Prof. Hsueh-Ping Chu - Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology- Lab of Prof. Hsueh-Ping CHU : https://labspotlight.ntu.edu.tw/labs/12
Associate Professor Hsueh-Ping Chu from the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology at National Taiwan University was awarded the "The Most Promising Young Scientist Award" of the "Taiwan Outstanding Women in Science Award" on March 9th. This award is specifically designed to commend the outstanding contributions of female scientists and to encourage young female scientists with great potential in scientific development.
The "Taiwan Outstanding Women in Science Award" was jointly established by L'Oréal Taiwan and the Wu Chien-Shiung Education Foundation in 2007 to recognize the contributions of female scientists and set examples to inspire young women to engage in science and pursue their dreams bravely, thereby promoting gender equality and diversity in the scientific community.
Associate Professor Chu's research focuses on molecular biology, particularly the interaction between non-coding RNAs and the genome, as well as their interaction with proteins related to human aging, specific cancers, and genetic diseases. The ends of chromosomes, known as telomeres, have a close relationship with aging and cancer. Associate Professor Chu discovered that TERRA RNA transcribed from telomeres can regulate the activity and integrity of telomerase, as well as the distribution of proteins (such as ATRX) that regulate chromosome structure, affecting gene expression and chromosome stability during early embryonic development.
Associate Professor Chu's research found that TERRA RNA can regulate the atypical telomere extension mode, reducing the growth of cancer cells and the elongation of chromosome ends. This breakthrough not only contributes significantly to the academic community but also provides new opportunities for cancer treatment for patients. The mother of a child with a rare disease found hope and gained confidence in facing the disease by seeing Associate Professor Chu's research.
Associate Professor Chu has been interested in life sciences since childhood and has always been curious about the natural world. She enjoyed observing caterpillars in bushes and even researched cockroaches for science fairs in junior high school. During her studies, both her teachers and parents strongly supported her in any endeavor, fostering her positive and resilient optimistic spirit. Even when facing setbacks, she continued to persevere in her research, overcoming obstacles and shining in the field of scientific research.
Associate Professor Chu also shared that research is a process of setbacks. She once applied to over 20 laboratories during her studies but didn't receive responses from most of them. Eventually, she was only interviewed by one laboratory and got accepted. She encourages girls passionate about scientific research not to underestimate themselves or doubt their dreams. "It's not that you're not good enough, but others have yet to discover your goodness." She believes in herself and encourages others to do the same.
Read in Chinese: https://www.ntu.edu.tw/spotlight/2024/2251_20240327.html