معرفی
Baldomero Olivera is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah. His research focuses on molecular neuroscience, conotoxins, ion channels, and non-opioid pain therapeutics. He is affiliated with the Molecular Biology and Biological Chemistry Programs.
- Education:
- B.S., University of the Philippines
- Ph.D., California Institute of Technology
Olivera's lab investigates venom peptides from predatory cone snails (Conus) as tools to study nervous system function. These peptides target specific ion channels and receptors, offering insights into synaptic signaling, pain pathways, and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. His work includes developing non-opioid analgesics like the FDA-approved drug Ziconotide (ω-conotoxin MVIIA), which blocks calcium channels to treat severe pain.
Key research directions involve constellation pharmacology to analyze multi-channel interactions, TRPA1 channel studies for cold sensitivity, and α9α10 nicotinic receptor inhibition to prevent chemotherapy side effects. His lab has characterized over 50,000 peptides across 700 Conus species.
Selected Recent Publications (2019-2015) highlight work on peptide engineering, venom evolution, and clinical applications. These studies span neuropharmacology, structural biology, and evolutionary ecology of cone snails.
Collaborative Networks: Olivera collaborates with institutions like the University of Utah, NIH-funded programs, and international researchers on venom-based drug discovery.
