Potent Chimeric Opioids with Less Side Effects

Purpose and goal

Dr Shinya Kasai was invited to Druid´s lab with the Vinnova support to contribute with his expertise in genetic and epigenetic studies on opioid toxicity, and this proved very valuable. Samples from medulla oblongata from decesed human donors, dying of opioid toxicity death and from controls have been prepared and the respiratory control center isolated. The amount and quality of RNA and DNA was better than expected and will allow for all genetic and epigenetic analyses. During his stay, Dr Kasai has also established contacts with key researchers in this field, at KI and elsewhere.

Expected results and effects

Substantial time was spent on phenotyping of the deceased donors in many respects, including their opioid exposure profiles. This in combination with careful dissection and isolation of the human respiratory control center make this material unique, and hence the analytical results will be very valuable for the understanding of the innate and aquired propensity for opioid toxicity. Dr Kasai has had the opportunity to learn new techniques and met many new researchers, so he will certainly benefit from this Vinnova-supported time at KI in his further research work.

Planned approach and implementation

The visit at KI was planned long in advance. The plan was over time adjusted when we realized the importance of careful phenotyping and very precise isolation of the respiratory control center for the evaluation of the opioid chimera´s and regular opioid´s effects on the respiratory control center. Equipment, staff and other resources could be used efficiently and we have taken advantage of the resources of the new Biomedicum building at KI. During his stay, Dr Kasai did substantial scientific and social networking and had the opportunity to talk to two Nobel laureates.