Prof. ZHANG Luoying from Huazhong University of Science and Technology paid a visit to IHB on January 4, 2018.

On January 4, 2018, Prof. ZHANG Luoying from College of Life Science & Technology at Huazhong University of Science and Technology paid a visit to Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of Chinese Academy of Sciences and gave a lecture on the interpretation of Nobel Prize entitled “The Molecular Mechanism of Circadian Rhythm-A Tale about PERIOD”.  

In the lecture, Prof. Zhang interpreted in details the whole process of the discovery and proof of the molecular mechanism of circadian rhythm, and the contributions of three Nobel Laureates: Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young. 

Prof. Zhang’s research group is interested in identifying new circadian clock genes in experimental models Drosophila and mice. Specifically, they study the regulatory mechanism and function of sleep and circadian rhythm by applying genetics, animal ethology, cell biology, molecular biology and immunofluorescence and other tools. She introduced that the group identified variants in the circadian clock gene PERIOD3 with familial advanced sleep phase. PERIOD3 transgenic mice showed an altered circadian period, however Per3 knockout mice demonstrated consistent depression-like behavior.  

After the lecture, IHB scientists and students further discussed with Prof. Zhang regarding issues related to circadian biology.