Zhiliang Lu PhD

Professor

Professor Zhiliang Lu is a recipient of the Leading Sci-Edu Talents of the SIP Jinji Lake Double Hundred Talents. Following an undergraduate study in Pharmaceutical Sciences, he pursued an MSc in Pharmacology both at Zhejiang University. He then obtained his PhD degree in Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine in1990 where he started to work on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), major cell surface drug targets. Following his appointment to a Lecturer (1991-1992) and an Associate Professor (1992-1995) at the Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, Zhejiang University, he rapidly established his own research lab focusing on the structure-function relationships of GPCRs and their cell signalling. He is a supervisor of MRes and PhD students. His research was well funded by national grants such as National Science Foundation of China (NSFC).

Professor Lu was awarded a Wellcome Trust Postdoctoral Fellowship (1995-1997) at the Medical Research Council (MRC) National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR, now Francis Crick Institute). He was then awarded an MRC appointment as a Band 3 senior scientist (1997-2001), where he retained his research interest on GPCRs. Following his research success at NIMR, he was offered an MRC Programme Leader Track position (2001-2007) at MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit in the University of Edinburgh, and was then promoted to the Tenured Programme Leader in 2007. Professor Lu continues his research on neuropeptide GPCRs and cell signalling in neurons, reproduction and cancers funded by NSFC and XJTLU research development funds after he joined XJTLU in 2011. He is also interested in cell signaling control of mRNA methylation in pathophysiology. Professor Lu has authored or co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed journal and conference publications and book chapters. He is an honorary Professor and PhD supervisor of the University of Liverpool.


  • Ph.D (Medicine), Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China, Medicine, 1990
  • M.Sc (Medicne), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, Pharmacology, 1987
  • B.Sc (Medicine), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, Pharmacy, 1984


  • Department of Biological Science, XJTLU, 2011-
  • Tenured Programme Leader, MRC HRSU, Edinburgh University, 2007 – 2011.
  • Programme Leader Track, MRC, HRSU, Edinburgh University, 2001 – 2007.
  • Senior Scientist, MRC National Institute for Medical Research, 1997 - 2001
  • Wellcome Trust Postdoctoral Fellowship, MRC NIMR, 1995 – 1997.
  • Associate Professor, Biological Sciences and Technology, Zhejiang University, 1992-1995.
  • Lecturer, Biological Sciences and Technology, Zhejiang University, 1991 – 1992.


  • Ligand-induced selective signalling of neuropeptide GPCRs in neurons and cancer.
  • Gene and cell control of mRNA methylation.
  • Development and application of the state-of-art NanoBRET technology in protein-protein interaction and high throughput drug screening.


