Alex Discombe
PhD Student
Molecular endocrinology and pharmacology
Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research
Australia
Biography
Endocrinology and Pharmacology are the study of how hormones and pharmaceuticals act in the body respectively. At the molecular and cellular level, the focus is upon the receptors in the cell membranes that bind the hormones and pharmaceuticals, transmitting or blocking specific signals into our cells.
Research Interest
The major research focus of the group is the study of receptor complexes and their role in receptor function. Receptors interact with a variety of different proteins as well as other receptors, and it is important to understand how the resultant complexes work in terms of signalling and regulation. The aim is to use this knowledge to develop substantially improved pharmaceuticals with fewer side effects.
