Dr Richard Yu
Senior Lecturer
School of Environmental and Life Sciences (Environmental Science and Management)
- Email:richard.yu@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 4921 6990
Career Summary
Biography
My primary research interests are in the molecular toxicology of environmental stressors and chemicals. In particular, I am interested in (1) understanding the molecular mechanisms of endocrine disruption caused by hypoxia and environmental chemicals, (2) developing bioassays for the screening and detection of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and (3) developing environmental DNA (eDNA) survey techniques to monitor aquatic wildlife populations. Overall, my research covers both basic science aimed at understanding the fundamental mechanisms of environmental toxicity and applied science concerned with the development of diagnostic tools for assessing and monitoring environmental toxicity and health impacts.
Previously, my co-workers and I have developed sensitive molecular bioassays for environmental monitoring and risk assessment of compounds affecting sex hormone signalling and synthesis in both vertebrate and invertebrate systems. Examples include (1) an in-vivo reporter system for detecting estrogenic compounds using a transgenic marine medaka strain carrying the choriogenin (chg) promoter-GFP transgene (the technology was then commercialised as part of the environmental and food safety consultancy service in a Hong Kong-based biotechnology company), (2) development of the H295R steroidogenesis assay as an in-vitro screen for EDCs that interfere estrogen and testosterone production (this assay has become part of the OECD framework for the Testing and Assessment of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) and (3) development of real-time PCR assays for quantifying estrogen-induced gene expression (e.g., vitellogenin, vtg and estrogen receptor, er) in the native Australian oyster species, the Sydney rock oyster Saccostrea glomerata. At the basic science level, my research has led to the discovery of novel molecular mechanisms underlying (1) the regulation of gene expression induced by estrogenic compounds in oysters, (2) the inhibitory effects of aquatic hypoxia on fish reproduction (i.e., suppression of estrogen production and male-biased sex ratios) and food intake; and (3) the modulation of sex steroid production (steroidogenesis) by organic environmental chemicals and their metabolites.
Research Expertise
Ecotoxicology, molecular toxicology, gene expression, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), aquatic hypoxia, environmental DNA (eDNA)
Teaching Expertise
ENVS2004 Ecology, ENVS3004 Ecotoxicology, SCIE1002 Multidisciplinary Laboratories, SCIE3500 Research Integrated Learning
Administrative Expertise
Deputy Head (Teaching and Learning), School of Environmental and Life Sciences (2023 - Present)
Head, Discipline of Environmental Science and Management (2017 - 2020)
Convenor, Merit Pathway, Faculty of Science (2014 - 2020)
Honours Coordinator, Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (2011-2014)
Qualifications
- PhD, City University of Hong Kong - China
- Bachelor of Science (Applied Biology)(Honours), City University of Hong Kong - China
Keywords
- EDC
- Endocrine disrupting chemicals
- Environmental DNA (eDNA)
- Environmental estrogens
- Fish
- Hypoxia
- Molecular Toxicology
- Obesogens
- Sydney rock oyster
Fields of Research
Code | Description | Percentage |
---|---|---|
410599 | Pollution and contamination not elsewhere classified | 60 |
310505 | Gene expression (incl. microarray and other genome-wide approaches) | 40 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
Title | Organisation / Department |
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Senior Lecturer | University of Newcastle School of Environmental and Life Sciences Australia |
Membership
Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
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3/5/2022 - | Associate Editor | Frontiers in Marine Science Switzerland |
4/2/2021 - | Editorial Board Member | Frontiers in Physiology Switzerland |
1/4/2016 - 1/7/2023 | Editorial Board Member | Heliyon (Elsevier) United Kingdom |
Awards
Award
Year | Award |
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2022 |
Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Award College of Engineering, Science & Environment, University of Newcastle |
2020 |
Industry Engagement Excellence Award Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle |
Invitations
Speaker
Year | Title / Rationale |
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2011 |
Science Week Conference Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the aquatic environment: Their mechanisms of action and detection strategies |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Journal article (53 outputs)
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2023 |
Alam MR, Rahman MM, Kit Yu RM, MacFarlane GR, 'Offspring of metal contaminated saltmarsh (Juncus acutus) exhibit tolerance to the essential metal Zn but not the nonessential metal Pb', Environmental Pollution, 323 (2023) [C1] Halophytes residing in metal-contaminated saltmarsh habitats may employ strategies to enhance fitness of the next generation. We aimed to test the hypothesis that Juncus acutus in... [more] Halophytes residing in metal-contaminated saltmarsh habitats may employ strategies to enhance fitness of the next generation. We aimed to test the hypothesis that Juncus acutus individuals inhabiting metal-contaminated locations would experience elevated tolerance of offspring to metals compared to plants residing in locations with no metal contamination history. J. acutus seeds (F1 generation) were collected from F0 parent plants residing at eight locations of a contemporary sediment metal gradient (contaminated to uncontaminated) across the coast of NSW, Australia (Hunter river, Lake Macquarie and Georges River). Seeds were exposed in the laboratory to incremental Zn (0.0¿1.6 mM) and Pb (0.0¿0.50 mM) for nine (9) days, and % germination, germination rate, root elongation and vigour index were assessed for the determination of tolerance. Greater root accumulation (BCF = 1.01) of Zn and subsequent translocation to aerial parts (culm BCF = 0.58 and capsule BCF = 0.85) were exhibited in parents plants, whereas Pb was excluded from roots (BCF = 0.60) and very little translocation to aerial portions of the plant was observed (culm BCF = 0.02 and capsule BCF = 0.05). F1 offspring exhibited tolerance to Zn with EC50 (% germination) significantly correlated with their parents' culm (R2 = 0.93, p = 0.00) and capsule (R2 = 0.57; p = 0.03) Zn. No correlations were observed between offspring Pb tolerance and Pb in parents¿ plant tissues. Enhanced tolerance to the essential metal Zn may be because Zn is very mobile in the parent plant and seeds experience greater Zn load as a significant portion of sediment Zn reaches capsules (85%). Thus, Zn tolerance in J. acutus seeds is likely attributable to acclimation via maternal transfer of Zn; however, further manipulative experiments are required to disentangle potential acclimation, adaptation or epigenetic effects in explaining the tolerance observed.