  • Liu, S., Luo, X., Sharp, A*., Lane, S., Villanueva, E. V., Lu, Z*. & Ma, Z. F*.(2024) The use of breast milk iodine concentration in the first week of lactation as a biomarker of iodine status in breastfeeding women. British Journal of Nutrition.131 (2) 286-295
  • Liu, S., Sharp, A., Lu, Z. & Ma, Z. F (2023). Low iodine knowledge in a group of Chinese breastfeeding women with adequate iodine status. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 82, OCE3, p. E227
  • Liu, S., Sharp, A., Lu, Z. & Ma, Z. F. (2023). Maternal iodine intake and adherence to iodine supplement recommendations in a group of Chinese women: the results from the WIN cohort study. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society. 82, OCE1, p. E27
  • Huang, X., Li, C., Li, L., Lu, Z., Zhang, L., Huang, W. E. & Zhao, L. (2023). The Raman Deuterium Isotope Probing method as a new assay for evaluating the cytotoxicity level of the GSK2334470 to the MCF-7 cells. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy. 54(3), 233-237
  • Enakshi Sivasudhan, Neil Blake, Zhiliang Lu, Jia Meng and Rong Rong* (2022) Hepatitis B Viral Protein HBx and the Molecular Mechanisms Modulating the Hallmarks of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review. Cells 2022, 11, 741. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11040741
  • J Jiang, B Song, K Chen, Z Lu, R Rong, Y Zhong, J Meng. (2022) m6AmPred: Identifying RNA N6, 2′-O-dimethyladenosine (m6Am) sites based on sequence-derived information. Methods. 203:328-334 (July 2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.01.007.
  • Zhang J, Zhao H, Feng Y, Xu X, Yang Y, Zhang P*, Lu ZL*, Zhang T* (2021)Topoisomerase 2 inhibitor etoposide promotes interleukin-10 production in LPS-induced macrophages via upregulating transcription factor Maf and activating PI3K/Akt pathway. International Immunopharmacology. 101, 108264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108264
  • Feng Y., Xu X,., ZhaoT., Tan Z., Wang Q., Wang J., Meng J., Sanderson C., Lu Z.* and Yang Y* (2021) Sesquiterpene lactone Bigelovin induces apoptosis by suppressing nuclear factor kappa B signaling in human colorectal cancer cells. Anti-Cancer Drugs. June 2021 - Volume 32 - Issue 6 - p 664-673. doi: 10.1097/CAD.0000000000001073
  • Sivasudhan E., Blake N., Lu Z., Meng J. and Rong R (2021) Dynamics of m6A RNA Methylome on the Hallmarks of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology 01 April 2021 April 2021 | Volume 9 | Article 642443. doi: 10.3389/fcell.2021.642443
  • Wei Yan, Lin Cheng, Wei Wang, Chao Wu, Xin Yang, Xiaozhe Du, Liang Ma , Shiqian Qi, Yuquan Wei, Zhiliang Lu, Shengyong Yang & Zhenhua Shao (2020) Structure of the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor GnRH1R reveals an unusual ligand binding mode. Nature Communications. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19109.
  • Yujiao Tang, Kunqi Chen, Bowen Song, Jiongming Ma, Xiangyu Wu, Qingru Xu, Zhen Wei, Jionglong Su, Gang Liu, Rong Rong, Zhiliang Lu, João Pedro de Magalhães, Daniel J. Rigden and Jia Meng (2020) m6A-Atlas: a comprehensive knowledgebase for unraveling the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epitranscriptome. Nucleic Acids Research, 2020 1 doi: 10.1093/nar/gkaa692
  • Lian Liu, Bowen Song, Jiani Ma, Yi Song, Song-Yao Zhang, Yujiao Tang, Xiangyu Wu, Zhen Wei, Kunqi Chen, Jionglong Su, Rong Rong, Zhiliang Lu, João Pedro de Magalhães, Daniel J. Rigden, Xiujuan Lei, Lin Zhang, Hui Liu, Shao-Wu Zhang, Yufei Huang and Jia Meng (2020) Emerging topics and recent progress in bioinformatics approaches for unraveling the epitranscriptome. Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal.18, 1587-1604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csbj.2020.06.010
  • Jingting Zhu, Lingyan Yang, Qibo Zhang, Jia Meng, Zhi-Liang Lu, Rong Rong (2020) Autophagy Induced by Simian Retrovirus Infection Controls Viral Replication and Apoptosis of Jurkat T Lymphocytes. Virues. 4 (12), 381 10.3390/v12040381.
