Wanjin Hong stands as a preeminent molecular biologist whose leadership has significantly shaped Singapore's biomedical research landscape. He currently serves as a Professor at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) while simultaneously holding the strategic position of Chief Business Development Officer at the Biomedical Research Council. Dr. Hong completed his doctoral studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo before embarking on his distinguished career in Singapore where he has established himself as both a pioneering researcher and an influential ecosystem builder. His academic contributions extend to the National University of Singapore where he holds an Honorary Joint Professorship in the Department of Biochemistry at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine.
Dr. Hong's seminal research has revolutionized our understanding of protein trafficking mechanisms and their critical implications in cancer biology. His laboratory's early groundbreaking work identified over half of all known mammalian SNARE proteins, established the Phox domain as a key binding motif for PI3P, and defined the functional roles of small GTPases including Arl1, Rab7, and Rab34 in membrane trafficking processes. His more recent investigations into the Hippo signaling pathway led to the identification of TAZ as a novel oncogene whose cancer-promoting activity depends on interaction with TEAD transcription factors. His team's structural biology achievements, including the resolution of YAP-TEAD, TAZ-TEAD, and Vgll1-TEAD complex crystal structures, revealed for the first time a hydrophobic pocket within TEAD that is targetable by small molecule inhibitors. This pivotal discovery, coupled with his identification of flufenamic acid as the first compound to bind this pocket, has catalyzed the development of multiple therapeutic approaches with over five different inhibitors now advancing through clinical trials for cancer treatment.
Beyond his laboratory breakthroughs, Dr. Hong has been instrumental in cultivating Singapore's biomedical sciences research ecosystem through strategic partnerships and visionary leadership across public, academic, and clinical sectors. His exceptional contributions to national research infrastructure were formally recognized with the President's Science and Technology Medal, the highest science honor in Singapore. He actively contributes to the global scientific community through editorial board positions at prestigious journals, including his role as a member of the Board of Reviewing Editors of Science Signaling (as of February 2025), TRAFFIC, and Cell & Bioscience, helping to shape the direction of cell biology research worldwide. Dr. Hong continues to advance both fundamental cancer research and translational applications while mentoring the next generation of scientists and strengthening Singapore's position as a leading international hub for biomedical innovation.
