04/12/2007

Prof. Dennis Lo and Prof. Craig Mello in the Conversation Session

Visit by Professor Craig Mello

Professor Craig C. Mello, 2006 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, who is the Blais University Chair in Molecular Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School visited the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences as part of the programme of the Sun Hung Kai Properties Nobel Laureates Distinguished Lectures.

Professor Mello is well known for his remarkable discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) with his colleague Andrew Fire. RNAi is a natural process by which a certain form of RNA can be manipulated to interfere with the expression of a selected gene. It is therefore a powerful research tool in defining biological functions of genes, and a promising new class of gene-specific therapeutics.

Professor Mello shared his attitude and experience in living and research with University students in the Conversation Session. Exchange sessions were also arranged for Professor Mello and LiHS research teams to have interchange of ideas on related research works.