Academic Profile : Faculty
Assoc Prof Tan Nguan Soon
Associate Professor, Metabolic Disorders, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
Provost's Chair in Metabolic Disorders
Associate Professor, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
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Associate Professor of Metabolic Disorders & Provost's Chair in Metabolic Disorder
Vice Dean (Innovation and Enterprise) (effective April 2025), Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Professor Andrew Tan Nguan Soon is a distinguished researcher and educator at NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine). He serves as Associate Professor of Metabolic Disorders and holds the prestigious Provost's Chair in Metabolic Disorder. A leading expert in angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) biology, his pioneering research focuses on the theme of "Breaking Barriers and Redox Imbalances" across chronic wounds, metastatic cancer, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
Prof. Tan completed his PhD at the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 1997 and pursued postdoctoral research at NUS and the Center for Integrative Genomics in Switzerland before joining NTU. His leadership roles include serving as Vice Dean (Faculty Affairs) at LKCMedicine (2020–2024) and Associate Chair (Students) at the School of Biological Sciences (2015–2018).
A prolific scientist, Prof. Tan’s research has led to breakthrough discoveries in Angptl4-mediated regulation of cellular barriers and redox homeostasis. His work has resulted in numerous patents and impactful commercial applications, including licensed technologies for cancer therapeutics, wound healing products, and diagnostic tools. Prof. Tan’s innovative contributions have garnered over 12,000 citations, an h-index of 58, and more than 120 publications in leading journals.
Prof. Tan has also excelled as an educator, combining real-world experiences with inquiry-based learning approaches. He has mentored over 25 PhD students and numerous undergraduate researchers, many of whom have achieved success in academia and industry. His dedication to education was recognized with the Nanyang Education Award at the College (2013) and School (2007) levels, as well as the Commendation Medal from the Prime Minister's Office in 2014 for his transformative impact on teaching and student development.
Beyond research and teaching, Prof. Tan has made significant contributions to academic service. As a Scientific Member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, he has played a pivotal role in ensuring ethical standards and oversight in research involving animal models. Separately, as a Facilitator at the NTU Leadership Academy, he has contributed to developing leadership capabilities within the academic community.
In his upcoming role as Vice Dean (Innovation and Enterprise), Prof. Tan aims to foster a vibrant healthcare innovation ecosystem. His vision centers on empowering creative minds to transform ideas into impactful solutions for Asia and beyond, ensuring his work continues to redefine the future of biomedical research, education, and innovation.
Vice Dean (Innovation and Enterprise) (effective April 2025), Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore
Professor Andrew Tan Nguan Soon is a distinguished researcher and educator at NTU’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine). He serves as Associate Professor of Metabolic Disorders and holds the prestigious Provost's Chair in Metabolic Disorder. A leading expert in angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) biology, his pioneering research focuses on the theme of "Breaking Barriers and Redox Imbalances" across chronic wounds, metastatic cancer, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
Prof. Tan completed his PhD at the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 1997 and pursued postdoctoral research at NUS and the Center for Integrative Genomics in Switzerland before joining NTU. His leadership roles include serving as Vice Dean (Faculty Affairs) at LKCMedicine (2020–2024) and Associate Chair (Students) at the School of Biological Sciences (2015–2018).
A prolific scientist, Prof. Tan’s research has led to breakthrough discoveries in Angptl4-mediated regulation of cellular barriers and redox homeostasis. His work has resulted in numerous patents and impactful commercial applications, including licensed technologies for cancer therapeutics, wound healing products, and diagnostic tools. Prof. Tan’s innovative contributions have garnered over 12,000 citations, an h-index of 58, and more than 120 publications in leading journals.
Prof. Tan has also excelled as an educator, combining real-world experiences with inquiry-based learning approaches. He has mentored over 25 PhD students and numerous undergraduate researchers, many of whom have achieved success in academia and industry. His dedication to education was recognized with the Nanyang Education Award at the College (2013) and School (2007) levels, as well as the Commendation Medal from the Prime Minister's Office in 2014 for his transformative impact on teaching and student development.
Beyond research and teaching, Prof. Tan has made significant contributions to academic service. As a Scientific Member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, he has played a pivotal role in ensuring ethical standards and oversight in research involving animal models. Separately, as a Facilitator at the NTU Leadership Academy, he has contributed to developing leadership capabilities within the academic community.
In his upcoming role as Vice Dean (Innovation and Enterprise), Prof. Tan aims to foster a vibrant healthcare innovation ecosystem. His vision centers on empowering creative minds to transform ideas into impactful solutions for Asia and beyond, ensuring his work continues to redefine the future of biomedical research, education, and innovation.
