Biggin Group - Computational Biochemistry

Members of the Laboratory - Mina Moniri

Background

I am a current DPhil (PhD) student in the OXION (Ion Channels and Disease) Wellcome Trust programme. I graduated with a BSc in Biochemistry, and went on to obtain my MSc in Neuroscience which helped me realise my interest in interdisciplinary science that can help bridge the gap between disciplines and techniques. I’m carrying out my PhD in both the Biggin group in Biochemistry as well as the Ellender group in Pharmacology.



Research

My current research centres around the NMDA receptor – central in synaptic plasticity and memory in the brain as well as pivotal in several brain disorders such as epilepsy. In particular, I focus on how negative and positive allosteric modulators affect the receptor both structurally and functionally. I am interested in using molecular dynamic simulations at the atomistic level to parse the interactions of the residues present in the ligand binding domain of the NMDA receptor in the presence and absence of modulators. Functionally, I use single cell electrophysiology to investigate the effects of these ligands in epileptic brain slices as well as in different stages of brain development in mice. Being able to combine the expertise of two different departments and thus both wet and dry lab techniques will allow a better understanding of the mechanisms of NMDA receptor gating as well as lead to further insight to improve treatments for epilepsy.
Linkedin: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mina-moniri-2bba50112

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MMoniri



The work is supported by the Wellcome Trust.