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Professor Ngan, Hextan Yuen Sheung 顏婉嫦

Title:
Professor, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Tsao Yin Kai Professor in Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Clinical Professor

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Professor Ngan, Hextan Yuen Sheung 顏婉嫦

Title:
Professor, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Tsao Yin Kai Professor in Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Clinical Professor

Also Cited As:
Ngan, Yuen-sheung, Hextan
Ngan, YS
Ngan, HY
Ngan, H
Hextan

Short Biography:

My research interests include basic, clinical and translational cancer research in gynaecology oncology. My basic research interests have focus on the genetic/epigenetic alterations leading to the aberrant expressions of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, as well as their associated signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian, endometrial and cervical carcinomas. Human growth factor receptor-bound protein-7 (GRB7) is a key oncoprotein involved in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and governing diverse cellular processes. Our team has previously reported that the aberrant upregulation of GRB7 and its isoform GRB7v are associated with different aspects of the progression of ovarian cancers. We have recently further found that the upregulation of GRB7/7v is attributed to the hypermethylation of its upstream modulator miR-193a-3p. We demonstrated that miR-193a-3p not only modulates GRB7 but also ERBB4, SOS2 and KRAS in the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in ovarian cancer cells. These findings have indicated miR-193a-3p may be developed as a promising miRNA replacement therapy in ovarian cancers. On the other hand, cancer metastasis is the major clinical obstacle in human cancers including ovarian cancers. Indeed, the successful cancer metastasis relies on the presence of the metastatic niche and the adaptation of cancer cells in tumor microenvironment. The development of anoikis resistance is a fundamental step of cancer cells during metastatic cancer progression. Our research team has recently found that an OncomiR, miR-141, is aberrantly upregulated in advanced and metastatic ovarian cancer cells. Functional and mechanistic studies showed that the upregulation of miR-141 suppresses KLF12 suppressor that in turn, allows Sp1 transcriptionally upregulating survivin, leading to increased cell survival of ovarian cancer cells in stress microenvironment. This suggests that miR-141/KLF12/Sp1/survivin signalling axis likely serves as a potential therapeutic target for metastatic ovarian cancer. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common female cancer worldwide. We have recently identified the CD55 (+) subpopulation of cervical cancer stem-like cells are responsible for tumour resistance to cancer treatment and recurrence. We found the human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 protein can upregulate CD55 which in turn, enhances self-renewal and resistance of radiotherapy of cervical cancer cells. Hence, it looks likely that targeting CD55 by CRISPR/Cas9 system shows a potential therapeutic approach in cervical cancer. Moreover, we have also reported a subset of six oncogenic microRNA (miRNA) signature (miR-20a, miR-92a, miR-141, miR-183*, miR-210 and miR-944) was significantly up-regulated in cervical cancer and pre-malignant lesions compared to normal cervical samples. This indicates that this subset of miRNAs are potentially developed as the diagnostic biomarker for cervical pre-malignant lesions and cancer in the future.

My clinical translational research effort has focused on cervical cancer screening especially on the role of HPV testing as well as on psychosocial studies including quality of life. In addition, the development of precision medicine and omics-driven gynae-oncology is my interest and the direction of our team. Currently my group is conducting numerous studies in bench to bedside cancer biology. Lastly, our team has also taken part in contract clinical trials mainly in ovarian cancer treatment and HPV vaccines.

Biography

Prof. Hextan YS Ngan is a Chair Professor and the Head of Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, the University of Hong Kong. She is also the team leader of Oncology Division of this department. Her research interests include basic, clinical and translational cancer research in gynaecology oncology. Her research interests include basic, clinical and translational cancer research in gynaecology oncology. Her basic research interests have focus on the genetic/epigenetic alterations leading to the aberrant expressions of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, as well as their associated signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian, endometrial and cervical carcinomas. Human growth factor receptor-bound protein-7 (GRB7) is a key oncoprotein involved in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and governing diverse cellular processes. Her team has previously reported that the aberrant upregulation of GRB7 and its isoform GRB7v are associated with different aspects of the progression of ovarian cancers. They have recently further found that the upregulation of GRB7/7v is attributed to the hypermethylation of its upstream modulator miR-193a-3p. They demonstrated that miR-193a-3p not only modulates GRB7 but also ERBB4, SOS2 and KRAS in the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in ovarian cancer cells. These findings have indicated miR-193a-3p may be developed as a promising miRNA replacement therapy in ovarian cancers. On the other hand, cancer metastasis is the major clinical obstacle in human cancers including ovarian cancers. Indeed, the successful cancer metastasis relies on the presence of the metastatic niche and the adaptation of cancer cells in tumor microenvironment. The development of anoikis resistance is a fundamental step of cancer cells during metastatic cancer progression. Her research team has recently found that an OncomiR, miR-141, is aberrantly upregulated in advanced and metastatic ovarian cancer cells. Functional and mechanistic studies showed that the upregulation of miR-141 suppresses KLF12 suppressor that in turn, allows Sp1 transcriptionally upregulating survivin, leading to increased cell survival of ovarian cancer cells in stress microenvironment. This suggests that miR-141/KLF12/Sp1/survivin signalling axis likely serves as a potential therapeutic target for metastatic ovarian cancer. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common female cancer worldwide. They have recently identified the CD55 (+) subpopulation of cervical cancer stem-like cells are responsible for tumour resistance to cancer treatment and recurrence. They found the human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 protein can upregulate CD55 which in turn, enhances self-renewal and resistance of radiotherapy of cervical cancer cells. Hence, it looks likely that targeting CD55 by CRISPR/Cas9 system shows a potential therapeutic approach in cervical cancer.  Moreover, they have also reported a subset of six oncogenic microRNA (miRNA) signature (miR-20a, miR-92a, miR-141, miR-183*, miR-210 and miR-944) was significantly up-regulated in cervical cancer and pre-malignant lesions compared to normal cervical samples. This indicates that this subset of miRNAs are potentially developed as the diagnostic biomarker for cervical pre-malignant lesions and cancer in the future.

