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Associate Professor Ts Dr Lionel In Lian Aun

Professor Ts Dr Lionel In Lian Aun

Professor | Department of Biotechnology

Additional Role:
Director, CERVIE

Academic Qualifications

PhD Molecular Oncology
PTech
PGDip (Tertiary Teaching)
MSc Biotechnology
BSc Biotechnology

Areas of Interest
Cancer vaccine engineering and development.
Application of recombinant probiotics as vectors for oral administration of biologics
Antibody engineering - humanization, chimerization & immunotoxins
Development of biosensors for cancer screening
Research

Research Grants

  1. Name of grant: FRGS
    Funder: MOHE
    Project Title: Investigating the synergistic potential between a G12V/A mutated KRAS vaccine in combination with anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor against colorectal cancer
    Code: FRGS/1/2021/STG01/UCSI/02/1
    Duration: 3 years
    Role: PI
    Amount: RM 194,100
    Status: Active
  2. Name of grant: MY-RGS
    Funder: MRUN
    Project Title: A dual-pronged approach to increase production of farmed tilapia using lactococcal-based vaccination and enzybiotic
    Code: MYRGS-FAS-2020-1
    Duration: 2.5 years
    Role: PI
    Amount: RM 250,000
    Status: Active
  3. Name of grant: REIG
    Funder: UCSI University
    Project Title: Humanization of a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) targeting cells harbouring G12V mutated K-ras antigens
    Code: REIG-FAS-2020/004
    Duration: 2 years
    Role: PI
    Amount: RM 45,000
    Status: Active
  4. Name of grant: Industrial and Consultancy Grant 
    Funder:  Biovalence Sdn. Bhd. 
    Project Title: RetroMAD-1: Properties and mode of action.
    Duration: 1.5 years
    Role: Principal investigator
    Amount: RM62,000
    Status: Active
  5. Name of grant: Pioneer Scientist Initiative Fund (PSIF) 
    Funder:  UCSI University
    Project Title: Development of genetically engineered anti-KRAS intrabodies targeting inner membrane-bound cancer antigens.
    Code: Proj-In-FAS-061 
    Duration: 2 years
    Role: Principal investigator
    Amount: RM25,000
    Status: Active
  6. Name of grant: Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS)
    Funder:  Ministry of Education (MOH)
    Project Title: Immunoengineering of single chain variable fragment (scFv) fused-Hydra immunotoxins as a precisionbased therapy against KRAS-positive colorectal cancers.
    Code: FRGS/1/2017/STG05/UCSI/03/2
    Duration: 3 years
    Role: Principal investigator
    Amount: RM104,000
    Status: Active
  7. Name of grant: Science Fund
    Funder:  Ministry of Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change (MESTECC)
    Project Title: Recombinant Lactococcus lactis as a delivery platform for chemo-immunotherapeutic vaccine regimens against KRAS positive colorectal cancer.
    Code: 02-02-22-SF0011
    Duration: 3 years
    Role: Principal investigator
    Amount: RM238,000
    Status: Completed

 

Current research projects

  1. Investigating the synergistic potential between a G12V/A mutated KRAS vaccine in combination with anti-PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor against colorectal cancer.
  2. Development of mutant KRAS aptamer-based biosensor for colorectal cancer screening.
  3. Development of a 3rd generation humanized immunotoxin against G12V mutated KRAS cancers.
  4. An approach to increase production of farmed tilapia using Lactococcal-based vaccination.
  5. Recombinant Lactococcus lactis as a delivery platform for chemo-immunotherapeutic vaccine regimens against KRAS positive colorectal cancer.

