Dr Penny Truman staff profile picture

Contact details +6449793906

Dr Penny Truman DipBusStud, PhD

Senior Lecturer

Doctoral Supervisor
School of Health Sciences

My most recent projects in biotoxins have involved looking at biological assay methods for anatoxin-a  variants, so that we can assess their relative toxicity. An MSc project to look at the effect of these toxins on cells in culture is available.

My tobacco work has seen the group identify six new monoamine oxidase inhibirtors from tobacco smoke, and work is on-going to look at the biochemistry of their interaction with the enzyme, and the behavioural effects of these inhibitors, in strengthening nicotine dependence.

This work also has implications for e-cigarettes. They should be less addictive than tobacco smoking, but are they? There are a number of  MSc level projects that could be developed in this area.   

I have come to Massey from a background in Government science, working for a Crown Research Institute, ESR.

My research expertise is in biological assessment of toxic exposures. I have several years of experience in monitoring of marine and freshwater biotoxins, where my recent work has been in assesing the biological activity of new marine biotoxin variants; helping to decide how they should be regarded from a food safety perspective.

My main research focus is on addictive substances in tobacco smoke - nicotine's "partners in crime", Can we use what we learn to help more people to stop smoking?

More about me...View less...

Professional

Contact details

  • Ph: 63906
    Location: 3C13
    Campus: Wellington

Qualifications

  • Diploma in Business Studies - Massey University (2009)
  • Doctor of Philosophy - University of Otago (1983)

Research Expertise

Research Interests

1. Marine Biotoxins: management of marine biotoxin contamination of shellfish, particularly saxitoxins and ciguatoxins

2. Freshwater biotoxins: finding effective biological methods for rapid monitoring of the toxicity of cyanobacterial blooms

3. Determining the chemicals responsible (with nicotine) for tobacco dependence. their identity,  and biochemical and behavioural effects (working with Victoiria University of Wellington)

4. Tobacco control policy: how can what we are learning be used to assist decisions on policy direction?

 

Research Opportunities

  • MSc level studies on the addictiveness of e-cigarettes  (01/03/2019) Interviewing vapers to assess their level of dependence. Possibly use of electronic surveys, depending on the research question decided on.
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors from tobacco smoke  (01/03/2019) Looking at the effects of these inhibitors on neural cells in culture: now filled
  • Biological methods for the detection of cyanotoxins  (01/03/2019) Use of cell culture methods to detect and characterise cyanobacterial toxins in culture.

Thematics

Health and Well-being

Area of Expertise

Field of research codes
Environmental Monitoring (050206): Environmental Science and Management (050200): Environmental Sciences (050000):
Medical And Health Sciences (110000): Neurosciences (110900): Neurosciences not elsewhere classified (110999)

Keywords

marine biotoxin analyses

cyanobacterial toxins

protein biomarker discovery

tobacco dependence

monoamine oxidase inhibitors

monoamine oxidase inhibitors

E-cigarettes

Research Projects

Summary of Research Projects

Position Current Completed
Project Leader 1 9

Completed Projects

Project Title: Changing our view of tobacco dependence; The monoamine oxidase inhibitor story - Penny Truman

Date Range: 2017 - 2019

Funding Body: Health Research Council of New Zealand

Project Team:

Project Title: PSAF: A new monoamine oxidase inhibitor from tobacco smoke

Date Range: 2016 - 2020

Funding Bodies: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment; Massey Ventures Ltd

Project Team:

