Prof John H Miller
Kelburn Campus
New Zealand
Mechanism of Action of Marine Natural Products: Prof John H Miller investigating the mode of action of microtubule-stabilizing agents isolated from marine sponges for development as anti-cancer drugs. We are also exploring the potential therapeutic use of these bioactive compounds in diseases of inflammation, such as multiple sclerosis, and in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers Disease. I am currently focusing on interactions of these drugs with their primary and secondary protein targets, using semi-synthetic analogs to determine their structure-activity relationships.
Neurochemistry of Drug Abuse: Prof John H Miller also interested in the effects of MDMA (ecstasy), cannabis, and tobacco smoke extracts on brain neurochemistry. Currently, we are investigating the links between cannabinoid receptors and opioid receptors and their effects on learning and memory.
Marine Natural Products, Neurochemistry, Drug Abuse