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The Group's
major research focus is the quest for novel bioactive compounds
in and the proteomics of frog skin secretions. Molecules of
interest include those displaying anti-microbial, anti-cancer,
vasoactive, insecticidal or anthelmintic properties. Following
establishment of biological function, structural elucidation
is carried out using various state-of-the-art mass spectrometric
techniques (LCQ ion trap, MALDI-TOF, Q-TOF), automated Edman
degradation (where appropriate) and NMR. Facilities are available
for chemical synthesis and analog design.
Venoms
from a large range of scorpions and snakes, such as that from
the Gaboon viper, Bitis gabonica (left), are also being
investigated using the same strategy.
For further information please see the research profiles for
Dr
Stephen McClean, Dr
David Orr and Dr Tony Bjourson.
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Studies
are also performed on the isolation, structural characterisation
and chemical synthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites of
plant and microbial origin.
Extracts
of Aegle marmelos (right, above), Toddalia asiatica
(left), Houttuyniae cordata have been used in Asian
herbal medicine and isolation of the active principles from
these plants is currently underway.
For further
information please see the research profiles for Prof.
Franklin Smyth, Dr
VN Ramachandran and Dr
Stephen McClean.
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The mass
spectrometric behaviour of small molecules such as natural
alkaloids, synthetic drugs and dye compounds is a topic of
interest. MSn characterisation of pharmaceutical compounds
in the LCQ ion-trap mass spectrometer is one area of present
study. Previous studies have been carried out on the determination
of drugs and drug metabolites in human hair.
For further
information please see the research profiles for Prof.
Franklin Smyth, Dr
VN Ramachandran and Dr
Stephen McClean.
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