On April 17, 2024, Prof. Hanting Zhang, Chief Professor and Dean of the School of Pharmacy at Qingdao University, was invited by Prof. Dalei Wu from the State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology to present a lecture titled “Cellular Signaling Mechanisms of Alcohol Addiction and Novel Drug Discovery” in the “Micro to Macro: Graduate Innovation Special Course” series. The session was chaired by Prof. Dalei Wu.

During the lecture, Professor Hanting Zhang provided a detailed introduction to the recent research progress made by his research group on phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A (cAMP-PKA) signaling pathway has been proven to regulate alcohol dependence. Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), the most abundant member of the PDE family, specifically hydrolyzes the intracellular second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and is involved in the regulation of various physiological functions, playing a significant role in the development of central nervous system diseases. Using various animal models and the two-bottle choice test, Professor Zhang 's research group discovered that PDE4 inhibitors such as Rolipram, Ro20-1724, and Roflumilast can effectively reduce alcohol consumption in mice and significantly decrease their preference for alcohol. Among the four PDE4 subtypes (A-D), PDE4B is predominantly distributed in the striatum (a key brain region regulating alcohol addiction), with PDE4B1 (one of the five PDE4B splice variants) showing the highest expression. The lecture delved into the relationship between PDEs and alcohol addiction, presenting the latest research findings in this field to the attending faculty and students. During the discussion session, students and faculty engaged in active discussions with Professor Zhang, gaining further insights and inspiration.

About Professor Hanting Zhang:

Hanting Zhang is the Chief Professor of Qingdao University, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, Director of the Academic Committee of the Medical Department, and a doctoral supervisor. He is a leading talent under the National HJ Plan and an overseas distinguished expert under the Shandong Provincial Government's “Taishan Scholar” program. He previously served as a tenured full professor and doctoral supervisor at the School of Medicine, West Virginia University, USA. His research focuses on the regulation and mechanisms of phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and cellular signaling pathways on central functions and central nervous system diseases, including alcohol addiction, age-related dementia such as Alzheimer's Disease, anxiety, and depression, as well as therapeutic strategies. He has twice received the NARSAD Young Investigator Award in the United States (2006, 2008) and has published over 160 papers and reviews in top-tier international journals in the field. He has edited one English monograph on PDEs and contributed to five others. He also serves as a review expert for various domestic and international funding programs, including research grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA, general and key projects of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, major international cooperation projects, and the Ministry of Education's “Changjiang Scholar Distinguished Professor/Lecture Professor” program. Additionally, he is an associate editor for seven internationally renowned journals, including Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience and the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.