P R E S S   R E L E A S E

        Awry cell signaling is commonly found in pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.  The process of transmitting and transduction of signals participates in and affects almost every aspect of life processes and is vital to cell survival and functions. Disruption of signaling pathways impairs body functions leading to diseases and death. The understanding of cell signaling mechanisms and pathways is, therefore, crucial to innovative drug development and our combat against diseases.

        World-renowned scientists and experts in this highly competitive field of biotechnology including a Nobel Laureate will convene in Hong Kong on 15-17 October for the International Symposium on Cell Signaling: from diseases to drug discovery, organized by the Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.  They will discuss up-to-date research findings and state-of-the-art technologies at the symposium and help fostering an innovation and technology culture in Hong Kong. In particular, exchange on signaling pathways involved in disease processes, drug actions and the biotechnology in screening related bioactive agents will be invaluable to promote local R&D and drug development.

        At the same time, to demonstrate to the world the capability of Hong Kong in conducting sophisticated research for scientific development of Traditional Chinese Medicine and set examples for local TCM manufacturers to enhance their products, innovative applications of the related biotechnology in TCM research, including some projects sponsored by Innovation and Technology Commission and local companies, will be presented. 

        The opening ceremony of the symposium was attended by Mr Francis Ho, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology, HKSAR, Professor Liu Pak Wai, Acting Vice-Chancellor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Du Xian An, Director of Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences and Mr Sun Yong, Representative from Beijing Science and Technology Commission and Deputy Director of Biotechnology and Pharmacology Beijing Center.  The symposium, also a sequel in a series of Beijing-Hong Kong Forum on Life Sciences aiming to promote exchanges between Hong Kong and the Mainland and to enhance the competitiveness of biotechnology/TCM-related industries, is supported by Innovation & Technology Commission HKSAR, Beijing Science & Technology Commission, International Federation of Cell Biology and a number of local industries.