Lei Zhang
Energy Expenditure Group
Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Australia
Biography
I obtained my BSc degree in Wuhan University, China, with a major in Virology. In 2001, I came to Australia to pursue a PhD degree in the Biochemistry department, University of Tasmania. During my PhD, I investigated the hemodynamic actions of insulin on microvasculature in relation to insulin’s metabolic effects on glucose homeostasis. After the completion of my PhD in 2005, with an interest in diabetes and obesity research, I came to Prof Caroline McMillen’s lab at the University of Adelaide working on projects investigating how intrauterine restriction leads to increased risks in developing adulthood cardiovascular disease, obesity and insulin resistance. It was through this experience I developed a strong interest in central regulation of adiposity associated with insulin resistance.
Research Interest
Energy metabolism and appetite Body weight and body composition Physical activity Glucose homeostasis Neuropeptides Neuroendocrine and neuronal pathways Obesity Anorexia nervosa
Publications
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Zhang L. Macia L, Turner N, Enriquez RF, Riepler SJ, Nguyen AD, Lin S, Lee NJ, Shi YC, Yulyaningsih E, Slack K, Baldock PA, Herzog H and Sainsbury A. Peripheral neuropeptide Y Y1-receptors regulate oxidation and fat accretion. International Journal of Obesity (Lond), 2010; 34(2):357-73.
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Zhang L, Riepler SJ, Turner N, Enriquez RF, I-Chieh Lee, Baldock PA, Herbert H and Sainsbury A. Y2 and Y4 receptor signalling synergistically act on energy expenditure and physical activity. American Journal of Physiology – regulatory, integral and comparative physiology 2010; 229 (6): R1618-28.
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Cox HM, Tough IR, Woolston A, Zhang L, Nguyen AD, Sanisbury A, Herzog H. Peptide YY is critical for Acylethanolamine receptor Gpr119-induced activation of gastrointestinal mucosal responses. Cell Metabolism, 2010; 11(6): 532-42.
