Investigating how neurotransmitter receptor diversity evolves and functions in response to ecological pressures, with applications in sensory biology and parasite control.
Research Area
Our research focuses on the molecular complexity of neurotransmission in invertebrates, particularly nematodes, and its evolutionary and ecological significance. We study ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that mediate excitatory and inhibitory signalling, using a multidisciplinary approach combining genetics, electrophysiology, high-resolution imaging, and behavioural analysis, predominantly using C. elegans as a model. Our overarching goal is to understand how receptor diversity influences neural circuit function, behavioural plasticity, and adaptation to environmental cues.
We have recently discovered a range of novel nematode specific LGICs that appear to function within sensory neurons and are interested in understanding how animals use these receptors to identify and distinguish food sources in a complex environment. Parasitic nematodes also represent a significant problem in agriculture, and we are interested in developing these nematode specific receptors as targets for new anti-helminthics. Finally we’re also interested in understanding to what extent receptor diversity exists across invertebrates through the use of phylogenetics and evolutionary studies.
Project Interests
I am interested in co-developing projects that explore:
(1) How novel amine-gated ion channels function in sensory neurons and mediate environmental adaptation.
(2) The pharmacology and evolution of nematode-specific ligand-gated channels with potential as novel anti-helminthic targets.
(3) Comparative analyses of neurotransmitter systems across species to uncover how molecular complexity in neural signalling has evolved.
Projects may involve CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, functional characterisation using electrophysiology, high-resolution imaging, or bioinformatics-driven receptor discovery in parasitic and free-living species.