Dr Junxian Lim
Dr

Junxian Lim

Email: 
Phone: 
+61 7 334 62386

Background

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.

Availability

Dr Junxian Lim is:
Available for supervision
Media expert

Fields of research

Analytical chemistry Bioassays Biological Sciences Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Cell metabolism Chemical Sciences Immunology Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences Protein trafficking Receptors and membrane biology Signal transduction

Qualifications

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

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.

Search Professor Junxian Lim’s works on UQ eSpace

45 works between 2009 and 2024
All (45) Journal Article (41) Conference Publication (4)

1 - 20 of 45 works

Featured

2023

Journal Article

Ras related protein Rab5a regulates complement C5a receptor trafficking, chemotaxis and chemokine secretion in human macrophages

Wu, Kai-Chen, Condon, Nicholas D., Hill, Timothy A., Reid, Robert C., Fairlie, David and Lim, Junxian (2023). Ras related protein Rab5a regulates complement C5a receptor trafficking, chemotaxis and chemokine secretion in human macrophages. Journal of Innate Immunity, 15 (1), 468-484. doi: 10.1159/000530012

Ras related protein Rab5a regulates complement C5a receptor trafficking, chemotaxis and chemokine secretion in human macrophages

2021

Journal Article

PAR2 induces ovarian cancer cell motility by merging three signalling pathways to transactivate EGFR

Jiang, Yuhong, Lim, Junxian, Wu, Kai‐Chen, Xu, Weijun, Suen, Jacky Y. and Fairlie, David P. (2021). PAR2 induces ovarian cancer cell motility by merging three signalling pathways to transactivate EGFR. British Journal of Pharmacology, 178 (4) bph.15332, 913-932. doi: 10.1111/bph.15332

PAR2 induces ovarian cancer cell motility by merging three signalling pathways to transactivate EGFR

Featured

2017

Journal Article

Europium-labeled synthetic C3a protein as a novel fluorescent probe for human complement C3a receptor

Dantas de Araujo, Aline, Wu, Chongyang, Wu, Kai-Chen, Reid, Robert C., Durek, Thomas, Lim, Junxian and Fairlie, David P. (2017). Europium-labeled synthetic C3a protein as a novel fluorescent probe for human complement C3a receptor. Bioconjugate Chemistry, 28 (6), 1669-1676. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00132

Europium-labeled synthetic C3a protein as a novel fluorescent probe for human complement C3a receptor

Featured

2014

Journal Article

Stereoelectronic effects dictate molecular conformation and biological function of heterocyclic amides

Reid, Robert C., Yau, Mei-Kwan, Singh, Ranee, Lim, Junxian and Fairlie, David P. (2014). Stereoelectronic effects dictate molecular conformation and biological function of heterocyclic amides. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 136 (34), 11914-11917. doi: 10.1021/ja506518t

Stereoelectronic effects dictate molecular conformation and biological function of heterocyclic amides

2013

Journal Article

Downsizing a human inflammatory protein to a small molecule with equal potency and functionality

Reid, Robert C., Yau, Mei-Kwan, Singh, Ranee, Hamidon, Johan K., Reed, Anthony N., Chu, Peifei, Suen, Jacky Y., Stoermer, Martin J., Blakeney, Jade S., Lim, Junxian, Faber, Jonathan M. and David P. Fairlie, (2013). Downsizing a human inflammatory protein to a small molecule with equal potency and functionality. Nature Communications, 4 (2802) 2802, 1-9. doi: 10.1038/ncomms3802

Downsizing a human inflammatory protein to a small molecule with equal potency and functionality

Featured

2013

Journal Article

Diet-induced obesity, adipose inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction correlating with PAR2 expression are attenuated by PAR2 antagonism

Lim, Junxian, Iyer, Abishek, Liu, Ligong, Suen, Jacky Y., Lohman, Rink-Jan, Seow, Vernon, Yau, Mei-Kwan, Brown, Lindsay and Fairlie, David P. (2013). Diet-induced obesity, adipose inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction correlating with PAR2 expression are attenuated by PAR2 antagonism. The FASEB Journal, 27 (12), 4757-4767. doi: 10.1096/fj.13-232702

Diet-induced obesity, adipose inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction correlating with PAR2 expression are attenuated by PAR2 antagonism

2024

Journal Article

A novel inhibitor of class IIa histone deacetylases attenuates collagen‐induced arthritis

Poon, Eunice K., Liu, Ligong, Wu, Kai‐Chen, Lim, Junxian, Sweet, Matthew J., Lohman, Rink‐Jan, Iyer, Abishek and Fairlie, David P. (2024). A novel inhibitor of class IIa histone deacetylases attenuates collagen‐induced arthritis. British Journal of Pharmacology. doi: 10.1111/bph.17306