     Her clinical translational research effort has focused on cervical cancer screening especially on the role of HPV testing as well as on psychosocial studies including quality of life. In addition, the development of precision medicine and omics-driven gynae-oncology is my interest and the direction of our team. Currently her group is conducting numerous studies in bench to bedside cancer biology. Lastly, her team has also taken part in contract clinical trials mainly in ovarian cancer treatment and HPV vaccines.

 
Honours, Awards & Prizes
AwardeesAward DateHonours / Awards / PrizesCategory
KWAN, Hoi Tung
2010-12-01The outstanding poster presentation: The 15th Research Postgraduate Symposium December 1-2, 2010
Research Achievement
2003-03-01p73 expression and radiosensitivity in cervical carcinomas/Abstract/ AACR Scholar-in-training award: American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 94th annual meeting
Research Achievement
CAI, Chunhui
2012-12-01The Best Oral Presentation: The 17th Research Postgraduate Symposium December 13-14, 2012
Research Achievement
2013-09-01Gold Medal in recognition of the significant contribution to our knowledge of trophoblastic disease at the conference: International Society for the Study of Trophoblastic Diseases (ISSTD), VII World Congress on Gestational Trophoblasic Diseases, September 19-23
Research Achievement
Lo, CK
Szeto, E
Wong, ESY
Wong, GW
2010-09-01Integrated Human Papilloma Virus Analysis as Adjunct for Triage of Atypical Cervical Cytology.: Health Research Symposium 2010, 11 Sept 2010 organised by Food and Health Bureau, HKSAR. - Best RFCID Poster Presentation Award
Research Achievement
Leung, THY
2010-02-01Interaction of TAp73 and BCA3 enhances the sensitivity of cervical cancer cells in response to irradiation-induced apoptosis. AACR Scholar-in-Training Award: AACR Special conference: Cell death mechanism and cancer therapy, 2010(San Diego, USA)
Research Achievement
Chu, MYM
2018-04-01QMH/TYH Outstanding Teams (Walk Together with One Heart): HKWC cum QMH/TYH Outstanding Staff & Teams Award and Young Achiever Award for 2018
Others
2018-10-01Recognition of Women Obstetricians/Gynaecologists at the General Assembly: XXII World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 13-19 October, 2018 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Research Achievement
2019-07-01"Best Volunteer Award" in recognition of voluntary contribution to the Family Planning Association of Hong Kong and to International Planned Parenthood Federation as a member of International Medical Advisory Panel: International Planned Parenthood Federation
Research Achievement
Professional Societies
Term PeriodPositionProfessional Societies
01/2002-12/2007MemberEducation Committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
01/2004-12/2006AdvisorWHO Technical Advisory Group on Comprehensive Cervical Cancer Control: a guide for essential practice
01/2006-12/2007ChairmanGynaecological Oncology Subspecialty Board of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
01/1996-12/2009Council memberAsia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
05/2006-11/2006TreasurerAsia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
01/2007-12/2009Senior Vice-PresidentHong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
01/2003-12/2006MemberInternational Gynecologic Cancer Society, Education Committee
15/01/2001-31/12/2004PresidentHong Kong Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology
2003-2010Regional council memberInternational Planned Parenthood Federation
1/10/2017-30/9/2021MemberResearch Council (Health and Medical Research Fund, Food and Health Bureau)
2010-2012Vice-PresidentAsian Gynecologic Oncology Group (AGOG)
31/8/2018 – 30/9/2022MemberExpert Advisory Panel in Cancer (Health and Medical Research Fund, Food and Health Bureau)
1/1/2018-31/12/2020MemberGynaecological Oncology Subspecialty Board of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
2013-Founding member, Council MemberThe Hong Kong Society of Robotic Surgery
5/2015-4/2021MemberIMAP, International Planned Parenthood Federation
2012-2015MemberFIGO Subcommittee on Cervical Cancer
5/2018 -Executive Member粤港澳大湾区妇产科医师联盟
2005-2009, 2012-MemberAsian Gynecologic Oncology Group
2010-2012Member of Scientific CommitteeThe 14th Biennial Meeting of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society
1/8/2012-30/6/2018ChairmanWork Group of Women’s Services – HKWC Clinical Services Plan
1/7/2018-30/6/2021Co-ChairmanWork Group of Women’s Services – HKWC Clinical Services Plan
1/10/2013-ChairmanCredentialing Committee, HKWC
