On the morning of June 12, 2026, the School of Life Sciences held the 39th session of the 2026 Life Science Forum. The school invited Professor Li Zhong from Nanjing Medical University to deliver an academic lecture titled PNPLA7 and Systemic Energy Metabolism. The lecture was hosted by the Young Faculty Association. Many faculty members including Dean Dou Xiaobing, postdoctoral researchers and postgraduate students attended the event.

During the lecture, Professor Li systematically presented the functions and mechanisms of PNPLA7 in regulating lipid metabolism and energy balance. He first introduced the research progress of the PNPLA protein family, and pointed out that PNPLA7 knockout reduces the expression of various apolipoproteins and inhibits the secretion of very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), leading to lipid accumulation in the liver. This finding demonstrates the vital role of PNPLA7 in lipid metabolism regulation. On this basis, his team further explored the function of PNPLA7 in regulating adipose tissue browning. Adipose tissue browning is a key physiological process that balances energy storage and thermogenesis in the body. The team found that PNPLA7 promotes PINK1/PARKIN-mediated mitophagy, thereby suppressing the transformation of white fat into beige fat and increasing systemic energy storage. Apart from the latest research findings on PNPLA7, Professor Li also illustrated the standard research approaches for protein functional studies. The lecture broadened participants' thinking and provided a practical reference for relevant research.

After the presentation, teachers and students raised questions actively and conducted in-depth discussions with Professor Li on research details. This academic forum has effectively broadened the academic horizons of all participants, deepened their understanding of lipid metabolism and systemic energy balance, and exerted a positive impact on the thinking training and academic development of young researchers.