Dr Anna Tang

I am a Teaching Fellow in Neuroscience and Biological Sciences at the University of Leicester with a background in clinical neurology and neuroscience research. I trained as a clinician in China and later completed a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Manchester, focusing on neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Alongside my clinical experience as a consultant neurologist, I have developed extensive teaching expertise, supporting and mentoring medical and biological sciences students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. My current research interests lie in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease, and I am committed to integrating clinical insight and research evidence into my teaching to inspire and support students.

• Tang, H., Sun, Y., Fachim, H.A., Cheung, T.K.D., Reynolds, G.P. and Harte, M.K., 2023. Elevated expression of two pore potassium channel THIK-1 in Alzheimer’s disease: an inflammatory mechanism. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 95(4), pp.1757-1769.
• Tang, H. and Harte, M., 2021. Investigating markers of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in Alzheimer’s disease: a human post-mortem study. Genes, 12(11), p.1753.
• Tang, H., Dalton, C.F., Srisawat, U., Zhang, Z.J. and Reynolds, G.P., 2014. Methylation at a transcription factor-binding site on the 5-HT1A receptor gene correlates with negative symptom treatment response in first episode schizophrenia. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 17(4), pp.645-649.
• Tang, H., McGowan, O.O. and Reynolds, G.P., 2014. Polymorphisms of serotonin neurotransmission and their effects on antipsychotic drug action. Pharmacogenomics, 15(12), pp.1599-1609.
• Li, X.L., Yuan, Y.G., Xu, H., Wu, D., Gong, W.G., Geng, L.Y., Wu, F.F., Tang, H., Xu, L. and Zhang, Z.J., 2015. Changed synaptic plasticity in neural circuits of depressive-like and escitalopram-treated rats. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 18(10), p.pyv046.
• Lu, S., Peng, H., Wang, L., Vasish, S., Zhang, Y., Gao, W., Wu, W., Liao, M., Wang, M., Tang, H. and Li, W., 2013. Elevated specific peripheral cytokines found in major depressive disorder patients with childhood trauma exposure: a cytokine antibody array analysis. Comprehensive psychiatry, 54(7), pp.953-961.

Alongside teaching, I supervise MBiolSci Final Year Projects that investigate how genetic variation and DNA methylation in specific genes may influence cognitive performance. Drawing on my background as a neurologist and researcher in neurodegenerative diseases, I guide students in developing their research skills while encouraging them to explore the fascinating links between genetics, brain function, and behaviour.

I teach on undergraduate modules including BS2014, BS3033, and BS3055, where I enjoy making complex topics accessible and engaging for students. My aim is to spark curiosity in neuroscience and help students build confidence in applying their knowledge.