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Andrea-Vernall Image 1xPhD BSc(Hons) (Canterbury)

Tel +64 3 479 5214
Location Science II 5n4
Email andrea.vernall@otago.ac.nz

Professional background

  • 2006 – 2009, Research Officer, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Brisbane
  • 2009 – 2013, Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, UK
  • 2013 – 2020, Lecturer then Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago

Research interests

The Vernall research group focuses on the development of heterocyclic small molecules, peptidomimetics and fluorescent tools that target receptors in the human body. The motivation for developing new chemical tools is to better understand disease processes and cell signalling by studying targets implicated in various diseases and conditions. We particularly focus on developing new tools to study G protein-coupled receptors, for example adenosine and cannabinoid receptors. Other Vernall group research includes small molecule ligand development for modulating immune responses and new approaches to studying antibiotic resistance.

Teaching

  • CHEM 202
  • CHEM 205
  • CHEM 305
  • CHEM 461

Publications

Wedlock, L. E., Lamichhane, R., Webley, M. C., Gilmer, S. C. L., Vernall, A. J., & Ussher, J. E. (2026). IL-21 selectively augments cytotoxic potential of antigen-activated MAIT cells. European Journal of Immunology, 56(2), e70154. doi: 10.1002/eji.70154 Journal - Research Article

Gilmer, S. C. L., & Vernall, A. J. (2025). Bioorthogonal fluorogenic chemistry using a light-activated tetrazine. Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1039/d5ob01476j Journal - Research Article

Tyndall, J. D. A., Putha, L., Kok, L. K., Fellner, M., Rutledge, M. T., Gamble, A. B., Wilbanks, S. M., & Vernall, A. J. (2024). Covalent inhibition of macrophage migration inhibitory factor by isothiocyanates as potential colorectal cancer leads. Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry (NZIC) Conference. (pp. 67). Retrieved from https://nzic.org.nz/conferences Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Gilmer, S. C. L., Tyndall, J. D. A., & Vernall, A. J. (2024). Development of bifunctional chemical tools for the adenosine A1 Receptor. Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute of Chemistry (NZIC) Conference. (pp. 51). Retrieved from https://nzic.org.nz/conferences Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract

Liddle, I., de la Harpe, S., Rajapakse, C., Glass, M., Tyndall, J., & Vernall, A. (2024, November). Allosteric modulators for the cannabinoid receptor 2. Verbal presentation at the School of Pharmacy Research Symposium, Dunedin, New Zealand. Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs

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