Soon-Keat Ooi serves as the Chief Research Officer at MotoGene. In this role, he leads a team of scientists with areas of expertise encompassing clinical science, nutrition and biotechnology to oversee the company’s scientific activities in all forms. Drawing from a rich background in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, he has 15 years of research experience in Malaysia and the United States, with a particular focus on NAD⁺ biology and human health. Major highlight of his contribution to the field includes the biochemical study of PARP1, a primary NAD⁺-consuming enzyme in human cells, which positions him as a key thought leader in MotoGene’s efforts to develop efficacious and safe NAD⁺-boosting anti-aging interventions. 

Ooi’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics from the National University of Malaysia, where he conducted research to dissect the virulence mechanism of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, under the supervision of Dr. Sheila Nathan. To further expand his research expertise, he pursued PhD training at the The Stowers Institute for Medical Research, under the mentorship of Drs. Joan W. Conaway and Ronald C. Conaway. His doctoral research focused on elucidating the biochemical mechanisms underlying the regulation of human chromatin remodeling and DNA repair enzymes, including PARP1, ALC1 and INO80. During this time, he honed extensive skills in protein biochemistry and enzymology, laying the foundation for his current focus on developing innovative solutions to combat aging and age-related diseases. 

Following his PhD, Ooi joined the laboratory of Dr. Lu Chen at Fox Chase Cancer Center as a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the biology of the human telomerase, an enzyme complex that governs the maintenance of telomeres in cells. Next, he joined the Herbst-Nowrouzi Lab at the Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania. Working closely with the labs of Drs. Carl H. June, Saar I. Gill and Joseph A. Fraietta, he applied his expertise to advance human immune cell-based therapies. His work involved designing new methods to assess the specificity of CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing enzymes in human immune and hematopoietic stem cells. 

As a Malaysian of Chinese descent, Ooi aspires to translate his knowledge to driving impactful innovations in health and wellness in Malaysia. He has therefore joined forces with the dedicated team at MotoGene as well as health experts around the globe to revolutionize the anti-aging field through high-quality evidence-based science.