The goal of the proposed Program is to improve treatments forpain, especially persistent pain, which remains a poorly managed global health burden. Our pre-eminent team integrates a unique set of complementary research skills in using peptides derived from venomous invertebrates to dissect the pharmacology of pain pathways in persistent pain states, and develop these novel peptides to the point where they can be considered for pre-clinical development in collaboration with commercial partners.
Pathophysiology Of Focal Human Entrapment Neuropathy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$33,626.00
Summary
Neuropathy patients suffer from tingling, pain, numbness, spontaneous muscle contraction and cramp. The symptoms reflect abnormal activation of the nerve involved. It is known that an external agitation can worsen them, like in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study aims to investigate if changes in function of axonal membrane ion channel play any part in the symptoms. This will be done by comparing axonal membrane ion channel functions of healthy and CTS patients under external stimuli.
Tropisetron: Molecular Mechanisms Of Action At The 5-HT3 Receptor And The Glycine Receptor
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$371,800.00
Summary
Tropisetron and related drugs are used clinically to combat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. These drugs are termed '5-HT3 antagonists' because they block the activity of 5-HT3 receptor ion channels, which are found in parts of the brain that control the vomit reflex. Tropisetron also has potent effects on the glycine receptor chloride channel, which inhibits the nervous system. Depending on the concentration used, tropisetron can either increase or decrease the activity of the glycine ....Tropisetron and related drugs are used clinically to combat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. These drugs are termed '5-HT3 antagonists' because they block the activity of 5-HT3 receptor ion channels, which are found in parts of the brain that control the vomit reflex. Tropisetron also has potent effects on the glycine receptor chloride channel, which inhibits the nervous system. Depending on the concentration used, tropisetron can either increase or decrease the activity of the glycine receptor. If a drug can be found to selectively increase glycine receptor activity, it may be useful as an analgesic. In this project, we aim to understand the molecular mechanisms by which tropisetron interacts with the 5-HT3 receptor and the glycine receptor. This may help to identify novel analgesic drugs and more selective anti-emetic drugs.Read moreRead less
Communication Between Calcium Ion Channels In Skeletal Muscle Excitation-contraction Coupling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$603,100.00
Summary
Ageing, injury, drugs or genetic defects cause muscle weakness, prevent exercise, compromise life style and contribute to poor health and osteoporosis. In order to move signals travel from our brain to muscles, where one calcium ion channel detects the signal and tells a second calcium channel to open and release calcium ions to initiate contraction. The project will pave the way for developing drugs to help with muscle disorders by trageting the site of interaction between the channels.