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2022 |
Lai KP, Tsang CF, Li L, Yu RMK, Kong RYC, 'Microplastics act as a carrier for wastewater-borne pathogenic bacteria in sewage', Chemosphere, 301 (2022) [C1] Microplastic pollution, a pressing global environmental problem, has a severe impact on both aquatic ecosystems and public health worldwide. Due to the small size of microplastics... [more] Microplastic pollution, a pressing global environmental problem, has a severe impact on both aquatic ecosystems and public health worldwide. Due to the small size of microplastics, they are able to pass through the filtration systems of municipal wastewater treatment works (WWTWs). In recent years, studies have focused on the environmental abundance and ecotoxicological effects of microplastics, but there are limited studies investigating the colonization of microplastics by bacteria, especially those pathogenic ones. In this study, we examined the colonization and composition of the bacterial communities on polyethylene microbeads after incubation in raw sewage collected from three municipal WWTWs in Hong Kong (Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works, Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works, and Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicate that bacterial cells were colonized on the surfaces of the microbeads and formed biofilms after sewage incubation. Metagenomic sequencing data demonstrated an increase in bacterial diversity after 21 days of sewage incubation when compared to shorter incubation periods of 6, 11 and 16 days. Importantly, human and fish pathogens such as Arcobacter cryaerophilus, Aeromonas salmonicida, Vibrio areninigrae and Vibrio navarrensis were found in the resident bacterial communities. Taken together, our results demonstrate that microplastics could act as a carrier for wastewater-borne pathogenic bacteria in municipal sewage.
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2022 |
Islam R, Melvin SD, Kit Yu RM, O'Connor WA, Anh Tran TK, Andrew-Priestley M, et al., 'Estrogenic mixtures induce alterations in lipidomic profiles in the gonads of female oysters', Chemosphere, 291 (2022) [C1] This study aimed to reveal possible alterations to lipidomic profiles in Sydney rock oysters, Saccostrea glomerata, exposed to estrogenic mixtures (i.e., estrone, E1; 17ß-estradio... [more] This study aimed to reveal possible alterations to lipidomic profiles in Sydney rock oysters, Saccostrea glomerata, exposed to estrogenic mixtures (i.e., estrone, E1; 17ß-estradiol, E2; estriol, E3; 17a-ethinylestradiol, EE2; bisphenol A, BPA; 4-t-octylphenol, 4-t-OP; and 4-nonylphenol, 4-NP) at ¿low¿ and ¿high¿ concentrations, typical of those detected in Australian and global receiving waters. A seven-day acute exposure window exhibited significantly lower abundances of many non-polar metabolites in digestive gland, gills, and gonads. Overall, there was a strong effect of the carrier solvent ethanol (despite a low exposure of 0.0002%), with all solvent containing treatments exhibiting lower abundances of lipidic metabolites, especially in the gill and digestive gland. No significant changes of the lipidome were exhibited in the male gonad by estrogenic exposure. However, in the female gonad, significant reductions of phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine were associated with exposure to high estrogenic mixtures. We hypothesise that the decreases in these phospholipids in the female gonad may be attributable to 1) lower algal consumption and thus lower uptake of lipidic building blocks; 2) a reduction of available substrates for phospholipid and phosphatidylcholine synthesis; and/or 3) induction of reactive oxygen species via estrogen metabolism, which may cause lipid peroxidation and lower abundance of phospholipids.
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2022 |
Hoang SA, Lamb D, Sarkar B, Seshadri B, Kit Yu RM, Anh Tran TK, et al., 'Phosphorus application enhances alkane hydroxylase gene abundance in the rhizosphere of wild plants grown in petroleum-hydrocarbon-contaminated soil', Environmental Research, 204 (2022) [C1] This study assessed the ability of phosphorus (P) fertilizer to remediate the rhizosphere of three wild plant species (Banksia seminuda, a tree; Chloris truncata, a grass; and Hak... [more] This study assessed the ability of phosphorus (P) fertilizer to remediate the rhizosphere of three wild plant species (Banksia seminuda, a tree; Chloris truncata, a grass; and Hakea prostrata, a shrub) growing in a soil contaminated with total (aliphatic) petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH). Plant growth, photosynthesis (via chlorophyll fluorescence), soil microbial activity, alkane hydroxylase AlkB (aliphatic hydrocarbon-degrading) gene abundance, and TPH removal were evaluated 120 days after planting. Overall, although TPH served as an additional carbon source for soil microorganisms, the presence of TPH in soil resulted in decreased plant growth and photosynthesis. However, growth, photosynthesis, microbial activities, and AlkB gene abundance were enhanced by the application of P fertilizer, thereby increasing TPH removal rates, although the extent and optimum P dosage varied among the plant species. The highest TPH removal (64.66%) was observed in soil planted with the Poaceae species, C. truncata, and amended with 100 mg P kg-1 soil, while H. prostrata showed higher TPH removal compared to the plant belonging to the same Proteaceae family, B. seminuda. The presence of plants resulted in higher AlkB gene abundance and TPH removal relative to the unplanted control. The removal of TPH was associated directly with AlkB gene abundance (R2 > 0.9, p < 0.001), which was affected by plant identity and P levels. The results indicated that an integrated approach involving wild plant species and optimum P amendment, which was determined through experimentation using different plant species, was an efficient way to remediate soil contaminated with TPH.
