Investigation into the adverse actions of drugs on ion channel in diabetes and obesity

Ion channels of the plasma membrane are paramount to cell survival and function, consequently it comes as no surprise they are an important therapeutic target for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases and medical conditions. On the contrary, however, ion channels also form an important off-target for a variety of drugs which are designed to act elsewhere, whose adverse effects, direct or otherwise, can contribute to contraindicative symptoms, morbidity and associated pathologies. Our laboratory is focused on understanding the ion-channel based mechanisms by which certain drugs are associated with the aetiology of obesity and type II diabetes. Such effects may be mediated via a direct action on the ion-channel itself, or be indirect via effects on intracellular factors that regulate the ion-channel behaviour of interest. We currently use a combination of patch clamp electrophysiology, electrochemistry, molecular biology, imaging and functional assays to investigate the molecular pharmacology of the adverse effects of drugs on key ion channels of pancreatic beta-cells and white fat adipocytes. Presently we are studying antidepressants, antipsychotics and statins, but are also interested in other potential candidate drugs. In particular, we are focused on ATP-sensitive K-channels, L-type Ca2+ channels and volume regulated anion channels. We welcome those who wish to join us in our quest by studying for a Phd in this contentious but necessary expanding field of research.