Hu Qiang, Professor of Arizona State University paid a visit to Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB) on June 8.

On June 8, Hu Qiang, Professor of Arizona State University paid a visit to Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB). During his visit, he made a presentation entitled “Formation of algal lipid bodies and its application in algal biofuel.

Lipid bodiesare intracellular structures that are covered by phospholipid monolayer. Scholars have already known the existence of algal lipid body but its formation and physiological function are rarely reported. In recent years, researches on the forming mechanism of lipid bodies in human bodies and higher plants as well as its relationship with disease have been systematically conducted and have become the focus of study. Currently, the lipid bodies are considered to be originated from endoplasmic reticulum, yet it is lack of sufficient evidence to support this hypothesis. Prof. Hu’s research team conducted rewarding research on the forming mechanism and physiological function of lipid bodies inChlamydomonas. They have obtained dozens of valuable electron microscopic images for intracellular structures ofChlamydomonas, visually revealing that lipid bodies inChlamydomonasmight be originated from endoplasmic reticulum or chloroplast, and might be closely associated with mitochondrion. Lipid bodies were greatly accumulated whenChlamydomonaswas cultured under nitrogen-deficiency condition. Prof. Hu’s team discovered that this accumulation showed that lipid bodies have been involved in the stress reaction of cells. In addition, Prof. Hu conducted functional research on genes related to the formation of lipid bodies. He pointed out that there are both opportunities and challenges in obtaining biofuels by algal lipid bodies.

In closing, Prof. Hu suggested that students shall give full play to their strengths in doing research, share and exchange views on the latest research approaches and methodologies with colleagues, and be creative in exploring new fields of study.

Studied and worked at IHB during his earlier life, Prof. Hu has been cooperating with IHB all these years.