Chi Lam Au Yeung, Ph.D.
Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, Division of Surgery
About Dr. Chi Lam Au Yeung
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Assistant Professor, Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine - Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Assistant Professor, Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine - Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Research Interests
My research focus is on studying the role of tumor microenvironment in the pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer. My current research project is focused on investigating the cross-talk between different cell types in the omental tumor microenvironment including adipocytes, mesothelial cells and immune cells; and on elucidating the functional roles and the underlying mechanisms of adipose tissue derived secretory protein and exosomal microRNAs in modulating ovarian cancer progression, metastasis and chemoresistance.
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 2011 | The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HK, Biochemistry, Medicine, Ph.D |
| 2007 | The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, HK, Biochemistry, BS |
Postgraduate Training
| 2011-2017 | Research Fellowship, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Instructor, Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine - Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2017 - 2022
Other Professional Positions
Research Associate, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 2011 - 2011
Honors & Awards
| 2022 | R37 MERIT Award, NIH/NCI |
| 2022 | Liz Tilberis Early Career Award, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance |
| 2019 | Uterine SPORE Career Enhancement Program Award, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2017 | The Diane Denson Tobola Fellowship in Ovarian Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2016 | The Lupe C. Garcia Fellowship in Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 2014 | Ann Schreiber Mentored Investigator Award, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund |
| 2011 | Travel Grant Award, 70th Annual Meeting of Japanese Cancer Association |
| 2007 | The Dean's List, The Chinese University of Hong Kong |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
National Presentations
- 2026. Novel obesity-associated adipokine modulates the malignant phenotype of endometrial cancel cells. Conference. AACR. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US.
- 2025. Cancer cell-derived exosomal microRNAs enhance immunosurveillance in long-term survivors of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Conference. AACR. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US.
- 2023. Omentin: A novel immune modulation in the pro-inflammatory omental microenvironment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Conference. AACR. Boston, MA, US.
- 2022. miR-625-3p enhances chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer cells through exosomal export of cisplatin and paclitaxel. Conference. AACR. Washington, DC, US.
- 2021. Novel imipridone ONC206 suppresses ovarian cancer progression through modulating immune cell response. Conference. AACR, US.
- 2019. Novel imipridone ONC206 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in uterine serous cancer through altering MAPK/AKT/AMPK signaling network and metabolic reprogramming. Conference. AACR-NCI-EORTC Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics Conference. Boston, MA, US.
- 2018. Leptin facilitates ovarian cancer metastasis through miR-28-3p and matrix metalloproteinase-1 in the omental tumor microenvironment. Conference. AACR. Chicago, IL, US.
- 2017. Omentin drives metabolic shift in ovarian cancer cells in the omental tumor microenvironment. Conference. AACR. Washington, DC, US.
- 2017. Exosomal transfer of stroma-derived miR-21 confers paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cancer cells through targeting APAF1. Conference. ERCC. Rockville, MD, US.
- 2016. Adipose tissues derived exosomal microRNAs and their variants in ovarian cancer progression. Conference. AACR. New Orleans, LA, US.
- 2015. Omentin: a novel adipokine linking visceral obesity to ovarian cancer progression. Conference. AACR. Philadelphia, PA, US.
- 2013. Leptin up-regulates matrix metalloproteinase-1 in ovarian cancer cells in the omental tumor microenvironment. Conference. AACR-JCA. Maui, HI, US.
- 2011. MicroRNA-23b targeting urokinase-type plasminogen activator facilitates human papillomavirus type 16 E6 induction of cervical cancer cell migration. Conference. AACR. Orlando, FL, US.
- 2010. HPV-16 E6 silencing of p16INK4a in human cervical cancer cells. Conference. AACR. Washington, DC, US.
International Presentations
- 2026. PDS and IDS in Advanced Ovarian Cancer: Is It Time for MIS?. Invited. AAGL–ESGE Virtual Congress: Transatlantic Exchanges: Shaping the Future of MIGS, US.
- 2025. Omentin-induced metabolic reprogramming in the omental microenvironment suppresses high-grade serous ovarian cancer progression. Invited. CancersScape: Spatial Biology of the Tumor Ecosystem. Barcelona, ES.
- 2014. Omentin: A novel adipokine in the omental microenvironment associated with ovarian cancer progression. Conference. AACR. San Diego, US.
- 2014. Exosomal transfer of microRNAs and their variants from ovarian cancer-associated omental adipose tissues to ovarian cancer cells. Conference. ISEV. Rotterdam, NL.
