Prof Dr. Elaine Leung at Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Science, Macau
PROFILE
scopus
Early Academic Pursuits 🎓
Elaine Lai-Han Leung embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in biological sciences, obtaining her BSc in Biology and Biochemistry from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2001. Her deep interest in biomedical sciences led her to pursue further studies, earning an MPhil in Biochemistry in 2003, followed by a PhD in Physiology in 2006 from the same institution. Her early academic pursuits laid the groundwork for a career marked by significant contributions to biomedical research, particularly in the fields of cancer biology and traditional Chinese medicine.
Professional Endeavors 🧬
Professor Leung’s professional career has been centered at the University of Macau, where she is a prominent figure in the Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Science. Over the years, she has established herself as a leading researcher, focusing on the intersection of modern biomedical sciences and traditional Chinese medicine. Her work has involved both academic research and collaborations with industry, where she has taken on numerous consultancy projects, contributing to the development of new therapies and drug discoveries.
Contributions and Research Focus 🔬
Professor Leung’s research is primarily focused on cancer biology, with an emphasis on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). She has been the principal investigator (PI) or co-investigator (Co-I) on numerous research projects, many of which are aimed at understanding the mechanisms of drug resistance and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Her ongoing research includes studies on KRAS resistance mechanisms, the role of gut microbiota in cancer immunomodulation, and the use of traditional Chinese medicine in treating various forms of cancer.
Some of her key projects include:
- The relationship between KRAS resistance mechanisms and the immune microenvironment: An ongoing project at the University of Macau aimed at uncovering how KRAS mutations affect immune responses in cancer.
- High-dimensional single-cell analysis of Sotorasib resistance clinical samples: This research seeks to identify new small molecule inhibitors for treating NSCLC.
- Investigation of the anti-tumor effect of microbial valeric acid in NSCLC: Completed in 2023, this study explored how microbial byproducts can influence tumor immunity.
Accolades and Recognition 🏆
Professor Leung’s contributions to biomedical science have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout her career, reflecting her standing in the scientific community. Her work has been cited extensively in leading scientific journals, with her citation index reflecting her influence in the fields of cancer biology and traditional Chinese medicine. Her collaboration with Nobel Laureate Erwin Neher on drug research further underscores her prominence in the field.
Impact and Influence 🌍
The impact of Professor Leung’s work extends beyond academia. Her research has significant implications for the development of new cancer therapies, particularly in the context of drug resistance. By bridging the gap between traditional Chinese medicine and modern biomedical research, she has opened new avenues for treatment that could benefit patients worldwide. Her work on gut microbiota and its role in cancer treatment, for instance, is pioneering in its approach and has the potential to revolutionize how cancer is treated.
Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟
As Professor Leung continues her work at the University of Macau, her legacy is already taking shape. She is helping to mentor the next generation of scientists while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in cancer research. Her ongoing projects, including those funded by significant grants, are expected to yield new insights into cancer biology and treatment. Looking ahead, her contributions will likely continue to influence the field of biomedical sciences, particularly in how traditional Chinese medicine is integrated into modern therapeutic strategies.
Research and Innovations 🧪
Completed/Ongoing Research Projects 📊
Professor Leung has completed numerous research projects, with many others ongoing. Her portfolio includes more than a dozen major projects, ranging from small-scale studies to large, collaborative efforts with industry partners. These projects have attracted significant funding, including:
- Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (2021/2024): Investigating the combinational treatment effects of ginseng polysaccharides with immunotherapy in lung cancer, with a budget of USD 230,769.
- Zhuhai UM Science and Technology Institute joint lab projects: Ongoing studies on drug resistance and immune microenvironment interactions in cancer, funded at approximately USD 641,000.
Citation Index 📚
Professor Leung’s work is highly regarded in the scientific community, as reflected by her citation index in databases such as Scopus and the Science Citation Index (SCI). Her research articles have been cited extensively, demonstrating the impact and relevance of her work in advancing biomedical science.
Consultancy/Industry Projects 🤝
Beyond academia, Professor Leung has engaged in several industry-sponsored projects, often serving as a consultant. These projects have allowed her to apply her research in practical settings, contributing to the development of new drugs and therapeutic strategies. Notably, she has collaborated with leading pharmaceutical companies like Janssen Pharmaceuticals, where her work on immunophenotyping in lung cancer patients has been highly influential.
Conclusion 🎯
Professor Elaine Lai-Han Leung’s career is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary research and collaboration. Her contributions to cancer biology, her innovative use of traditional Chinese medicine, and her commitment to bridging the gap between research and industry have made her a pivotal figure in her field. As she continues to explore new frontiers in biomedical science, her legacy will undoubtedly be one of lasting impact, shaping the future of cancer treatment and beyond.