  • Bowen Song, Yujiao Tang, Kunqi Chen, Zhen Wei, Rong Rong, Zhiliang Lu, Jionglong Su, João Pedro de Magalhães, Daniel J. Rigden and Jia Meng (2020) m7GHub: deciphering the location, regulation and pathogenesis of internal mRNA N7-methylguanosine (m7G) sites in human. Bioinformatics, Bioinformatics, btaa178, https://doi.org/10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa178.
  • Chen K, Wei Z, Zhang Q, Wu Q, Rong R, Lu ZL, Su J, Pedro de Magalhães J, Rigden DJ and Meng J (2019) WHISTLE: a high-accuracy map of the human N6-methyladenosine (m6A) epitranscriptome predicted using a machine learning approach. Nucleic Acids Research. 2019 Apr 23;47(7):e41. doi: 10.1093/nar/gkz074.
  • Chen K, Wei Z, Liu H, Pedro de Magalhães J, Rong R, Lu Z and Meng J (2018) Enhancing epitranscriptome module detection from m6A-seq data using threshold-based measurement weighting strategy. BioMed Research International. 2018:2075173. doi: 10.1155/2018/2075173.
  • Wei Z, Panneerdoss S, Timilsina S, Mohammad TA, Rong R, Lu Z, Pedro de Magalhães J, Chen Y, Huang Y, Rao MK and Meng J (2018) Topological characterization of m5C epitranscriptome in human and mouse revealed by bisulfite sequencing. International Journal of Genomics. 2018:1351964. doi: 10.1155/2018/1351964
  • Zhang XY, Matziari M, Xie Y, Fernig D, Rong R, Meng M and Lu Z (2018) Functional examination of novel kisspeptin phosphinic peptides. PLoS One. 13(4):e0195089. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195089.
  • Gordienko, D., Povstyan, O., Sukhanova, K., Raphael, M., Harhun, M., Dyskina Y, Lehen'kyi V, Jama A, Lu ZL, Skryma R, Prevarskaya N (2015). Impaired P2X-signaling pathways in renal microvascular myocytes in genetic hypertension. Cardiovascular Research, 105, 131-142.
  • Meng, J., Lu, Z., Liu, H., Zhang, L., Zhang, S., Chen Y, Rao MK and Huang Y (2014). A protocol for RNA methylation differential analysis with MeRIP-Seq. Methods, 69, 274-281, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ymeth.2014.06.008.
  • Book, M., McCracken, L., Reddington, J., Lu, Z., Morrice, N., Gray NK (2012). Extensive dynamic post-translational modification of the multifunctional poly(A)-binding protein 1 may coordinate its activities. Biochem, 441, 803-812.
  • Forfar, R. & Lu, Z. (2011). Role of transmembrane domain 4/extracellular loop 2 junction of the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in ligand binding and receptor conformational selection. J Biol Chem, 286 (40), 34617-34626.
  • Kaye, R., Saldanha, J., Lu, Z., & Hulme, E. (2011). Helix 8 of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor: scanning mutagenesis delineates a G protein recognition site. Mol Pharmacol (79), 701-709.
  • White, C., Stewart, A., Lu, Z., Millar, R., & Morgan, K. (2008). Anti-proliferative effects of GnRH agonists: prospects and problems for cancer therapy. Neuroendocrinology (88), 67-79.
  • Stewart, A., Sellar, R., Wilson, D., Millar, R., & Lu, Z. (2008). Identification of a novel ligand binding residue Arg38(1.35) in the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor. Mol Pharmacol (73), 75-81.
  • Coetsee, M., Millar, R., Flanagan, C., & Lu, Z. (2008). Identification of Tyr(290(6.58)) of the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor as a contact residue for both GnRH I and GnRH II: importance for high-affinity binding and receptor activation. Biochemistry (47), 10305-10313.
  • Millar, R., Pawson, A., Morgan, K., & Lu, Z. (2008). Diversity of actions of GnRHs mediated by ligand-induced selective signalling. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology (29), 17-35.
  • White, C., Coetsee, M., Morgan, K., Flanagan, C., Millar, R., Lu ZL (2008). A crucial role for Galphaq/11, but not Galphai/o or Galphas, in gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor-mediated cell growth inhibition. Mol Endocrinol (22), 2520-2530.
