RESEARCH INTERESTS

The goal of our research is to develop new strategies for the prevention and treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders based on the understanding of how and why metabolic dysfunction, especially excessive glycolysis in astrocytes, contributes to the disorders.

We are also interested in the investigation of traditional Chinese medicine and natural products through modulating multiple cellular targets and signal pathways on the prevention and treatment of complex human diseases such as neurological disorders and cancer.

Education and employment

1995-1998: Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.

1998-2000: Postdoctoral fellow, joint postdoctoral training program of Peking Union Medical College and Jiangzhong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Beijing, China. 

1999-2000:     Research associate professor, Jiangzhong Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, Nanchang, China. 

2001-2004:     Postdoctoral associate, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.

2005-2007:     Instructor, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.

2008-present: Professor, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

1.    Xin WX, Ye XW, Yu SR, Lian XY*, Zhang ZZ.  New capoamycin-type antibiotics and polyene acids from marine Streptomyces fradiae PTZ0025.  Marine Drugs, 2012, 10: 2388-402.

2.    Zhang ZZ, Xiao BH, Chen Q, Lian XY*.  Synthesis and biological evaluation of caffeic acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl ester.  Journal of Natural Products, 2010; 73(2): 252-4.

3. Lian XY, Khan FA, Stringer JL.  Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate has anticonvulsant activity in models of acute seizures in adult rats.  Journal of Neuroscience, 2007; 27:12007-11.

4. Lian XY, Zhang ZZ, Stringer JL.  Neuroprotective effects of a ginseng extract in a rodent model of neurodegeneration.  Annals of Neurology, 2005; 57: 642-8.

5. Lian XY, Zhang ZZ, Stringer JL. Anticonvulsant activity of ginseng on seizures induced by chemical convulsants.  Epilepsia, 2005; 46: 15-22.

6. Lian XY*, Stringer JL.  Energy failure in astrocytes increases the vulnerability of neurons to spreading depression.  European Journal of Neuroscience, 2004; 19: 2446-54.

Research Support

1. Targeting glycolysis as a new approach to the treatment of epilepsy, the Epilepsy Research Foundation, 2005-2007, Lian XY (PI).

2. Preclinical investigation of Kang Ai Te, a new anticancer agent, the Ministry of Science and Technology of the P. R. China, 2006-2008, Lian XY (PI).

3. Preclinical investigation of panaxadiol saponins fraction as a new antiepileptic drug, the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, No. 08DZ1972000, 2008-2011, Lian XY (PI).

4. Preclinical investigation of PBP, a new antiepileptic drug, Translational Research Program supported by Pharmaceutical Company, No. 20004-I2090, 2009-2013, Lian XY (PI).

5.    Anti-age study of fomes officinalis polysaccharide, Translational Research Program, 2009-2011, Lian XY (PI).

6.    Mechanism study of inhibiting glycolysis in astrocytes as a new strategy for the treatment of epilepsy, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81072617, 20102013, Lian XY (PI).

7.    Pharmacodynamic study of new anticancer agent CADPE through modulating multiple cellular targets and signal pathways, the Department of Science and Technology of Zhejiang Province, No. 2010C33141, 2010-2012, Lian XY (PI).

8.    Mechanism study of anti-epilepsy through inhibiting glycolysis in astrocytes, the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, 20102011, Lian XY (PI).

9.    The role and significance of astrocytes in the repair and functional reconstruction of central neural injury, the National Priority Basic Research Program of China (973 Program, Chief Scientist: Shumin Duan), No. 2011CB504400, 20112015, Lian XY (Key investigator).

10. Study of novel targets for the prevention and treatment of epilepsy through modulating glycolysis in astrocytes, Zhejiang Key Program of Natural Science Foundation, No. Z2110449, 20112014, Lian XY (PI).

11. Mechanism and function studies of mesoderm stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, the National Priority Basic Research Program (Chief Scientist: Xinhua Feng), No. 2012CB966604, 20122016, Lian XY (Key Investigator).

12.   Study of the target system for the discovery of anticancer traditional Chinese medicines targeted energy metabolism, the National Science Foundation of China, No. 81274137, 2013 2016, Lian XY (PI).

HONORS AND PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

1. Young Pharmacological Investigator Award, Chinese Pharmacological Society and the Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier.

2. New bioactive discovery of ginsenosides Rb1 and Rg1, the Science and Technology Progress Second Award of Beijing Municipality.

3.    Effect of Zhi Gancao decoction and its active ingredients combination on triggered arrhythmias, the Natural Science Third Award of Jiangxi Province.

4.    Member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Pharmaceutical Crops.

5. Member of the Division of Neuropharmacology, Chinese Pharmacological Society.

6. Member of the Society for Neuroscience.

7. Grant review expert of the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

8. Grant review expert of the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality.

9. Grant review expert of the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province.

10. Council member of Beijing Association of Prevention and Therapeutics of Sub-healthy.