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2022 |
Alam MR, Rahman MM, Tam NF-Y, Yu RMK, MacFarlane GR, 'The accumulation and distribution of arsenic species and selected metals in the saltmarsh halophyte, spiny rush (Juncus acutus)', MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN, 175 (2022) [C1]
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2022 |
Andrew-Priestley M, Newton K, Platell ME, Le Strange L, Houridis H, Stat M, et al., 'Benthic infaunal assemblages adjacent to an ocean outfall in Australian marine waters: Impact assessment and identification of indicator taxa', Marine Pollution Bulletin, 174 (2022) [C1] An impact assessment of oceanic effluent releases from Belmont wastewater treatment works (WWTW) in Newcastle, Australia, was undertaken. Benthic infaunal assemblages in sandy sed... [more] An impact assessment of oceanic effluent releases from Belmont wastewater treatment works (WWTW) in Newcastle, Australia, was undertaken. Benthic infaunal assemblages in sandy sediments of ~25 m water depth were examined, at sites adjacent to the release point, and at increasing distances up to 2 km in both a NE and SW direction over five consecutive years (2016¿2020). Localised impacts were evident for infaunal assemblages, with sites within 20 m of the outfall (¿Impact¿ site types) exhibiting lower taxa richness and Shannon diversity, higher abundances of polychaetes and/or nematodes, higher polychaete ratios, and shifts in assemblage composition in comparison to sites at greater distances during some years. Taxa with increased localised abundances at the outfall were identified as indicators for monitoring impacts, including deposit-feeding polychaetes (Families Polygordiidae, Paraonidae and Dorvilleidae) and Phylum Nematoda. Future infaunal monitoring could include molecular tools and paired sediment analyses.
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2021 |
Alam MR, Islam R, Anh Tran TK, Van DL, Rahman MM, Griffin AS, et al., 'Global patterns of accumulation and partitioning of metals in halophytic saltmarsh taxa: A phylogenetic comparative approach', Journal of Hazardous Materials, 414 (2021) [C1] The current study represents the first attempt to analyse quantitatively, within a phylogenetic framework, uptake and partitioning patterns of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd)... [more] The current study represents the first attempt to analyse quantitatively, within a phylogenetic framework, uptake and partitioning patterns of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in extant saltmarsh taxa globally, and to assess associations of these patterns with various plant traits indicative of their halophytic adaptations. Despite saltmarsh being diverse taxonomically, most saltmarsh taxa accumulate metals to roots at, or above, unity (> 1). Further, there is significant translocation from roots to shoot for Cu, Zn and Cd (= 1), however, Pb is less mobile (TF = 0.65). Patterns of accumulation were similar among families, except greater Cd accumulation to roots in members of Juncaceae. Patterns of uptake to roots and translocation to leaves were broadly similar among plant type, plant form, habitat and photosynthetic mode. Zinc is lower in the leaves of salt-secreting species for some closely related taxa, suggesting some species co-excrete sodium (Na+) and Zn2+ through glands in leaf tissue. Salinity tolerance has no relationship to metal uptake and translocation. Translocation of Zn is greater at lower Zn sediment exposures, reflecting its active uptake and essentiality, but such bias does not affect outcomes of analyses when included as a covariate.
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2021 |
Islam R, Yu RMK, Andrew-Priestley M, Smith N, Rahman MM, Tran TKA, et al., 'Secondary treatment phase of tertiary wastewater treatment works significantly reduces estrogenic load', Water Research, 200 (2021) [C1] Estrogenic compounds enter waterways via effluents from wastewater treatment works (WWTW), thereby indicating a potential risk to organisms inhabiting adjacent receiving waters. H... [more] Estrogenic compounds enter waterways via effluents from wastewater treatment works (WWTW), thereby indicating a potential risk to organisms inhabiting adjacent receiving waters. However, little is known about the loads or concentrations of estrogenic compounds that enter Australian WWTWs, the efficiency of removing estrogenic compounds throughout the various stages of tertiary WWTW processes (which are common in Australia), nor the concentrations released into estuarine or marine receiving waters, and the associated risk for aquatic taxa residing in these environments. Therefore, seven estrogenic compounds, comprising the natural estrogens estrone (E1), 17ß-estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3), the synthetic estrogen (EE2), and the industrial chemicals bisphenol A (BPA), 4-t-octyl phenol (4-t-OP) and 4-nonyl phenol (4-NP), in wastewater samples were quantified via liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) after solid-phase extraction at different stages of wastewater treatment and associated receiving waters. The concentrations of the target compounds in wastewater ranged from < LOQ (limit of quantification) to 158 ng/L for Tanilba Bay WWTW and < LOQ to 162 ng/L for Belmont WWTW. Most target compounds significantly declined after the secondary treatment phase. Appreciable removal efficiency throughout the treatment process was observed with removal from 39.21 to 99.98% of influent values at both WWTWs. The reduction of the natural estrogens (E1, E2 and E3) and 4-t-OP were significantly greater than EE2, BPA, and 4-NP in both WWTWs. Risk quotients (RQs) were calculated to assess potential ecological risks from individual estrogenic compounds. In predicted diluted effluents, no targeted compounds showed any ecological risk (RQ =1.65 × 10-2) at both WWTWs. Similarly, all RQs for shore samples at both WWTWs were below 1. Finally, the hazard index (HI), which represents combined estrogenic contaminants¿ ecological risk, indicated no mentionable risk for predicted diluted effluents (HI = 0.0097 to 0.0218) as well as shoreline samples (HI = 0.393 to 0.522) in the receiving estuarine or marine waters.
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2021 |
Islam R, Melvin SD, Yu RMK, O'Connor WA, Thi KAT, Andrew-Priestley M, et al., 'Exposure to estrogenic mixtures results in tissue-specific alterations to the metabolome of oysters', AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY, 231 (2021) [C1]
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2021 |
Roe RAL, Yu RMK, Rahman MM, MacFarlane GR, 'Towards adverse outcome pathways for metals in saltmarsh ecosystems A review', Journal of Hazardous Materials, 416 (2021) [C1] Anthropogenic metal pollution remains a substantial threat to remnant saltmarsh ecosystems as they continue to decline globally. Metal pollutants impart sublethal stress on saltma... [more] Anthropogenic metal pollution remains a substantial threat to remnant saltmarsh ecosystems as they continue to decline globally. Metal pollutants impart sublethal stress on saltmarsh halophytes evident at transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic and physiological levels. Halophytes form the basal underpinning of saltmarsh ecosystems and as such changes to their physiology may have subsequent detrimental effects on higher levels of ecological organisation. This concept forms the basis of a mechanistic framework for toxicity: an adverse outcome pathway (AOP). AOPs facilitate the use of molecular and biological markers to predict consequent effects on population parameters, and community structure and function. We reviewed the current literature on common anthropogenically enhanced metals (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in saltmarsh ecosystems internationally. The literature amassed to date indicates a lack of data in regard to the impacts of metals at higher levels of biological organisation and insufficient relevant data available to develop reliable AOPs. Collectively, metals impart sublethal stress at the transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels and targets of toxic effect are predominantly biomolecules involved in metal transport and detoxification, antioxidant pathways associated with metal-induced oxidative stress, and photosynthetic biochemistry. Thus, these targets would be useful biomarkers in future studies designed to develop AOPs in saltmarsh taxa.
