Skip to main navigation Skip to search Skip to main content
Chun Kit KWOK

Prof. Chun Kit KWOK, 郭駿傑

  • YEUNG-P5118

Accepting PhD Students

Willing to speak to media

20102026

Research activity per year

Personal profile

Author IDs

ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9175-8543
Scopus Author ID: 55167223200

Impact

Metrics for Academic and Research Impact

Qualifications (Brief)

PhD (Pennsylvania State University); Postdoc (University of Cambridge)

Biography

Dr. Kit Kwok obtained his B.Sc. in Chemistry (2009) from the Chinese University of Hong Kong after completing an exchange program at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2007-2008, working in Professor Juli Feigon’s lab. He completed his PhD at the Pennsylvania State University (2014), mentored by Professor Philip C. Bevilacqua and Professor Sarah M. Assmann. In April 2014, Dr. Kwok worked as a Croucher Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Cambridge under Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian. In Oct 2016, Dr. Kwok's joined the City University of Hong Kong (CityU) as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor and Full Professor in July 2021 and July 2025, respectively. Over the years, Dr. Kwok has received numerous awards, including CityU President Award (2019), Croucher Innovation Award (2019), Hong Kong Institute for Advanced Study Rising Star in Chemistry (2021), CityU Outstanding Research Award (2022), NSFC Excellent Young Scientist Fund (優青) (2022), RNA Society Early-Career Award (2024), and RGC Research Fellowship (2025). In 2022, he has been recognized as an elected member of Hong Kong Young Academy of Science (YASHK).

 

Dr. Kwok’s current research focus is to explore the roles of RNA structures and interactions in biology, especially the functions of G-quadruplex structures and interacting partners in diverse classes of RNAs, as well as characterizing their formation, dynamics, interactions, and functions in different species and their relevance to gene regulation, RNA metabolism, and diseases. Two other ongoing research directions in the Kwok lab are to develop aptamer-based and peptide-based targeting tools for detection, imaging, and intervention of these important RNA structures and interactions, as well as to invent innovative nucleic acid-based technologies for sensing chemical contaminants and pathogens.

 

To cultivate a stimulating learning environment for students and to establish the RNA community in Hong Kong, Dr. Kwok, together with Dr. Minh Le, founded the Hong Kong RNA Club in August 2017 and organized RNA seminar and symposium events regularly (http://www.kitkwok.com/hk-rna-club.html). The Hong Kong RNA Club has been recognized and supported by the International RNA Society and various industrial companies. Dr. Kwok is currently one of the RNA Society’s Asia RNA research ambassadors.

Activities

Selected Publications from past 6 years

Original Research

Liew, S. W., Cao, D., Petersen, R. J., Butcher, S. E., Kennedy, S. G., Kwok, C. K. A novel L-RNA aptamer to regulate the pUG fold RNA-induced gene expression in vivo. Nucleic Acids Res. 53(5), gkaf137 (2025)

Zhang, K., Nie, Q., Li, M., Chen, X., Zhong, L., Dai, T., Guo, X., Zhao, H., Lau, T. C., Wang, H., Chen, S. B., Kwok, C. K.  RNA G-quadruplex structure-based PROTACs for targeted DHX36 protein degradation and gene activity modulation in mammalian cells. Nucleic Acids Res. 53(3), gkaf03 (2025). 

Ji, D., Wang, B., Lo, K. W., Tsang, C. M., Kwok, C. K. Pre-Defined Stem-Loop Structure Library for the Discovery of L-RNA Aptamers that Target RNA G-quadruplexes. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 64(5), e202417247 (2024).

Zhang,Y., Zhao, J., Chen, X., Qiao, Y., Kang, J., Guo, X., Yang, F., Lyu, K., Ding, Y., Zhao, Y., Sun, H., Kwok, C. K., Wang, H. DHX36 binding induces RNA structurome remodeling and regulates RNA abundance via m6A reader YTHDF1. Nat. Commun. 15, 9890 (2024).

Zhao, H., Lau, H. L., Zhang, K., Kwok, C. K. Selective recognition of RNA G-quadruplex in vitro and in cells by L-aptamer-D-oligonucleotide conjugate. Nucleic Acids Res. 52(22), 13544-13560 (2024).

Zhang, K., Nie, Q., Lau, C. K., Kwok, C. K. Rational Design of L-RNA Aptamer-Peptide Conjugate for Efficient Cell Uptake and G-quadruplex-Mediated Gene Control. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 136 (9), e202310798 (2024).

Ji, D., Yuan, J., Chen, S., Tan, J., Kwok, C. K. Selective targeting of parallel G-quadruplex structure using L-RNA aptamer. Nucleic Acids Res. 51, 11439–11452 (2023).

Mou, X., Kwok, C. K. Peptides Selected by G4-mRNA Display-Seq Enable RNA G-Quadruplex Recognition and Gene Regulation. JACS. 145, 18693-18697 (2023).

Guo, W., Ji, D., Kinghorn, A. B., Chen, F., Pan, Y., Li, X., Li, Q., Huck, W. T. S., Kwok, C.K, Shum, H. C. Tuning Material States and Functionalities of G-Quadruplex-Modulated RNA-Peptide Condensates. JACS. 145, 2375-2385 (2023).

Lyu, K, Chen, S.B., Chow, E.Y., Zhao, H., Yuan, J.H., Cai, M., Shi, J., Chan, T.F., Tan, J.H., Kwok, C.K. An RNA G-Quadruplex Structure within the ADAR 5'UTR Interacts with DHX36 Helicase to Regulate Translation. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 61, e20203553 (2022).

Georgakopoulos-Soares, I., Parada, G.E., Wong, H.Y., Medhi, R., Furlan, G., Munita, R., Miska, E.A., Kwok, C.K. & Hemberg, M. Alternative splicing modulation by G-quadruplexes. Nat Commun 13, 2404 (2022).

Umar, M.I., Chan, CY. & Kwok, C.K. Development of RNA G-quadruplex (rG4)-targeting L-RNA aptamers by rG4-SELEX. Nat Protoc. 17, 1385-1414 (2022).

Mou, X., Liew, S. W. & Kwok, C.K. Identification and targeting of G-quadruplex structures in MALAT1 long non-coding RNA. Nucleic Acids Res. 50, 397- 410 (2022).

Dumetz, F., Chow, E.Y.C., Harris, L.M., Liew, S.W., Jensen, A., Umar, M.I., Chung, B., Chan, T.F., Merrick, C.J. & Kwok, C.K. G-quadruplex RNA motifs influence gene expression in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Nucleic Acids Res. 49, 12486–12501 (2021).

Chen, X., Yuan, J., Xue, G., Campanario, S., Wang, D., Wang, W., Mou, X., Liew, S.W., Umar, M.I., Isern, J., Zhao, Y., He, L., Li, Y., Mann, C.J., Yu, X., Wang, L., Perdiguero, E., Chen, W., Xue, Y., Nagamine, Y., Kwok, C.K., Sun, H., Muñoz-Cánoves, P. & Wang, H. Translational control by DHX36 binding to 5’UTR G-quadruplex is essential for muscle stem-cell regenerative functions. Nat Commun 12, 5043 (2021).

Ji, D., Lyu, K., Zhao, H. & Kwok, C.K. Circular L-RNA aptamer promotes target recognition and controls gene activity. Nucleic Acids Res. 49, 7280-7291 (2021).

Umar, M.I. & Kwok, C.K. Specific suppression of D-RNA G-quadruplex-protein interaction with an L-RNA aptamer. Nucleic Acids Res. 48, 10125-10141 (2020).

Yang, X., Cheema, J., Zhang, Y., Deng, H., Duncan, S., Umar, M. I., Zhao, J., Liu, Q., Cao, X., Kwok, C. K. & Ding, Y. RNA G-quadruplex structures exist and function in vivo in plants. Genome Biol 21, 226 (2020).

Chan, C. Y. & Kwok, C. K. Specific Binding of a D-RNA G-Quadruplex Structure with an L-RNA Aptamer. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 59, 5293 –5297​ (2020).

 

Invited Reviews or Featured Articles

Ji, D., Feng, H., Liew, S. W., Kwok, C. K. Modified nucleic acid aptamers: development, characterization, and biological applications. Trends Biotech. 41, 1360-1384 (2023).

Lyu, K., Chow, E.Y.C., Mou, X., Chan, T. & Kwok, C.K. RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s): genomics and biological functions. Nucleic Acids Res. 49, 5426-5450 (2021).

Zhao, H. & Kwok, C.K. Bringing distant DNA together. Nature Chem. Bio. 17, 125-126 (2021).

Position(s) Available

We are looking for outstanding PhD Students and Postdoctoral Fellows to join the Kwok Lab. Researchers within the group will be exposed to diverse chemical and biochemical techniques at our laboratory in the Department of Chemistry.

 

If you are interested to join the group, please kindly send your i) cover letter, ii) academic transcripts and GPA, and iii) CV which includes a summary of past research experience and publication records, and your research interests to Dr. Kwok: (email: [email protected]).

 

We strongly encourage and support eligible PhD and Postdoc applicants to apply for their own support, either from the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (https://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/hkpfs/index.html), RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme (https://www.ugc.edu.hk/eng/rgc/funding_opport/pdfs.html) or other funding agencies.

Research Interests/Areas

  • RNA Biology
  • Chemical Biology
  • Nucleic Acids 
  • G-Quadruplex
  • Gene Regulation
  • Aptamer

 

Research Vision

The discovery of new classes of RNA with regulatory functions have re-defined the central dogma of molecular biology and caused a paradigm shift in biological, medical, and agricultural research. RNA plays a crucial role in regulation of gene expression in normal and stress physiology; however, the RNA structure-function relationship and the underlying biochemical mechanism remain elusive.   

​   Our research focuses are to develop (bio)chemical technologies to decipher the hidden layers of information in RNA such as RNA structure; identify the RNA binding partners and molecular basis of interactions; and elucidate the mechanistic roles of RNA in regulatory pathways, stress physiologies, cell differentiation, organism development, as well as disease pathology. Our group’s long-term ambition is to uncover the central RNA players in stress physiologies and diseases that could reveal novel RNA-mediated gene regulations, as well as to develop innovative and high-throughput aptamer-based targeting strategies for manipulation of gene expression and potential biotechnological applications, bringing my research closer relevance to improving the quality of human life.


​
   Our three main research themes are :
1) G-quadruplex Structure and Function, where we explore the intricate structures of G-quadruplexes and their roles in cellular processes.
2) RNA Biology and Gene Regulation, focusing on the mechanisms which use RNA to influence gene expression and cellular function
3) Aptamer Development and Application, aimed at creating and utilizing L-RNA aptamers for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.

 

For more details about Dr. Kwok’s current research and team, please click here.

Related Links

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
  2. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production
    SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production
  3. SDG 13 - Climate Action
    SDG 13 Climate Action
  4. SDG 14 - Life Below Water
    SDG 14 Life Below Water

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics where Chun Kit KWOK is active. These topic labels come from the works of this person. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
  • 1 Similar Profiles
View full fingerprint

Collaborations from the last five years

Recent external collaboration based on locations. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or
Explore network further
View all 106 research outputs
View all 20 projects
View all 12 prizes
View all 8 press/media
  • 13 Publication peer-review
  • 3 Conference / Symposium
View all 16 activities
View all 6 researchers