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MacDonald Christie

Professor of Pharmacology, University of Sydney

Christie is a cellular and molecular neuropharmacologist with research interests including cellular and molecular mechanisms of opioid receptor signalling in neurons and synapses in pain pathways, the biological basis of adaptations producing chronic pain and drug dependence, and preclinical development of novel pain therapeutics derived from conotoxins. He is the Professor of Pharmacology in the Sydney Medical School and is Associate Dean (Research). He is currently a Chief Investigator on a NH&MRC Program Grant to identify novel pain therapeutics based on conopeptides ($6.4 million over 5 years). He is a past editorial board member for Pain and currently serves on Editorial Boards of several international journals including British Journal of Pharmacoogy. He has served as the chair of scientific advisory boards and an Executive member of the International Narcotics Research Conference, the peak international opioid research organisation.

Experience

  • 2011–present
    Professor of Pharmacology, University of Sydney

Education

  • 1983 
    University of Sydney, PhD

Publications

  • 2012
    Conus venom peptide pharmacology. , Pharmacological Reviews
  • 2011
    Drug-induced GABA transporter currents enhance GABA release and produce opioid withdrawal behaviours, Nature Neuroscience

Grants and Contracts

  • 2011
    Mechanisms responsible for tolerance at the mu-opioid receptor
    Role:
    Funding Source:
    NHMRC Australia
  • 2011
    Action-related learning and plasticity in the cortico-striatal network
    Role:
    Funding Source:
    ARC Australai
  • 2010
    Venom Peptide modulators of pain pahthways
    Role:
    Funding Source:
    NHMRC Program Australia

Research Areas

  • Basic Pharmacology (111501)
  • Neurosciences (1109)