GPCR regulation of secretion in neuroendocrine cells

Details

G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) remain one of the key therapeutic targets for the treatment of disease, and while much is known about their pharmacology, it is increasingly clear that the signaling mechanisms used by a specific receptor to modulate cell functions is context specific. Adrenal chromaffin cells have a vital role in the body’s response to stress; through the secretion of catecholamines they mediate the ‘fight-or-flight’ response resulting in increased heart rate, blood pressure and metabolic rate. This project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms used by GPCRs to modulate catecholamine secretion from chromaffin cells. Using a combination of patch clamp electrophysiology and live cell fluorescent imaging the interactions between heterotrimeric G protein subunits, their effectors and the protein machinery regulating vesicle docking, priming and fusion will be investigated.

References

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences/people/academic-staff/elizabeth-seward