Faculty

Research Interests

Our lab is investigating basic molecular mechanisms of signal transduction, with the focus on heterotrimeric G proteins. We work on the retina, primary neurons from brain, cell lines and on systems reconstituted in vitro. The experiments utilize protein-protein interaction analysis, cell culture, molecular cloning, RNA interference, microscopy, knockout mice models and other approaches.

Cells adapt their signal transduction machinery to the changes in their environment. One of the mechanisms underlying this ability is re-localization of signal-transducing proteins within the cell. In response to extracellular stimuli, receptors, G proteins, arrestins, kinases and other molecules re-localize between cellular compartments, or within membrane microdomains (lipid rafts). One of the areas of our focus is understanding of the molecular mechanism and physiologic significance of protein translocation in photoreceptor rods and cones.

In another line of research we explore the functional roles of recently discovered proteins. One project focuses on the novel type of G protein heterodimer, Gbeta5-RGS complex, a putative regulator of G protein signaling in the CNS. In another project, we investigate the role of a novel calcium-binding protein, tescalcin.