Structure and function of L-type channels in lymnaea stagnalis

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The goal of my hypothesis-driven research program is to examine the structure and functions of L-type calcium channels.  These channels participate in many essential brain functions, such as: 1) patterned nerve activity controlling rhythmic behaviours such as respiration, feeding and locomotion; 2) the plasticity of neurons, which underlie processes such as how we learn and remember; and 3) the outgrowth and development of synaptic connections between neurons.  Research into the latter will be particularly critical for being able to harness the power of nerve regeneration in brains injured by trauma or in diseased brains like Parkinson's.  We are also screening L-type channels with peptide toxins from venomous invertebrates to identify potential pharmaceuticals.  To date, medicinal drugs targeted for these channels are not brain specific, but widespread in the treatment of heart and circulatory-related conditions such as high blood pressure, angina and arrhythmias.  Identified snail specific blockers may be engineered into a lethal, anti-snail bio-pesticide to prevent transmission of poorly-treatable, snail-related diseases.  At present, for example, schistosomiasis, carried by a snail host, affects domesticated animal populations and is also responsible for ~200 thousand deaths and cripples ~200 million people every year.  In addition to screening for new compounds, we are also modelling the pore structure of L-type channels.  Modelling provides us with an opportunity to identify residues of the pore which confer selectivity and drug sensitivity. Lab trainees will be exposed to multidisciplinary approaches in my laboratory bridging the fields of ion channel biophysics, molecular biology, protein biochemistry and integrative physiology underlying animal behaviour.  They will also be exposed to a variety of electrophysiological techniques including recording at the level of transfected ion channels in vitro, neurons and synapses in culture and even identified neural circuits in the intact brain.  Trainees will gain valuable experience which will provide them with lifelong opportunities in basic and clinical Life Science research, the pharmaceutical industry, governmental agencies and academia.