Publications

Journal Articles

  1. Nurul Aishah Shaili, Adelene Ai-Lian Song, Siti Sarah Othman, Lionel Lian Aun In, Janna Ong Abdullah, Raha Abdul Rahim. (2022). Engineering Lactococcus lactis as a cell factory for the production of limonene. Sains Malaysiana, 51(1), 91-1001. DOI: 10.17576/jsm-2022-5101-08
  2. How, YH, Lai, KW, Pui, LP and In, LLA. (2022). Co-extrusion and extrusion microencapsulation: Effect on microencapsulation efficiency, survivability through gastrointestinal digestion and storage. Journal of Food Process Engineering. DOI: 10.1111/jfpe.13985
  3. Michelle Teo, Jung Yin Fong, Wan Ming Lim, and In, LLA. (2022). Current advances and trends in KRAS targeted therapies for colorectal cancer. Molecular Cancer Research. DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.MCR-21-0248
  4. Michelle Yee Mun Teo, Jung Shan Hwang, Adelene Ai Lian Song, Renee Lay Hong Lim, and Lionel Lian Aun In. (2021). Development of a single-chain fragment variable fused-mutant HALT-1 recombinant immunotoxin against G12V mutated KRAS colorectal cancer cells. PeerJ, doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11063
  5. Siak Pui Yan, Wong Kuan Yee, Adelene Ai-Lian Song, Raha Abdul Rahim, Lionel L.A. In. (2021). Orally administered recombinant Lactococcus lactis secreting a K-ras peptide mimotope induces G12A mutated K-ras-specific Th1 and B-cell immune response in BALB/c mice. Vaccines, 9:195. doi.org/10.3390/vaccines9030195
  6. William F. Jiemy, Lih Fhung Hiew, Hong Xi Sha, Lionel L.A. In, Jung Shan Hwang. (2020). Evaluation of Hydra HALT-1 as a toxin moiety for recombinant immunotoxin. BMC Biotechnology, 20:31. doi.org/10.1186/s12896-020-00628-9
  7. Winfrey Hoo Pui Yee, Siak Pui Yan, Nur Aqlili Riana Alias, Wong Jia Jia, Adelene Ai-Lian Song, Raha Abdul Rahim and Lionel L.A. In. (2020). K-ras peptide mimotope induces a humoral immune response against G12V K-ras antigen in BALB/c mice. Asia Pacific Journal for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (APJMBB), 28(3), 22-35, doi.org/10.35118/apjmbb.2020.028.3.03
  8. Winfrey Hoo Pui Yee, Siak Pui Yan, Nur Aqlili Riana Alias, Wong Jia Jia, Adelene Ai-Lian Song, Raha Abdul Rahim and Lionel L.A. In. (2019). K-ras peptide mimotope induces a humoral immune 1 response against G12V K-ras antigen in BALB/c mice. BMC Cancer, Manuscript reference number: BCAN-D-19-00556
  9. Chan Chong Joo, Yong Yen Sun, Adelene Song Ai Lian, Raha Abdul Rahim, Lionel L.A. In and Renee Lay Hong Lim. (2019). Orally administered Lactococcus lactis harbouring Ara h2.02 peanut allergen alleviates Th2 responses in mice during allergen sensitization and challenge. Scientific Reports, Manuscript reference number: #SREP-18-49374-T
  10. Winfrey Pui Yee Hoo, Pui Yan Siak and Lionel L.A. In. (2019). Overview of current immunotherapies targeting mutated KRAS cancers. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 19(23), DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190904163524
  11. Tan Ee Wern, Tan Kean Yuan, Phang Li Voon, Vijaya Palainirajan Kumar, and Lionel L.A. In. (2019). Enhanced gastrointestinal survivability of recombinant Lactococcus lactis expressing KRAS peptide antigens using a double coated mucoadhesive film approach. PLoS ONE, Manuscript reference number: #PONE-D-18-33801
  12. Ng Teng Jia, Michelle Teo Yee Mun, Hwang Jung Shan, Lim Siew Ying, and Lionel L.A. In. (2019). Cytotoxic and apoptotic-inducing effects of wildtype and mutated Hydra actinoporin-like toxin 1 (HALT-1) on various cancer cell lines. PeerJ, #2018:09:31487:2:0:REVIEW
  13. Allan Wee Ren Ng, Pei Jun Tan, Winfrey Pui Yee Hoo, Dek Shen Liew, Michelle Yee Mun Teo, Pui Yan Siak, Sze Man Ng, Ee Wern Tan, Raha Abdul Rahim, Renee Lay Hong Lim, Adelene Ai Lian Song and Lionel L.A. In. (2018). In silico-guided sequence modifications of K-ras epitopes improve immunological outcome against G12V and G13D mutant KRAS antigens. PeerJ, DOI 10.7717/peerj.5056.
  14. Menaga Subramaniam, Liew Su Ki, Lionel LA In, Khalijah Awang, Niyaz Ahmed and Noor Hasima Nagoor. (2018). Inactivation of Nuclear Factor κB by drug combinations contributes to increased apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 12 1053–1063. doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S141925
  15. Adelene Ai‑Lian Song, Lionel L. A. In, Swee Hua Erin Lim and Raha Abdul Rahim. (2017). A review on Lactococcus lactis: From Food to Factory. Microbial Cell Factories, 16(55), 1-15. DOI 10.1186/s12934-017-0669-x
  16. Su Ki Liew, Mohamad Nurul Azmi, Lionel L.A. In, Chin Hui Kee, Khalijah Awang and Noor Hasima. (2017). Anti-proliferation, apoptotic induction and anti-migratory effects of hemi-synthetic ACA analogs on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 11, 2763–2776. doi.org/10.2147/DDDT.S130349
  17. Lionel In Lian Aun, Adelene Song Ai Lian, Palanirajan Vijayaraj Kumar and Raha Abdul Rahim. (2017). Design, formulation and delivery of peptide-based mimotope vaccines targeting KRAS positive neoplasms. Patent Filing Date: 31st October 2017 - Malaysian Patent Office (MyIPO): National Patent (PI-2017704108).