My research program explores the interplay between cellular/physical/metabolic barriers and redox homeostasis in three critical areas of health: chronic wounds, metastatic cancer, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). These diverse conditions share a common theme: Breaking Barriers and Redox Imbalances as key drivers of disease progression. My team's work has elucidated the central role of angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4) across these conditions, revealing its multifaceted functions in maintaining cellular integrity and managing oxidative stress.
ANGPTL4: The Traffic Controller of Wound Healing
Chronic wounds, particularly in diabetic patients, pose a significant medical challenge. My research has revealed a crucial role of Angptl4 in orchestrating the wound healing process, which progresses through inflammation, proliferation, and maturation phases. Angptl4 deficiency severely impairs the transition from inflammation to proliferation and remodeling. In the analogy of a construction site, Angptl4 acts as the critical traffic controller facilitating the transition from the initial emergency response by neutrophils to the proliferation and remodeling phases carried out by various cell types, including macrophages. My current work focuses on investigating neutrophil heterogeneity in wounds and how it influences this barrier transition.
ANGPTL4: Cancer's Swiss Army Knife in Metastasis
Metastasis accounts for more than 90% of cancer mortality. My research has revealed how metastatic cancer cells use Angptl4 to navigate redox imbalances and overcome barriers to spread throughout the body. Angptl4 acts like a Swiss Army knife for cancer cells: a life jacket helping them survive detachment from the primary tumor, a battering ram that breaks through blood vessel walls, and a power manager ramping up energy production to fuel their journey. Angptl4 also shields cancer cells from ROS, the toxic byproducts of their own heightened metabolism, involving adaptor protein 14-3-3γ (YWHAG) regulome. My current work examine cancer heterogeneity, particularly glioblastoma, and how they contribute to recurrence and chemoresistance.
ANGPTL4: The Gatekeeper of the Gut-Liver Axis in MASLD
MASLD affects 30% of global population. It extends beyond the liver, with most patients presenting serious extrahepatic complications such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The gut-liver axis is crucial in MASLD pathogenesis, but our understanding has been limited by the lack of human-relevant preclinical models. My team developed the LIDPAD model, a novel diet-induced MASLD mouse model that faithfully recapitulates the multisystem interactions and extrahepatic complications observed in human MASLD in a short timeframe. My current work examine the role of Angptl4 in gut barrier functions. I am leading a multi-center cohorts using exfoliome as a non-invasive biomarker for early MASLD diagnosis and risk stratification.
ANGPTL4: The Traffic Controller of Wound Healing
Chronic wounds, particularly in diabetic patients, pose a significant medical challenge. My research has revealed a crucial role of Angptl4 in orchestrating the wound healing process, which progresses through inflammation, proliferation, and maturation phases. Angptl4 deficiency severely impairs the transition from inflammation to proliferation and remodeling. In the analogy of a construction site, Angptl4 acts as the critical traffic controller facilitating the transition from the initial emergency response by neutrophils to the proliferation and remodeling phases carried out by various cell types, including macrophages. My current work focuses on investigating neutrophil heterogeneity in wounds and how it influences this barrier transition.
ANGPTL4: Cancer's Swiss Army Knife in Metastasis
Metastasis accounts for more than 90% of cancer mortality. My research has revealed how metastatic cancer cells use Angptl4 to navigate redox imbalances and overcome barriers to spread throughout the body. Angptl4 acts like a Swiss Army knife for cancer cells: a life jacket helping them survive detachment from the primary tumor, a battering ram that breaks through blood vessel walls, and a power manager ramping up energy production to fuel their journey. Angptl4 also shields cancer cells from ROS, the toxic byproducts of their own heightened metabolism, involving adaptor protein 14-3-3γ (YWHAG) regulome. My current work examine cancer heterogeneity, particularly glioblastoma, and how they contribute to recurrence and chemoresistance.
ANGPTL4: The Gatekeeper of the Gut-Liver Axis in MASLD
MASLD affects 30% of global population. It extends beyond the liver, with most patients presenting serious extrahepatic complications such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The gut-liver axis is crucial in MASLD pathogenesis, but our understanding has been limited by the lack of human-relevant preclinical models. My team developed the LIDPAD model, a novel diet-induced MASLD mouse model that faithfully recapitulates the multisystem interactions and extrahepatic complications observed in human MASLD in a short timeframe. My current work examine the role of Angptl4 in gut barrier functions. I am leading a multi-center cohorts using exfoliome as a non-invasive biomarker for early MASLD diagnosis and risk stratification.