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2021 |
Alam MR, Tran TKA, Stein TJ, Rahman MM, Griffin AS, Yu RMK, MacFarlane GR, 'Accumulation and distribution of metal(loid)s in the halophytic saltmarsh shrub, Austral seablite, Suaeda australis in New South Wales, Australia', Marine Pollution Bulletin, 169 (2021) [C1] We examined the patterns of uptake and partitioning of metal(loid)s in Suaeda australis from three highly urbanised estuaries (Sydney Olympic Park, Hunter Wetlands and Lake Macqua... [more] We examined the patterns of uptake and partitioning of metal(loid)s in Suaeda australis from three highly urbanised estuaries (Sydney Olympic Park, Hunter Wetlands and Lake Macquarie) in NSW, Australia. Of these, Sydney Olympic Park was found to be the most contaminated estuary in terms of combined sediment metal(loid) load, followed by Hunter Wetlands and lowest in Lake Macquarie (via PERMANOVA). Uptake in roots was greater for the essential metals Cu and Zn along with the non-essential metal Cd and the metalloid Se (root BCFs >1) and lower for Pb and As (root BCFs <1). Substantial barriers for translocation from roots to stems were identified for all metal(loid)s (stem TFs; 0.07¿0.68). Conversely, unrestricted flow from stems to leaves was observed for all metal(loid)s at unity or higher (leaf TFs = 1). Strong linear relationships between sediment and root for Zn and Pb were observed, indicating roots as a useful bioindicator.
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2020 |
Tran TKA, Islam R, Le Van D, Rahman MM, Yu RMK, MacFarlane GR, 'Accumulation and partitioning of metals and metalloids in the halophytic saltmarsh grass, saltwater couch, Sporobolus virginicus', Science of the Total Environment, 713 (2020) [C1]
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2020 |
Islam R, Kit Yu RM, O Connor WA, Anh Tran TK, Andrew-Priestley M, Leusch FDL, MacFarlane GR, 'Parental exposure to the synthetic estrogen 17a-ethinylestradiol (EE2) affects offspring development in the Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea glomerata', Environmental Pollution, 266 (2020) [C1]
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2019 |
Yingprasertchai T, Yu RMK, Thi KAT, Kong RYC, O'Connor WA, MacFarlane GR, 'Characterisation of the metallothionein gene in the Sydney rock oyster and its expression upon metal exposure in oysters with different prior metal exposure histories', MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, 151 (2019) [C1]
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2019 |
Tran TKA, Yu RMK, Islam R, Nguyen THT, Bui TLH, Kong RYC, et al., 'The utility of vitellogenin as a biomarker of estrogenic endocrine disrupting chemicals in molluscs', Environmental Pollution, 248 1067-1078 (2019) [C1]
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2019 |
Vårhammar A, McLean CM, Yu RMK, MacFarlane GR, 'Uptake and partitioning of metals in the Australian saltmarsh halophyte, samphire (Sarcocornia quinqueflora)', Aquatic Botany, 156 25-37 (2019) [C1]
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2017 |
Yingprasertchai T, Yu RMK, O'Connor WA, Hopwood T, MacFarlane GR, 'Acclimatory processes are likely responsible for metal tolerance in oyster embryos', Marine Environmental Research, 127 49-61 (2017) [C1]
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2017 |
Tran TKA, MacFarlane GR, Kong RYC, O'Connor WA, Yu RMK, 'The constitutively active estrogen receptor (ER) binds and activates the promoter of the vitellogenin (Vtg) gene in the Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea glomerata', Marine Pollution Bulletin, 118 397-402 (2017) [C1]
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2017 |
Tan T, Yu RMK, Wu RSS, Kong RYC, 'Overexpression and Knockdown of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 Disrupt the Expression of Steroidogenic Enzyme Genes and Early Embryonic Development in Zebrafish', Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, 11 1-11 (2017) [C1]
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2016 |
Tran TKA, MacFarlane GR, Kong RYC, O'Connor WA, Yu RMK, 'Mechanistic insights into induction of vitellogenin gene expression by estrogens in Sydney rock oysters, Saccostrea glomerata', Aquatic Toxicology, 174 146-158 (2016) [C1] Marine molluscs, such as oysters, respond to estrogenic compounds with the induction of the egg yolk protein precursor, vitellogenin (Vtg), availing a biomarker for estrogenic pol... [more] Marine molluscs, such as oysters, respond to estrogenic compounds with the induction of the egg yolk protein precursor, vitellogenin (Vtg), availing a biomarker for estrogenic pollution. Despite this application, the precise molecular mechanism through which estrogens exert their action to induce molluscan vitellogenesis is unknown. As a first step to address this question, we cloned a gene encoding Vtg from the Sydney rock oyster Saccostrea glomerata (sgVtg). Using primers designed from a partial sgVtg cDNA sequence available in Genbank, a full-length sgVtg cDNA of 8498 bp was obtained by 5'- and 3'-RACE. The open reading frame (ORF) of sgVtg was determined to be 7980 bp, which is substantially longer than the orthologs of other oyster species. Its deduced protein sequence shares the highest homology at the N- and C-terminal regions with other molluscan Vtgs. The full-length genomic DNA sequence of sgVtg was obtained by genomic PCR and genome walking targeting the gene body and flanking regions, respectively. The genomic sequence spans 20 kb and consists of 30 exons and 29 introns. Computer analysis identified three closely spaced half-estrogen responsive elements (EREs) in the promoter region and a 210-bp CpG island 62 bp downstream of the transcription start site. Upregulation of sgVtg mRNA expression was observed in the ovaries following in vitro (explants) and in vivo (tank) exposure to 17ß-estradiol (E2). Notably, treatment with an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist in vitro abolished the upregulation, suggesting a requirement for an estrogen-dependent receptor for transcriptional activation. DNA methylation of the 5' CpG island was analysed using bisulfite genomic sequencing of the in vivo exposed ovaries. The CpG island was found to be hypomethylated (with 0-3% methylcytosines) in both control and E2-exposed oysters. However, no significant differential methylation or any correlation between methylation and sgVtg expression levels was observed. Overall, the results support the possible involvement of an ERE-containing promoter and an estrogen-activated receptor in estrogen signalling in marine molluscs.
