Lucia Zhang - Pharmacology and Toxicology

Lucia ZhangPhD Candidate
Student Name: Lucia Zhang
Country of Origin: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Pre-PhD Education: Pharmacology & Toxicology

Recent Research Experience:
2012-2013: Establishing the pattern of expression of the β2-adrenergic receptor and the parathyroid hormone type 1 receptor in bones of FVB mice during development (PI: Dr. Jane A. Mitchell; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto)
2012 Summer: Examining the role of Gq-coupled dopamine receptors on GSK-3 signaling in cells and primary neuronal culture (PI: Dr. Susan R. George; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto)
2011 Summer: Assessing the effect of a tat peptide on D1-D2 receptor heteromerization and signaling (PI: Dr. Susan R. George; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto)
2010 Summer: Improving the efficiency of generation of the Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) through retrosynthesis of an intermediate from the current pathway used (PI: Dr. Wei Zou; Institute for Biological Sciences, National Research Council of Canada)

Current Research:
G proteins transduce signals from G protein-coupled receptors on the cell surface to intracellular signaling cascades that alter cell growth and functions. Aberrant activity of the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G protein, Gs, has been implicated in multiple human bone abnormalities and disorders. Constitutive activity of Galpha(s) results in fibrous dysplasia of bone while reduced Galpha(s) activity results in heterotopic ossifications and brachydactyly. My current research focuses on elucidating the consequences of overexpressing Galpha(s) in osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) on skeletal development and health utilizing a transgenic mouse model. Thus far, we have found drastic increases in bone volume with dramatic decreases in bone quality in our transgenic mice with skeletal development and aging. In addition, we plan to challenge our transgenic mice with various anabolic and catabolic bone treatments to assess whether the increase in G-protein alters their skeletal responses.

Why Faculty of Medicine? I joined the Faculty of Medicine because it offers many interdisciplinary programs and collaborative specialization of study that teach a wide breadth of knowledge and promotes high-quality research across a wide range of disciplines aimed at translation from bench-to-beside. In addition, the Faculty of Medicine provides the opportunity to partake in the social and academic events within and between departments fostering a feeling of community amongst its students, which I have had the pleasure to be apart of.

Future Education Plans and/or Career Goals: After my graduate studies, I wish to pursue a career in drug risk management and regulatory affairs or drug evaluation of efficacy and safety.

Meet Graduate Ambassador Lucia Zhang