  • Lopez de Maturana, R., Pawson, A., Lu, Z., Davidson, L., Maudsley, S., Morgan K, Langdon SP, Millar RP (2008). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog structural determinants of selectivity for inhibition of cell growth: support for the concept of ligand-induced selective signalling. Mol Endocrinol (22), 1711-1722.
  • Pawson, A., Faccenda, E., Maudsley, S., Lu, Z., Naor, Z., Millar RP (2008). Mammalian type I gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors undergo slow, constitutive, agonist-independent internalization. Endocrinology (149), 1415-1422.
  • Lu, Z., Coetsee, M., White, C., & Millar, R. (2007). Structural determinants for ligand-receptor conformational selections in a peptide G protein-coupled receptor. J Biol Chem (282), 17921-17929.
  • Mamputha, S., Lu, Z., Roeske, R., Millar, R., Katz, A., Flanagan CA (2007). Conserved amino acid residues that are important for ligand binding in the Type 1 gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor are required for high potency of GnRH II at the Type II GnRH receptor. Mol Endocrinol (21), 281-292.
  • Topaloglu, A., Lu, Z., Farooqi, I., Mungan, N., Yuksel, B., O'Rahilly S, Millar RP (2006). Molecular genetic analysis of normosmis hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in a Turkish population: identification and detailed functional characterization of a novel mutation in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene. Neuroendocrinology (84), 301-308.
  • Morgan, K., Sellar, R., Pawson, A., Lu, Z., & Millar, R. (2006). Bovine and ovine GnRH-II ligand precursors and Type II GnRH receptor genes are functionally inactivated. Endocrinology (147), 5041-5051.
  • Barran, P., Roeske, R., Pawson, A., Sellar, R., Bowers, M., Morgan K, Lu ZL, Tsuda M, Kusakabe T, Millar RP (2005). Evolution of constrained gonadotropin-releasing hormone ligand conformation and receptor selectivity. J Biol Chem (280), 38569-38575.
  • Lu, Z., Gallagher, R., Sellar, R., Coetsee, M., & Millar, R. (2005). Mutations remote from the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor binding sites specifically increase binding affinity for GnRH II, but not GnRH I: evidence for ligand-selective receptor active conformations. J Biol Chem (280), 29796-29803.
  • Millar, R., Lu, Z., Pawson, A., Flanagan, C., Morgan, K., Maudsley SR (2004). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors. Endocr Rev (25), 235-275.
  • Hulme, E., Lu, Z., & Bee, M. (2003). Scanning mutagenesis studies of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Receptors and Channels (9), 215-228.
  • Hulme, E., Lu, Z., Saldanha, J., & Bee, M. (2003). Structure and activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Biochem Soc Trans (31), 29-34.
  • Zheng, Q., Zheng, Y., & Lu, Z. (2002). Immunomodulatory effects of the polysaccharides of Cistanche Deserticola Y C Ma. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban (31), 284-287.
  • Lu, Z., Saldanha, J., & Hulme, E. (2002). Seven-transmembrane receptors: crystals clarify. Trends Pharmacol Sci (23), 140-146.
  • Lu, Z. & Hulme, E. (2001). Functional importance of transmembrane domains 4 and 7 of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Life Sci (68), 2640.
  • Hulme, E., Lu, Z., Bee, M., Curtis, C., & Saldanha, J. (2001). The conformational switch in muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Life Sci (68), 2495-2500.
  • Lu, Z., Saldanha, J., & Hulme, E. (2001). Transmembrane domain 4 and 7 of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor are critical for ligand binding and the receptor activation switch. J Biol Chem (276), 34098-34104.
  • Lu, Z. & Hulme, E. (2000). A network of conserved intramolecular contacts defines the off-state of the transmembrane switch mechanism in a seven-transmembrane receptor. J Biol Chem (275), 5682-5686.
