G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent a diverse class of transmembrane receptors with about 1000 members in the human genome. GPCRs are responsible for detecting extracellular signals and are critically involved in human physiology. The activity of each GPCR is tightly controlled to ensure temporal and spatial resolution of the signaling response. We are interested in the regulation of GPCR using a prototypical GPCR, rhodopsin, as our model. Specifically, we explore the trafficking of rhodopsin in Drosophila photoreceptors. Our research interests include
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Mechanism of the visual signaling
- Regulation of Gq coupled signaling by scaffolding protein
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Regulation of rhodopsin internalization
- Role of reversible phosphorylation in fine-tuning the visual signaling
- Retinal degeneration
Knowledge about how the activity of GPCRs is regulated is critical for successful pharmacological intervention. Here we plan to interrogate how GPCR is internalized in vivo using the prototypical GPCR, rhodopsin, as a model. We will employ an interdisciplinary approach consisting of molecular and cell biological, and genetics strategies for insights into the mechanisms and protein networks that orchestrate endocytosis and trafficking of rhodopsin in Drosophila photoreceptors.