  18. Noor Shahirah Suparji, Chan Gomathi, Lionel L.A. In, Noor Hasima Nagoor and Khalijah Awang. (2016). Geranylated 4-phenylcoumarins Exhibits Anticancer Effects against Human Prostate Cancer Cells Through Caspase-independent Mechanism. PLOS ONE, 11(3):e0151472. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151472
  19. Menaga Subramaniam, Lionel L.A. In, Ashutosh Kumar, Niyaz Ahmed and Noor Hasima Nagoor. (2016). Cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of heat killed Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP) on various human cancer cell lines. Scientific Reports, 6, 19833. DOI: 10.1038/srep19833
  20. Health Benefits of Fermented Foods and Beverages. Chapter 1: Anti-allergic Properties of Fermented Food. Adelene Song Ai Lian, Lionel In Lian Aun, Foo Hooi Ling and Raha Abdul Rahim. Published by CRC Press, Taylor and Francis Group, USA, 2015, ISBN 9781466588097
  21. Norhafiza M. Arshad, Lionel L.A. In, T. L. Soh, Mohamad Nurul Azmi, Halijah Ibrahim, KhalijahAwang, Elena Dudich, Eduard Tatulov and Noor Hasima Nagoor. (2015). Recombinant human alpha fetoprotein synergistically potentiates the anti-cancer effects of 1’-S-1’-acetoxychavicol acetate when used as a complex against human tumours harbouring AFP-receptors. Oncotarget, 6(18), 16151-16167. DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3951
  22. Chai San Ho, Seow Hui Yap, Neoh Hun Phuah, Lionel LA In and Noor Hasima. (2014). MicroRNAs associated with tumour migration, invasion and angiogenic properties in A549 and SK-Lu1 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Lung Cancer; 83, 154-162. DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2013.11.024
  23. Elena Dudich, Eduard Tatulov, Noor Hasima Nagoor Pitchai, Khalijah Awang, Halijah Ibrahim, Lionel In Lian Aun, Ahmad Nazif Aziz, Muhammad Nurul Azmi and Norhafiza Arshad. (2013). A Composition for Treatment of a Neoplasm. Patent Filing Date: 29th October 2013 – Malaysian Patent Office (MyIPO): National Patent (PI-2013702062)
  24. Norahayu Othman, Lionel L.A. In, Jennifer A. Harikrishna and Noor Hasima Nagoor. (2013). Bcl-xL silencing induces alterations in hsa-miR-608 expression and subsequent cell death in A549 and SK-LU1 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. PLOS ONE, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081735
  25. Amar MI, Lionel L.A. In, Tasyriq M, Syamsir DR, Khalijah A, Aayda H, Omer FI, Imad FE and Hasima NN. (2013). Extra virgin olive oil potentiates the effects of aromatase inhibitors via glutathione depletion in estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 62, 817-824. DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.10.024
  26. Phuah Neoh Hun, Lionel L.A. In, Mohamad Nurul Azmi, Halijah Ibrahim, Khalijah Awang and Noor Hasima Nagoor. (2013). Alterations of MicroRNA Expression Patterns in Human Cervical Carcinoma Cells (Ca Ski) towards 1'S-1'-Acetoxychavicol Acetate (ACA) and Cisplatin. Reproductive Sciences, 20(5), 567-578
  27. Lionel L.A. In, Norhafiza Mohd. Arshad, Halijah Ibrahim, Mohamad Nurul Azmi, Khalijah Awang and Noor Hasima Nagoor. (2012). 1’-Acetoxychavicol acetate inhibits growth of human oral carcinoma xenograft in mice and potentiates cisplatin effect via proinflammatory microenvironment alteration. BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine; 12(179), DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-179
  28. Mohammad Tasyriq, Ibrahim A. Najmuldeen, Lionel L.A. In, Khalit Mohamad, Khalijah Awang and Noor Hasima Nagoor. (2012). 7α-hydroxy-β-sitosterol from Chisocheton tomentosus induces apoptosis via dysregulation of cellular Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cell cycle arrest by down-regulating ERK 1/2 activation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, doi:10.1155/2012/765316
  29. Hasima NN, Norliza SJM, Chong SL, Lionel LA In, Khalit M, Hamid AAH and Khalijah A. (2011). Regulation of Apoptotic Effects by Erythrocarpine E, a Cytotoxic Limonoid from Chisocheton erythrocarpus in HSC-4 Human Oral Cancer Cells. PLoS ONE, 6(8): e23661. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0023661
  30. Lionel In LA, Azmi MN, Halijah I, Khalijah A and Hasima NN. (2011). 1’S-1’Acetoxyeugenol Acetate (AEA): A novel phenolpropanoid from Alpinia conchigera enhances the apoptotic effects of paclitaxel in MCF-7 cells through nuclear factor kappa-B inactivation. Anti-Cancer Drugs; 22(5), 424-434
  31. Khalijah A, Azmi MN, In LLA, Nazif AA, Halijah I and Hasima NN. (2010). The apoptotic effect of 1’S-1’-acetoxychavicol acetate from Alpinia conchigera on human cancer cells. Molecules; 15(11), 8048-8059
  32. Hasima NN, Lionel In LA, Azmi MN, Nazif AA, Eswary T, Halijah I and Khalijah A. (2010). 1’S-1’-Acetoxyeugenol acetate: A New Chemotherapeutic Natural Compound against MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells. Phytomedicine; 17, 935-939