A novel inhibitor of class IIa histone deacetylases attenuates collagen‐induced arthritis

2024

Journal Article

Protease-activated receptor 2: a promising therapeutic target for women's cancers

Shah, Himani, Fairlie, David P. and Lim, Junxian (2024). Protease-activated receptor 2: a promising therapeutic target for women's cancers. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, JPET-MR. doi: 10.1124/jpet.124.002176

Protease-activated receptor 2: a promising therapeutic target for women's cancers

2023

Journal Article

Protease-activated receptor 2 attenuates doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells

Shah, Himani, Hill, Timothy A., Lim, Junxian and Fairlie, David P. (2023). Protease-activated receptor 2 attenuates doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling, 17 (4), 1-15. doi: 10.1007/s12079-023-00791-6

Protease-activated receptor 2 attenuates doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in colon cancer cells

2023

Journal Article

Venom composition and bioactive RF-amide peptide toxins of the saddleback caterpillar, Acharia stimulea (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae)

Goudarzi, Mohaddeseh H., Eagles, David A., Lim, Junxian, Biggs, Kimberley A., Kotze, Andrew C., Ruffell, Angela P., Fairlie, David P., King, Glenn F. and Walker, Andrew A. (2023). Venom composition and bioactive RF-amide peptide toxins of the saddleback caterpillar, Acharia stimulea (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae). Biochemical Pharmacology, 213 115598, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115598

Venom composition and bioactive RF-amide peptide toxins of the saddleback caterpillar, Acharia stimulea (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae)

2022

Journal Article

Helical structure in cyclic peptides: effect of N-methyl amides versus esters

Wu, Chongyang, Hoang, Huy N., Hill, Timothy A., Lim, Junxian, Kok, W. Mei, Akondi, Kalyani, Liu, Ligong and Fairlie, David P. (2022). Helical structure in cyclic peptides: effect of N-methyl amides versus esters. Chemical Communications, 58 (89), 12475-12478. doi: 10.1039/d2cc05092g

Helical structure in cyclic peptides: effect of N-methyl amides versus esters

2022

Journal Article

Modifying a hydroxyl patch in glucagon-like peptide 1 produces biased agonists with unique signaling profiles

Wang, Peiqi, Hill, Timothy A., Mitchell, Justin, Fitzsimmons, Rebecca L., Xu, Weijun, Loh, Zhixuan, Suen, Jacky Y., Lim, Junxian, Iyer, Abishek and Fairlie, David P. (2022). Modifying a hydroxyl patch in glucagon-like peptide 1 produces biased agonists with unique signaling profiles. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 65 (17), 11759-11775. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00653

Modifying a hydroxyl patch in glucagon-like peptide 1 produces biased agonists with unique signaling profiles

2022

Journal Article

Tuning electrostatic and hydrophobic surfaces of aromatic rings to enhance membrane association and cell uptake of peptides

de Araujo, Aline Dantes, Hoang, Huy N., Lim, Junxian, Mak, Jeffrey and Fairlie, David P. (2022). Tuning electrostatic and hydrophobic surfaces of aromatic rings to enhance membrane association and cell uptake of peptides. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 61 (29) e202203995, e202203995. doi: 10.1002/anie.202203995

Tuning electrostatic and hydrophobic surfaces of aromatic rings to enhance membrane association and cell uptake of peptides

2022

Journal Article

Landscaping macrocyclic peptides: stapling hDM2-binding peptides for helicity, protein affinity, proteolytic stability and cell uptake

de Araujo, Aline D., Lim, Junxian, Wu, Kai-Chen, Hoang, Huy N., Nguyen, Huy T. and Fairlie, David P. (2022). Landscaping macrocyclic peptides: stapling hDM2-binding peptides for helicity, protein affinity, proteolytic stability and cell uptake. RSC Chemical Biology, 3 (7), 895-904. doi: 10.1039/d1cb00231g

Landscaping macrocyclic peptides: stapling hDM2-binding peptides for helicity, protein affinity, proteolytic stability and cell uptake

2022

Journal Article

Tuning Electrostatic and Hydrophobic Surfaces of Aromatic Rings to Enhance Membrane Association and Cell Uptake of Peptides

de Araujo, Aline D., Hoang, Huy N., Lim, Junxian, Mak, Jeffrey Y. W. and Fairlie, David P. (2022). Tuning Electrostatic and Hydrophobic Surfaces of Aromatic Rings to Enhance Membrane Association and Cell Uptake of Peptides. Angewandte Chemie, 134 (29). doi: 10.1002/ange.202203995

Tuning Electrostatic and Hydrophobic Surfaces of Aromatic Rings to Enhance Membrane Association and Cell Uptake of Peptides

