Drug discovery and peptide engineering using venom peptides

Our research focuses on bioactive molecules isolated from plants and the venom of snakes, spiders and cone snails. Researchers are actively pursuing these molecules in their quest to identify new drug leads for the treatment of chronic pain, inflammation, obesity and cancer. Specifically, we are interested in understanding how they can harness the natural drug-like properties of these bioactive molecules and use them as neuroscience tools to explore the interactions between the bioactive molecules and their targets in the human body. Our team investigates these interactions using sophisticated peptide engineering and a range of biophysical techniques including NMR spectroscopy and activity assays. By understanding these interactions in detail we will be able to create new and improved drugs with fewer side effects.

Traineeships, honours and PhD projects include

• Understanding of peptide-membrane interactions
• Peptide engineering and drug design
• Drug discovery of novel pain therapeutics
• Design of orally bioavailable peptides.