Research Question

Dinoflagellate Biology – Cellular Growth Concordance: membrane-lipid axis, vesicular-cellulose transport, and karyo-genomic architecture

All compartments in a cell are connected; all living organisms solve life problems with common and with different resolutions. The understandings of biological processes are enlightened with observations in challenge-response, mutant-phenotypes, functional networks, and evolutionary derived understandings. Biology is beholding a revolution through post-omics and post-functional screenings (yeast), with CRISPR-related technology taking on prior genetically intractable systems. Understanding holistic rationale that behold polysaccharide deposition-vesicular transport^6,7,11, membrane-lipid axis⁵, and genome physical karyotypes^{8.10,/sup>, encompassing the essence of growth concordance, will make a difference in basic sciences and technology.}

Corals are obligative symbionts with dinoflagellates of the order Symbiodinaceae. Their photosynthesis, which form the basis of coral reef bioenergy input, is conducted with ‘minicircles’ encoded essential chloroplast genes^1,9. Coral bleaching is about unviable symbiotic relationship between them, likely attributed to differential growth concordance initiated with composite factors including seawater warming, increasing UV irradiation, pollution, and extreme weather.
https://www.aims.gov.au/research-topics/environmental-issues/coral-bleaching/what-coral-bleaching
These are in turn caused by climate change4 and from anthropogenic activities, and we should be proactive in protecting them. Some of the best coral reefs are in Asia Pacific https://www.apcrs2023.org/

Our research focuses on cell biology dinoflagellates, including those of both free-living and symbiotic forms. Yeasts and bacteria serve as our comparative research model systems. The permanent dinoflagellate nuclear envelope, and the availability of non-invasive genome cycle synchronization, in addition to large cell size (a chromosome can be larger than a yeast cell), will make a difference in biochemical truthing with molecular genetics. In addition to being a key plankton group, many dinoflagellates are harmful algal bloom agents, and the coral-zooxanthellae; symbiotic relationship termination is manifested in the ongoing coral bleaching. Their bioluminescence lightened many dark nights, often coined with the phase ‘blue tears’ in major tourist attraction. The group has some of the highest cellular concentrations of DMS/DMSP, the biogeochemical sulphur compounds. Dinoflagellate cell wall3 and genomes likely retain clues to survive with elevating UVc⁴ and increasing global temperatures.
It is also of strategic timing for molecular dinoflagellate cell biological investigations, encompassing coral bleaching and harmful algal blooms. The ecologically profound group, which was prior genetically intractable, with long-read sequencing and transgenic technology. We also isolated many novel free-living species, including some with highest lipid levels, and one free-living species with the lowest genome size. The now genomic tractable with transformable dinoflagellate models will posit dinoflagellates in the forefronts of post-genomic biotechnology and synthetic biology, given the large repertoire of dinoflagellate bioactive and for omega-3 DHA production².

Red tides are not only cell proliferation but life-cycle transitions
https://www2.whoi.edu/site/andersonlab/
Bioluminescence is not only for tourists,
https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674067165

Potential students are required to apply to the Wong’s Lab through the official postgraduate admission systems. Candidates with serious research proposals are encouraged to contact me directly. Postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to apply directly to Prof. Joseph Wong. My resume can be found in here. No prior dinoflagellate/algal experiences are required, but I train students in asking better questions; if you want assay-type research, and not interested in seeking for the unknowns, please do not apply. Complementary experience in biophysics, optical biology, biochemistry, and yeast molecular genetics are welcome.

Detailed research interests can be found in here.