Research Outputs

Journal

Truman, P. (2023). Commentary: Harmane potentiates nicotine reinforcement through MAO-A inhibition at the dose related to cigarette smoking. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience. 16
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P. (2022). Editorial: The role of monoamine oxidase inhibition in smokers: Toward understanding their potential effects in reinforcing nicotine dependence. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 16
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Hong, SW., Teesdale-Spittle, P., Page, R., & Truman, P. (2022). A review of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors in tobacco or tobacco smoke. NeuroToxicology. 93, 163-172
[Journal article]Authored by: Hong, S., Page, R., Truman, P.
Hong, SW., Teesdale-Spittle, P., Page, R., Ellenbroek, B., & Truman, P. (2022). Biologically Active Compounds Present in Tobacco Smoke: Potential Interactions Between Smoking and Mental Health. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 16
[Journal article]Authored by: Hong, S., Page, R., Truman, P.
Puddick, J., van Ginkel, R., Page, CD., Murray, JS., Greenhough, HE., Bowater, J., . . . Finch, SC. (2021). Acute toxicity of dihydroanatoxin-a from Microcoleus autumnalis in comparison to anatoxin-a. Chemosphere. 263
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Stanfill, S., Heydari, A., Silver, E., & Fowles, J. (2019). Monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity of flavoured e-cigarette liquids. NeuroToxicology. 75, 123-128
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Fraser, T., Glover, M., & Truman, P. (2018). Government and public health responses to e-cigarettes in New Zealand: Vapers' perspectives. Harm Reduction Journal. 15(1)
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Gilmour, M., & Robinson, G. (2018). Acceptability of electronic cigarettes as an option to replace tobacco smoking for alcoholics admitted to hospital for detoxification. New Zealand Medical Journal. 131(1470), 22-28
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Glover, M., & Fraser, T. (2018). An online survey of new zealand vapers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 15(2)
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Grounds, P., & Brennan, KA. (2017). Monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity in tobacco particulate matter: Are harman and norharman the only physiologically relevant inhibitors?. NeuroToxicology. 59, 22-26
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Walker, N., Fraser, T., Howe, C., Laugesen, M., Truman, P., Parag, V., . . . Bullen, C. (2015). Abrupt nicotine reduction as an endgame policy: A randomised trial. Tobacco Control. 24(e4), e251-e257
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Brennan, KA., Laugesen, M., & Truman, P. (2014). Whole tobacco smoke extracts to model tobacco dependence in animals. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 47, 53-69
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Danielson, K., Putt, F., Truman, P., & Kivell, BM. (2014). The effects of nicotine and tobacco particulate matter on dopamine uptake in the rat brain. Synapse. 68(2), 45-60
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Brennan, KA., Putt, F., Roper, V., Waterhouse, U., & Truman, P. (2013). Nicotine and tobacco particulate self-administration: Effects of mecamylamine, SCH23390 and ketanserin pretreatment. Current Psychopharmacology. 2(3), 229-240
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Brennan, KA., Crowther, A., Putt, F., Roper, V., Waterhouse, U., & Truman, P. (2015). Tobacco particulate matter self-administration in rats: Differential effects of tobacco type. Addiction Biology. 20(2), 227-235
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Brennan, KA., Putt, F., & Truman, P. (2013). Nicotine-, tobacco particulate matter- and methamphetamine-produced locomotor sensitisation in rats. Psychopharmacology. 228(4), 659-672
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Young, C., & Truman, P. (2012). Proteins isolated with TRIzol are compatible with two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analyses. Analytical Biochemistry. 421(1), 330-332
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Young, C., & Truman, P. (2012). Proteins isolated with TRIzol are compatible with two-dimensional electrophoresis and mass spectrometry analyses. Analytical Biochemistry. 421(1), 330-332
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Holland, PT., Shi, F., Satake, M., Hamamoto, Y., Ito, E., Beuzenberg, V., . . . Pascal, SM. (2012). Novel toxins produced by the dinoflagellate Karenia brevisulcata. Harmful Algae. 13, 47-57
[Journal article]Authored by: Edwards, P., Truman, P.
Danielson, K., Truman, P., & Kivell, BM. (2011). The effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke on the monoamine transporters. Synapse. 65(9), 866-879
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Lewis, AJ., Truman, P., Hosking, MR., & Miller, JH. (2011). Monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity in tobacco smoke varies with tobacco type. Tobacco Control. 21(1), 39-43
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Danielson, K., Truman, P., & Kivell, BM. (2011). The effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke on the monoamine transporters. Synapse. 65(9), 866-879
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Brennan, KA., Lea, RA., Fitzmaurice, PS., & Truman, P. (2010). Nicotinic receptors and stages of nicotine dependence. Journal of Psychopharmacology. 24(6), 793-808
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Young, C., Truman, P., Boucher, M., Keyzers, RA., Northcote, P., & Jordan, TW. (2009). The algal metabolite yessotoxin affects heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins in HepG2 cells. Proteomics. 9(9), 2529-2542
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Young, C., Truman, P., Boucher, M., Keyzers, RA., Northcote, P., & Jordan, TW. (2009). The algal metabolite yessotoxin affects heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins in HepG2 cells. Proteomics. 9(9), 2529-2542
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P. (2007). A cellular target for the lipophilic toxins from Karenia brevisulcata. Toxicon. 50(2), 251-255
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P. (2007). A cellular target for the lipophilic toxins from Karenia brevisulcata. Toxicon. 50(2), 251-255
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Ambrose, V., Miller, JH., Dickson, SJ., Hampton, S., Truman, P., Lea, RA., . . . Fowles, J. (2007). Tobacco particulate matter is more potent than nicotine at upregulating nicotinic receptors on SH-SY5Y cells. Nicotine and Tobacco Research. 9(8), 793-799