- 2013. Identification of exosomal microRNAs involved in the ovarian cancer associated omental microenvironment by next generation sequencing method. Conference. ISEV. Boston, US.
- 2011. HPV-16 E6 promotes cervical cancer cell migration through p53-mediated miR-23b/uPA pathway. Conference. JCA. Nagoya, JP.
- 2009. HPV-16 E6 downregulation of DNMT1 expression through tumor suppressor p53. Conference. AACR. Denver, US.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2023 - 2028 |
| Title: | Novel orally bioavailable imipridone ONC206 in advanced uterine cancer treatment |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2023 - 2028 |
| Title: | Targeting DRD2 by novel imipridones in advanced uterine cancer treatment |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2023 - 2027 |
| Title: | Role of cancer cell-derived exosomal microRNAs in enhancing immunosurveillance in long-term survivors of high-grade serous ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | Department of Defense (DOD) |
| Role: | Principal Investigator-MDACC |
| Date: | 2022 - 2027 |
| Title: | Targeting DRD2 by novel imipridones in advanced uterine cancer treatment |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Co-I |
| Date: | 2022 - 2027 |
| Title: | Role of pro-inflammatory omental microenvironment in ovarian cancer progression |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Principal Investigator-MDACC |
| Date: | 2022 - 2026 |
| Title: | Role of ITLN1 in normalizing the pro-inflammatory omental microenvironment in ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | Department of Defense (DOD) |
| Role: | Principal Investigator-MDACC |
| Date: | 2022 - 2024 |
| Title: | Role of cancer-cell derived exosomal microRNAs in modulating survival in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | Department of Defense (DOD) |
| Role: | Principal Investigator-MDACC |
| Date: | 2022 - 2025 |
| Title: | Role of ITLN1 as an immune modulator in ovarian cancer-associated omental microenvironment |
| Funding Source: | Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2022 - 2026 |
| Title: | Cancer-derived exosomal miRNAs modulate ovarian tumor microenvironment |
| Funding Source: | Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) |
| Role: | Principal Investigator-MDACC |
| Date: | 2021 - 2023 |
| Title: | Role of ITLN1 in normalizing the pro-inflammatory omental microenvironment in ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | Rivkin Center Scientific Scholar Award |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2021 - 2024 |
| Title: | ITLN1 targets pro-inflammatory omental microenvironment in ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | OCRA |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | ID#813827 |
| Date: | 2019 - 2020 |
| Title: | Targeting DRD2 signaling network by novel imipridone ONC206 in uterine serous cancer treatment |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI/ UTMDACC Uterine Spore Enhancement |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | P50CA098258 |
| Date: | 2018 - 2023 |
| Title: | Targeting stromal influences on glutamine addiction in ovarian cancer |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Research Scientist |
| Date: | 2017 - 2021 |
| Title: | The Role of Mesothelial Omentin in Ovarian Cancer Progression |
| Funding Source: | Department of Defense (DOD) |
| Role: | Research Scientist |
| ID: | OC160457 |
| Date: | 2016 - 2022 |
| Title: | The Genomic, Epigenomic and Psychosocial Characteristics of Long-Term Survivors of Ovarian Cancer |
| Funding Source: | Department of Defense (DOD) |
| Role: | Research Scientist |
| ID: | OC150564 |
| Date: | 2014 - 2016 |
| Title: | Adipose Tissue Derived Exosomal miRNAs in Ovarian Cancer Progression |
| Funding Source: | Ovarian Cancer Research Program |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2013 - 2019 |
| Title: | The FGF18/FGFR4 Amplicon: Novel Therapeutic Biomarkers for Ovarian Cancer |
| Funding Source: | NIH/NCI |
| Role: | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| ID: | R01 CA169200 |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Au Yeung, CL, Tsuruga, T, Talor, MA, Pacheco, YJ, He, G, Siddik, ZH, Cha, BJ, Kwan, SY, Wong, KK, Yip, KP, Mok, S. MicroRNA-625-3p Increases Chemosensitivity in Ovarian Cancer Cells Through Decreasing SSX2IP-Mediated Cisplatin Export in Extracellular Vesicles. Cancers 18(5), 2026. e-Pub 2026. PMID: 41827805.
- Zhang L, Au-Yeung CL, Huang C, Yeung TL, Ferri-Borgogno S, Lawson BC, Kwan SY, Yin Z, Wong ST, Thomas V, Lu KH, Yip KP, Sham JSK, Mok SC. Ryanodine receptor 1-mediated Ca(2+) signaling and mitochondrial reprogramming modulate uterine serous cancer malignant phenotypes. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 41(1):242, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35953818.
