Neuropeptides Group
- Members of the Neuropeptides Group
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 Laboratory
Led by Professor Geoffrey Tregear and supported by twelve staff, seven research assistants and twelve students, the Relaxin Laboratory centres its main research on peptide ligand and protein receptor chemistry and biological function.
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.
Research
