Quan Zhang

Quan Zhang is an Associate Professor of Endocrine Cell Physiology and University Research Lecturer at the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), University of Oxford. He holds the prestigious Diabetes UK RD Lawrence Research Fellowship. His work centers on pancreatic islet physiology with direct implications for diabetes pathophysiology and treatment.

Dr. Zhang's research focuses on the intricate regulation of glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, particularly the interplay between intrinsic mechanisms (K_ATP channel activity, glucose metabolism) and paracrine signaling (insulin, somatostatin from neighboring cells). His laboratory employs electrophysiology, hormone secretion assays, and advanced imaging to dissect how alpha cell dysfunction contributes to diabetic hyperglucagonemia. Key discoveries include the role of K_ATP channels in glucagon dysregulation and the identification of novel regulatory pathways involving amino acids, adrenaline, and metabolic sensors.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2018-2024) reveals a cohesive research trajectory examining cellular mechanisms of hormone secretion in pancreatic islets. His work spans molecular investigations of ion channels (K_ATP, PIEZO1), metabolic enzymes (ACC1, glucokinase), and intercellular communication networks, with consistent translational relevance to diabetes therapeutics. The publications demonstrate methodological diversity while maintaining focus on alpha cell physiology and glucagon dysregulation.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Diabetes UK RD Lawrence Research Fellow

Dr. Zhang leads research within the Rorsman Group at OCDEM, utilizing multidisciplinary approaches to study endocrine cell physiology. His laboratory investigates how dysregulation of glucagon secretion contributes to diabetes pathogenesis, with particular emphasis on identifying druggable targets such as K_ATP channels. Current work continues to explore the complex cell-cell communication within pancreatic islets and its failure in diabetes.