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Project Leader
Ray Syvitski
Phone: 902-426-1674
Fax: 902-426-9413
Email: Ray.Syvitski@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
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- NRC Biotechnology Research Institute
- NRC Genomics and Health Initiative
- NRC Institute for Biodiagnostics
- NRC Institute for Biological Sciences
- NRC Institute for Chemical Process and Environmental Technology
- NRC Institute for Marine Biosciences
- NRC Institute for Nutrisciences and Health
- NRC Plant Biotechnology Institute
- National Bioproducts Program
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Biotoxins for therapeutic and pharmacological applications
The isolation, purification and structural identification of marine-derived biotoxins have been integral facet of IMB’s research directives for 20 years. From this research a number of new families of toxins have been identified, from the much publicized domoic acid to unique spirolide toxins and unusual analogues of the most lethal non-protein toxin, saxitoxin. While most of our research has been directed to protecting the public from the toxic effects of these compounds, there remains considerable potential for the development of biotoxins as high-valued pharmacological tools and for use as therapeutic agents. Spirolides are being considered for treating glaucoma, Parkinson and Alzheimer’s disease. The saxitoxins are potential analgesics for treatment of chronic and post-operative pain. A concerted effort from a team of IMB and INH researchers is being proposed to characterize and explore the toxins modes of action to develop structure/activity-based assays, and explore their potential for therapeutic and pharmacological applications.
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