Judy Yam

1992 BSc, Biochemistry (Cum Laude), University of Washington, Seattle

1995 MSc, Biotechnology, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology

1999 PhD, Biology, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology

Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong

2000 - 2004       Post-Doctoral Fellow

2004 - 2007       Research Assistant Professor

2007 - 2013        Assistant Professor

2013 - 2023        Associate Professor

2023 - present   Professor

My research focuses on unraveling the mechanistic basis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its implications for the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates basic science research, clinical analysis, and translational studies, my team investigates the intricate interplay between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment during HCC progression and distant metastasis. Specifically, my recent work has focused on small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), which play a crucial role in intercellular communication. Through our studies, we have gained valuable insights into the functional contributions of sEVs in various aspects of HCC, including pre-metastatic niche formation, evasion from complement-induced cytotoxicity, cancer stemness, anaerobic glucose metabolism, and angiogenesis, leading to accelerated tumor growth and metastasis. These findings have not only deepened the understanding of the role of sEVs in driving hepatocarcinogenesis but have also shed light on potential therapeutic strategies, such as targeting oncogenic sEV proteins or sEV-mediated pathways. Moreover, we have made significant advancements in understanding the process of cellular uptake of sEVs and have unveiled the potential of inhibiting sEV uptake as a viable approach to reducing the progression of HCC. In addition, our investigations have successfully identified specific proteins within sEVs that exhibit promising capabilities as indicators of tumor stage, enabling differentiation between healthy individuals and those afflicted with HCC. In line with our translational goals, we are actively engaged in the development of therapeutic antibodies and cancer vaccines that specifically target oncogenic cargos of sEVs. Furthermore, we are dedicated to creating a diagnostic device capable of detecting sEV biomarkers, thus facilitating early detection and diagnosis of HCC.

1. Yao Y#, Xu Y#, Liang Y, Xue TM, Xiao ZJ, Tin PC, Fung HL, Ma HT, Yun JP, Yam JWP*. NHE7 upregulation potentiates the uptake of small extracellular vesicles by macropinocytosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Communications 2023, 44(2):251-272.

2. Xu Y*, Yao Y, Liang Y#, Zhang X, Mao XW, Tey SK, Wong SWK, Yeung CLS, Ng TH, Wong MYM, Che CM, Lee TKW, Gao Y, Cui Y, Yam JWP*. Clathrin light chain A-enriched small extracellular vesicles remodel microvascular niche to induce hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles 2023, 12(8):e12359.

3. Wong SWK, Tey SK, Mao XW, Fung HL, Xiao ZJ, Wong DKH, Mak LY, Yuen MF, Ng IOL, Yun JP, Gao Y, Yam JWP*. Small extracellular vesicle-derived vWF induces a positive feedback loop between tumor and endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Advanced Science (Weinh) 2023, 10(26):e2302677.

4. Tey SK, Wong SWK, Chan JYT, Mao XW, Ng TH, Yeung CLS, Leung Z, Fung HL, Tang AHN, Wong DKH, Mak LY, Yuen MF, Sin CF, Ng IOL, Ma SKY, Lee TKW, Cao PH, Zhong K, Gao Y, Yun JP, Yam JWP*. Patient pIgR-enriched extracellular vesicles drive cancer stemness, tumorigenesis and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Journal of Hepatology 2022, 76(4): 883-895.

5. Liu BHM, Tey SK, Mao XW, Ma APY, Wong SWK, Ng TH, Yeung CLS, Xu Y, Yao Y, Fung EYM, Tan KV, Khong PL, Ho DWH, Ng IOL, Tang AHN, Cai SH, Yun JP, Yam JWP*. TPI1-reduced extracellular vesicles mediated by Rab20 downregulation promotes aerobic glycolysis to drive hepatocarcinogenesis. Journal of Extracellular Vesicles 2021, 10(10):e12135.

6. Mao XW, Tey SK, Yeung CLS, Kwong EML, Fung YMF, Chung CYS, Mak LY, Wong DKH, Yuen MF, Ho JCM, Pang H, Wong MP, Leung CON, Lee TKW, Ma V, Cho WCS, Cao PH, Xu X, Gao Y*, Yam JWP*. Nidogen 1-enriched extracellular vesicles facilitate extrahepatic metastasis of liver cancer by activating pulmonary fibroblasts to secrete tumor necrosis factor receptor 1. Advanced Science 2020, 7(21):2002157.

7. Ko FCF, Chan LK, Sze KMF, Yeung YS, Tse EYT, Lu P, Yu MH, Ng IOL, Yam JWP*. PKA-induced dimerization of the RhoGAP DLC1 promotes its inhibition of tumorigenesis and metastasis. Nature Communications 2013, 4:1618. doi: 10.1038/ncomms2604.

8. Ko FCF, Chan LK, Tung EKK, Lowe SW, Ng IOL, Yam JWP*. Akt phosphorylation of Deleted in Liver Cancer 1 deregulates its suppression of liver cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. Gastroenterology 2010, 139(4):1397-1407.

9. Yam JWP, Ko FCF, Chan CY, Yau TO, Tung EKK, Leung THY, Jin DY, Ng IOL*. Tensin2 variant 3 is associated with aggressive tumor behavior in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2006, 44:881-890.

10. Yam JWP, Jin DY, So CW, Chan LC*. Identification and characterization of EBP, a novel EEN binding protein that inhibits ras signaling and is recruited into the nucleus by the MLL-EEN fusion protein. Blood 2004, 103:1445-1453.

Full publication list link:

https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=zh-TW&scisbd=1&as_sdt=2007&q=judy+Yam&btnG

2023 RGC Research Fellow Scheme

2022 Faculty Outstanding Research Output Award

2010 HKU Outstanding Young Researcher Award 2008-2009