Rate My Professor Zin Khant Aung

Zin Khant Aung is a Scientific Officer in the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, at the University of Otago. He holds BSc, PGDipSci, and MSc qualifications, including a Postgraduate Diploma from the Department of Anatomy (2010-2011). His research focuses on the neuroendocrine functions of the hormone prolactin, particularly its role in the neurobiological adaptations of the maternal brain and regulation of energy homeostasis during pregnancy. As a member of the Centre for Neuroendocrinology, he collaborates on projects with senior researchers such as Professor David R. Grattan, Dr. Sharon R. Ladyman, and Dr. Rosemary S. E. Brown.

Aung has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, contributing to advancements in maternal physiology. Key publications include: Ladyman et al., "Prolactin modulation of thermoregulatory circuits provides resilience to thermal challenge of pregnancy," Cell Reports 44(4):115567 (2025); Aung et al., "Transient loss of satiety effects of leptin in middle-aged male mice," Journal of Neuroendocrinology 36:e13386 (2024); Brown et al., "High fat diet-induced maternal obesity in mice impairs peripartum maternal behaviour," Journal of Neuroendocrinology 35:e13350 (2023); Wall et al., "Unexpected plasma gonadal steroid and prolactin levels across the mouse estrous cycle," Endocrinology 164(6):bqad070 (2023); Aung et al., "Enhanced pup retrieval behaviour in a mouse model of polycystic ovary syndrome," Journal of Neuroendocrinology (2022); Phillipps et al., "Elevated prolactin secretion during proestrus in mice," Journal of Neuroendocrinology (2022); Georgescu et al., "Prolactin-mediated restraint of maternal aggression in postpartum mice," PNAS (2022); Ladyman et al., "A reduction in voluntary physical activity in early pregnancy in mice," eLife (2021); Aung et al., "Prolactin-Induced Adaptation in Glucose Homeostasis in Mouse Pregnancy Is Mediated by the Pancreas and Not in the Forebrain," Frontiers in Endocrinology (2021); and Augustine et al., "Impaired hypothalamic leptin sensitivity in pseudopregnant mice," Journal of Neuroendocrinology 31(9):e12702 (2019). He also presented "Role of prolactin sensitive POA to VTA pathway in suppression of running wheel activity during early pregnancy" at the 18th New Zealand Medical Sciences Congress (2024).