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Alchemica

Eremophila

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Thought I'd share how Eremophila are currently being studied

 

Biodiscoveries within the Australian plant genus Eremophila based on international and interdisciplinary collaboration: the results and perspectives on outstanding ethical dilemmas

 

Personally, the most interesting finding was DAT modulating compounds from E.  oppositifolia
 

The latest (unpublished) results comprise the identification of compounds isolated from Eremophila species, capable of both potentiating and inhibiting the transport of dopamine

 

The search for novel ligands from Eremophila species targeting neurotransmitter:sodium symporters


Abstract: The family of neurotransmitter:sodium symporters (NSSs) mediate rapid re-uptake of neurotransmitters released to the synaptic cleft making them important determinants of neuronal communication. Accordingly, drugs that modulate their activity are central for the treatment of many neuropsychiatric diseases, such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and narcolepsy. However, many patients do not respond adequately to the current drugs. Others stop the treatment due to severe side effects. In addition, high-affinity inhibitors for many NSS proteins are still to be found. Here, we present results from purified compounds and extracts from Eremorphila species for their activity towards the dopamine transporter (DAT). We find that the addition of the branched chain fatty acid KU030-14 potentiated DAT transport of dopamine. We also found several extracts that inhibited DAT activity. Taken together, we find it possible that Eremorphila species contain one or more active compounds towards DAT and possibly also other NSS proteins. 

 

 

https://synbio.ku.dk/calendar/2019/1st-cross-continent-eremophila-conference/speaker-information/

Edited by Alchemica

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Great to see that ethics (and distributive justice) should be a focus of the paper (according to its abstract):

 

The collection of plant material from the Eremophila species was carried out according to a Bioprospecting Agreement with the Government of Western Australia. We recognize that several Eremophila species hold immense cultural significance to Australia's First Peoples. In spite of our best intentions of ensuring that new knowledge gained about the genus Eremophila and any potential future benefits are shared in an equitable manner in accordance with the Nagoya protocol, we encounter serious dilemmas and potential conflicts in making benefit sharing with Australia's First Peoples a reality.

 

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