Research Interests:
Our laboratory investigates proteolytic mechanisms in peptide neurotransmission and in neurodegenerative diseases. Research involves elucidation of the primary proteases responsible for production of endogenous opioid enkephalin neurotransmitters that provide pain relief, as well as multiple peptide neurotransmitters that control brain and endocrine functions. Our neuroprotease research includes disease mechanisms in Alzheimer's and Huntington's, and related neuroedegenerative diseases. Interdisciplinary approaches are utilized in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and pharmacology. State-of-the-art technology in proteomics and mass spectrometry is utilized in research. Elucidation of primary protease pathways in health and disease conditions can lead to new small molecules for development of therapeutic agents to improve neurological disease conditions.
Key words: neurotransmission, peptide neurotransmitters, neurodegenerative diseases, proteases, secretion, endorphins, pain relief, Alzheimer's disease, memory, pharmacology, molecular and cell biology, proteomics, neurological diseases
Track(s):
Molecular Pharmacology
MCB
BMS Focus Areas:
Endocrinology
Neurobiology
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