- Molecular underpinning of endothelial-immune crosstalk in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Mechanism-based design of programmable nanoparticle delivery vehicles for RNA therapeutics: controlling endosomal escape
- Metabolite-Induced In Vivo Enzyme Polymerization of Piezoelectric Hydrogels for Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
- Therapeutic targeting of the pulmonary microbiome in chronic respiratory disease
- Workshop of establishing a regional consortium to study the health risks of excessive heat and air pollution in Southeast, South and East Asia
US 2018/0199327 A1: Angiopoietin-like 4 as Diabetic Wound Healing Agent and Anti-Scarring Agent (2019)
Abstract: A method and a pharmaceutical composition for increasing wound healing in an individual in need thereof, the method comprising administering an angiopoietin like 4 (ANGPTL4) polypeptide or a therapeutically active fragment thereof.
US 2015/0368331 A1: Angiopoietin-Related Protein 4 (CANGPTL4) As A Diagnostic Biomarker For Acute Lung Damage (2018)
Abstract: The invention relates to the C-terminal fragment of angiopoietin-related protein 4 [cAngptl4] as a diagnostic marker for viral and bacterial pneumonia; anti-angiopoietin-related protein 4 therapeutic antibodies, and the use of anti-angiopoietin-related protein 4 antibodies in the treatment of viral and bacterial pneumonia.
US 2016/0053268 A1: Antiproliferative Agent (2018)
Abstract: The invention provides an antibody specific to the ANGPTL4 protein capable of neutralizing proliferation and methods of making and using the same. The antibody of the invention is further directed to the C terminal region of the protein and may be capable of neutralizing cell proliferation and treating cancer. The antibody may be monoclonal and/or humanized antibody.
US 2015/0196616 A1: Angiopoietin-like 4 as Diabetic Wound Healing Agent and Anti-Scarring Agent (2018)
Abstract: A method and a pharmaceutical composition for increasing wound healing in an individual in need thereof, the method comprising administering an angiopoietin like 4 (ANGPTL4) polypeptide or a therapeutically active fragment thereof.
Abstract: A method and a pharmaceutical composition for increasing wound healing in an individual in need thereof, the method comprising administering an angiopoietin like 4 (ANGPTL4) polypeptide or a therapeutically active fragment thereof.
US 2015/0368331 A1: Angiopoietin-Related Protein 4 (CANGPTL4) As A Diagnostic Biomarker For Acute Lung Damage (2018)
Abstract: The invention relates to the C-terminal fragment of angiopoietin-related protein 4 [cAngptl4] as a diagnostic marker for viral and bacterial pneumonia; anti-angiopoietin-related protein 4 therapeutic antibodies, and the use of anti-angiopoietin-related protein 4 antibodies in the treatment of viral and bacterial pneumonia.
US 2016/0053268 A1: Antiproliferative Agent (2018)
Abstract: The invention provides an antibody specific to the ANGPTL4 protein capable of neutralizing proliferation and methods of making and using the same. The antibody of the invention is further directed to the C terminal region of the protein and may be capable of neutralizing cell proliferation and treating cancer. The antibody may be monoclonal and/or humanized antibody.
US 2015/0196616 A1: Angiopoietin-like 4 as Diabetic Wound Healing Agent and Anti-Scarring Agent (2018)
Abstract: A method and a pharmaceutical composition for increasing wound healing in an individual in need thereof, the method comprising administering an angiopoietin like 4 (ANGPTL4) polypeptide or a therapeutically active fragment thereof.
Supervision of PhD Students
Potential PhD student, please apply below
https://www.ntu.edu.sg/education/graduate-programme/lkcmedicine-phd-by-research-programme
Current PhD student
1) Damien Chua, Role Of Angptl4 In Gut-Immune-Liver Axis Across Nafld Progression.
