Richard Lehner

Richard Lehner is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta and leads the Group on Molecular & Cell Biology of Lipids. His research focuses on understanding the cellular mechanisms of lipid metabolism in health and disease.

• University of Alberta
• Department of Pediatrics
• Group on Molecular & Cell Biology of Lipids

Research Interests center on triacylglycerol and cholesterol metabolism, particularly in relation to obesity, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, and cancer. Key projects include:

• Investigating Carboxylesterase 1d/Triacylglycerol Hydrolase (Ces1d/TGH) in lipid droplet dynamics and liver physiology
• Comparative analysis of DGAT1 vs. DGAT2 in lipid droplet formation and turnover
• Elucidating Arylacetamide Deacetylase (AADAC) in ER lipid retention and hepatic metabolism

Recent publication trends span lipid droplet biology (7/15), enzymatic regulation of metabolism (5/15), and disease mechanisms including cancer (2/15), obesity (3/15), and viral interactions (1/15). Notable methodologies include transgenic/knockout mouse models (4/15) and proteomic analysis (2/15).

Scientific Awards include:

• Anna Lee Memorial Lecturer, Harvard Medical School
• Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions Scientist
• Pfizer Cardiovascular Research Award
• Simon-Pierre Noel Lectureship

Advising Activities include mentoring graduate student Giacomo Perri (co-supervised). His laboratory team comprises Research Associate Jihong Lian, Technician Russell Watts, and Research Assistant Phung Tu.