On July 25, 2016, with the invitation of Dr. Ouyang Kunfu, Prof. A. Mark Evans from the University of Edinburgh visited our school and gave us a excellent lecture titled “Regulation of breathing and oxygen supply by the AMP-activated protein kinase”.

Progression of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension is thought to be due, in part, to suppression of voltage-gated potassium channels (K_v) in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells that is mediated by the inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. In this lecture, Prof. A. Mark Evans introduced the role of AMP-activated protein kinase in this process. He concluded that AMPK is the primary mediator of reductions in K_v1.5 channels following inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation during hypoxia and by mitochondrial poisons. Then, he described that deletion of AMPK in the carotid body resulting hypoventilation and apnea during hypoxia. AMPK is required to coordinate the activation by hypoxia of brainstem respiratory networks, and deficiencies in AMPK expression precipitate hypoventilation and apnea.（Written by Yang Feili）

Profile for the speaker:

Prof. A. Mark Evans received his A. B. Degree form Sunderland University in 1987, and got his Ph.D. from Edinburgh University in 1990. Now, he is a professor at University of Edinburgh. His current investigations focus on the regulation of cardio-respiratory function by hypoxia, from acute acclimation to sleep apnoea and pulmonary hypertension. In this respect, they employ an integrative approach, learning from outcomes of investigations on intracellular Ca²⁺ signalling, systems function and the behavioural response of the whole animal.