Interview with Prof. Dennis Lo by Prof. Yiping Shen - Journal of Translational Genetics and Genomics

On August 1, 2024, the editorial team of Journal of Translational Genetics and Genomics (JTGG) had the pleasure of hosting an interview between Prof. Yiping Shen, Associate Editor-in-Chief, and Prof. Dennis Lo.

In the interview, Prof. Lo shared insights on how scientists, despite working with limited equipment and using simple methods like serum and PCR tests, were able to make groundbreaking discoveries. He highlighted that these early efforts can inspire young scientists and laboratories with limited resources, proving that significant advancements are possible even under constrained conditions.

Prof. Lo also discussed the clinical applications of his research, including the use of infant DNA in blood samples for monitoring organ rejection and the extension of this technology to cancer detection. He stressed the importance of leveraging modern technologies, such as next-generation sequencing and data from the Human Genome Project, to push the boundaries of biomedical research.

In concluding the interview, Prof. Shen and Prof. Lo congratulated JTGG on its achievements and underscored the journal's important role in advancing genetics and genomics. They expressed their hopes for the journal's continued growth and its contribution to cutting-edge research.

This in-depth interview showcased the immense potential of DNA sequencing technology in various clinical applications, such as cancer screening and organ transplant monitoring. It also illustrated how fundamental scientific research can be translated into practical clinical applications, fostering cross-disciplinary innovation that enhances diagnosis and treatment methods in medicine.

The dialogue highlighted not only the remarkable accomplishments of scientists like Prof. Lo but also the critical importance of innovation, perseverance, and collaboration in scientific research. These attributes profoundly impact both the scientific community and the public. JTGG will continue to serve as a platform for sharing groundbreaking research and promoting cooperation and innovation. Stay tuned for more special interviews.

Personal Introduction:

Prof. Dennis Lo serves as the Director of the Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, the Li Ka Shing Professor of Medicine, and a Professor of Chemical Pathology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also the Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Medicine at CUHK. Prof. Lo earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cambridge and later received his Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Oxford.

Prof. Lo's academic achievements are extensive, with over 440 SCI papers and more than 43,000 citations. He has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the 2014 King Faisal International Prize for Medicine, the 2016 Future Science Prize - Life Sciences Award, and the 2021 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of the United Kingdom in 2011, a Foreign Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States in 2013, and a Founding Member of the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences in 2015. Additionally, he has been honored with the Association for Molecular Pathology Molecular Diagnostic Excellence Award in 2020, the Royal Medal in 2021, and the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award in 2022. In 2023, he was elected as an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and is often referred to as the ‘father of non-invasive prenatal testing’.

Moreover, Prof. Lo and his team were pioneers in identifying cell-free fetal RNA and fetal epigenetic markers in maternal plasma, paving the way for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. They demonstrated for the first time that cell-free fetal nucleic acids in maternal plasma could be used for non-invasive diagnosis of fetal trisomy 21. His team developed various innovative methods, including plasma RNA-SNP allele ratios, plasma epigenetic markers, digital PCR, and massively parallel DNA sequencing. Notably, they successfully mapped the entire fetal genome from small amounts of fragmented DNA in maternal blood, laying the groundwork for non-invasive prenatal tests for various genetic diseases. In the realm of cancer detection, Prof. Lo pioneered several liquid biopsy methods, including whole genome techniques for detecting nasopharyngeal carcinoma and screening for various cancers.

In summary, Prof. Lo's research has significantly advanced medical knowledge and led to improved diagnostic and treatment methods, benefiting humanity at large.

Editor: Yali Zhang
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Yan Zhang
Respectfully Submitted by the Journal Editorial Office
Journal of Translational Genetics and Genomics