Vasudevan Group

We work on drug discovery and target identification for brain-related and metabolic disorders, with a focus on translating discoveries toward clinical applications.

We are passionate about science whose benefits can be realized in the immediate to medium term. My research interests center on developing new chemical tools and drugs to probe cell-signaling mechanisms and physiology. We use a broad range of techniques including traditional biochemistry, computer-based screening, multi-omics approaches, and phenotypic screens. Studying lithium, natural molecules, and drug repurposing are favourite pastimes for members of the lab.

Current Research Interests:

1) Identifying novel small-molecule modulators of sleep-wake regulation

Circadian rhythms are ubiquitous 24-hour cycles in behavior and physiology, regulated by a molecular clock. Our phenotypic screens have identified a range of novel signaling targets through which drugs can modulate circadian timing and sleep homeostasis. We are evaluating these in cellular and animal models with a view to translate to clinical applications in metabolism, neurodegeneration, and psychiatry, in collaboration with industrial and academic partners. Our adenosine receptor modulator CT1500 has advanced to Phase 2 clinical trials via our spin-out Circadian Therapeutics.

2) Understanding signaling mechanisms underlying bipolar disorder pathophysiology

Bipolar disorder is a complex psychiatric illness for which the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Our current studies use patient-derived samples to investigate altered signaling pathways in bipolar disorder, applying multi-omics approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets. We also study the mechanisms through which lithium mediates its therapeutic and not-so-therapeutic effects. If you join our lab at some point, you'll likely be working on this. Our work on ebselen for bipolar disorder has progressed to clinical development through pharma partnering.

3) Sleep-wake disturbance and lipid signaling in neurodegeneration

Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances profoundly affect brain health. A single night of sleep disturbance increases levels of Aβ peptide and tau by up to 50% in humans (similarly with α-synuclein), with restorative sleep bringing these levels back to baseline through processes including glymphatic clearance. Our work has revealed altered lipidomic signatures and receptor pathways in neurodegenerative models, which we are now investigating as potential therapeutic targets for neuroprotection.

4) Receptor pharmacology: GPCR signaling and transcription factor modulation

We are particularly interested in GPCR pharmacology, studying both typical (G-protein) and atypical (β-arrestin, other non-canonical) signaling pathways. We develop and use novel assays to probe these distinct signaling modalities, including pathway-selective ligand discovery for orphan and characterized GPCRs with CNS expression. We also employ experimental transcription factor identification assays that enable us to identify with precision which transcriptional pathways are activated upon any given signal. This integrated approach—from receptor activation through downstream transcriptional responses—allows us to map complete signaling cascades and identify druggable nodes. Current projects focus on receptors and transcriptional networks implicated in psychiatric and metabolic disorders, developing both tool compounds and therapeutic candidates.

Lab Philosophy:

Members gain hands-on experience across target validation, small-molecule discovery, in vivo pharmacology, and translational study design using state-of-the-art methodologies. We pursue postdoc-led independent projects alongside collaborative team efforts. Lithium mechanisms, natural product pharmacology, and drug repurposing are ongoing interests—if you join the lab, you'll likely work on at least one of these at some point.

We collaborate with academic groups and pharmaceutical partners to accelerate therapeutic development, and we're committed to advancing scientist welfare and creating an environment where ambitious ideas can flourish.

We welcome applications from motivated individuals at all career stages. To help us assess fit, please specify particular aspects of our work and describe how your interests align with our research areas. This enables us to have more meaningful discussions about potential opportunities. Generic inquiries will not receive a response due to other time commitments.