Dr Junxian Lim

Research Officer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
j.lim@imb.uq.edu.au
+61 7 334 62386

Overview

Junxian Lim is an accomplished molecular biologist at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience. With a strong background in cell biology, protein biochemistry, and pharmacology, he has established himself in the field. Collaborating with researchers at universities, institutions, as well as international industry partners like AstraZeneca and Sosei Heptares, he has contributed significantly to advancing scientific knowledge.

Throughout his doctoral studies, Junxian authored seven ground-breaking studies focused on the development of novel bioactive inhibitors targeting immune cells and inflammatory diseases. These contributions have paved the way for innovative approaches to drug development. Utilizing his expertise, he has successfully developed and characterized a diverse range of protein and cellular assays that enable in-depth investigations into immunity and inflammation. His research findings have been published in prestigious scientific journals, including Nature Communications, Cell Reports, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Diabetes, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, and the British Journal of Pharmacology. His work has been highly cited, reflecting its impact and significance within the scientific community.

Recognized for his outstanding mentoring abilities, Junxian has supervised or co-supervised the research of two completed PhD students, six completed MPhil students, and three completed Honours students. The success of his former students is a testament to his dedication and guidance. They continue to excel and actively contribute to research endeavours around the world, spanning countries such as Australia, Singapore, Korea, India, Japan, and China.

Beyond his research and mentoring achievements, Junxian actively participates in the scientific community. He serves on the editorial boards of esteemed journals like Journal of Translational Medicine, Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences and Biology. This involvement allows him to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge within his field.

Research Interests

  • Molecular and cellular mechanisms of diseases
    His research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of diseases, and the development of new therapies. Some of his recent research findings include: - Identification of new therapeutic targets and the development of small molecule inhibitors to target these targets, with the goal of improving current treatments and outcomes - Investigation of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to diseases with the goal of developing novel strategies and improve treatment efficacy
  • Experimental therapeutics for inflammatory diseases and cancers
    Inflammation is a normal physiological response to tissue injury, however uncontrolled inflammation leads to diseases and cancer risk or progression. My current research is focused on developing approaches to better understand the fundamental basis of key proteins involved in uncontrolled inflammation responses and tumourigenesis.
  • Protein-protein interactions
    Protein-protein interactions essentially control all biological functions and are considered as the most basic mechanisms underlying many diseases. Therefore, protein-protein interactions are potential targets in drug development. By merging different approaches in chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology, we seek to better understand and modulate protein-protein interactions involved in diseases.

Qualifications

  • Member, Royal Society of Biology, Royal Society of Biology
  • Journal Editorial Board Member, Journal of Translational Medicine, Journal of Translational Medicine
  • Journal Editorial Board Member, Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland

Publications

View all Publications

Supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

  • Doctor Philosophy

  • Doctor Philosophy

View all Supervision

Available Projects

  • Protein-protein interactions are key to the regulation of biological processes in all forms of life and in disease. Our group seeks to understand complex protein-protein interactions that have traditionally thought to be “undruggable”. Projects are avaliable to investigate novel proteins, signalling pathways and molecules using advanced imaging and microscopy, protein biochemistry, cell-based assays, peptide synthesis and NMR spectroscopy.

    Projects include

    • Drug design and discovery (peptide synthesis, peptidomimetics, in silico-assisted, NMR structure, dynamics)
    • Drug mechanisms of action (cell biology, signalling pathways, enzymology, GPCRs)
    • Pharmacology (rodent models of inflammatory diseases)
  • Our group investigates molecular mechanisms of chemical reactions, biological processes, disease development and drug action. My team seeks to understand various aspects of inflammation, from mediators and signaling pathways to therapeutic opportunities. Projects are avaliable to investigate new approaches to modulate G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) signalling, cell & molecular biology or pharmacology (animal models of inflammatory diseases, allergies & asthma, cancers).

    Projects include

    • Molecular pharmacology (ligand binding, ligand potency, receptor mutagenesis, in silico modelling and docking)
    • Bioactive peptides and peptide-based drug discovery (peptide synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, microscopy and flow cytometry)

View all Available Projects

Publications

Featured Publications

Journal Article

Conference Publication

  • Fairlie, David, Reid, Robert, Rowley, Jessica, Wu, Kai-Chen, Yau, Mei-Kwan, Lim, Junxian and Iyer, Abishek (2019). Heterocycles for switching GPCR ligand conformation and activity. National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Orlando, FL United States, 31 March-4 April 2019. Washington, DC United States: American Chemical Society.

  • Yau, Mei Kwan, Suen, Jacky, Xu, Weijun, Lim, Junxian, Liu, Ligong, Adams, Mark, He, Yaowu, Hooper, John, Reid, Robert and Fairlie, David (2015). Potent small agonists of protease activated receptor 2. WASHINGTON: AMER CHEMICAL SOC.

  • Fairlie, David P. , Yau, Mei-Kwan , Hamidon, Johan K. , Singh, Ranee , Lim, Junxian , Suen, Jacky Y. , Rowley, Jessica A. , Lohman, Rink-Jan , Stoermer, Martin J. , Iyer, Abishek and Reid, Robert C. (2015). Downsizing Proteins Without Losing Potency or Function. American Peptide Symposium 2015, Orlando , Florida, United States, 20-25 June 2015. American Peptide Society. doi: 10.17952/24APS.2015.016

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor

    Other advisors:

Completed Supervision

Possible Research Projects

Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.

  • Protein-protein interactions are key to the regulation of biological processes in all forms of life and in disease. Our group seeks to understand complex protein-protein interactions that have traditionally thought to be “undruggable”. Projects are avaliable to investigate novel proteins, signalling pathways and molecules using advanced imaging and microscopy, protein biochemistry, cell-based assays, peptide synthesis and NMR spectroscopy.

    Projects include

    • Drug design and discovery (peptide synthesis, peptidomimetics, in silico-assisted, NMR structure, dynamics)
    • Drug mechanisms of action (cell biology, signalling pathways, enzymology, GPCRs)
    • Pharmacology (rodent models of inflammatory diseases)
  • Our group investigates molecular mechanisms of chemical reactions, biological processes, disease development and drug action. My team seeks to understand various aspects of inflammation, from mediators and signaling pathways to therapeutic opportunities. Projects are avaliable to investigate new approaches to modulate G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) signalling, cell & molecular biology or pharmacology (animal models of inflammatory diseases, allergies & asthma, cancers).

    Projects include

    • Molecular pharmacology (ligand binding, ligand potency, receptor mutagenesis, in silico modelling and docking)
    • Bioactive peptides and peptide-based drug discovery (peptide synthesis, NMR spectroscopy, microscopy and flow cytometry)