- Mitra A, Yoshida-Court K, Solley TN, Mikkelson M, Yeung CLA, Nick A, Lu K, Klopp AH. Extracellular vesicles derived from ascitic fluid enhance growth and migration of ovarian cancer cells. Sci Rep 11(1):9149, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 33911091.
- Hu W, Zhang L, Ferri-Borgogno S, Kwan SY, Lewis KE, Cun HT, Yeung TL, Soliman PT, Tarapore RS, Allen JE, Guan X, Lu KH, Mok SC, Au-Yeung CL. Targeting Dopamine Receptor D2 by Imipridone Suppresses Uterine Serous Cancer Malignant Phenotype. Cancers (Basel) 12(9), 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32867127.
- Au-Yeung CL, Yeung TL, Achreja A, Zhao H, Yip KP, Kwan SY, Onstad M, Sheng J, Zhu Y, Baluya DL, Co NN, Rynne-Vidal A, Schmandt R, Anderson ML, Lu KH, Wong STC, Nagrath D, Mok SC. ITLN1 modulates invasive potential and metabolic reprogramming of ovarian cancer cells in omental microenvironment. Nat Commun 11(1):3546, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32669559.
- Kwan SY, Au-Yeung CL, Yeung TL, Rynne-Vidal A, Wong KK, Risinger JI, Lin HK, Schmandt RE, Yates MS, Mok SC, Lu KH. Ubiquitin Carboxyl-Terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) Promotes Uterine Serous Cancer Cell Proliferation and Cell Cycle Progression. Cancers (Basel) 12(1), 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 31906456.
- Yeung TL, Tsai CC, Leung CS, Au Yeung CL, Thompson MS, Lu KH, Freedman RS, Birrer MJ, Wong KK, Mok SC. ISG15 Promotes ERK1 ISGylation, CD8+ T Cell Activation and Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 10(12), 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 30469497.
- Rynne-Vidal A, Au-Yeung CL, Jimenez-Heffernan JA, Perez-Lozano ML, Cremades-Jimeno L, Barcena C, Cristobal-Garcia I, Fernandez-Chacon C, Yeung TL, Mok SC, Sandoval P, Lopez-Cabrera M. Mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition as a possible therapeutic target in peritoneal metastasis of ovarian cancer. J Pathol 242(2):140-151, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28247413.
- Au Yeung CL, Tsang TY, Yau PL, Kwok TT. Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 suppresses microRNA-23b expression in human cervical cancer cells through DNA methylation of the host gene C9orf3. Oncotarget 8(7):12158-12173, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28077801.
- Au Yeung CL, Co NN, Tsuruga T, Yeung TL, Kwan SY, Leung CS, Li Y, Lu ES, Kwan K, Wong KK, Schmandt R, Lu KH, Mok SC. Exosomal transfer of stroma-derived miR21 confers paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cancer cells through targeting APAF1. Nat Commun 7:11150, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27021436.
- Sun J, Au Yeung CL, Co NN, Tsang TY, Yau E, Luo K, Wu P, Wa JC, Fung KP, Kwok TT, Liu F. Clitocine reversal of P-glycoprotein associated multi-drug resistance through down-regulation of transcription factor NF-κB in R-HepG2 cell line. PLoS One 7(8):e40720, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22927901.
- Au Yeung CL, Tsang TY, Yau PL, Kwok TT. Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 induces cervical cancer cell migration through the p53/microRNA-23b/urokinase-type plasminogen activator pathway. Oncogene 30(21):2401-10, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21242962.
- Tsang TY, Tang WY, Chan JY, Co NN, Au Yeung CL, Yau PL, Kong SK, Fung KP, Kwok TT. P-glycoprotein enhances radiation-induced apoptotic cell death through the regulation of miR-16 and Bcl-2 expressions in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Apoptosis 16(5):524-35, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21336967.
- Sun JG, Chen CY, Luo KW, Yeung CL, Tsang TY, Huang ZZ, Wu P, Fung KP, Kwok TT, Liu FY. 3,5-Dimethyl-H-furo[3,2-g]chromen-7-one as a potential anticancer drug by inducing p53-dependent apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Chemotherapy 57(2):162-72, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21454974.
- Au Yeung CL, Tsang WP, Tsang TY, Co NN, Yau PL, Kwok TT. HPV-16 E6 upregulation of DNMT1 through repression of tumor suppressor p53. Oncol Rep 24(6):1599-604, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 21042757.
