Contact
Biography
I am Keng-Ting Sun (aka Vic), a dedicated PhD researcher in musculoskeletal sciences, driven by a passion for advancing skeletal muscle physiology, musculoskeletal diseases, and behavioural neuroscience. With comprehensive academic training in Hong Kong, I have built a robust academic and professional foundation. Since April 2023, I have served as a Senior Technician (Research) at the University of Nottingham's School of Medicine, following various roles in Hong Kong, including Scientific Officer and laboratory coordinator. My vision is to push the boundaries of musculoskeletal research, evidenced by my contributions to funded projects, establishment of integrative laboratories, and coordination of post-graduate education. After relocating to the UK in August 2022, I have been adapting to the academic ecosystem while pursuing advanced training in human muscle research. My research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and grant proposals, reflect my commitment to scientific excellence.
Expertise Summary
I possess extensive expertise in skeletal muscle and exercise biology, musculoskeletal diseases, and behavioural neuroscience. My technical skills encompass advanced rodent and human research methodologies, including muscle electroporation, behavioural assessments (e.g., elevated plus maze, fear conditioning), and biochemical analyses such as flow cytometry, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. I am proficient in cell culture techniques, working with human primary cells, C2C12 myoblasts, murine embryonic stem cells, and RAW264.7 macrophages, and have conducted in vitro transfections with siRNA, shRNA, and plasmid DNA. My analytical capabilities include statistical tools (SPSS) and image analysis software (FIJI/ImageJ). I have a proven track record in laboratory management, research coordination, and grant writing, having co-investigated projects on osteoarthritis and neurobehavioural studies, and secured funding for collaborative research. As a reviewer for Brain Research Bulletin and Frontier of Pharmacology, I blend technical, analytical, and educational expertise to advance biomedical sciences.
Teaching Summary
In SoM-Derby, I am supporting research student supervision and their research activities,
- as bench supervisor, assist academic to supervise PhD students; - coordinator of Research Seminar and Lab User meeting.
In Hong Kong, co-coordinator of a post-graduate course (RS6000 in Hong Kong Polytechnic University) including roles:
- design and coordinate laboratory practicals; - course assessment (e.g., presentation, assignment); - tutor (e.g., bespoke project support)
Research Summary
Human skeletal muscle metabolism research using mass spectrometry (Prof. Ken Smith & CoMAP)
NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in gynaecological conditions (Prof. Raheela Khan & Clinical… read more
Current Research
- Human skeletal muscle metabolism research using mass spectrometry (Prof. Ken Smith & CoMAP)
- NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in gynaecological conditions (Prof. Raheela Khan & Clinical Sciences)
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Collaborations with research teams: Renal (Prof. Selby and Prof. Taal teams) and Diabetes (Prof. Idris's team)
Past Research
My past research activities can be categorised into key thematic areas: Skeletal Muscle Physiology, Musculoskeletal Diseases, Behavioural Neuroscience, and Collaborative and Translational Research. Each category includes specific projects, my roles, methodologies, and outcomes.
Skeletal Muscle Physiology
- Mechano-Growth Factor (MGF) in Skeletal Muscle Injury (PhD Dissertation, 2014-2018, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)
- Investigated the role of MGF in skeletal muscle regeneration and injury repair.
- Conducted experiments using muscle electroporation and animal models; plus techniques like flow cytometry, FACS, qPCR, immunohistochemistry and imaging.
- Published findings in Frontiers in Physiology (2018): Demonstrated MGF overexpression modulates inflammatory cytokine expression and macrophage resolution post-injury.
- Presented at the 14th Asian and Oceanian Myology Center Annual Scientific Meeting (2015, Bangkok) and 9th Pan-Pacific Conference on Rehabilitation (2014, Hong Kong).
- Diaphragm Muscle Assessment in Mdx Mice (Visiting Researcher, Karolinska Institutet, 2015)
- Collaborated with Professors Håkan Westerblad and Joseph Bruton to assess biochemical and biomechanical properties of diaphragm muscles in Mdx mice (Duchenne muscular dystrophy model).
- Employed muscle force measurements and calcium imaging to evaluate impaired Ca²⁺ release in muscle weakness.
- Contributed to publication in Critical Care (2016): Identified impaired Ca²⁺ release as a contributor to muscle weakness in critical illness myopathy.
- Low-Magnitude High-Frequency Vibration (LMHFV) on Disuse-Induced Muscle Atrophy (MPhil Dissertation, 2010-2012, The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
- Examined LMHFV effects on reloading hindlimb soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in tail-suspended rats.
- Utilised histological analysis and muscle functional measurements.
- Published in Journal of Musculoskeletal & Neuronal Interactions (2015): Demonstrated differential effects of LMHFV on muscle reloading, improving functional outcomes.
- Presented orally at the 58th Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Research Society (2012, San Francisco).
- TRPC1 in Myogenesis and Regeneration (Book Chapter, 2017)
- Co-authored chapter in The Plasticity of Skeletal Muscle (Springer Singapore) with Yeung EW and Cheung KK.
- Reviewed the biological role of TRPC1 in myogenesis, regeneration, and skeletal muscle diseases.
Musculoskeletal Diseases
- Neurobehavioral and Transcriptomic Studies in Osteoarthritis (OA) Models (Articles Under Preparation)
- as Co-PI, internally funded project (HKD 0.95M, 2020)
- Investigated cognitive and neurobehavioral changes in rat and mouse models of OA (partial meniscectomy, medial meniscus destabilization, monoiodoacetate injection).
- Conducted behavioural assessments (e.g., Y-maze, open field) and transcript expression analysis of the quadriceps.
- Methodologies included intraarticular injections, neurobehavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR.
- Skeletal Muscle Proteomics and Histology
- Conducted histological and immunohistochemical analyses of skeletal muscle and knee tissue sections across multiple studies.
- Utilized nanoflow LC-MS Orbitrap and Mascot Distiller for muscle proteomics in muscle injury projects.
Behavioral Neuroscience
- Prepulse Inhibition (PPI) Paradigm Studies (2022-2023)
- Published in Behavioural Brain Research (2022): Analyzed within-subjects vs. between-subjects covariation in prepulse-elicited reaction and startle diminution.
- Employed acoustic startle and PPI behavioural paradigms in rats.
- Articles under preparation:
- Dose-dependent effects of ketamine on startle response in PPI paradigm
- Methodologies included behavioral assessments (elevated plus maze, fear conditioning, forced swim test) and video-tracking (Noldus Ethovision).
- Adverse Childhood Experiences and Inflammation (Co-I, Internal Funding, HKD 300K, 2022)
- Contributed to proposal drafting, focusing on inflammatory biomarkers in young adulthood linked to adverse and benevolent childhood experiences.
- Designed experiments involving multiplex immunoassays and lymphocytes isolation for flow cytometry.
Collaborative and Translational Research
- Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive Impairment Detection (Co-I, ECS UGC, HKD 1M, 2020)
- Contributed to proposal drafting, focusing on inflammatory biomarkers in neuroinflammation for early detection of cognitive impairment in older adults.
- Integrated human research techniques (plasma/serum processing, ELISA assays).
- Hippocampus-Dependent Memory in Rheumatoid Arthritis (Co-I, HMRF2022, To Be Announced)
- Drafted entire proposal with PI, designing studies to assess memory function in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Incorporated behavioral assessments and biochemical analyses (e.g., Western blotting, real-time PCR).
- Rab-like Protein 1A (RBEL1A) in Cancer (Review Article, 2023)
- Collaborated with Lui K, Cheung KK, and others on a review of oncogenic RBEL1A in cancer.
- Contributed expertise in literature synthesis.