Michael Espiritu
Professor
Pharmacy
Pacific University
India
Biography
Education: 2017 Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Pharmacy, Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR 2017 Doctor of Philosophy, Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 2011 Bachelors of Science, Biology, Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, HI
Research Interest
Areas of Research & Specialization: My research interest is in the discovery and development of novel inhibitors of targets related to pain and addiction. Particularly I have focused on studying small venom-derived peptides, known as conotoxins, which have a level of selectivity for a variety of ion channels. Many of these ion channels appear to play a role in pain pathways, making them attractive targets for the relief of severe or intractable pain. My goal is to harness the properties of these peptides to one day produce analgesics for severe forms of pain that are non-addictive.
Publications
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Azhar M, Kennady PK, Pande G, Espiritu M, Holloman W, Brazill D, Gomer RH, Nanjundiah V. Cell cycle phase, cellular Ca2+ and development in Dictyostelium discoideum. International Journal of Developmental Biology. 2002 Mar 1;45(2):405-14.
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Zelle BA, Bhandari M, Espiritu M, Koval KJ, Zlowodzki M, Evidence-Based Orthopaedic Trauma Working Group. Treatment of distal tibia fractures without articular involvement: a systematic review of 1125 fractures. Journal of orthopaedic trauma. 2006 Jan 1;20(1):76-9.