  • Yuan, H. & Lu, Z. (1999). Study of Immunoregulation effect of polysaccharide of glossy privet fruit. Journal of Chinese Herbal Medicine of China, 24 (11), 691-693.
  • Hulme, E., Lu, Z., Ward, S., Allman, K., & Curtis, C. (1999). The conformational switch in 7-transmembrane receptors: the muscarinic receptor paradigm. Eur J Pharmacol (375), 247-260.
  • Lu, Z. & Hulme, E. (1999). The functional topography of transmembrane domain 3 of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, revealed by scanning mutagenesis. J Biol Chem (274), 7309-7315.
  • Hulme, E. & Lu, Z. (1998). Scanning mutagenesis of transmembrane domain 3 of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. J Physiol (Paris) (92), 269-274.
  • Lu, Z. & Hulme, E. (1998). Alanine scanning mutagenesis of the extracellular half of transmembrane domain 3 of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Naunyn-Schmiederberg’s Arch Pharmacol (358), 520.
  • Zheng, Q., Mao, J., & Lu, Z. (1998). Purification of the polysaccharides of Cistanche Deserticola Y C Ma and its effect on the function of T-lymphocytes. Zhejiang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao (27), 108-111.
  • Lu, Z., Jones, P., Curtis, C., & Hulme, E. (1997). Asp122 and Tyr124 in the M1 muscarinic receptor are critical for receptor folding but not for signalling. Life Sci (60), 1176.
  • Lu, Z., Curtis, C., Jones, P., Pavia, J., & Hulme, E. (1997). The role of the aspartate-arginine-tyrosine triad in the M1 muscarinic receptor: mutations of aspartate 122 and tyrosine 124 decrease receptor expression but do not abolish signalling. Mol Pharmacol (51), 234-241.
  • Lu, Z. & Hulme, E. (1997). Alanine scanning mutagenesis study of transmembrane helix 3 (intracellular half) in the M1 muscarinic receptor. FASEB J (11), A1331.
  • Wang, H., Lu, Z., & Zhang, W. (1996). Roles of the carbohydrate moiety of hCG in the receptor binding and activation. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao (30), 157-163.
  • Lu, Z., Wang, H., & Zhang, W. (1996). Inhibitory effects of glycopeptides on the hCG-stimulated cAMP responses. Acta Biologiae Experimentalis Sinica (29), 119-123.
  • Mao, J., Lu, Z., Zheng, Q., & Ruan, H. (1996). Effects of the polysaccharides of Atractylis Macrocephala Koidz (PAM) on the proliferation of T-lymphocytes. Journal of Immunology (12), 233-236.
  • Mao, J. & Lu, Z. (1995). Functional regulations of cells by cyclic-GMP. Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics (22), 511-516.
  • Mao, J. & Lu, Z. (1995). Mechanisms of the regulation of gene expression by the steroid hormone receptor superfamily. Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics (22), 202-207.
  • Lu, Z. & Zhang, W. (1993). Roles of G proteins in the transmembrane signal transduction of cells. The Chinese Journal of Cell Biology (15), 98-102.
  • Lu, Z., Xu, J., Yi, N., & Xia, Z. (1993). Effects of thyroid hormone on the turnover of the cardiac β-adrenoceptors in mice. Basic Medicine and Clinics (13), 373-380.
  • Lu, Z. & Zhang, W. (1992). Structure and function of the β-adrenergic receptors. Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics (19), 417-422
  • Lu, Z., Xu, J., Yi, N., & Xia, Z. (1992). Effects of zhimu on the turnover of the cardiac β-adrenoceptors of the hyperthyroid mice. Nuclear Techniques (15), 651-656. Xiao, Z., Zhang, S., Wu, Y., , ., Lu, Z., et al. (1992). Development of the β2-adrenogeric receptor binding assay of the lymphocytes using (-)125I-pindolol. The Chinese Journal of Nuclear Medicine (12), 99-106.
  • Lu, Z., Yi, N., & Xia, Z. (1991). Synthesis of bromoacetylalprenololmenthane (BALpM), an irreversible inhibitor of the β-adrenergic receptors. Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica (26), 64-66.
  • Lu, Z., Yang, B., & Fang, R. (1989). Studies on the antifertility effects of testosterone undecanoate in combination with danazol in male rats. Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae (11), 190-194.


