Structure-activity relationships of centrally active drugs; drug design;
The use of rigid analogs to probe neurotransmitter receptors;
Development of pharmacological tools to study CNS function;
Structure-activity relationships of dopaminergic agents;
Thestructures of G protein-coupled receptors;
Development of novel psychoactive agents;
Hallucinogens/Psychedelics.
The general thrust of the work in our laboratory could be characterized as the development of molecular probes to understand the role of brain monoamine neurotransmitters in normal behavior.
We have a particular focus on brain systems that utilize dopamine or serotonin as the neurotransmitter. In the former case, we are interested in molecular probes that have specificity for only one of the five general types of dopamine receptors (D1 - D5).
We also have a continuing interest in the serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors as likely targets for hallucinogenic/psychedelic substances and atypical antipsychotic drugs, and the possible roles that these receptor systems may play in normal cognitive function.
Medicinal and Bioorganic Chemistry, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology
The Medicinal Chemistry of Drugs that Affect Behavior.
The general thrust of the work in our laboratory could be characterized as the development of molecular probes to understand the role of brain monoamine neurotransmitters in normal behavior. Although molecular biology has made great strides in providing information about structural and functional aspects of the brain, those studies must be complemented through the use of specifically designed molecules that are directed toward particular biological targets. In an academic sense, such molecules are useful in gaining fundamental information about neuronal function. When one of them has high efficacy and low toxicity, however, it may become a drug candidate.
Structure-activity relationships of centrally active drugs; drug design;
The use of rigid analogs to probe neurotransmitter receptors;
Development of pharmacological tools to study CNS function;
Structure-activity relationships of dopaminergic agents;
Thestructures of G protein-coupled receptors;
Development of novel psychoactive agents;
Hallucinogens/Psychedelics.
NIMH Extramural Contract Review Panel, July 8, 1980
Small Business Innovation Research Grant Program, ADAMHA Special Review Committee, November 14, 1984
Small Business Innovation Research Grant Program, PHS Special Review Committee, October 11, 1985
Small Business Innovation Research Grant Program, ADAMHA Special Review Committee, March 4, 5, 1986.
Grant Awards for Pharmacy Schools (GAPS) Peer Review Panel (Chmn.) March 7, 1986.
Small Business Innovation Research Grant Program, ADAMHA Special ReviewCommittee, November 18, 1986.
Cellular Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology Subcommittee, NIMH Neuroscience Research Review Committee, October 13-14, 1988 (Ad Hoc).
Cellular Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology Subcommittee, NIMH Neuroscience Research Review Committee, June 8-9, 1989 (Ad Hoc).
Project Concept Reviewer, Neurosciences Research Branch, NIMH, June 13, 1989.
Contract Review Panel, Neurosciences Research Branch, NIMH, August 28, 1989.
Cellular Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology Subcommittee, NIMH Neuroscience Research Review Committee, February 8-9, 1990 (Ad Hoc).
Pharmacology Study Section, February 21, 1990 (Ad Hoc).
NIMH Extramural Contract Review Panel, April 18, 1990.
Reviewer, The Medical Research Council of New Zealand, 1990-
Contract Review Panel, National Institute on Drug Abuse, January 10, 1991.
Cellular Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology Subcommittee, NIMH Neuroscience Research Review Committee, February 6-7, 1991 (Ad Hoc).
Neurological Sciences Study Section, Subcommittee 2, NIH, February 9, 1991 (Ad Hoc).
Small Business Research Review Committee, NIMH, February 25-26, 1991.
Cellular Neurobiology and Psychopharmacology Subcommittee, NIMH Neuroscience Research Review Committee, October 17-18, 1991 (Ad Hoc).
Neuropharmacology and Neurochemistry Review Committee, NIMH, Permanent Member February 1992-1995
NIMH Extramural Contract Review Panel, November 23, 1992.
NIDA Concept Review Panel, January 4, 1994
NIMH SBIR (MHSB) Review Panel, October 29-30, 1995
NIMH Psychotherapeutic Drug Discovery and Development Program Panel, Nov 11, 1995
Board of Scientific Counselors, ad hoc member, review of NIDDK Laboratory, May 1-2, 1996.
Neuropharmacology and Neurochemistry Review Committee, ad hoc reviewer, June 12, 1996.
Neuropharmacology and Neurochemistry Review Committee, ad hoc reviewer, June 27, 1997.
NIMH Contract Review Panel, Sept 25, 26, 1997.
NIMH Contract Review Panel, August 21, 1998.
MDCN 5 Study Section Ad Hoc Reviewer, February 23, 24,1999
