Research Interests
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) activate heterotrimeric G proteins to control myriad signaling pathways and physiological processes. Our lab broadly studies these signaling circuits with current emphasis on delineating the function of adhesion GPCRs and Ric-8 proteins (folding chaperones for all G protein alpha subunits). Adhesion GPCRs appear to couple extracellular shear force events to intracellular G protein signaling. We use a wide range of approaches, including purified protein structure/function, cell culture models, GPCR drug screening, and transgenic animal models.