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Keyzers, RA., Northcote, PT., Ambrose, V., Redshaw, NA., & Chang, FH. (2005). Lipophilic toxicity from the marine dinoflagellate Karenia brevisulcata: Use of the brevetoxin neuroblastoma assay to assess toxin presence and concentration. Toxicon. 46(4), 441-445
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Keyzers, RA., Northcote, PT., Ambrose, V., Redshaw, NA., & Chang, FH. (2005). Lipophilic toxicity from the marine dinoflagellate Karenia brevisulcata: Use of the brevetoxin neuroblastoma assay to assess toxin presence and concentration. Toxicon. 46(4), 441-445
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Stirling, DJ., Northcote, P., Lake, RJ., Seamer, C., & Hannah, DJ. (2002). Determination of brevetoxins in shellfish by the neuroblastoma assay. Journal of AOAC International. 85(5), 1057-1063
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Stirling, DJ., Northcote, P., Lake, RJ., Seamer, C., & Hannah, DJ. (2002). Determination of brevetoxins in shellfish by the neuroblastoma assay. Journal of AOAC International. 85(5), 1057-1063
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Mountfort, DO., Suzuki, T., & Truman, P. (2001). Protein phosphatase inhibition assay adapted for determination of total DSP in contaminated mussels. Toxicon. 39(2-3), 383-390
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Mountfort, DO., Suzuki, T., & Truman, P. (2000). Protein phosphatase inhibition assay adapted for determination of total DSP in contaminated mussels. Toxicon. 39(2-3), 383-390
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Mountfort, DO., Kennedy, G., Garthwaite, I., Michael Quilliam, ., Truman, P., & Hannah, DJ. (1999). Evaluation of the fluorometric protein phosphatase inhibition assay in the determination of okadaic acid in mussels. Toxicon. 37(6), 909-922
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Mountfort, DO., Kennedy, G., Garthwaite, I., Michael Quilliam, ., Truman, P., & Hannah, DJ. (1999). Evaluation of the fluorometric protein phosphatase inhibition assay in the determination of okadaic acid in mussels. Toxicon. 37(6), 909-922
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Lake, RJ. (1996). Comparison of mouse bioassay and sodium channel cytotoxicity assay for detecting paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in shellfish extracts. JOURNAL OF AOAC INTERNATIONAL. 79(5), 1130-1133
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Lake, R. (1996). Comparison of mouse bioassay and sodium channel cytotoxicity assay for detecting paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in shellfish extracts.. J. AOAC International. 79(5), 1130-1133
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Pomare, L., & Ford, HC. (1989). Human placental cytotrophoblast cells: identification and culture. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 246(1), 39-49
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Pomare, L., & Ford, HC. (1989). Human placental cytotrophoblast cells: identification and culture. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 246(1), 39-49
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Gale, JS., Smith, P., Truman, P., & McNatty, KP. (1988). Immunoassay of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone in brain tissue of Booroola Merino ewes. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. 82(2), 581-586
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Gale, JS., Smith, P., Truman, P., & McNatty, KP. (1988). Immunoassay of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone in brain tissue of Booroola Merino ewes. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. 82(2), 581-586
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Ford, HC. (1986). Proteins of human placental microvilli: I. Cytoskeletal proteins. Placenta. 7(2), 95-110
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Ford, HC. (1986). Proteins of human placental microvilli: II. Identification and topology of the plasma membrane proteins. Placenta. 7(2), 111-120
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Ford, HC. (1986). The effect of substrate and epidermal growth factor on human placental trophoblast cells in culture. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology. 22(9), 525-528
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & RFord, HC. (1986). Proteins of human placental microvilli: II. Identification and topology of the plasma membrane proteins. Placenta. 7(2), 111-120
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Ford, HC. (1986). Proteins of human placental microvilli: I. Cytoskeletal proteins. Placenta. 7(2), 95-110
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Ford, HC. (1986). The effect of substrate and epidermal growth factor on human placental trophoblast cells in culture. In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology. 22(9), 525-528
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Ford, HC. (1984). The brush border of the human term placenta. BBA - Reviews on Biomembranes. 779(2), 139-160
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Ford, HC. (1984). The brush border of the human term placenta. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Biomembranes. 779(2), 139-160
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Wakefield St., J., & Ford, HC. (1981). Microvilli of the human term placenta. Isolation and subfractionation by centrifugation in sucrose density gradients. Biochemical Journal. 196(1), 121-132
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Wakefield St., J., & Ford, HC. (1981). Microvilli of the human term placenta. Isolation and subfractionation by centrifugation in sucrose density gradients. Biochemical Journal. 196(1), 121-132
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Bergquist, PL., & Truman, P. (1978). Degradation of missense mutant β-galactosidase proteins in Escherichia coli K-12. MGG Molecular & General Genetics. 164(1), 105-108
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Bergquist, PL. (1976). Genetic and biochemical characterization of some missense mutations in the lacZ gene of Escherichia coli K 12. Journal of Bacteriology. 126(3), 1063-1074
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Bergquist, PL. (1976). Genetic and biochemical characterization of some missense mutations in the lacZ gene of Escherichia coli K 12. Journal of Bacteriology. 126(3), 1063-1074
[Journal article]Authored by: Truman, P.