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2016 |
Tran TKA, MacFarlane GR, Kong RYC, O'Connor WA, Yu RMK, 'Potential mechanisms underlying estrogen-induced expression of the molluscan estrogen receptor (ER) gene', Aquatic Toxicology, 179 82-94 (2016) [C1]
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2016 |
Li VWT, Tsui MPM, Chen X, Hui MNY, Jin L, Lam RHW, et al., 'Effects of 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) on neuronal and muscular development in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos', Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 23 8275-8285 (2016) [C1] The negative effects of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in humans, including sunburn and light-induced cellular injury, are of increasing public concern. 4-Methylbenzyl... [more] The negative effects of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in humans, including sunburn and light-induced cellular injury, are of increasing public concern. 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), an organic chemical UV filter, is an active ingredient in sunscreen products. To date, little information is available about its neurotoxicity during early vertebrate development. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to various concentrations of 4-MBC in embryo medium for 3¿days. In this study, a high concentration of 4-MBC, which is not being expected at the current environmental concentrations in the environment, was used for the purpose of phenotypic screening. Embryos exposed to 15¿µM of 4-MBC displayed abnormal axial curvature and exhibited impaired motility. Exposure effects were found to be greatest during the segmentation period, when somite formation and innervation occur. Immunostaining of the muscle and axon markers F59, znp1, and zn5 revealed that 4-MBC exposure leads to a disorganized pattern of slow muscle fibers and axon pathfinding errors during the innervation of both primary and secondary motor neurons. Our results also showed reduction in AChE activity upon 4-MBC exposure both in vivo in the embryos (15¿µM) and in vitro in mammalian Neuro-2A cells (0.1¿µM), providing a possible mechanism for 4-MBC-induced muscular and neuronal defects. Taken together, our results have shown that 4-MBC is a teratogen and influences muscular and neuronal development, which may result in developmental defects.
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2015 |
Yu RMK, Chaturvedi G, Tong SKH, Nusrin S, Giesy JP, Wu RSS, Kong RYC, 'Evidence for microRNA-mediated regulation of steroidogenesis by hypoxia', Environmental Science and Technology, 49 1138-1147 (2015) [C1] Environmental hypoxia can occur in both natural and occupational environments. Over the recent years, the ability of hypoxia to cause endocrine disruption via perturbations in ste... [more] Environmental hypoxia can occur in both natural and occupational environments. Over the recent years, the ability of hypoxia to cause endocrine disruption via perturbations in steroid synthesis (steroidogenesis) has become increasingly clear. To further understand the molecular mechanism underlying hypoxia-induced endocrine disruption, the steroidproducing human cell line H295R was used to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) affecting steroidogenic gene expression under hypoxia. Hypoxic treatment of H295R cells resulted in the downregulation of seven steroidogenic genes and one of these, CYP19A1 (aromatase), was shown to be regulated by the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1). Using bioinformatic and luciferase reporter analyses, miR-98 was identified to be a CYP19A1- targeting miRNA from a subset of HIF-1-inducible miRNAs. Gain- and loss-of-function analysis suggested that under hypoxia, the increased expression of miR-98 led to the downregulation of CYP19A1 mRNA and protein expression and that it may have contributed to a reduction in estradiol (E2) production. Intriguingly, luciferase reporter assays using deletion constructs of a proximal 5'-flanking region of miR-98 did not reveal a hypoxia-responsive element (HRE)-containing promoter. Overall, this study provided evidence for the role of miRNAs in regulating steroidogenesis and novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of hypoxia-induced endocrine disruption. (Figure Presented).
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2014 |
Lu X, Yu RMK, Murphy MB, Lau K, Wu RSS, 'Hypoxia disrupts gene modulation along the brain-pituitary-gonad (BPG)-liver axis', Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 102 70-78 (2014) [C1] Hypoxia alters sex hormone concentrations leading to reproductive impairment in fish; however the mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown. Using zebrafish (Dani... [more] Hypoxia alters sex hormone concentrations leading to reproductive impairment in fish; however the mechanisms underlying these effects remain largely unknown. Using zebrafish (Danio rerio), this study is the first to demonstrate that hypoxia causes endocrine disruption by simultaneously acting on multiple targets along the brain-pituitary-gonadal (BPG)-liver axis in fish. Alterations in the expression of key genes associated with reproductive endocrine pathways in the brain (sGnRH), pituitary (FSHß and LHß), gonads (FSH-R, LH-R, HMGR, StAR, CYP19A, CYP11A, CYP11ß and 20ß-HSD), and liver were correlated with significant reductions of estradiol in females and testosterone in males. Hypoxia also induced sex-specific and tissue-specific changes in the expression of estrogen, androgen, and membrane progestin receptors along the BPG axis, suggesting disruption of the feedback and synchronization of hormone signals. Furthermore, the hypoxia-induced upregulation of hepatic sex hormone-binding globulin suggests an increase in hormone transport and reduced bioavailability in blood, while upregulation of hepatic CYP3A65 and CYP1A in females suggests an increase in estrogen biotransformation and clearance. Given that the regulation of reproductive hormones and the BPG-liver axis are highly conserved, this study provides new insights into the hypoxia-induced endocrine disrupting mechanisms and reproductive impairment in other vertebrates. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.
