Man-Wah Tan

“Research is essentially a dialogue with Nature. The important thing is not to wonder about Nature's answer, for she is always honest, but to closely examine your question to her”. Albert Szent-Gyorgi (1893-1986)

My research questions focus on uncovering the molecular basis of host-microbe interactions, mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and the discovery of novel antimicrobials.

Microbes impact human health and diseases by either promoting or disrupting homeostasis. Perturbation of homeostasis leads to the development of infectious diseases. Host-microbe interactions are complex and they shape the phenotypic manifestations of the underlying genetic architecture of both the host and the microbes. We employ interdisciplinary approaches to elucidate the environmental and genetic bases of these interactions, focusing initially on the gastrointestinal tract. In the past we have used the bacteria-C. elegans system I pioneered to discover and elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogenesis and host responses within the context of an intact host. Recent advances in genetic manipulation, stem cell, tissue engineering and microfluid technologies have now enabled us to use human intestinal organoids and intestine-on-chip systems to model the interactions between pathogens or commensals with the human gastrointestinal tract.

To discover and develop novel antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, we focus on bacterial factors that are essential for envelop biogenesis or viability during infection. We also explore the mechanisms by which microbes develop resistance to these novel therapeutics.

• Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Junior Fellow – 2000
• Harvard University, Biology, Ph.D. – 1997
• Harvard University, Evolutionary Biology, M.A. – 1996
• University of Cambridge, Applied Biology, M.Phil. – 1987
• Universiti Sains Malaysia, First Class Biology, B.Sc(Hons) – 1986

• Research Biology Excellence Award – 2019
• NIH Director’s Lecture – 2016
• The President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award – 2014
• NIH Digestive Disease Center Award – 2008
• Brain Gain Award, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia – 2007
• V Foundation Scholar Award – 2002
• Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Award – 2002
• Willian F. Milton Fund Award – 1997
• Elected to the Society of Fellows, Harvard University – 1997
• Derek Bok Center Award for Excellence in Teaching (Harvard University) – 1994,1996
• Richmond Fellowship – 1993-1997
• An Wang Foundation Fellowship – 1992-1993
• T.H. Middleton Prize, University of Cambridge – 1987
• King’s College, Cambridge and Overseas Development Authority Fellowships – 1986-1987
• National Science Research and Development Council Award – 1986
• Chancellor’s Gold Medal – 1986