
  3. FNSC6313 Directed Research and Seminar I  (PG/ Fall Semester)
  4. LSCI4902 Senior Experimental Project II (UG/ Fall Semester)
  5. FNSC6413 Directed Research and Seminar II (PG/ Spring Semester)
  6. CMBI3200 Proposal Formulation and Creative Scientific Writing in CMB (UG/ Spring Semester)
  7. LSCI4903 Senior Experimental Project III (UG/ Spring Semester)
       

Knowledge Exchanges, Community Engagement and Advocacy

  1. Workshop organizer and program consultant. Curriculum of Cell Biology-related Drug Education Workshops of STEM Education Anti-drug Programme. Centre for Creative Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. Hong Kong. 09/2023-07/2024. (Recognized by the Education Bureau of HKSAR Government as a part of the requirement training of Continuing Professional Development of Teachers)
  2. Public lecture speaker. Title: How neuroscience is related to anti-drug education? The case study of Ketamine. STEAM Anti-drug Education Sharing Conference. The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. Hong Kong. 26/06/2023.
  3. Public workshop speaker and demonstrator. STEAM Anti-drug Teachers Training Workshop: Forensic Toxicology and Neuroscience. The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. 23/05/2023.
  4. Press release. Title: CUHK Team develops a big data analysis method to study senescent neurons. Providing new directions for precision medicine in neurodegenerative diseases. Communications and Public Relations Office. CUHK. Hong Kong. 15/03/2023.
  5. Press release. Title: CUHK study shows enhanced insulin-regulated immune function supports extreme health span and longevity. Communications and Public Relations Office. CUHK. Hong Kong. 15/03/2023.
  6. High school students laboratory visit host and lecture speaker. Exploring New Horizons 2023. Hong Kong Laurate Forum, Hong Kong. 11/03/2023.
  7. Featured scientist speaker. Women in Science—Yes We Can! Diversity and Inclusion Event, Faculty of Science, CUHK, Hong Kong. 02/12/2022.
  8. Workshop organizer and program consultant. Curriculum of Neuroscience-related Drug Education Workshops of STEM Education Anti-drugs Programme, Centre for Creative Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups. Hong Kong. 09/2021-07/2022. (Recognized by the Education Bureau of HKSAR Government as a part of the requirement training of Continuing Professional Development of Teachers)
  9. Guest host and featured female scientist speaker. “Wonder Women in Science: Inspiring and Empowering the Next Generation”, Hong Kong Laurate Forum, Hong Kong. 26/07/2022. (https://fb.watch/e_GIfiiCYP/)
  10. Featured female scientist speaker. “凝聚香港 第二十七集 科學界女強人” RTHK 32, 26/07/2022. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68e2It7bYGc)
  11. Featured female scientist speaker. “她力量 · 全球疫情背景下的女性科创力量”L’Oreal Hong Kong and Phoenix TV Forum. 19/07/2022 (1.23 Million views) (https://flive.ifeng.com/live/1008225.html?isFull=1&webkit=1&immersion=true&needpage=1&aman=65J4bbWb57f639m1b9R8a0S32471cbibf9416a2be5)
  12. Featured Scientist Wen Wei Po Newspaper Interview. Hong Kong. 12/2021. (https://dw-media.tkww.hk/epaper/wwp/20211228/a10-1228.pdf)
  13. Public lecture speaker. Title: From Understanding Simple Algae Protein to Complex Brain Science: The Story behind Optogenetics. Zoom into Science 2022 Lecture Series. Faculty of Science, CUHK. Hong Kong. 13/04/2022.
  14. Gifted high school student mentor, Gifted Education Fund, Off-school Advanced Learning Programmes for Gifted Students, HKSAR Education Bureau, Hong Kong. 06/2021-12/2021. (Mentee: Mr. Ishraq Farhan, Le Salle College)
  15. Press release. Title: CUHK Uncovers that Brain Cells in Alzheimer’s Patient Consumes Nutrition Essential to Neurotransmission. Study Supports Great Potential of Nutrient-based Approach in Managing Neurodegenerative Disorders. Communications and Public Relations Office. CUHK. Hong Kong. 22/07/2021.
  16. Public lecture speaker. Title: Hepatitis C—A Success Story from Being Unknown to Having a Cure. Host: Popular Science Special Lecture Series: How Nobel Prizes Are Won 2020, Faculty of Science, CUHK, Hong Kong. 04/12/2020.
  17. Public lecture speaker. Title: With DNA repair: double loss (break) is not scary at all (DNA 自修室:雙失不可怕). Host: Introductory Lecture for The Shaw Prize Lecture in Life Science and Medicine 2019, Shaw College, CUHK, Hong Kong. 19/09/2019.
  18. Featured scientist. Career Feature: “How to build a lab in East Asia’s science hot spots”. Nature. (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-05513-2?utm_source=fbk_nnc&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=naturenews&sf192841411=1)
  19. Volunteer science policy advocate. Capitol Hill Day 2018, Society for Neuroscience. Washington, District of Columbia, USA. 03/2018. (https://neuronline.sfn.org/advocacy/if-you-get-involved-in-science-advocacy-heres-the-impact-you-can-make/)