Alexander James Laurence MartinPhD StudentEmail: a.j.l.martin@qmul.ac.ukRoom Number: Office 3.15 Abernethy Building, Blizard InstituteWebsite: ajmartin.oneProfileProfileProject title: Unravelling the molecular basis of proteolytic activation of neuronal calcium channels: a promising target for pain therapy Summary: Neuronal calcium channels (CaV2.2) are important components of synaptic transmission, playing a crucial role in human pain signalling. The auxiliary α₂δ subunit enhances CaV2.2 neuronal trafficking and activation, and is the pharmacological target of gabapentinoid drugs (e.g. gabapentin, pregabalin) used to treat neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. My research will combine a range of interdisciplinary bioscience techniques to investigate the mechanism of α₂δ-mediated CaV2.2 modulation. The knowledge gained from this project will be essential for the development of novel treatments with improved efficacy and tolerability. This work is supported by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council [grant number BB/T008709/1]. Supervisors Dr Ivan Kadurin (QMUL) Dr Matthew Gold (UCL) Research