Representative Publications

Selected references (out of ~70)

1. Kwok, A.C.M., Leung S.K., and Wong, J.T.Y. (2023) DNA:RNA hybrids are major Dinoflagellate minicircle molecular types. International Journal of Molecular Sciences
2. Kwok, A.C.M., Law, S.P.C. and Wong, J.T.Y. (2023) Oleaginous heterotrophic dinoflagellates—Crypthecodiniaceae. Marine Drugs 21 https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/21/3/162
3. Kwok, A.C.M., Chan, W.S. and Wong, J.T.Y. (2023) Dinoflagellate amphiesma: cellular growth and ecdysial dynamics. Marine Drugs 21(2), 70; https://doi.org/10.3390/md21020070
4. Kwok A.C. M., Li, C., Lam, W.T. and Wong J.T.Y. (2022) Responses of Dinoflagellate Cells to Ultraviolet-C Irradiation. Environmental Microbiology.
5. Kwok, A.C.M., Zhang, F., Ma, Z., Chan, W.S., Yu, V.C., Tsang, J.S.H. and Wong, J.T.Y. (2020) Functional responses between PMP3 small membrane proteins and membrane potential. Environmental Microbiology
6. Chan, W.S., Kwok, A.C.M., and Wong, J.T.Y. (2019) Knockdown of dinoflagellate cellulose synthase CesA1 resulted in malformed intracellular cellulosic thecal plates and severely impeded cyst-to-swarmer transition. Frontiers in Microbiology 1010.3389/fmicb.2019.00546
7. Kwok A.C. M. and Wong J.T.Y. (2010) Activities of a walled-bound cellulase is coupled to and is required for cell cycle progression in a dinoflagellate. Plant Cell 22:1281-1298. http://www.plantcell.org/content/22/4/1281
8. Fojtová,M, Wong J.T.Y., Dvořáčková, M, Yan, KTH, Sýkorová, E and Fajkus J (2010) Telomere maintenance in liquid crystalline chromosomes of dinoflagellates. Chromosoma
9. Leung, S.K., and Wong, J.T.Y. (2009) The replication of plastid minicircles involves rolling circle intermediates. Nucleic Acids Research 37: 1991-2002.
10. Chan, Y.H. and Wong, J.T.Y. (2007) Concentration-dependent organization of DNA by the dinoflagellate histone-like protein HCc3. Nucleic Acids Research 35:2573-2583.
11. Lau, R.K.L., Kwok, A.C.M., Chan, W.K., Zhang, T.Y., and Wong, J.T.Y. (2007) Mechanical characterization of cellulosic thecal plates in dinoflagellates by nanoindentation. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 7: 452-457. (Front Cover)
12. Kwok ACM and Wong J.T.Y. (2003) Cellulose synthesis is coupled to cell cycle progression at G1 in the dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii. Plant Physiology 131:1681-1691.

Accepted and in submission

Kwok A.C.M. et al., (2024) Dinochromosome heterotermini with telosomal anchorages.
Int J Mol Sci.;25
Lam, W.T. et al., Symbiodinaceae exhibit high sensitivity to low dose UVc irradiation.
Kowk, et al., The dinoflagellate inner chromosomal compartment.
Kwok, A.c.M. et al., Point mutation in the dinoflagellate histone-like protein HCC3 led to chromosome decompaction in vivo.
Kwok, A.C.M., Bennet,M, et al., A new form of genome replication-segregtaion.
Chan Y.H. et al., UVc and Transposase-generated mutants with higher oil content in the oleaginous dinoflagellate Crypthecidinium cohnii.
Yuan,W. Chan,W.S. et al., Cellulosic Thecal Plates are composed of dfferent crystalline domains.
Chan,W.S. et al., Cesa expression exhibited feedback with cellulose synthesis inhibition leading to cell cycle arrest.
Kwok, A.C.M. et al., Deposition of coccoidal carbonate shell in the calcareous dinoflagellate Thoracosphaera heimii.

Science Communications:

ScienceArt Commune 1: Wong, J.T.Y., Whirling with Waters. Art and Science 2024, 8,
https://www.openscience.fr/ScienceArt-Commune-1-Whirling-with-Waters
ScienceArt Statement 1. Wong, J.T.Y. Conscription to Flow: Antarctic Circumpolat Current
ScienceArt Statement 2. Wong, J.T.Y. Antarctica Begging
ScienceArt Statement 3. Wong, J.T.Y. On Reception and Sensing