Can you describe the aim of your research in 10 words?

To understand the mechanisms underlying the anti-diabetic action of metformin.

What have you discovered so far?

Metformin is the first-line agent for the management of type 2 diabetes but its mode of action remains elusive. Although it suppresses hepatic glucose production, a considerable proportion of the anti-diabetic action of metformin is likely to occur at the level of gastrointestinal tract given that metformin accumulates mostly in the intestine and is much more effective at lowering blood glucose after enteral than intravenous administration.

Our earlier work has shown that metformin inhibits intestinal glucose absorption and increases the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) – the gut-derived peptide with pleiotropic action to improve blood glucose control. Since GLP-1 is released predominantly from the ileum and colon, the distal gut is likely to be of greater relevance for the action of metformin.

In our current study supported by Diabetes Australia, we are investigating how metformin interacts with different regions of the gut to improve blood glucose control.

What aspect of this research excites you the most or has the most potential?

In practice, metformin usually needs to be taken at a relatively large dose for effective control of blood glucose. However it may not be well tolerated in a large proportion of people with type 2 diabetes and often leads to discontinuation of the treatment. Mechanistic insights into the actions of metformin have the potential to optimise its use.

What’s your Holy Grail – the one thing you’d like to achieve in your career?

The human gut is the key interface between ingested nutrients and the human body. Over the past several decades, there has been increasing recognition that gastrointestinal function is central to the pathophysiology and management of type 2 diabetes.

Through studying the complex interactions between nutrients, diabetic medicines and the gut, I hope that my research will lead to the development of improved, gut-based, dietary and/or pharmacological therapies for type 2 diabetes.

How long before your work impacts patient care?

The current metformin study is performed in people with type 2 diabetes, so I believe the findings will have immediate clinical implications.

If the lower gut is proven to be more relevant to the lowering of blood glucose by metformin, new preparations/formulations that optimise the interaction of metformin with the lower gut should be developed. In this way a lower dose of metformin, which would be better tolerated, may produce equivalent or even better efficacy to the currently available preparations.

Who has inspired you?

I was trained in endocrinology in China, and have always been interested in research that will improve the management of diabetes. While studying at the University of Adelaide, I have been very fortunate to have a strong mentorship from Professors Chris Rayner (gastroenterology), Michael Horowitz (endocrinology) and Karen Jones (nuclear medicine).

Their complementary expertise has inspired my current research that focuses on the interaction of nutrients, diabetic medicine and the gut. They have also provided friendship that has convinced me to pursue a research career in Australia.

Describe your perfect day.

The birth of my twin daughters has redefined perfection. I very much enjoy their visits to my office and laboratory.

If you could only keep three possessions, what would they be?

I would keep my car so that I can travel around easily with my family; my computer so I can keep myself connected internationally; and my coffee machine, which makes everyday life more enjoyable.

Can you nominate a book that influenced you?

The Analects of Confucius has had a big influence in my life. I have continued to benefit from the book in my current clinical research.

For example, inspired by the ancient wisdom that “Bitter medicine is good for health” and modern biology that bitter taste receptors are widely present in the human gut, one of my current research projects is investigating the role of bitter taste in the control of metabolic homeostasis.