My research interests are in the area of membrane transport of neurotransmitters and how this process is regulated on a cellular level. Neurotransmitter transporters are integral membrane proteins which provide the main mechanism for termination of the action of most neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. The monoamine transporters represent the molecular targets for many of the clinically effective antidepressants, as well as for certain drugs of abuse. In certain states such as Parkinson's disease, alcoholism, aging, etc. the activity of many of the neurotransmitter transporters is altered, but the molecular mechanisms underlying such alterations is not well understood. Our laboratory uses neurochemical and neuropharmacological techniques to study the mechanisms involved in the regulation of transporter activity.
-Neurotransmitter transporters and uptake systems
-Regulation of neurotransporters and release mechanisms
-Ligand binding studies
-HPLC
-Enzyme assays
-Endocannabinoids
Willing to collaborate on projects requiring expertise in neurochemistry, and neuropharmacology. Have more than 25 years experience in various aspects of neurochemical and neuropharmacological methods involving:
-Acetylcholine
-Dopamine
-GABA, glutamate, glycine
-Serotonin
-Endocannabinoids
Anandamide, Brain, Endocannabinoids, Membrane Structure/Function, Nervous System, Neuropharmacology, Neurotransmitters, Neurotransporters
We have the ability and capacity to screen drugs for activity in affecting neurotransmitter tranporters, receptors, enzymes, and neurotransmitter brain levels.
Anandamide transport and the role of endocannabinoids in alcohol abuse.
Neurochemical studies involving drugs of abuse.