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2012 |
Yu MKR, Chu DLH, Tan T-F, Li VWT, Chan AKY, Giesy JP, et al., 'Leptin-mediated modulation of steroidogenic gene expression in hypoxic zebrafish embryos: Implications for the disruption of sex steroids', Environmental Science & Technology, 46 9112-9119 (2012) [C1]
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2011 |
Laurance WF, Dell B, Turton SM, Lawes MJ, Hutley LB, McCallum H, et al., 'The 10 Australian ecosystems most vulnerable to tipping points', Biological Conservation, 144 1472-1480 (2011) [C1]
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2011 |
Lo KH, Hui MNYH, Yu MKR, Wu RSS, Cheng SH, 'Hypoxia impairs primordial germ cell migration in zebrafish (danio rerio) embryos', PLoS ONE, 6 (2011) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2010 |
Ng PKS, Yu MKR, Kwong TFN, Wong MML, Kong RYC, 'Transcriptional regulation and functional implication of the grass carp CITED1 (gcCITED1) in the negative regulation of HIF-1', International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 42 1544-1552 (2010) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2010 |
Chu DLH, Li VWT, Yu MKR, 'Leptin: Clue to poor appetite in oxygen-starved fish', Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 319 143-146 (2010) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2009 |
Ng PKS, Chiu S-K, Kwong TFN, Yu MKR, Wong MML, Kong RYC, 'Functional characterization of two CITED3 homologs (gcCITED3a and gcCITED3b) in the hypoxia-tolerant grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus', BMC Molecular Biology, 10 1-14 (2009) [C1]
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Nova | |||||||||
2007 |
Kong RYC, Law SHL, Chu JKY, Ng PKD, Yu RMK, Wu RSS, 'Functional and molecular plasticity of the HIF transcription factors', COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY, 148 S7-S7 (2007)
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2007 |
Shang EHH, Yu RMK, Wu RSS, 'Hypoxia alters sex hormones, sex ratio and favors a male-dominated population in fish', COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY A-MOLECULAR & INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY, 148 S118-S118 (2007)
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2007 |
Chen X, Kinoshita M, Hirata T, Yu RMK, Cheng SH, 'Transgenic marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma): a sensitive sentinel for estrogenic pollutants', MOLECULAR & CELLULAR TOXICOLOGY, 3 34-34 (2007)
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2007 |
Wong MML, Yu RMK, Ng PKS, Law SHW, Tsang AKC, Kong RYC, 'Characterization of a hypoxia-responsive leptin receptor (omLepR(L)) cDNA from the marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)', MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN, 54 797-803 (2007) [C1]
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2007 |
Gracia T, Hilscherova K, Jones PD, Newsted JL, Higley EB, Zhang X, et al., 'Modulation of steroidogenic gene expression and hormone production of H295R cells by pharmaceuticals and other environmentally active compounds', TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY, 225 142-153 (2007) [C1]
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2006 |
Xu Y, Yu RMK, Zhang X, Murphy MB, Giesy JP, Lam MHW, et al., 'Effects of PCBs and MeSO2-PCBs on adrenocortical steroidogenesis in H295R human adrenocortical carcinoma cells', CHEMOSPHERE, 63 772-784 (2006) [C1]
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2006 |
Yu RMK, Lin CC, Chan PK, Chow ESH, Murphy MB, Chan BP, et al., 'Four-dimensional imaging and quantification of gene expression in early developing zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos', TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES, 90 529-538 (2006) [C1]
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2006 |
Gracia T, Hilscherova K, Jones PD, Newsted JL, Zhang X, Hecker M, et al., 'The H295R system for evaluation of endocrine-disrupting effects', ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY, 65 293-305 (2006) [C1]
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2006 |
Yu RMK, Wong MML, Kong RYC, Wu RSS, Cheng SH, 'Induction of hepatic choriogenin mRNA expression in male marine medaka: A highly sensitive biomarker for environmental estrogens', AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY, 77 348-358 (2006) [C1]
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2006 |
Law SHW, Wu RSS, Ng PKS, Yu RMK, Kong RYC, 'Cloning and expression analysis of two distinct HIF-alpha isoforms - gcHIF-1alpha and gcHIF-4alpha - from the hypoxia-tolerant grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idellus', BMC MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, 7 (2006) [C1]
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2006 |
Shang EHH, Yu RMK, Wu RSS, 'Hypoxia affects sex differentiation and development, leading to a male-dominated population in zebrafish (Danio rerio)', ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 40 3118-3122 (2006) [C1]
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2005 |
Zhang XW, Yu RMK, Jones PD, Lam GKW, Newsted JL, Gracia T, et al., 'Quantitative RT-PCR methods for evaluating toxicant-induced effects on steroidogenesis using the H295R cell line', ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, 39 2777-2785 (2005) [C1]
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2005 |
Yu RMK, Wong MML, Jack RW, Kong RYC, 'Structure, evolution and expression of a second subfamily of protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit genes in the rice plant (Oryza sativa L.)', PLANTA, 222 757-768 (2005) [C1]
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2004 |
Hilscherova K, Jones PD, Gracia T, Newsted JL, Zhang XW, Sanderson JT, et al., 'Assessment of the effects of chemicals on the expression of ten steroidogenic genes in the H295R cell line using real-time PCR', TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES, 81 78-89 (2004) [C1]
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2003 |
Yu RMK, Zhou Y, Xu ZF, Chye ML, Kong RYC, 'Two genes encoding protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunits are differentially expressed in rice', PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, 51 295-311 (2003) [C1]
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Show 50 more journal articles |
Conference (3 outputs)
Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
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2010 |
Priestley MN, Dunstan RH, O'Connor W, Van Zweiten R, Yu MKR, Macfarlane GR, 'Molluscan bio-monitor for quantification and impcat assessment of estrogenically active compounds in Australian marine ecosystems', 20th SETAC Europe Annual Meeting, Seville, Spain: Science and Technology Environmental Protection: Programme Book, Seville, Spain (2010) [E3]