Book

Brennan, KA., & Truman, P. (2016). Tobacco Smoke Extract-Produced Behavioral Effects: Locomotor Sensitization and Self-Administration Studies. In Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse Volume 1: Foundations of Understanding, Tobacco, Alcohol, Cannabinoids and Opioids. (pp. 317 - 326).
[Chapter]Authored by: Truman, P.
Brennan, KA., & Truman, P. (2016). Tobacco Smoke Extract-Produced Behavioral Effects: Locomotor Sensitization and Self-Administration Studies. In Neuropathology of Drug Addictions and Substance Misuse. (pp. 317 - 326).
[Chapter]Authored by: Truman, P.

Report

Truman, P., Silver, E., & Fowles, J.(2018). The cellular toxicity of selected e-liquids.. (Report No. PT 20180125).
[Technical Report]Authored by: Truman, P.
Puddock, J., Wood, S., van Ginkel, R., Brooke, D., Selwood, A., Truman, P., . . . Munday, R.(2017). Phormidium toxicity - interim report. (Report No. Cawthron Report 3032).
[Technical Report]Authored by: Truman, P.Contributed to by: Truman, P.
Truman, P.(2016). A biochemical test method for anatoxin-a?. (Report No. PT20160826). : Massey University, New Zealand
[Technical Report]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., & Silver, E.(2016). The monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity of selected e-liquids. (Report No. PT20161117). : Massey University, New Zealand
[Technical Report]Authored by: Truman, P.
Wood, S., Hawes, I., McBride, G., Truman, P., & Dietrich, D.(2015). Advice to inform the development of a benthic cyanobacteria attribute. (Report No. 2752). : Cawthron Institute
[Technical Report]Authored by: Truman, P.Contributed to by: Truman, P.
Truman, P. (2012). Determination of the oral and intraperitoneal toxicity of saxitoxins from A. catanella.. ( Report No. Client report FW12046).
[Commissioned Report]Authored by: Truman, P.

