A/Prof Markus Muttenthaler, UQ : "From Venoms to Neuropeptides – Molecular Tools for Neuroscience"
Speaker:
A/Prof Markus Mutthenthaler
Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland
Title: "FROM VENOMS TO NEUROPEPTIDES – MOLECULAR TOOLS FOR NEUROSCIENCE"
Abstract:
Peptides have emerged as a therapeutically and commercially important drug class with the advantage of excellent specificity and potency as well as low toxicity. Peptide research has innovated the treatment of numerous diseases, including diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, gastrointestinal disorders, obesity and pain, with >80 peptide drugs approved and >150 peptides in clinical trials. Peptides are also invaluable research tools for investigating the physiological functions of receptors and the underlying mechanisms of diseases.
My research group pushes the frontiers in therapeutic lead discovery and molecular probe development, with a particular focus on bioactive peptides from natural sources and human neuropeptides. Australia’s rich natural diversity in venomous animals and plants supports our discovery and development efforts, and our expertise in synthetic chemistry and pharmacology allows us to customise lead molecules towards receptor subtype-selective probes, cutting-edge imaging tools, and drug candidates. We have a strong interest in collaborating with neuroscientists to develop the next generation of tools for investigating brain processes, so if there is an interest in neuropeptides, ion channel and GPCR modulators, new imaging tools and photocontrollable probes, oxytocin, vasopressin, or memory formation, then come along to the talk and happy to meet afterwards.
About Neuroscience Seminars
Neuroscience seminars at the QBI play a major role in the advancement of neuroscience in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary goal of these seminars is to promote excellence in neuroscience through the exchange of ideas, establishing new collaborations and augmenting partnerships already in place.
Seminars in the QBI Auditorium on Level 7 are held on Wednesdays at 12-1pm, which are sometimes simulcast on Zoom (with approval from the speaker). We also occassionally hold seminars from international speakers via Zoom. The days and times of these seminars will vary depending on the time zone of the speaker. Please see each seminar listed below for details.
