Unlocking the secrets of fentanyl: exploring the anomalous pharmacology of fentanyl at the µ-opioid receptor

Project Code

MRCNMH25Br Corey

Research Theme

Neuroscience and Mental Health

Project Summary Download

Summary

Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid that is responsible for more US overdoses than any other drug, yet much remains to be understood about its pharmacology. This project will explore fentanyl’s pharmacology using a range of computational molecular modelling techniques along with wet lab data gathered in the co-supervisors’ labs. The research will investigate fentanyl’s binding mechanisms at the µ-opioid and other receptors, uncovering the molecular basis for its high overdose risk. The findings will contribute to our understanding of synthetic opioids’ impact on public health.

Lead Supervisor

Dr Robin Corey

Lead Supervisor Email

robin.corey@bristol.ac.uk

University Affiliation

Bristol