Conferences

  1. 4th International Conference on Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (ICMBB) 2021, organized by Malaysian Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MSMBB)
  2. 1st Malaysian Association for Cancer Research (MACR) Scientific Conference 2019, Selangor, Malaysia
  3. International Conference on Molecular Diagnostics & Biomarker Discovery 2019 (MDBD2019), Penang, Malaysia
  4. 12th Annual World Cancer Congress (WCC) 2019, Osaka, Japan.
  5. 3rd International Conference for Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (ICMBB) 2019 – Co-organized by UCSI & MSMBB, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  6. 34th Symposium of the Malaysian Symposium for Microbiology 2018 (MSM), Penang, Malaysia
  7. Monash Science Symposium (MSS) 2018, Monash University Malaysia
  8. 1st International Conference for Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (ICBMBB) 2018 – Co-organized by MSBMB & MSMBB, Four Points by Sheraton Puchong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  9. 2nd International Conference For Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (ICMBB) in conjunction with The 24th MSMBB Scientific Meeting Co-Organized With AFOB-MC and Monash University Malaysia (MUM)
  10. The 3rd International Conference: Innovations in Cancer Research And Regenerative Medicine (CRRM 2017), Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
  11. BIT’s 9th Annual World Cancer Congress, Shanghai, China

Awards and Recognitions

  1. 1st Place Rapid Oral Competition - Young Investigator Award (YIA) – 1st ICBMBB 2018, Organized by YSN-ASM, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  2. InnoCentive Premium Challenge Award Winner – Ref. No. 9933830: Delivery of Biomolecules to the Gastrointestinal Tract, 2017. Organized by InnoCentive, USA.
  3. Promising Researcher Award 2016 – UCSI University.
  4. Winner of Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Best FRGS Project – Phase I (2011)

Networks and Collaborations on Research

  1. Member of Young Scientist Network – Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM).
  2. Science-in-Exile Working Group (Preservation of Science), The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)
  3. Regional Member - Asian Federation of Societies for Lactic Acid Bacteria (AFSLAB)
  4. Honorary Treasurer - Malaysian Society for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (MSMBB)
  5. Life member, Malaysian Society for Lactic Acid Bacteria (MSLAB)

Contributions to Society

  1. Science in Exile Programme - Task Team member for Preservation of Science. The World Academy of Science (TWAS) & Young Scientist Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM).
  2. 8th National Science and Maths Quiz 2021, Organized by Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University. 17-31 July 2021“Microbes and Me” Educational Programme for pre-school children at Q-Dees Kindergarten, 16 Sierra, Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
  3. “Science Slam Junior” for secondary school students under 18 years old to express their research ideas in a 10-minute free-style presentation in conjunction with the 3rd ICMBB 2019, UCSI University
  4. Science Competition for ASEAN Secondary School Students. Committee member – Asia Pacific Three Junior Science Odyssey (APTJSO) 2018, YSN-ASM-MOSTI, Malaysia
  5. Launch of War on Cancer Initiative. War on Cancer (WonC) steering committee, 2018.
  6. Lunch Box Event for Malaysia Secondary School Students. Wow Food Fair and Lunchbox Competition 2018 - UCSI University.
  7. Fund Raising Initative for Sunbeams Orphanage Home. Chairperson – 4th Applied Science Week (ASW) 2016 Organizing Committee, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University.