PhD Students, Project/Thesis Title (Year Grad)
25) Liao Zehuan, Mechanoregulation of angiopoietin-like 4 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer metastasis. (2023)
24) Jeannie Lee Xue Ting, The role of YWHAG in metastatic cancer.(2023)
23) Lau Hwee Hui, Dissecting The Role Of Diabetes Associated Pax4 Polymorphisms In Modulating Pancreatic Beta-Cell Development And Function. (2023)
22) Low Zun Siong, Nutritional intervention of MAFLD grounded by multiomics profiling. (2022)
21) Huynh Vinh Thang, GREB1 role in cellular homeostasis and cancer. (2022)
20) Jonathan Wee Wei Kiat, The role of Angiopoietin-like protein 4 in macrophage activation.(2021)
19) Koh Wei Hsien Lynnette, Differential Metabolic Profiles Mediated By SLC1A2 Confer Resistance In Glioblastoma Therapies: Stratification Goals And Implementation. (2020)
18) Tan Wei Yi Mark. Understanding wound healing and cancer in the skin. (2020)
17) Sandanaraj Edwin. Resolving the molecular complexity of brain tumors through machine learning approaches for precision medicine (2019)
16) Melanie Tan, Precision oncology : oncogenic stat3 signalling in brain tumours. (2019)
15) Wendy Phua, TThe role of forkhead box A2 in skeletal muscle. (2019)
14) Maegan Lim, The role of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) in chemoresistance and autophagy during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). (2018)
13) Eddie Tan Han Ping, TThe role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ in colorectal cancer. (2018)
12) Terri Phua, Regulation of Angptl4 Expression and Activity through the Gut Microbiome. (2017)
11) Jeremy Chan Soon Kiat, The role of fibroblasts in cancer progression, therapy resistance and field cancerization. (2016)
10) Li Liang, Host-response to influenza infection. (2015)
9) Sng Ming Keat, The role of fibroblast PPARβ/δ in skin homeostasis.(2015)
8) Brian Teo Zhiqiang, The roles of angiopoietin-like 4 in cancer metastasis.(2015)
7) Kelvin Chong Han Chung, Epithelial-mesenchymal dialogue during wound healing and cancer. (2014)
6) William Tan Chek Kun, The role of transforming growth factor-beta/SMAD3 in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. (2013)
5) Ivan Lam, The role of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) - Beta 1 Activated Kinase 1 (TAK1) in wound repair (2013)
4) Zhu Peng Cheng, Role of angiopoietin-like 4 in tumor growth.. (2011)
3) Goh Yan Yih, The role of angiopoietin-like 4 in skin wound repair. (2011)
2) Tan Siew Huey, Functional roles of transforming growth factor activated Kinase-1 (TAK1) in skin wound healing. (2010)
1) Mintu Pal, Identification of interacting partners of angiopoietin-like protein 4 during wound repair. (2009)
https://www.ntu.edu.sg/education/graduate-programme/lkcmedicine-phd-by-research-programme
Current PhD student
1) Damien Chua, Role Of Angptl4 In Gut-Immune-Liver Axis Across Nafld Progression.
PhD Students, Project/Thesis Title (Year Grad)
25) Liao Zehuan, Mechanoregulation of angiopoietin-like 4 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer metastasis. (2023)
24) Jeannie Lee Xue Ting, The role of YWHAG in metastatic cancer.(2023)
23) Lau Hwee Hui, Dissecting The Role Of Diabetes Associated Pax4 Polymorphisms In Modulating Pancreatic Beta-Cell Development And Function. (2023)
22) Low Zun Siong, Nutritional intervention of MAFLD grounded by multiomics profiling. (2022)
21) Huynh Vinh Thang, GREB1 role in cellular homeostasis and cancer. (2022)
20) Jonathan Wee Wei Kiat, The role of Angiopoietin-like protein 4 in macrophage activation.(2021)
19) Koh Wei Hsien Lynnette, Differential Metabolic Profiles Mediated By SLC1A2 Confer Resistance In Glioblastoma Therapies: Stratification Goals And Implementation. (2020)
18) Tan Wei Yi Mark. Understanding wound healing and cancer in the skin. (2020)
17) Sandanaraj Edwin. Resolving the molecular complexity of brain tumors through machine learning approaches for precision medicine (2019)
16) Melanie Tan, Precision oncology : oncogenic stat3 signalling in brain tumours. (2019)
15) Wendy Phua, TThe role of forkhead box A2 in skeletal muscle. (2019)
14) Maegan Lim, The role of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) in chemoresistance and autophagy during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). (2018)
13) Eddie Tan Han Ping, TThe role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ in colorectal cancer. (2018)
12) Terri Phua, Regulation of Angptl4 Expression and Activity through the Gut Microbiome. (2017)
11) Jeremy Chan Soon Kiat, The role of fibroblasts in cancer progression, therapy resistance and field cancerization. (2016)
10) Li Liang, Host-response to influenza infection. (2015)
9) Sng Ming Keat, The role of fibroblast PPARβ/δ in skin homeostasis.(2015)
8) Brian Teo Zhiqiang, The roles of angiopoietin-like 4 in cancer metastasis.(2015)
7) Kelvin Chong Han Chung, Epithelial-mesenchymal dialogue during wound healing and cancer. (2014)
6) William Tan Chek Kun, The role of transforming growth factor-beta/SMAD3 in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. (2013)
5) Ivan Lam, The role of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) - Beta 1 Activated Kinase 1 (TAK1) in wound repair (2013)
4) Zhu Peng Cheng, Role of angiopoietin-like 4 in tumor growth.. (2011)
3) Goh Yan Yih, The role of angiopoietin-like 4 in skin wound repair. (2011)
2) Tan Siew Huey, Functional roles of transforming growth factor activated Kinase-1 (TAK1) in skin wound healing. (2010)
1) Mintu Pal, Identification of interacting partners of angiopoietin-like protein 4 during wound repair. (2009)