Conference

Truman, P., Hong, SW., Niraula, P., Atigari, D., Kidwell, M., Colussi-Mas, J., . . . Elenbroek, B.Extending our understanding of tobacco dependence. . Queenstown
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Truman, P.
Niraula, P., Palmer, B., Truman, P., & Page, R. (2021). Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory effects of candidate MAO inhibitors found in cigarette smoke.. Poster session presented at the meeting of 16th Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists Congress. Christchurch
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Page, R., Palmer, B., Truman, P.
Truman, P., Heydari, A., Silver, E., Stanfill, S., & Fowles, J.E-cigarettes and nicotine addiction. A new aspect to the effect of e-liquid flavours. . Sydney Australia
[Conference Paper]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Gilmour, R., & Robinson, G. (2017). Using e-cigarettes within a hospital setting: an acceptability trial. Poster session presented at the meeting of Annual meeting of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. Florence, Italy
[Conference Poster]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Gilmour, M., & Robinson, G. (2016, May). Tobacco dependence: more than just the devil we know. Presented at Tobacco Control Research Tūranga symposium: Ideas Innovation and Impact. Auckland, New Zealand.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Robinson, G., & Gilmore, M. (2015, March). Can E-cigarettes help patients in hospital settings?.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Brennan, K., Putt, F., Crowther, A., Waterhouse, U., & Grounds, P. (2014, August). Tobacco Addiction:. Presented at Nicotine Reduction Symposium, University of Auckland. Auckland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P. (2013, October). Tobacco: more than just the devil you know. Presented at Oceania Tobacco control conference 2013. Auckland.
[Conference Oral Presentation]Authored by: Truman, P.
Sim, J., Reeve, J., & Truman, P.MPI-Saxitoxin Update 2012. . Auckland
[Conference Other]Authored by: Truman, P.Contributed to by: Truman, P.
Hannah, DJ., Till, DG., & Truman, P.Phycotoxins - A review of chemical and biological methods of analysis. MYCOTOXINS AND PHYCOTOXINS - DEVELOPMENTS IN CHEMISTRY, TOXICOLOGY AND FOOD SAFETY. (pp. 425 - 439).
[Conference]Authored by: Truman, P.
TRUMAN, P., & FORD, HC.CYTOSKELETAL PROTEINS OF HUMAN PLACENTAL MICROVILLI. NEW ZEALAND MEDICAL JOURNAL. 98 (775)(pp. 198 - 198). 0028-8446.
[Conference]Authored by: Truman, P.

Other

Truman, P., Silver, E., & Fowles, J. (2017, April). The monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity of selected e-liquids..
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P., Robinson, G., & Gilmour, M. (2015, September). E-cigarettes and nicotine dependence. In Countdown to Smokefree 2025.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Truman, P.
Truman, P. (2015, February). Toxin variability - implications for testing procedures. Presented at ESR / MoH.
[Oral Presentation]Authored by: Truman, P.

Consultancy and Languages

Consultancy

  • 2009 to 2012 - Ministry of Primary Industries
    Assessing the toxicity of complex marine biotoxin mixtures
  • 2012 to Aug 2015 - Ministry of Health
    Emerging issues in Environmental Health
  • 2011 - Cawthron Institute
    Brevetoxin and ciguatoxin analyses
  • June 2015 to Aug 2015 - Ministry for the Environment
    Benthic cyanobacteria, towards consistent regulation
  • July 2016 to June 2018 - Cawthron Institute
    Biological methods to detect anatoxin-a, a cyanobacterial toxin sometimes found in streams, rivers and lakes
  • June 2016 to Dec 2016 - Laurelton Research Ltd
    Testing for monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity in e-cigarette liquids
  • Oct 2015 to July 2016 - Toboacco Control Research Turanga
    Web based survey of e-cigarette users
  • Dec 2016 to Dec 2017 - Laurelton Research Ltd
    Testing e-liquids for toxicity
  • Sept 2017 to Mar 2018 - Ministry of Health
    Member of Technical Advisory Group: electronic cigarette regulation

Teaching and Supervision

Summary of Doctoral Supervision

Position Current Completed
Main Supervisor 0 1
Co-supervisor 1 1

Current Doctoral Supervision

Co-supervisor of:

  • Jangrez Khan - Doctor of Philosophy
    Role of titanium dioxide (TiO2) in the onset and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Completed Doctoral Supervision

Main Supervisor of:

  • 2023 - Sa Weon Hong - Doctor of Philosophy
    Biochemical characterisation of six novel monoamine oxidase inhibitors identified in tobacco smoke

Co-supervisor of:

  • 2023 - Prakshit Niraula - Doctor of Philosophy
    Investigating the Impact of Tobacco Particulate Matter and selected components on Monoamine Oxidase Activity, Protein Expression, and Gene Expression