  • Millar, R., Pawson, A., Lu, Z., Morgan, K., Davidson, L., Lopez de Maturana R, Naor Z, Brown P and Maudsley S (2004). New concepts in GnRH receptor function, Updates in Infertility Treatment, Proceedings of the Conference (pp. 51-61). Italy: Medimond, Pianoro.


  • Zhang WJ (Editor-in-Chief), Lu ZL (Editor) & et al., (1999). Biochemical Research Technology of Glycobiology, 2nd Edition Zhejiang University Press.
  • Zhang WJ (Editor-in-Chief), Lu ZL (Editor) & et al., (1994). Biochemical Research Technology of Glycobiology, 1st Edition Zhejiang University Press.


  • Millar, R., Lu, ZL., & Pawson, A. (2010). Gonadotropin-release hormone. Endocrinology 6th Edition, DeGroot LJ and Jameson JL. Philadelphia: Elsevier.
  • Hulme, E., Lu, ZL., Saldanha, J., & Bee, M. (2004). Structure and activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Cholinergic Mechanisms: Function and Dysfunction (pp. 55-62). Taylor and Francis.
  • Mao, JH., Lu, ZL., & Zheng, QL. (1996). Regulation of the polysaccharides of Atractylis Macrocephala Koidz (PAM) on immune function. Sheng Ming Ke Xue Yan Jiu Huo Ying Yong (pp. 668). Zhejiang University.