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2010 | Yu MKR, Chu DLH, Li VWT, 'Leptin: A molecular link between hypoxia and endocrine disruption in fish?', 6th International Conference on Marine Pollution and Ecotoxicology. Programme & Abstracts, Hong Kong (2010) [E3] | ||||
2009 | Yu MKR, 'Leptin: A molecular link between hypoxia and endocrine disruption in fish?', 13th Australasian Society for Ecotoxicology Conference: Posters, Adelaide, SA (2009) [E3] |
Grants and Funding
Summary
Number of grants | 17 |
---|---|
Total funding | $1,010,804 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20231 grants / $8,375
Heavy metal and nutrient removal by the bioretention basin installed in the Lake Macquarie catchment $8,375
Funding body: Lake Macquarie City Council
Funding body | Lake Macquarie City Council |
---|---|
Project Team | Mr Md Rushna Alam, Associate Professor Geoff MacFarlane, Associate Professor Geoff MacFarlane, Associate Professor Mahmud Rahman, Doctor Richard Yu |
Scheme | Environmental Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2023 |
Funding Finish | 2025 |
GNo | G2300183 |
Type Of Funding | C1700 - Aust Competitive - Other |
Category | 1700 |
UON | Y |
20211 grants / $9,932
Protecting endangered saltmarsh communities from metal contaminants$9,932
Funding body: College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle
Funding body | College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Geoff MacFarlane, Richard Yu, Mahmud Rahman, Nora Tam |
Scheme | College International Strategic Investment Scheme Funding (2021) |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2021 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20205 grants / $368,894
Oyster biomonitor for endocrine disrupting chemicals$159,581
Funding body: ARC (Australian Research Council)
Funding body | ARC (Australian Research Council) |
---|---|
Project Team | Associate Professor Geoff MacFarlane, Doctor Richard Yu, Doctor Thava Palanisami, Doctor Thava Palanisami, Professor Wayne O'Connor, Professor Frederic Leusch, Mr Sazal Kumar, Conjoint Professor Wayne O'Connor |
Scheme | Linkage Projects |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | G1901060 |
Type Of Funding | C1200 - Aust Competitive - ARC |
Category | 1200 |
UON | Y |
Evaluating the potential role of microplastics as a carrier for transporting wastewater-borne pathogenic bacteria$124,759
Funding body: National Natural Science Foundation of China
Funding body | National Natural Science Foundation of China |
---|---|
Project Team | Richard YC Kong, Richard MK Yu, Keng-Po Lai |
Scheme | General Project Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2023 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
Category | 3IFA |
UON | N |
eDNA metabarcoding and qPCR for assessment of benthic infaunal assemblages and indicator taxa at wastewater ocean outfalls$69,693
Funding body: Hunter Water Corporation
Funding body | Hunter Water Corporation |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Craig Evans, Doctor Craig Evans, Doctor Margaret Platell, Associate Professor Geoff MacFarlane, Doctor Richard Yu, Doctor Michael Stat, Dr Megan Priestley |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G2000531 |
Type Of Funding | C2400 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Other |
Category | 2400 |
UON | Y |
Impacts of metals on endangered saltmarsh communities in Lake Macquarie$8,259
Funding body: Lake Macquarie City Council
Funding body | Lake Macquarie City Council |
---|---|
Project Team | Associate Professor Geoff MacFarlane, Doctor Richard Yu, Associate Professor Mahmud Rahman |
Scheme | Environmental Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G2000025 |
Type Of Funding | C2300 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Own Purpose |
Category | 2300 |
UON | Y |
Estrogens in WWTW effluents and receiving waters$6,602
Funding body: Manly Hydraulics Laboratory
Funding body | Manly Hydraulics Laboratory |
---|---|
Project Team | Associate Professor Geoff MacFarlane, Doctor Richard Yu |
Scheme | Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2020 |
Funding Finish | 2020 |
GNo | G2000150 |
Type Of Funding | C2400 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Other |
Category | 2400 |
UON | Y |
20182 grants / $214,781
Modulation of Androgen Receptor Signaling by miRNAs: a molecular basis for hypoxia-induced male-biased sex ratios in fish$169,781
Funding body: Research Grants Council of Hong Kong
Funding body | Research Grants Council of Hong Kong |
---|---|
Project Team | Richard Kong, Richard Yu, Keng Po Lai |
Scheme | General Research Fund (GRF) |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2022 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
Category | 3IFA |
UON | N |
Molluscan biomonitors of endocrine disrupting chemicals in aquatic systems$45,000
Funding body: Hunter Water Corporation
Funding body | Hunter Water Corporation |
---|---|
Project Team | Associate Professor Geoff MacFarlane, Doctor Richard Yu |
Scheme | Linkage Projects Partner Funding |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2018 |
Funding Finish | 2021 |
GNo | G1800378 |
Type Of Funding | C2300 – Aust StateTerritoryLocal – Own Purpose |
Category | 2300 |
UON | Y |
20171 grants / $7,496
Evaluating the potential role of microbeads as a vector for transporting wastewater-derived microorganisms$7,496
Funding body: Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle | Australia
Funding body | Faculty of Science | University of Newcastle | Australia |
---|---|
Project Team | Richard Yu, Nanthi Bolan |
Scheme | Faculty Small Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2017 |
Funding Finish | 2017 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
20161 grants / $144,654
Identification and Molecular Studies of Environmental Obesogens that Cause Overeating$144,654
Obesity is a global epidemic with rising trends in Asian countries, including China and Hong Kong. Because obesity is closely associated with chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, the increase in obesity corresponds to a rise in mortality rates. There is growing epidemiological evidence indicating a positive correlation between the exposure of human population to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs, chemicals that affect hormone systems) and body weight, suggesting a possible role of EDCs in increasing obesity rates. The “obesogen hypothesis” proposes that exposure to a subset of these chemicals (obesogens) disrupts the body’s weight-control mechanisms and ultimately increases obesity. To date, most of the widely known obesogens are those that directly increase adipogenesis and lipid accumulation, while the ones which contribute to overeating (a major non-genetic cause of obesity) are understudied.
Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that plays a key role in regulating food intake and inhibits appetite by decreasing the activity of the orexigenic NPY/AgRP/GABA neurons and increasing the activity of the anorexigenic POMC/CART neurons in the hypothalamus. Leptin action is exerted through its binding to the leptin receptor (OB-R) expressed on the surface of these neurons. Interestingly, chronically elevated leptin levels in “non-genetic obesity” individuals fail to cause appetite inhibition. This apparent leptin ineffectiveness (leptin resistance) is considered an important predisposing factor for diet-induced obesity (DIO). Although the concept of leptin resistance is widely accepted, its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. However, mounting evidence suggests that defective leptin transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and disrupted hypothalamic leptin signaling are the potential causes for leptin resistance. Because leptin receptor (OB-R) plays an important role in regulating leptin transport and leptin signaling, it is highly likely that any disruption in OB-R activation will lead to leptin resistance. We hypothesize that certain environmental chemicals could act as leptin antagonists to enhance or promote obesity (as a result of leptin resistance) by the disruption of OB-R activity.
This study aims to conduct a screening program against a chemical library of representative environmental compounds (using biophysical and cell-based assays) to identify environmental chemicals that act as leptin antagonists. Chemicals identified by the screening program will be further tested in zebrafish to determine whether early developmental exposures to these chemicals could potentially lead to leptin resistance and DIO in adult life. We anticipate that the results of the proposed study will provide important new insights into the role of exposure to environmental chemicals in the development of obesity and thereby open new perspectives for the formulation of effective preventive strategies against obesity.
Funding body: National Natural Science Foundation of China
Funding body | National Natural Science Foundation of China |
---|---|
Project Team | Richard Yuen-chong Kong, Richard Man Kit Yu |
Scheme | General Project Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2016 |
Funding Finish | 2019 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
Category | 3IFA |
UON | N |
20131 grants / $12,396
Pilot study to identify environmental obesogens (chemicals that cause overeating) using BRET (Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer) and cell-based assays$12,396
Funding body: City University of Hong Kong
Funding body | City University of Hong Kong |
---|---|
Project Team | Richard Yuen-chong Kong, Richard Man Kit Yu |
Scheme | CityU Strategic Research Grant |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2013 |
Funding Finish | 2013 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | International - Non Competitive |
Category | 3IFB |
UON | N |
20122 grants / $127,023
Interactive effects of climate change and hypoxia on fish sex determination: estrogen synthesis and masculinisation$113,523
Funding body: State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution
Funding body | State Key Laboratory in Marine Pollution |
---|---|
Project Team | Richard Yuen-chong Kong, Rudolf Wu, Richard Man Kit Yu |
Scheme | SKLMP Seed Collaborative Research Fund |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2012 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | International - Non Competitive |
Category | 3IFB |
UON | N |
Molecular mechanisms underpinning the induction of fish sex change by climate change stressors$13,500
Funding body: University of Newcastle - Faculty of Science & IT
Funding body | University of Newcastle - Faculty of Science & IT |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Richard Yu |
Scheme | Strategic Small Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2012 |
Funding Finish | 2012 |
GNo | G1401107 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
20111 grants / $102,253
Uncovering the molecular links between hypoxia and endocrine disruption: A functional study of zebrafish leptin $102,253
Funding body: University Grants Committee (Hong Kong)
Funding body | University Grants Committee (Hong Kong) |
---|---|
Project Team | Richard Yuen-chong Kong, John Giesy, Richard Man Kit Yu |
Scheme | Research Grants Council - General Research Fund |
Role | Investigator |
Funding Start | 2011 |
Funding Finish | 2014 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | International - Competitive |
Category | 3IFA |
UON | N |
20092 grants / $15,000
Discovery of Novel molecular targets in Caenorhabditis elegans for biomonitoring of endocrine disrupting chemicals$10,000
Funding body: Faculty of Science and Information Technology,The University of Newcastle
Funding body | Faculty of Science and Information Technology,The University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Scheme | Faculty Strategic Seed Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2009 |
Funding Finish | 2009 |
GNo | |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | N |
Role of leptin in hypoxia-induced inhibition of sterodogenesis in zebrafish embryos$5,000
Funding body: University of Newcastle
Funding body | University of Newcastle |
---|---|
Project Team | Doctor Richard Yu |
Scheme | New Staff Grant |
Role | Lead |
Funding Start | 2009 |
Funding Finish | 2009 |
GNo | G0189969 |
Type Of Funding | Internal |
Category | INTE |
UON | Y |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | PhD | Molluscan Biomonitor of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDCs) | PhD (Environmental Sc), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2020 | PhD | Metals in Saltmarsh Ecosystem: An Assessment from Global to Local Scales | PhD (Environmental Sc), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2020 | PhD | Uptake and Effects of Metals on Dominant Saltmarsh Halophytes and Benthos | PhD (Environmental Sc), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Past Supervision
Year | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | PhD | Assessment Of Estrogenic Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and their Adverse Effects on the Development and Function of Sydney Rock Oysters, Saccostrea glomerata | PhD (Environmental Sc), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
2020 | PhD | Molecular Cloning and Characterisation of Two Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein Genes (sgIGFBP-5 and sgIGFBP-7) from the Sydney Rock Oyster Saccostrea Glomerata | PhD (Environmental Sc), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2017 | PhD | Investigation of the Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Estrogen-Mediated Induction of Vitellogenin Gene Expression in the Sydney Rock Oyster, Saccostrea Glomerata | PhD (Environmental Sc), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
2016 | PhD | Influence of Metal Exposure History on Metal Tolerance in the Sydney Rock Oyster (Saccostrea Glomerata) | PhD (Biological Sciences), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle | Co-Supervisor |
Research Collaborations
The map is a representation of a researchers co-authorship with collaborators across the globe. The map displays the number of publications against a country, where there is at least one co-author based in that country. Data is sourced from the University of Newcastle research publication management system (NURO) and may not fully represent the authors complete body of work.
Country | Count of Publications | |
---|---|---|
Hong Kong | 38 | |
Australia | 31 | |
Viet Nam | 12 | |
Bangladesh | 10 | |
United States | 10 | |
More... |
Dr Richard Yu
Position
Senior Lecturer
Environmental Water Science Group
School of Environmental and Life Sciences
College of Engineering, Science and Environment
Focus area
Environmental Science and Management
Contact Details
richard.yu@newcastle.edu.au | |
Phone | (02) 4921 6990 |
Fax | (02) 4921 8977 |
Office
Room | LS2-45 |
---|---|
Building | Life Sciences. |
Location | Callaghan University Drive Callaghan, NSW 2308 Australia |