Howard Florey Institute Australia's Brain Research Institute

The Neuropetides Group has several scientific laboratories

The Neurochemistry Laboratory

Led by Dr Siew Yeen Chai and supported by five staff and two students, the Neurochemistry Laboratory investigates the characteristics of an enzyme, the insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP), and its role in the generation or breakdown of key molecules that transmit communication between cells known as peptide hormones. Specifically, the laboratory studies the IRAP's poorly understood potential tissue specific roles.

The Peptide Laboratory

Led by Professor John Wade and supported by five staff and three students, the Peptide Laboratory focuses on the structure and function relationship of members of the insulin superfamily, particularly relaxins-2 and 3 and insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3).

The Peptide Neurobiology Laboratory

Led by Associate Professor Andrew Gundlach and supported by three staff and five students, the Peptide Neurobiology Laboratory investigates relaxin-3 and its biological roles to exploit their clinical potential

The Relaxin-Fibrosis Laboratory

Led by Dr Chrishan Samuel and supported by one staff and three students, the Relaxin-Fibrosis Laboratory uses models of ischemic and hypertensive heart disease, allergic airways disorders (such as asthma), obstructive renal disease and diabetes to investigate the therapeutic potential of relaxin; the primary focus being to establish the anti-fibrotic and regenerative capacity of the peptide hormone.

The Neuropeptide Receptor Laboratory

Led by Dr Ross Bathgate and supported by two staff and five students, the Neuropeptide Receptor Laboratory studies the peptide hormones, relaxin, relaxin-3 and insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3), and their numerous essential biological roles.

The Synaptic Neurobiology Laboratory 

Led by Dr David Bowser, the Synaptic Neurobiology Laboratory investigates how cells in the brain communicate with each other and their local environment.