The central theme of our research program is the elucidation of cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating neurotransmission.
Special emphasis is placed on the dysfunction of neurotransmission in neuropsychiatric disorders.
We have cloned the promoter region of this gene, and are attempting to determine the transcription factors that control dopamine transporter expression in human brain. These newly discovered proteins may play a key role in desensitization, such as occurs after repeated drug exposure. A third major project involves the study of the neuropeptide substance P and its neurokinin receptors. The laboratory provides an active, highly collaborative teaching environment in which animal models, cell culture models and human postmortem material, and a combination of neurochemical, anatomical and molecular biological approaches are employed.