Research Interest: My laboratory investigates the influence of cannabinoids on nociceptor excitability and pain signaling through biophysical and pharmacological mechanisms. We identify ligand-binding sites and allosteric gating pathways in essential ion channels, including TRPA1, TRPV1, and nociceptive voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav1.7–Nav1.9), employing electrophysiology, mutagenesis, and structure–function techniques. Our objective is to utilize cannabinoid-inspired chemical tools to uncover actionable mechanisms and develop safer, peripherally acting analgesics.

Key Words: Phytocannabinoids, Synthetic cannabinoid analogs, TRPA1, TRPV1, Nav1.7, Nav1.8, Nav1.9, Nociceptor excitability, Ion channel biophysics, Electrophysiology, Analgesic drug discovery