CityU honorary doctorate recipient Jian-Kang Zhu delivers lecture to unveil the role of 5th base of DNA in health and longevity
Chair Prof. Jian-Kang Zhu, an honorary doctorate recipient of City University of Macau (CityU), a world-renowned molecular geneticist and plant biologist, a member of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, and Director of the Institute for Advanced Biotechnology at the Southern University of Science and Technology, delivered the Doctor honoris causa Lecture titled “From the 5th Base of DNA to Health and Longevity” at the Taipa campus, which unveiled the role of the 5th base of DNA in promoting health and longevity. The lecture was well-attended by faculty members and students.
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On behalf of the University, Rector Jun Liu warmly welcomed Chair Prof. Jian-Kang Zhu and expressed his honor at having invited him to disclose the mysterious genetic code and sequence of the 5th base of DNA, as well as its important role in human health, longevity, and the traits of life.
Chair Prof. Jian-Kang Zhu began his lecture by discussing Gregor Mendel's pea planting experiment to introduce the concept of genetics. “The genetic code is formed by the four nucleotide bases, A, T, C, and G, which express genes through different linear combinations and sequences. However, this method cannot explain phenomena such as gene jumping, epigenetics, and gene imprinting,” he explained. Chair Prof. Zhu then pointed out that in addition to the four bases, there are also large amounts of the fifth base, 5mC (methylcytosine), in animal and plant cells. “5mC is involved in DNA methylation, which is important for two reasons: cancer screening and determining human lifespan. Abnormal DNA methylation can lead to the development of cancer. As humans age, the amount of 5mC in their bodies increases, and removing 5mC can be used to treat cancer and delay aging,” he suggested.
Chair Prof. Zhu pointed out that his research team has recently discovered that 5mC can be removed through base excision repair and has demonstrated its applicability in both animal and plant cells. He used the example of high oleic acid soybean oil developed by Shunfeng Biotechnology (Bellagen) to illustrate how gene editing technology can be used to regulate the proportion of fatty acids in soybeans. Chair Prof. Zhu said that the resulting soybean oil has a higher oleic acid content than olive oil, which can help reduce the incidence of diseases. His team has utilized the revolutionary technology of gene editing not only for treatment but also for plant breeding. They have obtained the safety production certificate for high oleic soybean oil, which is the only genetically edited high oleic soybean oil in China.
During the Q&A session, Chair Prof. Zhu answered questions using his insights and experiences, patiently addressing the puzzles raised by faculty members and students. The lecture ended in a lively atmosphere, with active participation from the audience.
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Other participants in the lecture included Vice Rector Kong Fanqing, Vice Rector Zhou Wanlei, Vice Rector Chee Seong Chin, Pro-Rector Wicky So Ham Hung, Pro-Rector Vince Chu Te Lin, Director Kathy Che Ka I of the Rector's Office, Dean Lixian Jin of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Associate Dean Wang Po Hsun of the Faculty of Innovation and Design.
