Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica

Research

Molecular Genetics of the Human Red Cell Antigens.
Our laboratory is interested in the molecular genetic bases responsible for the polymorphisms of the human red cell surface antigens; especially interested in the antigens with carbohydrate structure. The research topics that we have implemented during these years include: the ABO blood group glycosyltransferase genes and the rare ABO blood types, Secretor a-1,2-fucosyltransferase gene and the Lewis antigen phenotypes, and the molecular genetics of the I b-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase locus and the partial association with congenital cataracts. The expression profiles of the carbohydrate antigens during cell differentiation processes and the regulatory mechanisms of the related glycosyltransferase genes are also our research interests. Currently we endeavor to elucidate the molecular genetic basis for the polymorphism of the P1 (Gala1-4GalNAcb1-3Gal) antigen on red cell surfaces and the expression of I branching carbohydrate structure and the regulatory mechanisms of the I gene transcription during cell differentiation.

Degrees and Positions Held

• 1989 – 1994   Ph.D., Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University
• 1985 – 1987   M.S., Graduate Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University
• 1981 – 1985   B.S., Department of Zoology, National Taiwan University

• 2008 – present   Professor, Institute of Biochemical Science, National Taiwan University College of Life Science
• 2008 – present   Joint Appointment Associate Research Fellow, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica
• 2003 – 2008   Joint Appointment Assistant Research Fellow, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica
• 2002 – 2008   Associate Professor, Institute of Biochemical Science, National Taiwan University College of Life Science
• 1998 – 2002   Investigator, Dept. of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital
• 1993 – 1997   Associate Investigator, Dept. of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital

Selected Publications

Molecular genetics of the blood group I system and the regulation of I antigen expression during erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis. 
Yu LC, Lin M 
Current opinion in hematology (2011)

Phosphorylation status of transcription factor C/EBPα determines cell surface poly-LacNAc branching (I antigen) formation in erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis. 
Twu YH, Hsieh CY, Lin M, Tzeng CH, Sun CF, Yu LC 
Blood (2010)

Expression of the human Sd(a) beta-1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase II gene is dependent on the promoter methylation status. 
H. R. Wang, C. Y. Hsieh, Y. C. Twu and L. C. Yu 
Glycobiology (2008)

I branching formation in erythroid differentiation is regulated by transcription factor C/EBP{alpha}. 
Y. C. Twu, C. P. Chen, C. Y. Hsieh, C. H. Tzeng, C. F. Sun, S. H. Wang, M. S. Chang and L. C. Yu 
Blood (2007)

A novel IGnT allele responsible for the adult i phenotype. 
Lin M, Hou MJ, Yu LC 
Transfusion (2006)

Expression of the histo-blood group B gene predominates in AB-genotype cells. 
Twu YC, Hsieh CY, Yu LC 
Transfusion (2006)

The Molecular Genetics of the Human I Locus and Molecular Background Explain the Partial Association of the Adult i Phenotype with Congenital Cataracts. 
L. C. Yu, Y. C. Twu, M. L. Chou, M. E. Reid, A. R. Gray, J. M. Moulds, C. Y. Chang and M. Lin 
Blood (2003)

Molecular genetic analysis for the B(3) allele. 
L. C. Yu, Y. C. Twu, M. L. Chou, C. Y. Chang, C. Y. Wu and M. Lin 
Blood (2002)

Molecular Basis of the Adult i Phenotype and the Gene Responsible for the Expression of Human Blood Group I Antigen. 
L. C. Yu, Y. C. Twu, C. Y. Chang and M. Lin 
Blood (2001)

Molecular Basis of the Kell-null Phenotype: A Mutation at the Splice Site of Human KEL Gene Abolishes the Expression of Kell Blood Group Antigens. 
L. C. Yu, Y. C. Twu, C. Y. Chang and M. Lin 
J Biol Chem (2001)

Publication List