Cesare Orlandi, Ph.D.

The main focus of the lab research is to investigate the biology of a group of understudied G protein coupled receptors (GPCR) in brain and visual systems. Members of the large GPCR family are involved in the regulation of every aspect of human physiology. Because of their physiological relevance and localization at the plasma membrane GPCRs are ideal targets for drug development. Orphan GPCRs constitute a group of receptors whose endogenous ligands are still unknown. Nonetheless, the identification of disease-causing mutations in patients together with animal studies have established the involvement of orphan GPCRs in essential physiological processes. More broadly, the lab is interested in applying proteomics, biochemistry, microscopy imaging, and pharmacology to understand the role that orphan GPCRs play in shaping behavioral responses as well as the ways in which alterations in these complexes can lead to diseases.