Ching-On Wong

Dr. Ching-On Wong serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University. His research program focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of cell metabolism and bioenergetics, with particular emphasis on the role of endolysosomes in brain and immune cells. Using the genetically tractable Drosophila model system, his lab integrates bioinformatics, genetics, cell biology, lipidomics, and quantitative microscopy to investigate fundamental cellular processes.

• B.Sc. in Biochemistry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005
• Ph.D. in Physiology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009

Dr. Wong's research interests center on the intricate relationship between organelle function and cellular metabolism, particularly how endolysosomes coordinate signaling modules in different cell types of the nervous system. His work has significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. The lab pursues four main research programs: 1) Endolysosomal roles in neuroglial lipid transport and metabolism in neurodegenerative disorders; 2) Vesicular transport and endolysosomal signaling in glial cell bioenergetics; 3) Endolysosomal modulation of macrophage signaling pathways; and 4) Neuro-immune interactions in neurodegeneration. His approach combines Drosophila genetics with mammalian cell and animal models to build mechanistic understanding of cellular pathways.

Analysis of Dr. Wong's publication record spanning from 2008-2025 reveals a consistent focus on cell biology, neurobiology, and bioenergetics. His research trajectory shows increasing specialization in endolysosomal function, particularly in relation to neurodegenerative diseases. The most recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate expansion into lipid metabolism in glial cells and neuro-immune interactions, while maintaining the foundational work on organelle signaling and bioenergetics. His publications appear in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Journal of Neuroscience, indicating significant contributions to the field.

Dr. Wong teaches several advanced courses including Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology (26:120:524), Topics in Cell Biology (26:120:526), Biochemistry of Eukaryotes (26:120:571), and Biochemistry in Human Health (21:120:460). His lab, accessible through the Wong Lab website (https://sites.rutgers.edu/wong-lab/), maintains an active research program investigating the cellular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative disorders, with particular focus on endolysosomal function in glial cells and neuro-immune interactions.