Receptors, Channels & Signalling
The transduction and transmission of signals throughout the body depends on the integrated activity of receptors, ion channels and enzymes in the nervous system and other tissues. The major interest of the Receptors, Channels & Signaling group is to understand the mechanisms that operate under normal conditions and during disease. Studies within the group are focused on the mechanisms of sensory transduction and signaling in neuronal and neuroendocrine cells, the regulation of neuronal excitability, and the signaling mechanisms responsible for neurogenesis and neural cell migration. This group comes together under the direction of Professor Stuart Bevan and Professor Helen Cox
Mechanisms of sensory transduction and transmission
Professor Stuart Bevan
Our research focuses on the mechanisms of sensory transduction and transmission in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. Much of our work is directed to understanding the cellular and molecular processes that underlie nociception and analgesia.
Endocannabinoid signalling
Professor Pat Doherty
The DAGLs are responsible for making the ligand that activates the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. This is an important pathway for regulating pain responses. Doherty’s group are elucidating the mechanisms that regulate DAGL activity.
Drug Discovery Lab
Professor Jonathan Corcoran
Our group is interested in the development of orally available retinoids for the treatment of CNS disorders. We are developing a number of novel retinoid receptor specific agonists and tool compounds to look at the mechanisms of retinoid signalling pathways in Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injury and neurogenesis.
Peptide receptor signalling
Professor Helen Cox
The Cox group are investigating how the gut senses nutrients and signals their presence via G protein-coupled receptors present on enteroendocrine cells, epithelia and enteric neurons.
Chemokines in mediating neuron-glia communication
Dr Marzia Malcangio
We study the role of chemokines in mediating neuron-glia communication. In this context we are evaluating the contribution of the neuronal chemokine CX3CL1 and microglial receptor CX3CR1 to persistent pain and neuronal survival.
Ionic sensory transduction mechanisms
Dr David Andersson
Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are essential transduction molecules that convert chemical and physical information into electrical and ionic signals. My work is focused on how TRP channels contribute to sensory neuron transduction mechanisms
TRPV4
Dr Andy Grant
TRPV4 has diverse physiological roles, and is expressed on neuronal and non-neuronal cells. I am investigating the contribution of neuronal TRPV4 to sensory function
Drosophila Model
Dr Joseph Bateman
We are interested in how insulin receptor/TOR signalling controls neural cell fate. We study how this highly conserved pathway controls neurogenesis and gliogenesis using Drosophila as a model system.
Desensitization as a drug target
Dr Reggie Docherty
Receptors and signalling systems regulating of ion channel activity in sensory nerves with a focus on mechanisms of desensitization of systems and cross-desensitization between systems.
Ion Channel Regulation of Excitability
Dr Jon Robbins
I study the regulation of ion channels by neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and second messengers with the aim of understanding the control neuronal excitability. I am also developing novel electrophysiological recording methods to allow non-invasive, long term recordings using CMOS technology.
Membrane organization in synaptic function and dysfunction
Dr Oleg Glebov
Dynamic regulation of neuronal membrane properties is a critical for correct functioning of the nervous system, and aberrations in this process are associated with most known neurological disorders. I study the cellular mechanisms regulating membrane organization of the synapse in mammalian neurons, with a particular interest in Alzheimer’s disease.