2022

Journal Article

Temporal perturbation of histone deacetylase activity reveals a requirement for HDAC1–3 in mesendoderm cell differentiation

Sinniah, Enakshi, Wu, Zhixuan, Shen, Sophie, Naval-Sanchez, Marina, Chen, Xiaoli, Lim, Junxian, Helfer, Abbigail, Iyer, Abishek, Tng, Jiahui, Lucke, Andrew J., Reid, Robert C., Redd, Meredith A., Nefzger, Christian M., Fairlie, David P. and Palpant, Nathan J. (2022). Temporal perturbation of histone deacetylase activity reveals a requirement for HDAC1–3 in mesendoderm cell differentiation. Cell Reports, 39 (7) 110818, 1-21. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110818

Temporal perturbation of histone deacetylase activity reveals a requirement for HDAC1–3 in mesendoderm cell differentiation

2022

Journal Article

The histone deacetylase Hdac7 supports LPS‐inducible glycolysis and Il‐1β production in murine macrophages via distinct mechanisms

Ramnath, Divya, Das Gupta, Kaustav, Wang, Yizhuo, Abrol, Rishika, Curson, James E. B., Lim, Junxian, Reid, Robert C., Mansell, Ashley, Blumenthal, Antje, Karunakaran, Denuja, Fairlie, David P. and Sweet, Matthew J. (2022). The histone deacetylase Hdac7 supports LPS‐inducible glycolysis and Il‐1β production in murine macrophages via distinct mechanisms. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 111 (2), 327-336. doi: 10.1002/jlb.2mr1021-260r

The histone deacetylase Hdac7 supports LPS‐inducible glycolysis and Il‐1β production in murine macrophages via distinct mechanisms

2021

Journal Article

HDAC7 inhibition by phenacetyl and phenylbenzoyl hydroxamates

Mak, Jeffrey Y. W., Wu, Kai-Chen, Gupta, Praveer K., Barbero, Sheila, McLaughlin, Maddison G., Lucke, Andrew J., Tng, Jiahui, Lim, Junxian, Loh, Zhixuan, Sweet, Matthew J, Reid, Robert C., Liu, Ligong and Fairlie, David P. (2021). HDAC7 inhibition by phenacetyl and phenylbenzoyl hydroxamates. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 64 (4), 2186-2204. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01967

HDAC7 inhibition by phenacetyl and phenylbenzoyl hydroxamates

2020

Journal Article

Protease-activated receptor-2 ligands reveal orthosteric and allosteric mechanisms of receptor inhibition

Kennedy, Amanda J., Sundström, Linda, Geschwindner, Stefan, Poon, Eunice K. Y., Jiang, Yuhong, Chen, Rongfeng, Cooke, Rob, Johnstone, Shawn, Madin, Andrew, Lim, Junxian, Liu, Qingqi, Lohman, Rink-Jan, Nordqvist, Anneli, Fridén-Saxin, Maria, Yang, Wenzhen, Brown, Dean G., Fairlie, David P. and Dekker, Niek (2020). Protease-activated receptor-2 ligands reveal orthosteric and allosteric mechanisms of receptor inhibition. Communications Biology, 3 (1) 782, 782. doi: 10.1038/s42003-020-01504-0

Protease-activated receptor-2 ligands reveal orthosteric and allosteric mechanisms of receptor inhibition

2020

Journal Article

Achiral derivatives of hydroxamate AR-42 potently inhibit class I HDAC enzymes and cancer cell proliferation

Tng, Jiahui, Lim, Junxian, Wu, Kai-Chen, Lucke, Andrew J., Xu, Weijun, Reid, Robert C. and Fairlie, David P. (2020). Achiral derivatives of hydroxamate AR-42 potently inhibit class I HDAC enzymes and cancer cell proliferation. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 63 (11) acs.jmedchem.0c00230, 5956-5971. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00230

Achiral derivatives of hydroxamate AR-42 potently inhibit class I HDAC enzymes and cancer cell proliferation

Availability

Dr Junxian Lim is:
Available for supervision

Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.

Available projects

  • Protein-protein interactions

    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)

  • Therapeutics for inflammatory diseases and cancers

    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)

Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Modulation of innate immune proteins in cancers

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor David Fairlie

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Therapeutic strategies to inhibit oncogenic transcription factors

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor David Fairlie

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Peptide modulators for drug discovery

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor David Fairlie

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Developing a new type of drug for inflammatory disease

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Professor David Fairlie

Completed supervision

Enquiries

Contact Dr Junxian Lim directly for media enquiries about:

  • biology
  • cancer
  • GPCR
  • in-vitro protein labeling
  • inflammation
  • metabolic dysfunction
  • obesity
  • pharmacology
  • protein-protein interactions

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