Dr Hui Lu is a Lecturer in Bioscience in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Function in the School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester (UoM). She is also the academic lead of Biosciences International Summer School (Bio-SISS).

Hui did her PhD study on protein folding at the University of Oxford (with Professor Christ M Dobson, FRS). Then, she worked at Imperial College, University College London (UCL), and UoM as a post-doctoral researcher. In 2013, she obtained a prestigious Royal Society University Research Fellowship award to establish her research group on mitochondrial protein biogenesis and function as an independent PI. Her research interests are broad, including mitochondrial protein function and quality control; oxidative folding of industrially and pharmaceutically important proteins; and applications of graphene oxide 2D materials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Applications of graphene oxide (GO) in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

As a graphene-related material, GO has attracted huge attention in the biomedical field, including tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, due to its unique and outstanding properties, and good biocompatibility. In collaboration with Prof Ping Xiao (School of Material Science), we developed a new method to synthesize different-sized GOs (from sub-monometer to >100 micrometers) at a better quality than that of commonly used methods (Sim, Xiao, and Lu, 2021, Carbon). As fillers, the GO we synthesized improves the mechanical properties of biomaterials such as gelatine through non-covalent interactions (Sim et al, 2024, Molecules).

Interestingly, our ongoing studies show that GO can also increase the viscosity and alignment of biomaterials, and the shape fidelity of the printed hydrogels, suggesting GO can play an important role in tissue engineering via 3D bioprinting. Now, we are interested in understanding how different-sized GOs affect the performance and bioprinting of biomaterials, enhance cell differentiation and tissue growth, and whether GO can act as carriers for the effective delivery of biomolecules (e.g. growth factors). These multidisciplinary projects are in collaboration with Dr Stephen Richardson, Dr Marcos Domingos, and Prof Ping Xiao.

In addition, evidence showed that GO is an effective bactericidal agent against different superbugs and has antiviral activity. Thus, in collaboration with Dr Shiu-Wan Chan, we are interested in investigating the mechanisms of GO’s antimicrobial properties, exploring its potential for detection of virus infection, and as nanocarriers for drug delivery.

Function and quality control of mitochondrial proteins

Mitochondria are critically important organelles of eukaryotic cells, which regulate a wide range of cellular functions, from cell survival and growth to cell death. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to life-threatening diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, stroke, and various neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, mitochondrial protein homeostasis, biogenesis, and function are highly regulated, and the mitochondrial proteome undergoes constant re-sculpting in response to the changing demands of the cells. Using yeast as a model, we and other researchers showed that the mitochondrial protease Yme1 plays vital role in the regulation of mitochondrial protein homeostasis and function (Kan et al., 2022, IJMS; Kan, Wilcock, and Lu, 2024, Biochem Soc Trans). Therefore, we are interested in deciphering the role of Yme1 on mitochondrial function, central metabolism, and protein homeostasis using biochemical and proteomics approaches.

Oxidative folding of industrially and pharmaceutically important recombinant proteins

Disulphide bond formation is one of the most common and important protein post-translational modifications. Oxidative protein folding (folding and disulphide bond formation) is critically important for the function and stability of many proteins. Thus, dedicated oxidoreductase systems present in cells, in specialized compartments (e.g. PDI in the ER, Mia40-Erv1 system in mitochondria), to catalyse disulphide bond formation in vivo. However, correct oxidative protein folding of recombinant proteins is a huge challenging process in vitro. In collaboration with Dr Anil Day, we are interested in studying oxidative protein folding of industrially and pharmaceutically important recombinant proteins, for example, TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor beta) proteins. We are interested in purifying these recombinant proteins from bacteria and investigating the effects of mutants on oxidative protein folding of the proteins. These will allow us to understand the mechanism of protein folding and enhance the production of functional proteins.

PhD and MPhil (one-year research master) projects in the above areas are available all year round for motivated, self-funded students.  Example of PhD project: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/graphene-oxide-as-growth-factor-carriers-for-meniscus-tissue-engineering/?p159765

For more information about projects, please contact Dr Hui Lu, Tel: 0161 275 1553; Email: [email protected]

For general information about MPhil/PhD study and application, please visit PhD/MPhil Biochemistry (2023 entry) | The University of Manchester

BSc, MSc, PhD

Professor Chris Grant, Division of Molecular & Cellular Function; https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/chris.grant

Professor Simon Hubbard, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics; https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/simon.hubbard  

Dr Anil Day, Division of Molecular & Cellular Function; https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/anil.day  

Dr Steve Prince, Division of Molecular & Cellular Function; https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/steve.prince

Professor Ping Xiao, Department of Materials and Henry Royce Institute; https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/p.xiao

Dr Shiu-Wan Chan, Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics; https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/shiu-wan.chan

Dr Stephen Richardson, Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine; https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/s.richardson

As a lecturer, Dr Lu teaches undergraduate (UG) students by giving lectures on the Protein module, Research Skill module, etc. She also supervises research projects for postgraduate master's and PhD students, including:

UG Lecture on BIOL21111 Proteins

UG Biochemistry Research Skill Module (RSM)

UG Biochemistry Tutorials

UG Final Year Project Students (Lab-based, Science Communication, Bioinformatics)

MSci Research Project students

Master Research Project students

The academic lead and RSM teaching for Bio-SISS