Li Li

Email: li.li-zizhang@qmul.ac.uk

Research Interests

A main target of neuroscience is to understand mechanisms underlying learning, memory formation and memory maintenance. Learning and memory offer animals the ability to modify their behavior in response to changes in the environment. Bees’ remarkable learning ability has attracted extensive attention and has made bees a popular model for studying the neurobiological basis of learning and memory. My work focuses on exploring genes, neurotransmitter and other small molecules related with visual learning and memory.

Research from my MSc

The topic of my master's thesis is 'Determination and Analysis of Biogenic Amines, miRNAs, Gene Expression Profile in the Brain of Honeybee Dancers'. I detected and compared small molecules in brains between foragers and dancers from three levels, biogenic amines (neurotransmitters), microRNAs and gene expression profiles in order to find forage-related and dance-related molecules. We have obtained some encouraging results. Some dance-related neural substrates, small RNAs and related genes were found and a part of results were described in one of my articles having been published on Journal of Insect Physiology.

Educational background

2013 – present: PhD. on Bees’ learning and memory behavior, The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary, University of London
2010 – 2012: MSc. on Honeybee Forage Behavior and Molecular Biology, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University
2006 – 2010: BSc. on Bee Science, College of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University

Publications

Li Li, Liu, F., Li, W., Li, Z., Pan, J., Yan, L., Zhang, S., Huang, Z.Y.& Su, S. (2012). Differences in MicroRNAs and their expressions between foraging and dancing honeybees, Apis mellifera L.. Journal of Insect Physiology, 58 (11): 1438-1443.

 

Li Li, Liu, F.& Su, S.(2012). Dopaminergic pathways and its effects on honeybee behaviours. Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology, 49(6): 1512-1517.

 

Li Li, Liu, F., Li, W. & Su, S.(2012). Characterization and mechanism of honeybee foraging behavior. Chinese Journal of Applied Entomology, 49(6): 1710-1718.

 

Liu, F., Peng, W., Li, Z., Li, W., Li Li, , Pan, J., Zhang, S., Miao, Y., Chen, S. & Su, S.(2012). Next-generation small RNA sequencing for microRNAs profiling in Apis mellifera: comparison between nurses and foragers. Insect Molecular Biology , .