  • Lu Z (2019). Application of NanoBRET in GPCR ligand binding and functional analyses. The 1st China BMG LABTECH PHERAstar user’s meeting. Shanhgai, China.
  • Lu, Z. (2013). The impact of the new concept of 'ligand-induced selective signalling' on the future drug design. The 1st Annual Symposium of Drug Designology, Hainan, China-PRC.
  • Lu, Z. (2013). Ligand-induced selective signalling at a peptide G protein-coupled receptor. BIT's 6th Annual Protein & Peptide Conference, Suzhou, China-PRC.
  • Matziari, M., Fu, X., & Lu, Z. (2013). Synthesis of phosphinic peptide analogues of kisspeptin-10. The 14th Tetrahedron Symposium - Asian Edition, Seoul, Korea.
  • Gordienko, D., Povstyan, O., Sukhanova, K., Jama, A., Lu, Z., Lehen'kyi V, Raphaël M, Prevarskaya N (2012). Augmented sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ leak attenuates P2X-mediated [Ca2+]i transients in renal microvascular myocytes in primary hypertension. Physiology Society's Meeting, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
  • Forfar, R., Millar, R., & Lu, Z. (2010). Role of extracellular loops 1 and 2 of the human gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor in localization and ligand binding. Keystone Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology: G protein-coupled receptors, Colorado, United States of America.
  • Lu, Z. (2010). Signalling diversity and ligand-induced selectivity at the human GnRH receptor. The Endocrine Society's 92 Annual Meeting, San Diego, United States of America.
  • Forfar, R., Millar, R., & Lu, Z. (2009). Identification of a novel interaction between Trp3 of gonadrotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and Phe178(4.64) of the human GnRH receptor. Gordon Research Conference in Molecular Pharmacology, Pascoli, Italy.
  • Forfar, R., Millar, R., & Lu, Z. (2009). Identification of a novel interaction between Trp3 of GnRH and Phe178(4.64) of the human GnRH receptor. BPS 3rd Focused Meeting on Cell Signalling, Leicester, United Kingdom.
  • Forfar, R. & Lu, Z. (2009). A novel interaction between Trp3 of GnRH and Phe178(4.64) of the human GnRH receptor. BPS Summer Meeting, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
  • Lu, Z. (2009). Signalling diversity and ligand-induced selectivity at a peptide GPCR. British Pharmacological Society's Summer Meeting, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
  • Lu, Z., Coetsee, M., Stewart, A., White, C., Forfar, R., MeLuille L, Millar RP (2008). Molecular mechanisms of the GnRH receptor activation. The 9th International symposium on GnRH: The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in cancer and reproduction, Berlin, Germany.
  • White, C., Coetsee, M., Millar, R., & Lu, Z. (2008). GnRH receptor activation of G12/13 proteins. The Endocrine Society's 90th Annual Meeting, San Francisco, United States of America.
  • Coetsee, M., Millar, R., Flanagan, C., & Lu, Z. (2007). Roles of Tyr290(6.58) of the Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone (GnRH) Receptor in the Binding of GnRH I and GnRH II. The Enodcrine Socienty's 89th Annual Meeting, Toronto, Canada.
  • Lu, Z., Stewart, A., White, C., & Millar, R. (2007). Mechanisms of the GnRH-induced receptor activation. The Enodcrine Socienty's 89th Annual Meeting, Toronto, Canada.
  • Lu, Z. (2007). Structural determinants of ligand-receptor conformational selection in a peptide G protein-coupled receptor. Gordon Research Conference (GRC) in Molecular Pharmacology, Ventura, CA, United States of America.
  • White, C., Morgan, K., Millar, R., & Lu, Z. (2007). Activation of the MAPK cascades by GnRH: a crucial role for the mammalian GnRH receptor coupling to Gq/11. LifeScience, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
  • White, C., Morgan, K., Millar, R., & Lu, Z. (2007). MAPK activation of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor is mediated by the Gαq-signalling pathway. The Enodcrine Socienty's 89th Annual Meeting, Toronto, Canada.
  • Coetsee, M., Gallagher, R., Millar, R., Flanagan, C., & Lu, Z. (2006). Role of Trp2806.48 in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor. Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
  • White, C., Gallagher, R., Morgan, K., Millar, R., & Lu, Z. (2006). ERK activation by the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor is mediated via Gαq-signalling pathway. BioScience, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
  • Lu, Z., Gallagher, R., Miller, N., Warrender, V., Sellar, R., Millar R (2005). Evidence for GnRH ligand-selective receptor active conformations. BioScience, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
  • Lu, Z., Gallagher, R., Sellar, R., Coetsee, M., Miller, N., Warrender V, Millar R (2005). Evidence for GnRH I and II ligand-selective receptor active conformations. The Endocrine Society's 87th Annual Meeting, San Diego, United States of America.
  • Lu, Z., Gallagher, R., Sellar, R., Miller, N., Warrender, V., Millar R (2005). Receptor conformational selection for GnRH I and II binding. BPS 1th Focused Meeting on Cell Signalling, Leicester, United Kingdom.
  • Millar, R., Maudsley, S., Lopez, d., Pawson, A., Davidson, L., Naor Z, Lu ZL (2005). Ligand-selective signalling through GnRH I/II single and dual receptor systems. The Endocrine Society's 87th Annual Meeting, San Diego, United States of America.
  • ulme, E. & Lu, Z. (2001). Ligand recognition and activation of acetylcholine recpetos. Gordon Research Conferences: Ligand Recognition & Molecular Gating, Ventura, CA, United States of America.
  • Lu, Z., Saldanha, J., & Hulme, E. (2001). A molecular model of the binding sites of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Society for Neuroscience. Unknown, New Orleans, LA, United States of America.
  • Bee, M., Lu, Z., & Hulme, E. (2000). Alanine scanning mutagenesis of transmembrane domains 2, 4 and 7 in the rat M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, United States of America.
  • Lu, Z. & Hulme, E. (2000). Functional Probing of Transmembrane Domain 7 of the M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor by Alanine Scanning Mutagenesis. The 18th International Congress of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
  • Lu, Z. & Hulme, E. (2000). Functional importance of transmembrane domains 4 and 7 of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Subtype of muscarinic receptors: proceedings of the Ninth International Symposium on Subtypes of Muscarinic Receptors, Houston, Texas, United States of America.
  • Lu, Z. & Hulme, E. (1998). Alanine scanning mutagenesis of the extracellular half of transmembrane domain 3 of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. Receptor mechanisms: principles of agonism, Merano, Italy.
  • Lu, Z. & Hulme, E. (1998). Alanine scanning mutagenesis of the extracellular half of transmembrane domain 3 of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. XIIIth World Congress of Pharmacology, Munich, Germany.
  • Lu, Z. & Hulme, E. (1997). Alanine scanning mutagenesis study of transmembrane helix 3 in the M1 muscarinic receptor. The 17th international IUBMB congress, San Francisco, United States of America.
  • Lu, Z., Jones, P., Curtis, C., & Hulme, E. (1996). Asp122 and Tyr124 in the M1 muscarinic receptor are critical for receptor folding but not for signalling. Subtypes of muscarinic receptors: proceedings of the seventh International Symposium on Subtypes of Muscarinic Receptors, Vienna, Virginia, United States of America.


