UIC Department of Pharmacology: Faculty Research

We are investigating the biochemical mechanism and physiological function of G protein-mediated signal transduction pathways. The major goal is to understand the regulatory mechanism of activation of Rho family GTPases by heterotrimeric G proteins. Rho family GTPases are involved in a variety of cellular functions by controlling the organization of actin cytoskeleton or gene expression. We have demonstrated that G{alpha}12 and G{alpha}13 interact with and regulate the activity of a novel Rho specific GEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor), p115RhoGEF. We are characterizing the regulation and physiological function of G12/G13-mediated signaling pathway in detail using reconstitution of purified components, cultured cell lines, and C. elegans as model animal system.

Tohru Kozasa, MD, PhD

Associate Professor of Pharmacology