Determining the role of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in the development of addictive behaviours. The economic and health burden of substance abuse in Australia exceeds $31.5 billion and there are currently few treatment options. Nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) are a common target for the interaction of alcohol and nicotine in the brain. This project aims to determine the role of nAChRs in the development of addiction to alcohol and nicotine.
The molecular basis of ionic selectivity in nicotinic-type ion channel receptors. The ability of cell membranes to transport sodium, potassium and chloride selectively is important for many physiological processes. By elucidating the mechanisms by which membrane ion channels flux chloride ions, selectively this project will have wide-ranging ramifications from understanding physiological processes to nanofluidic device design.
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210100422
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$447,346.00
Summary
Using toxins to manipulate the gating of voltage-gated sodium channels. The project aims to investigate how sodium channel subtypes contribute to the excitability of sensory neurons by utilising venom-derived peptides that specifically target and alter the function of these channels. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of neuroscience using an interdisciplinary approach including synthetic peptide chemistry, pharmacology and electrophysiology. Expected outcomes of this pro ....Using toxins to manipulate the gating of voltage-gated sodium channels. The project aims to investigate how sodium channel subtypes contribute to the excitability of sensory neurons by utilising venom-derived peptides that specifically target and alter the function of these channels. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of neuroscience using an interdisciplinary approach including synthetic peptide chemistry, pharmacology and electrophysiology. Expected outcomes of this project include the development of new venom-based research tools and improved techniques for studying sodium channel function. This will provide significant benefits, including advancement of fundamental knowledge in physiology and the development of novel analgesics. Read moreRead less