Research

Li Lei's lab utilizes interdisciplinary research techniques to examine the neural circuits governing reproductive functions along the brain-peripheral axis, including sexual hormone production, gametogenesis, and sexual behavior. Additionally, we explore the role of brain-gonad crosstalk under pollutant exposure, specifically microplastics/nanoplastics, in collaboration with international teams and clinical doctors. Through these investigations, our goal is to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between the brain, peripheral systems, and environmental factors, aiming to provide insights that promote optimal brain health and reproductive well-being.

Biography

2022- now, Professor at SIAT CAS

2012-2022, Associate Professor at SIAT CAS.

2017-2018, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Visiting Scholar.

2011-2012, Assistant professor at SIAT CAS.

2006-2010, University of Hong Kong, PhD.

2001-2006, Hong Kong Baptist University, BSc, MSc.

2000, Nanjing University, full scholarship to HK.

Selected publications

1. Ziyi Lin#, Zijie Li, Shuqin Ji, Hoi Shing Lo, Baki Billah, Ayesha Sharmin, Xiaofang Han, Wing-Yee Lui, William Ka Fai Tse, James Kar-Hei Fang, Chunqiu Zhang, Xuejun Shang*, Keng Po Lai*,Lei Li*. Size-dependent Deleterious Effects of Nano- and Microplastics on Sperm Motility. Toxicology, 2024, 506: 153834. (* corresponding authors，JCR1)
2. Ziyi Lin#, Zijie Li, Shuqin Ji, Hoi Shing Lo, Baki Billah, Ayesha Sharmin, Wing-Yee Lui, William Ka Fai Tse, James Kar-Hei Fang, Keng Po Lai*, Lei Li*. Microplastics from Face Mask Impairs Sperm Motility. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2024, 203: 116422. (* corresponding authors，JCR1)
3. Wei Yan#, Zijie Li#, Ziyi Lin, Shuqin Ji, William Ka Fai Tse, Zhiqiang Meng, Chang Liu*, Lei Li*. Microplastic Exposure Disturbs Sleep Structure, Reduces Lifespan, and Decreases Ovary Size in Drosophila Melanogaster. Zoological Research, 2024. (* corresponding authors，JCR1)
4. Shaolong Yang#, Mengzhen Li, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, Lei Li, Rong Li*, Jian Chen*, Keng Po Lai*. Reproductive Toxicity of Micro- and Nanoplastics. Environment International, 2023, 177: 108002. (JCR1)
5. Zijie Li#, Ziyi Lin, Shuqin Ji, Keng-Po Lai, Hin-Ting Wan, Chris Kong Chu Wong*, Lei Li*. Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid Exposure Altered Hypothalamic Metabolism and Disturbed Male Fecundity. Science of The Total Environment, 2022, 844: 156881. (* corresponding authors，JCR1)
6. Peilei Shen#, Shuqin Ji, Xulin Li, Qingning Yang, Bingxian Xu, Chris Kong Chu Wong*, Liping Wang*,Lei Li*. LPS-induced systemic inflammation caused mPOA-FSH/LH disturbance and impaired testicular function. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2022, 13:886085. (* corresponding authors，JCR1)
7. Quentin Montardy#, Zheng Zhou#, Lei Li#, Qingning Yang, Zhuogui Lei, Xiaolong Feng, Shanping Chen, Qianqian Shi, Huiqi Zhang, Shuran Chen, Zhijian Zhang, Binghao Zhao, Fuqiang Xu, Zhonghua Lu, Liping Wang*. Dopamine modulates visual threat processing in the superior colliculus via D2 receptors. iScience, 2022, 25(6): 104388. (# first authors，JCR1)
8. Shaolong Yang, Mengzhen Li, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, Lei Li, Rong Li, Jian Chen*, Keng Po Lai*, Reproductive toxicity of micro- and nanoplastics, Environment International, 2023, 108002, https://doi.org/10.1016 /j.envint. 2023.108002. (JCR1)
9. Kazumi Sunny Tsukazawa#, Lei Li, William Ka Fai Tse*. 2,4-dichlorophenol exposure induces lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species formation in zebrafish embryos. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 2022, 230:113133. (JCR1)
10. Yuen-Wa Ho#, Jin Yan Lim, Yun Kit Yeoh, Jia-Chi Chiou, Yuyan Zhu, Keng Po Lai, Lei Li, Paul Kay Sheung Chan, James Kar-Hei Fa
11. ng*. Preliminary Findings of the High Quantity of Microplastics in Faeces of Hong Kong Residents. Toxics, 10(8), 414. (JCR1)
