
This project is headed by Dr Trevor Lewis, collaborating with AProf Andrew Moorhouse and E/Prof Peter Barry. Our group deals with the structure and function of ion channels that underlie the process of neurotransmission.
We are investigating the relationship between the molecular structure and the physiological function of neurotransmitter receptor channels and in particular those that respond to the two major inhibitory neurotransmitters, glycine and GABA. This is achieved using state-of-the-art patch-clamp techniques to directly record currents flowing through individual channels, in order to determine the channel properties. We also utilize site-directed mutagenesis to modify the molecular structure of those channels and to determine how the structure relates to the cellular and physiological function. This is supported by building homology models of the receptors, including the human glycine receptor, to inform and test our hypotheses on channel function. We are involved in a range of projects - we are currently investigating:
Projects related to this group
The contribution of subunit interfaces to receptor activation in ligand gated ion channels
Switching on Brain Transporters to Switch off Brain Seizures
NHMRC Project Grant GNT1023202. The contribution of subunit interfaces to receptor activation
in ligand gated ion channels. 2012-14. T.M. Lewis and P.H. Barry
NHMRC Project Grant GNT1065882. Switching on Brain Transporters to Switch off Brain Seizures.
2014-16. A. Moorhouse, M. Klugmann and J. Power
Current students
Lab alumni (students)
Lab alumni (post-doctoral researchers)