2014Co-opted Member to CouncilThe Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
2012-2014Member of Scientific CommitteeThe 15th Biennial Meeting of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society
1/2/2013-30/9/2022MemberGrant Review Board (Health and Medical Research Fund, Food and Health Bureau)
01/2003-12/2003SecretaryGynaecological Oncology Subspecialty Board of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
2008-2010Regional Exexutive Committee memberInternational Planned Parenthood Federation
01/2007-12/2009ChairmanQuality Assurance Committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
01/2006-12/2007MemberSubspecialty Committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
2001-2004, 2004-2007, 2007-2010, 2010-2012, 2012-presentUICC TNM Expert Advisory Panel on Gynaecologic Cancer
2009-Honorary MemberThe Society for Colposcopy & Cervical Pathology of Singapore
01/2000-12/2006ChairmanInternational Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Committee for Gynecologic Oncology
01/2007-12/2009MemberInternational Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Committee for Gynecologic Oncology
01/2002-12/2002MemberExperts Nominated by Council under Gynaecological Oncology of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
2005-2009HK representativeAsia Oceania Research Organization on Genital Infectious & Neoplasia (AOGIN)
2009-2012ChairmanEducation Committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
01/2007-MemberFellowship Selection Committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
01/2006-ChairAsian Gynecologic Cancer Group, Protocol Review Committee
01/2002-12/2002&01/2004-12/2005MemberGynaecological Oncology Subspecialty Board of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
2009-Council MemeberAsian Society of Gynecologic Oncology (ASGO)
2002-2006MemberTNM Prognostic Factor Core Group on TNM Project, UICC
2005ChairmanProtocol Review Committee of Asian Gynecologic Oncology Group
2008-2009Member of Scientific CommitteeFIGO XIX World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics
01/2005-12/2007MemberContinuous Professional Development Sub-committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
2010-MemberThe National TNM Cancer Staging Committee of China
2008-2010President-electAsia Oceania research organization on Genital Infections and Neoplasia (AOGIN)
2010-2012PresidentAsia Oceania research organization on Genital Infections and Neoplasia (AOGIN)
01/2003-6/2015MemberInternship Sub-committee, the Licentiate Committee of the Medical Council of Hong Kong
01/2003-12/2004MemberColposcopy Accreditation Sub-committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
01/2005-12/2008ChairGynaecological Oncology Board of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
2005Founding memberAsian Gynecologic Oncology Group
01/2004-12/2006Junior Vice-PresidentHong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
01/2002-12/2002MemberStructured Oral Examination Sub-committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
01/2004-12/2007MemberFinance and Executive Committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
2010-2012Chair of Organizing CommitteeAOGIN 2012 Conference
01/2004-12/2006College representativeEducation Committee, Hong Kong Academy of Medicine
01/2002-12/2004MemberManpower and Subspecialty Committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
1/1/2010-31/12/2012PresidentThe Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
1/1/2005-31/12/2008Ex-OfficoHong Kong Society of Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology
2011-2014Regional Exexutive Committee memberInternational Planned Parenthood Federation
2009-2010Member of Scientific CommitteeThe 13th Biennial Meeting of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society
01/2003-12/2003MemberCouncil of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
01/1998-12/2006MemberQuality Assurance Committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
01/2005-Board memberAsia Oceania research organization of Genital Infections & Neoplasia (AOGIN)
2007-2013MemberFIGO Working Group on Combating Cervical Cancer
01/2002-12/2002&01/2005-12/2006MemberManpower Committee of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
2001Expert AdvisorOvarian Cancer Treatment Advisory Board of Roche
2004-2014MemberAsian Cervical Cancer Prevention Advisory Board
5/11/2015 - 4/11/2021MemberAdvisory Board of NISI (HK) Limited
2004Expert AdvisorCervical Cancer Prevention Advisory Board of GSK, MSD, Roche
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