邱繼輝 Kay-Hooi Khoo

建立硫酸化醣質體的分析方法論

My early graduate and postdoctoral research have largely focused on developing and applying mass spectrometry-based techniques to tackle a wide range of esoteric glycan structures, in particular, those from parasitic worms and mycobacteria in the context of infection and immunity. When recruited later to Academia Sinica, I was committed to establishing the first dedicated glyco-analytical lab in Taiwan capable of meeting the needs of local biomedical and biotechnology sectors while continuing to focus my own research effort on solving structural problems in the emerging fields of glycobiology. Over the years, my attention gradually shifted to mammalian protein glycosylation and other post-translational modifications, coinciding with rapid developments in MS-driven proteomics and then glycomics. I was the prime mover in establishing the first National Proteomics Core Lab at Academia Sinica in 2002, which drove the early developments of proteomics in Taiwan, and continued to oversee its transition, after 10 years of running, to the current well-equipped and reputed AS core lab for proteomics and protein modification analysis. Notably, we have established advanced analytical workflows for analyzing SUMOylation, various reversible cysteine modifications, and glycosylation. We have developed methods enabling direct glycopeptide sequencing, particularly on delineating site-specific glycosylation pattern of multiply N- and O-glycosylated membrane glycoprotein receptors in conjunction with structural and functional studies. Among others, our efforts have contributed to mapping the extent of glycosylation on the spike proteins of SARS-CoV2, with the established pipeline now an indispensable aspect of cryo-EM-driven structural biology. In glycomics, I have chosen to focus on addressing the structure and glycobiology of sulfated glycans, and pioneered sulfoglycomics by developing its enabling MS-based techniques that can precisely locate the sulfate positions. Through many collaborations, we have identified novel sulfated glycotopes contributing to immuno-recognition, and those implicated in mediating neurons and glial cells interactions in the context of neurodegenerative diseases.

得獎感言

High-impact biomedical sciences are increasingly driven by advances in platform technology. I have worked on mass spectrometry-based glycosylation and used this enabling technique to solve glycobiological problems and promote glycosciences in Taiwan throughout my entire research career here. I am deeply grateful and honored that my persevering effort is appreciated, recognized, and now rewarded. My accomplishment is built upon the success of many peers who wisely invested in these MS-driven analytical platforms and their willingness to believe in my capability to take a ride with me. I therefore humbly accepted this award not only for myself but also for all the current and past members of my lab, as well as all my collaborators – without them, it would not be possible and as satisfying as it is.