Humanized Mice Laboratory

🌟 Congratulations to our A*STAR Fellows 2024!🌟 We are thrilled to announce that two of our outstanding Senior Investigators from IMCB, Dr. Yu Fu and Dr. Chen Qingfeng, have been honored as A*STAR Fellows for 2024. This prestigious award recognizes their significant contributions and leadership in the scientific community both locally and internationally. 🔬 Dr. Yu Fu has pioneered a new frontier in neurometabolic research, focusing on the role of the hypothalamic tuberal nucleus in feeding regulation. His innovative approach uses neural network mapping technologies and behavioral paradigms to explore how brain-body communication can enhance resilience under stress. 🧬 Dr. Qingfeng Chen has dedicated over a decade to developing humanized preclinical models for human-specific disease modeling and evaluation, crucial for drug development. As a founder of two biotech companies, including Invivocue, Dr. Chen's work has propelled preclinical and clinical research, forging vital national and international collaborations. Congratulations, Dr. Fu and Dr. Chen, your remarkable work continues to inspire and pave the way for future innovations! #IMCBscience #IMCBastar #FacesofASTAR #OneASTAR #ASTARFellows #Innovation #ScientificExcellence

In a collaboration with Tikva Allocell Pte Ltd, B7-H3 CAR EBVST cells were tested on Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) humanized mouse model. Significant tumour regression and modulation of the Tumour Microenvironment (TME) to promote tumour clearance was observed. Our Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) humanized mouse model demonstrated a markedly reduced risk of CRS associated with B7H3.CAR EBVST treatment. Key findings from our PDX & CRS humanized mouse model in this study: 1.    Tumour Regression: B7H3.CAR EBVSTs induced dramatic regression, with barely detectable tumours by the study's endpoint. 2.    T Cell Infiltration: There was significant infiltration of human T cells in PDX tumours from B7H3.CAR EBVST-treated mice. 3.    Improved Survival: B7H3.CAR EBVST treatment significantly improved survival compared to untreated EBVST treatment. 4.    Lower Cytokine Levels: Serum levels of human cytokines were significantly lower in B7H3.CAR EBVST-treated CRS humanized mice models compared to CD19.CAR ATC-treated mice. Using our humanized mouse model was crucial in revealing these insights, underscoring their importance in advancing cancer research and immunotherapy. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ei2HkbMv #HumanizedMice #CancerResearch #Immunotherapy #CART #SolidTumor #CancerTherapy #ScientificBreakthroughs

Discover the latest insights from our study exploring the therapeutic potential of IL-37 in combating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in humanized mice! Dive into the details of how IL-37 directly affects HCC growth and the unknown mechanisms underlying its effects. 📄 Journal Article: IL-37 dampens immunosuppressive functions of MDSCs via metabolic reprogramming in the tumor microenvironment. Highlights: 1.    IL-37 is human-specific and does not have a mouse homolog 2.    Humanized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse model was used to investigate the effects of IL-37 3.    Metabolic reprogramming of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in the tumour microenvironment by IL-37 promotes glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in MDSC. This leads to Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release which results in enhanced anti-tumour immune responses Humanized mice serve as valuable tools to investigate human-specific markers, run preclinical tests, and develop of novel therapeutics. Read the article here at https://lnkd.in/dUAip25J #Humanizedmice #CancerResearch #Immunotherapy #IL37 #HCC #ScientificBreakthroughs

We are delighted to share that our PhD student, Isha Karnik, was chosen to present our work on Humanized Mouse Models for Immune-Oncology studies at the International Awardees Gathering organised by A*Star Graduate Academy, and was the proud recipient of the Best Poster award! 🏆 Excited for future opportunities to showcase our research, connect with fellow researchers and expand the applications of our models!

Our team learned, connected and had a blast at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB)’s retreat! If a mouse with a human immune system can advance your work, let’s connect and create meaningful impact together! A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research #humanizedmice #research #researchanddevelopment

Take the leap to translational applications this leap day! Dr Qingfeng Chen (Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research) Biomedical Research Council (BMRC) Central Research Fund (CRF) awardee shared impactful uses of Humanised Mice Platform for human-specific drug development. With humanised mice, you can effectively test therapeutics that targets the human immune system pre-clinical trials. This will greatly enhance your insights into different responses of the human immune system in a myriad of conditions such as autoimmunity, cancer, and aging. Therefore, allowing you to understand how a patient would react in a clinical setting, bridging the gap between animal research and patient outcomes! #research #researchanddevelopment #innovation, #biomedicalresearchcouncil #BMRC #centralresearchfund #CRF #happyhomelyhappening #leapday

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better. Ivan Horak shared how this quote by Samuel Beckett is a constant inspiration for him and hopes it would be for our fellow IMCBians as well. He further shared about his entrepreneurship journey, including the setting up of a Tikva- IMCB Joint Lab, as well as a fireside chat moderated by Qingfeng Chen and Shi Yan Ng. This talk is part of IMCB mentorship series led by Shi Yan Ng. Be sure to follow us to learn more about IMCB mentorship initiatives. #imcbastar #entrepreneurship #failure #celltherapy

Counting down to BMRC CRF Day! Dr Qingfeng Chen from Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) will be talking about "Humanized mouse technologies as a platform for human specific drug development". Looking forward to the talks by our colleagues too. See you there! A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research #research #researchanddevelopment

Thank you for joining us for joining us at Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research Mentorship Fireside Chat with Dr Ivan David Horak organised and moderated by Dr Shi Yan Ng and Dr Qingfeng Chen! We had a great time learning about biotechnology startups from a serial entrepreneur. #science #research #researchanddevelopment #biotech #biotechnology #startup #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #HappyHomelyHappening