Pharmacology, Therapeutics and Drug Discovery

• Mechanisms of Drug Action
• Drug Discovery
• Drugs of Abuse
• Therapeutic Approaches
• Receptor Function and Signaling

Drugs interact with specific biological macromolecules either in cells or on their surface to exert their effects. Research in this area is concerned with an understanding of the full range of effects of drugs on molecules, cells, and organisms. This level of understanding forms the underpinnings for novel therapeutic uses of known drugs as well as for the development of superior therapeutic compounds. Research is also directed at development of novel screening strategies to identify new chemistries for pharmaceutical application and research.

Bidlack, Jean M.
Pharmacology of brain and lymphocytic opioid receptors.

Blaxall, Burns C.
Cardiac gene expression and G-protein coupled receptor signaling.

Brookes, Paul S.
Mitochondrial interactions with free radicals (nitric oxide, superoxide) in the context of myocardial ischemia reperfusion.

Chang, Chawnshang
Androgen receptor and AR coregulators in androgen-related diseases, such as prostate/breast/liver cancer.

Hinkle, Patricia M.
Molecular mechanisms of cell regulation.

Johnson, Gail V.W.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration; the regulation and function of transglutaminase 2; tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease; the role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease.

Schaefer, Katherine L.
Regulation of the cytoskeleton in cancer.

Smrcka, Alan V.
Molecular mechanisms of signal transduction.

Tall, Gregory G.
Mechanisms of signal transduction, heterotrimeric G protein signaling.

Tank, A. William
Regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression.