Ruey-Chyi Su, BSc (Hons), PhD

Research Summary

Dr. Su’s research program focuses on identifying the host and microbial mechanisms that influence immune activation and disease susceptibility. Her group’s overarching goal is to advance the development of novel or improved mucosal vaccines, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic options for sexually transmitted, and blood-borne infections (STBBIs). 

Her work includes:

1. Defining the regulations of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) in health and viral infection
2. Modulating immune activation at vaginal mucosa using aptamers
3. Characterizing the effects of hormones and metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on the barrier integrity and immune function of epithelium
4. Exploring extracellular vesicle (EV) for uses in diagnosis and therapeutics

Research interests

• Development of Diagnostics for treatment and diagnosis
• Epigenetics and environmental regulation of genes
• Epithelial integrity and immune function
• Extracellular vesicles: exosomes and membrane vesicles (MVs)
• Regulation of ISGs in health and viral infection
• Reproductive health and STBBI

Research affiliations

Research scientist, National Microbiology Laboratory (NML), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Dr. Ruey Su is a senior research scientist at the Public Health Agency of Canada in the Division of Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections. She leads the Diagnostic Development for Treatment and Prevention group at the National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg.   

Dr. Su earned her BSc (Hons) in Immunology and Microbiology and her PhD in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto. She completed postdoctoral training in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, and in the molecular mechanisms underlying childhood asthma and allergies at the University of Manitoba.  

In addition, Dr. Su serves as a member of the College of Reviewers for Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Her primary research program includes identifying the host and microbial mechanisms that influence immune activation and disease susceptibility.  

Education

• Postdoctoral Fellow,  University of Manitoba (2004- 2008)
• Postdoctoral Fellow,  Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California (2000- 2004)
• Doctor of Philosophy, University of Toronto, Canada (1995-2000)
• Bachelor of Science (Honours), University of Toronto (1995)