Pharmaceutical scientist with a PhD in Drug Discovery Biology from Monash University (Melbourne, Australia).
My PhD focused on developing a model to study the physiology involved in the regulation of prostatic tone and contractility of the human prostate gland, specifically in the context of understanding and treating symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. This model was used to test the effectiveness of current and emerging pharmacotherapies directly on the prostate gland, and characterising and identifying underlying mechanisms in the regulation of prostatic tone in the human prostate gland. Techniques used in this project include intracellular microelectrode electrophysiology and conventional tension recording experiments.
My postdoctoral research project focused on elucidating the effects of phosphodiesterase inhibitors on central and peripheral control of bladder function. In this study, the effects on neuronal neurotransmitter release from efferent nerve terminals and consequences on detrusor smooth muscle contractility, and urothelial neurotransmitter release, were explored. I used an innovative approach to develop and validate methodologies to measure neurotransmitter (adenosine triphosphate and acetylcholine) release to the bladder.
Through these studies we found that modulating cyclic nucleotides: 1) increasing cyclic guanosine monophosphate with phosphodiesterase inhibitors or soluble guanylate cyclase activators, or 2) decreasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate through the activity of adenosine at adenosine A1 receptors, can both inhibit neurotransmitters involved in pathological bladder conditions, whilst leaving neurotransmitters involved in normal physiological function intact. My current research focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms which may be involved in this differential neurotransmitter release.
I have detailed knowledge in the physiology and pharmacology of lower urinary tract function.