Zhenmin Lei, M.D., Ph.D.

Education: Zhenmin Lei, M.D., Ph.D.

M.D., Medicine, Fujian Medical College, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China; 1980
M.S., Histology and Embryology, Tianjin Medical College, Tianjin, P.R. China; 1984
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY; 1987-1990
Ph.D., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY; 1995 

Curriculum Vitae 

Current Positions: 

Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine
Vice-Chair for Research and Co-Director of the Research Working Group, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Louisville School of Medicine
Member, Experimental Therapeutics & Diagnostics Program, Brown Cancer Center 

Contact Information: 

Department of OB/GYN & Women’s Health
122 MDR Building
University of Louisville
511 South Floyd Street
Louisville, KY  40202
Phone:  502/852-5509
Email: 

Research Description: 

My laboratory has engaged in the research of reproductive endocrinology for many years.  The focus of the research in my laboratory involves understanding the molecular mechanism of gonadotropins and sex steroid hormones that regulate the development and function of gonadal and non-gonadal tissues as well as the roles in tumorigenesis and therapy.  To this end, we successfully established numerous techniques that are essential for study in this field, including transgenic and gene knockout mouse models and cell-based assays.  As PI or co-Investigator on several previous NIH- and state-funded grants, I am experienced in constructing a realistic plan, timeline and budget as well as research training.  I have a demonstrated record of successful and productive research projects in an area that is highly relevant to endocrine work. 

 

Literature Cited: 

  1. Liu Z, Larsen M, Lei Z, Rao CV, Kumar TR.  Lhb-/- Lhr-/- double mutant mice phenocopy Lhb-/-or Lhr-/- single mutants and display defects in Leydig cells and steroidogenesis.  International Journal of Molecular Sciences2022 Dec 11;23(24):15725.  doi: 10.10.3990/ijms232415725.  PMID: 36555365.  PMCID: PMC9779075.
  2. Xia K, Wang F, Lai X, Luo P, Chen H, Ma Y, Huang W, Ou W, Li Y, Feng X, Lei Z, Tu X, Ke Q, Mao FFX, Deng C, Xiang AP.  AAV-mediated gene therapy produces fertile offspring in the Lhcgr-deficient mouse model of Leydig cell failure.  Cell Reports Medicine 2022 Nov 15;3(11):100792.  doi: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100792.  PMID: 36270285.  PMCID: PMC9729833.
  3. Sun P, Wang H, Liu L, Guo K, Li X, Cao Y, Ko CM, Lan ZJ, Lei Z.  Aberrant activation of KRAS in mouse theca-interstitial cells results in female infertility.  Frontiers in Physiology 2022 Aug 19;13:991810.  doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.991719.  eCollection 2022.  PMID: 36060690.  PMCID: PMC9437434.
  4. Cao Yin, Liu L, Lin J, Sun P, Guo K, Li S, Li X, Lan ZJ, Wang H, Lei Z.  Dysregulation of Notch-FGF signaling axis in germ cells results in cystic dilation of the rete testis in mice.  Journal ofCell Communication & Signaling 2021 Mar;16(1):75-92.  doi: 10.1007/s12079-021-00628-0.  Epub 2021 Jun 8.  PMID: 34101112.  PMCID: PMC8688682.
  5. Lan ZJ, Lei Z, Nation L, Li X, Yiannikouris A, Yerramreddy TR, Kincaid H, Eastridge K, Xiao R, Goettl R, Power R.  Oral administration of NPC43 counters hyperglycemia and activates insulin receptor in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice.  BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care 2020 Sep;8(1):e001695.  doi: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001695.  PMID: 32998869.  PMCID: PMC7528369.
  6. Lan ZJ, Lei Z, Yiannikouris A, Yerramreddy TR, Li X, Kincaid H, Eastridge K, Gadberry H, Power C, Xiao R, Lei L, Seale O, Dawson K, Power R.  Non-peptidyl small molecule, adenosine, 5'-Se-methyl-5'-seleno-,2',3'-diacetate, activates insulin receptor and attenuates hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic Leprdb/db mice.  Cellular & Molecular Life Sciences 2020 Apr;77(8):1623-1643.  doi: 10.1007/s00018-019-03249-4.  Epub 2019 Aug 5.  PMID: 31378829.  PMCID: PMC7162833.
  7. Meriwether KV, Lei Z, Singh R, Gaskins J, Hobson DTG, Jala V.  The vaginal and urinary microbiomes in premenopausal women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome as compared to unaffected controls: A pilot cross-sectional study.  Frontiers in Cellular & Infectious Microbiology 2019 Apr 8;9:92.  doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00092.  PMID: 31024861.  PMCID: PMC6463740.
  8. Guo K, He Y, Liu L, Liang Z, Li X, Cai L, Lan ZJ, Zhou J, Wang H, Lei Z.  Ablation of Ggnbp2 impairs meiotic DNA double-strand break repair during spermatogenesis in mice.  Journal of Cellular & Molecular Medicine 2018 Oct;22(10):4863-4874.  doi: 10.1111/jcmm.13751.  Epub 2018 Jul 28.  PMID: 30055035.  PMCID: PMC6156456.
  9. Velardi E, Tsai JJ, Radtke S, Cooper K, Argyropoulos KV, Jae-Hung S, Young LF, Lazrak A, Smith OM, Lieberman S, Kreines F, Shono Y, Wertheimer T, Jenq RR, Hanash AM, Narayan P, Lei Z, Moore MA, Kiem HP, van den Brink MRM, Dudakov JA.  Suppression of luteinizing hormone enhances HSC recovery after hematopoietic injury.  Nature Medicine 2018 Feb;24(2):239-246.  doi: 10.1038/nm.4470.  Epub 2018 Jan 8.  Erratum in: Nature Medicine 2018 Apr 10;24(4):525.  PMID: 29309056.  PMCID: PMC5803436.
  10. Movsas T, Wong K, Ober M, Sigler R, Lei Z, Muthusamy A.  Confirmation of luteinizing hormone (LH) in living human vitreous and the effect of LH receptor reduction on murine electroretinogram.  Neuroscience 2018 Aug 10;385:1-10.  doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.049.  PMID: 29890291.  PMCID: PMC6063313.
  11. Liu L, He Y, Guo K, Zhou L, Li X, Tseng M, Cai L, Lan ZJ, Zhou J, Wang H, Lei Z.  Ggnbp2-null mutation in mice leads to male infertility due to a defect at the spermiogenesis stage.  American Journal of Pathology 2017 Nov;187(11):2508-2519.  doi: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.07.016.  Epub 2017 Aug 18.  PMID: 28823874.  PMCID: PMC5809596.
  12. Lan ZJ, Hu Y, Zhang S, Li X, Zhou H, Ding J, Klinge CM, Radde BN, Cooney AJ, Zhang J, Lei Z.  GGNBP2 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting estrogen receptor α activity in breast cancer cells.  Breast Cancer Research & Treatment 2016 Jul;158(2):263-276.  doi: 10.1007/s10549-016-3880-2.  Epub 2016 Jun 29.  PMID: 27357812.