Natural toxins and their synthetic analogues as tools to study ion channels and as potential drugs and pesticides
Fact file
| Duration |
Three to four years full-time |
|---|
| Eligibility |
Self-funded; Home, EU or International Students |
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| Supervisor(s) |
Dr Ian Mellor |
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| Application deadline |
No deadline |
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About the project
The project will use a combination of electrophysiological techniques such as voltage-clamp and patch-clamp with molecular biology and protein expression to understand how natural toxins and their synthetic analogues act on ion channels in the nervous system. This project will study the modes and sites of action of the toxins and assess their suitability for development as novel therapeutic agents or pesticides. Sources of active compounds that we are presently exploring include centipede venom and ladybird defensive secretions, but we can consider other novel sources. The project could also be directed towards the study of existing drugs and pesticides in order to better understand their modes and sites of action or to investigate problems in their use such as insecticide resistance. These studies also reveal much about the structure and function of ion channels.
Funding notes
This project is available to self-funded students. Home applicants should contact the supervisor to determine the current funding status for this project. EU applicants should visit the Graduate School webpages for information on specific EU scholarships. International applicants should visit our International Research Scholarships page for information regarding fees and funding at the University.
See this project on FindaPhD
Natural toxins and their synthetic analogues as tools to study ion channels and as potential drugs and pesticides