Li-Mei Pai (白麗美)
Professor (2016 onwards): Chang Gung University, Department of Biochemistry.
Associated Professor (2010-2016): Chang Gung University, Department of Biochemistry
Assistant Professor (2001-2010): Chang Gung University, Department of Biochemistry
Postdoctoral Fellow (9/1997-12/2000): HHMI, Princeton University, Department of Molecular Biology, Advisor: Dr. Trudi Schüpbach
Ph.D. (1992-1997): Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Advisor: Dr. Mark Peifer.
Research assistant (1989-1991): Academia Sinica, Institute of Biomedicine
Master (1987-1989): Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan Advisor: Dr. Tze-Kun Ho.
Bachelor (1984-1987): Department of Microbiology, Soochow University, Taiwan
Address: Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan 333, Taiwan.
Research Interest :
1. Ubiquitination in Drosophila Development and tumorigenesis：
Ubiquitination is a post-translational regulation of protein activity in which E3 ligase recognizes substrates for this modification. My lab focuses on the role of proto-oncogene Cbl, an E3 ligase, in EGFR signaling during Drosophila axis determination, and cancer cell growth. We found that Cbl promotes the endocytosis and degradation of ligand-EGFR complex to down-regulate EGFR signaling in Drosophila egg and cancer cells. Interestingly, Cbl regulates the formation of polymeric structure of CTP synthase (CTPsyn filaments) to modulate endoreplication. Currently, we are investigating the molecular mechanisms, and the relationship between CTPsyn filament and tumorigenesis.
2. Methionine Metabolism in Drosophila Regeneration and Egg Development：
Methionine metabolism is involved in the methylation of DNA, RNA, protein, and lipid. We found that deficiency of Adi1, an enzyme in methionine salvage pathway, reduced Drosophila fecundity. The methionine metabolism is also found to be required for protein trafficking during morphogenesis of dorsal follicle cells, and wing regeneration. We are currently investigating the molecular mechanisms, which may help us understand the biological function of methylation during regeneration and development.