Elucidating the Mode of Action of Nicotinic Receptor Ligands

Changes in neuronal ion channel function have been implicated in a variety of human diseases such as epilepsy, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the study of ion channel ligands is important to understand how they act and how they can be used as new therapeutics. The aim of this project is to integrate new methods of chemical synthesis with biological testing by electrophysiology and mutagenesis to optimise nicotinic receptor ligand structure. This powerful approach will allow us to improve potency and selectivity and provide information about the site of ligand interaction for a range of important neuronal nicotinic receptors.