Dr Yung is currently Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong. She graduated in Applied Biology from Cardiff University, U.K., and obtained a Ph.D. at Cardiff University School of Medicine, U.K. Dr Yung received post-doctoral training at Cardiff University School of Medicine and University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA.

Research Profile

Dr Yung's research interests focuses on:

• Mechanisms leading to inflammation and fibrosis in chronic kidney disease and peritoneal dialysis

• Immuno-pathogenesis of lupus nephritis

Patients with end-stage renal failure require life-long dialysis or kidney transplantation to sustain life. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an established renal replacement therapy that is used by approximately 11% of the global dialysis population and is the predominant form of dialysis used in Hong Kong. My research focuses on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms that mediate PD-associated peritoneal inflammation and fibrosis and the identification of agents that may delay or reverse peritoneal fibrosis. Our findings include the discovery that peritoneal microRNA-200c expression is markedly reduced in PD fluid-treated mice when compared to control mice and this is accompanied by increased peritoneal α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin and collagen I expression. Over-expression of microRNA-200c in mesothelial cells attenuated PD fluid and TGF-β1 mediated fibrotic processes.

Collaborative research with Prof T. M. Chan focuses on mechanisms leading to inflammatory and fibrotic processes in lupus nephritis and chronic kidney disease. Our findings include the discovery that human polyclonal anti-dsDNA antibodies bind to annexin II on the cell surface of mesangial cells, are internalized and transported to the nuclei where they mediate downstream inflammatory and fibrotic processes. Our animal studies investigate the underlying mechanisms leading to kidney inflammation and fibrosis, and the effect of novel treatment for lupus nephritis and chronic kidney disease.

Our findings have been published in J Am Soc Nephrol, Kidney Int, Arthritis Rheum and other leading nephrology, rheumatology and translational medicine journals.