12. Kuo Lu#, Keng Po Lai#, Tobias Stoeger, Shuqin Ji, Ziyi Lin, Xiao Lin, Ting Fung Chan, James Kar-Hei Fang, Michael Lo, Liang Gao, Chen Qiu, Shanze Chen, Guobing Chen, Lei Li*, Lingwei Wang*. Detrimental effects of microplastic exposure on normal and asthmatic pulmonary physiology. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2021, 416: 126069. (* corresponding authors，JCR1, cited by WHO microplastic report 2022)
13. Hoi Shing Lo, Beverly Hoi Ki Po, Laam Li, Aman Yi Man Wong, Richard Yuen Chong Kong, Lei Li, William Ka Fai Tse, Chris Kong Chu Wong, Siu Gin Cheung*, Keng Po Lai*. Bisphenol A and its analogues in sedimentary microplastics of Hong Kong, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2021, 164: 112090. (JCR1)
14. Lei Li*. A Lower-brainstem Structure Coordinates Acquisition of Negative Experience. Neuroscience Bulletin, 2020, 36(8):955-957. (* corresponding authors，JCR1)
15. Shuqin Ji#, Lingwei Wang#, Lei Li*. Effect of Metformin on Short-Term High-Fat Diet-Induced Weight Gain and Anxiety-Like Behavior and the Gut Microbiota.Frontiers in Endocrinology, 2019, 10:704 (* corresponding authors，JCR1)
16. Zheng Zhou#, Xuemei Liu#, Shanping Chen, Zhijian Zhang,Yuanming Liu, Quentin Montardy,Yongqiang Tang, Pengfei Wei, Nan Liu, Lei Li, Ru Song, Juan Lai, Xiaobin He, Chen Chen, Guoqiang Bi, Guoping Feng, Fuqiang Xu*, Liping Wang*. A VTA GABAergic Neural Circuit Mediates Visually Evoked Innate Defensive Responses. Neuron, 2019, 103:1-16.027. (JCR1)
17. Yan Huang#*, Lei Li#, Kun Dong, Hongsi Tang, Qingning Yang, Xianglian Jia, Yundan Liao, Wenbo Wang, Zhen Ren, Lin Chen, Liping Wang*. Topological Shape Changes Weaken the Innate Defensive Response to Visual Threat in Mice. Neuroscience Bulletin, 2019, 36(4): 427-431. (# first authors，JCR1)
18. Lei Li#, Xiaolong Feng#, Zheng Zhou#, Huiqi Zhang, Qianqian Shi, Zhuogui Lei, Peilei Shen, Qingning Yang, Binghao Zhao, Shuran Chen, Lin Li, Yulin Zhang, Pengjie Wen, Zhonghua Lu, Xiang Li, Fuqiang Xu, Liping Wang*. Stress Accelerates Defensive Responses to Looming in Mice and Involves a Locus Coeruleus-Superior Colliculus Projection. Current Biology, 2018, 28: 859. (# first authors，JCR1)
19. Chunran Zhou#, Zheng Zhou#, Yushui Han, Zhuogui Lei, Lei Li, Quentin Montardy, Xuemei Liu, Fuqiang Xu, Liping Wang*. Activation of parvalbumin interneurons in anterior cingulate cortex impairs observational fear. Science Bulletin, 2018, 63: 771-778. (JCR1)
20. Lei Li*, Liping Wang*. Modulation of Innate Defensive Responses by Locus Coeruleus-Superior Colliculus Circuit. Journal of Experimental Neuroscience, 2018, 12: 1-3. (* corresponding authors，JCR1)
21. Lei Li#, Ping Ma#, Chen Huang, Yongjun Liu, Ye Zhang, Chen Gao, Tianxia Xiao, Pei-Gen Ren, Brian A Zabel, Jian V Zhang*. Expression of chemerin and its receptors in rat testes and its action on testosterone secretion.Journal of Endocrinology, 2014, 220: 155-163. (# first authors，JCR1)
22. Lei Li#, Chen Huang#, Xu Zhang, Jiangbo Wang, Ping Ma, Yongjun Liu, Tianxia Xiao, Brian A. Zabel, Jian V. Zhang*. Chemerin-Derived Peptide C-20 Suppressed Gonadal Steroidogenesis. American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, 2014, 71: 265-277. (# first authors，JCR2)
23. Lei Li#, Fai Tang, Wai-Sum O*. Preimplantation antagonism of adrenomedullin action compromises fetoplacental development and reduces litter size.Theriogenology, 2012, 77: 1846-1853. (# first authors，JCR1)
24. Lei Li#, Wai-Sum O*, Fai Tang. Adrenomedullin in rat follicles and corpora lutea: expression, functions and interaction with endothelin-1. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 2011, 9(1): 1-12. (# first authors，JCR1)
25. Lei Li#, Fai Tang, Wai-Sum O*. Coexpression of adrenomedullin and its receptor component proteins in the reproductive system of the rat during gestation. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology,2010, 8: 130. (# first authors，JCR1)
26. Lei Li#, Chris K.C. Wong*. Effects of dexamethasone and dibutyryl cAMP on stanniocalcin-1 mRNA expression in rat primary Sertoli and Leydig cells.Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 2008, 283: 96-103. (# first authors，JCR2)
27. Yuk-Yin Li#, Lei Li, Isabel Shui-Shan Hwang, Fai Tang, Wai-Sum O*. Coexpression of adrenomedullin and its receptors in the reproductive system of the rat: Effects on steroid secretion in rat ovary. Biology of Reproduction, 2008, 79: 200-208. (JCR2)