Areas of Interest
G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) form a large family of cell surface receptors responsible for triggering cellular responses to a variety of extracellular stimuli including drugs such as opiates, and hormones such as adrenaline, serotonin or acetylcholine. All GPCRs function through activation of trimeric G proteins located on the inner surface of the plasma membrane. Activated G proteins target ion channels or enzymes that produce second messengers with a variety of effects depending on the type of cell that is stimulated. Examples include regulation of synaptic transmission in the central nervous system, chemotaxis in the immune system, and vascular remodeling in the cardiovascular system. This family of receptors is an important target for pharmaceuticals and defects in GPCR systems are responsible for a number of diseases.
Credentials
Education
PhD, Biochemistry, University of Arizona, 1990
MS, Botany, Arizona State University, 1984
BS, Biology, University of Connecticut, 1981
Post-Doctoral Training
Postdoctoral Fellow, Pharmacology Department, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX, laboratory of Dr. Paul C. Sternweis, 1994