  • 2019.07-2022.06, KSF-E33. Zhiliang Lu, Rong Rong, Jia Mang. KSF exploratory research, Development of NanoBRET ligand binding assay of GnRH receptor for high throughput drug screening, 200,000 RMB.
  • 2019.12-2022.11, PGRS1906003, Zhiliang Lu, Rong Rong, Jia Mang, Distinct coupling of GnRH receptor to G proteins and their roles in m6A methylation.
  • 2019.01 - 2020.12. Jia Meng, Jionglong Su, Fei Ma, Zhiliang Lu, Rong Rong and Changjun Shi, Construction of a bioinformatics platform for precision medicine, Jiangsu Provincial Industry-University-Research Cooperation Project, Technology Development Category, BY201910, 500k RMB, 2019.01-2020.12. [面向精准医疗的生物信息平台建设, 江苏省产学研合作项目, 技术开发项目].
  • 2019.01 - 2021.12. Rong Rong, Zhiliang Lu Jia Meng and Feng Ma The role of RNA m6A methylation in host antiviral immunity. Key Programme Special Fund (KSF) Exploratory Research 2019.01.01 ~ 2021.12.31. 200,000 RMB.
  • 2018.11 - 2022.10, FOS-17-15 Rong Rong, Neil Blake, Zhiliang Lu and Feng Ma. The role of long non-coding RNA and RNA m6A methylation in host antiviral immunity.
  • 2018.09-2021.08. Zhiliang Lu, RDF-SP-48, Molecular mechanisms of ligand-induced selective signalling at the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor. University Continues Support Fund, 30,000 RMB.
  • 2018.11-2022.10. RRSC101160002. Jia Meng, Daniel Rigden, Z Lu and R Rong. Predict disease-associated RNA methylation sites.
  • 2017-2020, Jia Meng, Fei Ma, Zhiliang Lu Jionglong Su and externals, Intelligent Information Technology for Cancer Precision Diagnosis (肿瘤 精 准 诊 断 的 智 能 信 息 技 术), XJTLU Key Programme Special Fund (KSF) - Technology Transfer Research Programme (西交利物浦大学重点项目建设专项, 成果转化类), KSF-T-01, 1000,000 RMB.
  • 2017.11-2020.10, PGRS/ FOS-16-06, Zhiliang Lu, Yili Yang, J Meng and C Sanderson, The discovery and identification of neoantigens from colorectal cancer for personalized immunotherapy.
  • 2016 -2010, Jia Meng, Rong Rong and Zhiliang Lu. Jiangsu University Natural Science Program (16KJB180027) Reconstruct Gene Regulatory Network at Epitranscriptomic Layer with Non-parametric Bayesian Approach. 50,000 RMB.
  • 2016.09 - 2019.10, P81373469. Zhiliang Lu, J Meng, Rong Rong and David Fernig, Ligand-induced selective signalling of peptide GPCRs.
  • 2015: Liu, H., Lu, Z., & Meng, J., Regulation of T cell receptor (TCR) Signalling by sumoylation of immune adaptor SLP-76, Co-Investigator, National Science Foundation of China (NSFC 31470840), 2015-2018. 800,000 RMB.
  • 2014: Lu, Z. & Rong, R., Molecular mechanisms of ligand-induced selective signalling at the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, Principal Investigator, National Science Foundation of China (NSFC) Project no: P81373469. 975,000 RMB.
  • 2017.09-2021.08 RDF-16-01-07 Jia Meng, João Pedro de Magalhães, Z Lu and R Rong. Unravel the synergic regulation among different types of RNA modification.
  • 2016.11 – 2020.10, RDF-14-01-09 Jia Meng, João Pedro de Magalhães, R Rong and Z Lu Unravel RNA methylome to identify key enzyme genes that directly lead to epitranscriptomic dys-regulation.
  • 2013.09-2017.08, Zhiliang Lu, PGRS-12-02-03, Identification of novel kisspeptin/GPR54-interacting proteins and their biological functions.
  • 2013-2017, PGR-13-02-12 R Rong, Qibo Zhang and Z Lu, Characterization of Simian Type D Retroviruses (SRV/D) from Monkeys in Chinese Breeding Colonies and Investigation of the Effects of SRV/D Infection on the autophagic pathway in infected cells.
  • 2011: Lu Z. Medical Research Council, "Identification of novel signalling pathways for GPR54 (2011-2012), 100,000 Sterling Pounds for one continued PhD student. (Principal Supervisor).
  • 2006: Lu, Z. Molecular/structural basis of ligand-induced selective signalling of G protein-coupled receptors in reproduction/cancer, Principal Investigator, Medical Research Council (MRC) UK. (2006-2011), 1,568,950 Sterling Pounds.
  • 2006: Coetsee, M. & Lu, Z., Commonwealth Scholarship (2006, to Marla Coetsee), Principal Investigator, 18,000 Sterling Pounds.
  • 2006: Millar, R. & Lu, Z., Development of novel GnRH analogues, Co-Investigator. (2006-2008), 400,000 Sterling Pounds.
  • 2001: Lu, Z. Structure and function of GnRH and the human GnRH recepetor, Principal Investigator, Medical Research Council (MRC) UK. (2001-2006), 1,290,000 sterling pounds.
  • 1996: Lu, Z. Systematic mutagenesis studies of the transmembrane domain 3 of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, Principal Investigator, National Science Foundation of China (NSFC). (Project No: 39580025, 1996-1998), 105,000 RMB.
  • 1995: Lu, Z. (PI) & Hulme, E., Alanine scanning mutagenesis studies of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, Principal Investigator, Wellcome Trust. (1995-1997), 73,470 sterling pounds.
  • 1994: Lu, Z. Effects of polysaccharides from Chinese herbs on the beta-adrenergic receptor-cAMP signalling cascade in immune cells, Principal Investigator, National Science Foundation of China (NSFC). (Project No: 39300174, 1994-1996), 65,000 RMB.
  • 1991: Lu, Z. Structure and function of hCG and its receptor, Principal Investigator, Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province. (1992-1994), 35,000 RMB.


  • Reveiwer for international journals and grants.
  • Biomedicine Hub, Karger Publishers, 2016- present.
  • Neuroendocrinology, Karger Publishers, 2006-2016.


  • BIO301 Biology of Disease (Biochemistry of Disease and Cancer Biology, Year 4), 2011-present.
  • BIO208 Cell Signalling (Year 3), 2011-present.
  • BIO303 Final Year Project (Year4), Coordinator, 2011-2013 and 2014-2018.
  • BIO302 Biochemical Messengers (Year 4), 2011-2017.
  • BIO111 Key Skills for Life Scientists (Year 2), 2011-13.


  • American Endocrine Society, 2008
  • Biochemical Society, 1997


  • 2011 Jinji Lake 200 Talent Programme, Suzhou Industrial Park
  • 1994 Excellent Young Teacher, Zhejiang University
  • 1993 Yilida Excellent Teacher, Zhejiang University
  • 1993 Supervisor of PhD students, Zhejiang University
  • 1992 Excellent paper, The Science and Technology Association of Zhejiang Province
  • 1992 Award of Science & Technology, Zhejiang University
Zhiliang Lu