- Co NN, Tsang WP, Tsang TY, Au Yeung CL, Yau PL, Kong SK, Kwok TT. AF1q enhancement of gamma irradiation-induced apoptosis by up-regulation of BAD expression via NF-kappaB in human squamous carcinoma A431 cells. Oncol Rep 24(2):547-54, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20596645.
Review Articles
- Yeung TL, Leung CS, Yip KP, Au Yeung CL, Wong ST, Mok SC. Cellular and molecular processes in ovarian cancer metastasis. A Review in the Theme: Cell and Molecular Processes in Cancer Metastasis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 309(7):C444-56, 2015. e-Pub 2015. PMID: 26224579.
Other Articles
- Hu W, Zhang L, Ferri-Borgogno S, Kwan SY, Lewis KE, Cun HT, Yeung TL, Soliman PT, Tarapore RS, Allen JE, Guan X, Lu KH, Mok SC, Au-Yeung CL Correction: Hu, W., et al. Targeting Dopamine Receptor D2 by Imipridone Suppresses Uterine Serous Cancer Malignant Phenotype. Cancers 2020, 12, 2436. Cancers (Basel) 13(4), 2021. PMID: 33557446.
Editorials
- Au Yeung CL, Mok SC. Pancreatic cancer-derived exosomes: New role in paraneoplastic syndromes?. Transl Cancer Res, 2016.
Abstracts
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract 1363: Cancer cell-derived exosomal microRNAs enhance immunosurveillance in long-term survivors of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Cancer Res 85(8_Supplement_1):1363, 2025.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract B067: Omentin: A novel immune modulator in the pro-inflammatory omental microenvironment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Cancer Res 84(5_Supplement_2):B067, 2024.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract 1551: miR-625-3p enhances chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer cells through exosomal export of cisplatin and paclitaxel. Cancer Res 82(12_Supplement):1551, 2022.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract 1440: Novel imipridone ONC206 suppresses ovarian cancer progression through modulating immune cell response. Cancer Res 81(13_Supplement):1440, 2021.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract C055: Novel imipridone ONC206 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in uterine serous cancer through altering MAPK/AKT/AMPK signaling network and metabolic reprogramming. Mol Cancer Ther 18(12_Supplement):C055, 2019.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract 495: Leptin facilitates ovarian cancer metastasis through miR-28-3p and matrix metalloproteinase-1 in the omental tumor microenvironment. Cancer Res 78(13_Supplement):495, 2018.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract 5911: Omentin drives metabolic shift in ovarian cancer cells in the omental tumor microenvironment. Cancer Res 77(13_Supplement):5911, 2017.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract 715: Adipose tissues derived exosomal microRNAs and their variants in ovarian cancer progression. Cancer Res 76(14_Supplement):715, 2016.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract 1535: Omentin: A novel adipokine linking visceral obesity to ovarian cancer progression. Cancer Res 75(15_Supplement):1535, 2015.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract 4887: Omentin: A novel adipokine in the omental microenvironment associated with ovarian cancer progression. Cancer Res 74(19_Supplement):4887, 2014.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract 3960: MicroRNA-23b targeting urokinase-type plasminogen activator facilitates human papillomavirus type 16 E6 induction of cervical cancer cell migration. Cancer Res 71(8 Supplement):3960, 2011.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract 199: HPV-16 E6 silencing of p16INK4a in human cervical cancer cells. Cancer Res 70(8_Supplement):199, 2010.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Abstract #779: HPV-16 E6 downregulation of DNMT1 expression through tumor suppressor p53. Cancer Res 69(9_Supplement):779, 2009.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Identification of exosomal microRNAs involved in the ovarian cancer associated omental microenvironment by next generation sequencing method. ISEV 2013.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Omentin-induced metabolic reprogramming in the omental microenvironment suppresses high-grade serous ovarian cancer progression. Cancers 2025.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Exosomal transfer of stroma-derived miR-21 confers paclitaxel resistance in ovarian cancer cells through targeting APAF1. ERCC 2017.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. HPV-16 E6 promotes cervical cancer cell migration through p53-mediated miR-23b/uPA pathway. JCA 2011.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Exosomal transfer of microRNAs and their variants from ovarian cancer-associated omental adipose tissues to ovarian cancer cells. ISEV 2014.
- Au Yeung Chi Lam. Leptin up-regulates matrix metalloproteinase-1 in ovarian cancer cells in the omental tumor microenvironment. AACR-JCA 2013.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 22, 2026